Michrinor: The Fates of The Heirs

Chapter 19 - The Search for Ava

The morning sun had barely risen, casting a soft golden light over the landscape as Lanonir and Taci bent over a weathered map, its edges frayed from years of use. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew-drenched grass and the distant, salty tang of the southern seas.

"If we sail west through the southern seas to Doreperth," Lanonir said, his finger tracing a delicate line across the map, "we can then head north through Gatwergul Bay to reach the Isle of Loxca. From there, it should be a safe journey to Smoreri Hold."

Taci, her expression resolute and her mind ever sharp, nodded in agreement. "Dajeau should have vessels fit for our needs. The Naitseer Guard ships are expected to dock there in two days, returning from Kinginsel to Doreperth. We can join their fleet for added security."

Their discussion was interrupted by the rhythmic sound of wood being chopped behind the ruins of the old house. Harvan and Svonman were hard at work, preparing firewood for the journey ahead. Each powerful swing filled the air with the satisfying crack of splitting logs, a steady counterpoint to the morning's quiet.

Not far from them, Ava and the Momos were engaged in a spirited game of hide-and-seek amidst the tall grasses. The Momos, with their big blue eyes and fluffy ears, were delighted by the game Ava had introduced them to. Their playful whistles and laughter echoed across the meadow, a lighthearted contrast to the focused preparations of the Naitseers.

Harvan, ever the serious one, grumbled under his breath. "Games. Always playing games. Surely there's work they could be doing." Yet despite his gruff tone, a faint softness touched his gaze as he watched the small figures darting among the grasses. Svonman, catching the look, simply grinned and continued chopping wood with renewed vigor.

Meanwhile, in the nearby village, the rest of the group busied themselves with gathering supplies for the upcoming voyage. Yaroth, Donamer, Jarvonus, and Mirin moved swiftly through the bustling market, their eyes sharp as they scanned the stalls for essentials. Mirin, with her gentle demeanor and sweet smile, had taken charge of securing rations. Her kindness won over the merchants, who offered her the freshest produce and finest goods.

As they hurried through the market, Donamer found his gaze frequently drawn to Mirin. Despite his best efforts to focus on the task at hand, he couldn't help but admire her from afar. The memory of losing his brother still weighed heavily on him, making him hesitant to open his heart fully again. But each time Mirin smiled, it chipped away at his resolve, leaving him to wonder if perhaps, after all the sorrow, there might be room in his life for a new beginning.

Suddenly, a sharp cry echoed through the street, shattering the morning's calm. Harvan and Svonman froze mid-swing, axes still in hand, as they turned toward the sound. An elderly woman's cart had tipped over, spilling its contents across the cobbled road. The woman, frail and trembling, scrambled to gather her scattered belongings, her distress evident.

Without hesitation, the men rushed to her aid, but as they approached, Harvan's instincts flared with warning. He slowed his pace, eyes narrowing as he studied the scene. Something felt wrong. Then, in a heartbeat, the woman's form rippled and twisted, revealing not a helpless elder but a Bulkru in disguise.

"Little Bean," Harvan muttered under his breath, drawing his sword in one swift motion. Yet before he could strike, another Bulkru charged in on a Serthana, scooping up its accomplice in a blur of movement. The pair sped off, disappearing into the labyrinth of streets.

"A diversion!" Taci's voice rang out as she and Lanonir came running. The realization struck them all like a blow. Panic surged within Taci as she whipped around toward the fields where Ava and the Momos had been playing. Without a word, the group sprinted toward the meadow.

The fields, once alive with the joyous sounds of play, now stood eerily silent. Ava and the Momos were nowhere to be seen.

"No!" Taci's voice broke with a mix of fear and fury. The Naitseers fanned out, their eyes scouring every inch of the field and the ruins of the old house. But there was no sign of them.

Just as despair began to take hold, Yaroth, Donamer, and Jarvonus returned, having completed their supply run faster than expected. Seeing Harvan's frantic waving, they raced to join the others.

"Bulkrus!" Harvan announced breathlessly. "We think they've taken Ava. She's gone!"

"Keep searching!" Taci commanded, her voice steely with determination. "Svonman, can you trace their path?"

Svonman nodded, sprinting to the spot where Ava and the Momos had last been seen. He dropped to the ground, pressing his ear to the earth. For a moment, he was still, listening, feeling the subtle vibrations beneath the soil. Then, with a sudden jolt, he sprang to his feet and hurried back to Taci.

"What did you hear?" Taci demanded, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Three Bulkrus," Svonman replied, his voice steady despite the tension in his gaze. "They're heading north with Ava."

"And the Momos?"

"They followed," Svonman said, his voice tinged with concern. "But they won't last long. They'll tire soon. If we move now, we might catch up before sundown—hopefully before the Bulkrus reach the swamps."

Taci took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm the storm of emotions within. She quickly gathered the group, her voice commanding and clear. "We know the Bulkrus are cunning and dangerous. They may try to mislead us, so we must stay sharp. Let's hope they don't realize who Ava is or how crucial she is to our mission. Harvan, you, Lanonir, and Svonman will make for Lake Mor and attempt to intercept them before they reach the swamps. The rest of us will head to Dabar. If the Bulkrus are aware of her importance, they might take her there before delivering her to the Queen. Dabar is a neutral zone where all are welcome, but it's the last place we want Ava to be."

The urgency of the situation left no time for lengthy farewells. The group divided their supplies, with Taci taking most of the Hauttons and provisions for the journey to Dabar. Harvan's team took only the essentials, prepared to travel light and fast, their faces set with determination.

As they readied to depart, Mirin approached Taci, her expression torn between duty and loyalty. "Taci," she began, her voice wavering slightly, "I... I need to return to the King. He must be informed of what's happened. He'll want to send reinforcements."

Taci met Mirin's gaze, fully understanding the weight of her decision. Mirin had been eager to prove her worth, to stand alongside the group in their quest, but now she was faced with a choice that pulled her in two directions.

"Do what you must, Mirin," Taci said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "The King will need to know, and you're the right person to deliver that message. He trusts you."

Mirin nodded, her resolve strengthening with Taci's words. "I'll find you again, Taci. I promise."

With a final nod, Mirin turned and began her journey back to the King's castle, her figure growing smaller as she disappeared into the distance. Donamer watched her go, his heart heavy with the urge to follow, but he knew his place was with the group. Clenching his fists, he steeled himself for the mission ahead, though his thoughts lingered on Mirin and the hope that she would return safely.

"Let's move," Taci commanded, her voice resolute. "We've no time to lose."

With swift farewells, the two groups set off, each heading in a different direction, driven by the same singular purpose: to find Ava, ensure her safety, and bring her back to where she belonged.