The Seven Deadly Kingdoms

Chapter 20

Hours passed and the sun began to grow near to the horizon. Adelaide had reached the main road some time ago, and even though she was heading north, the leaves of the trees seemed to be more full. At the start of her hike, the trees were barren and the ground was covered in the last seasons foliage, but the forest that now surrounded her slowly seemed to be transitioning into autumn. Golden leaves descended from their branches around her, and the sun was warm on her skin. The air was crisp and the grass had turned green.

Adelaide had heard stories as a child about the kings who would cast spells on their kingdoms to change their seasons, but she had forgotten about them until now. It baffled her that such magic existed, yet she had never witnessed it until now. She realised how confined her mind was in her small cottage back at home, and was almost happy to be gone from it. She laughed slightly to herself as she pondered it. To think about where she was just a year ago, knowing nothing of the world, was humorous to her. She was a different person, back then.

Adelaiade was brought back to her surroundings by the jingle of a bell. Her eyes snapped to the noise. An older woman sat on a donkey while a child led it. Adelaide noticed the jingle was coming from a bell wrapped around the donkeys neck. Loads of baggage hung on the sides of the donkey, making its hips sway in an exaggerated way with each step. The sight of the young girl, who was barely as tall as the donkey itself, made Adelaide smile. She held an aura of happiness that only a child could have, and it was precious. Maybe the two of them were mother and daughter, escaping the caged life in the kingdom for a life of travel. Maybe they were on their way to visit their relatives. Maybe they had decided to chase after the riches of Extollentiam, as many others had attempted. Whatever it was, Adelaide wished the best for them.

As the two wanderers had passed Adelaide, she realised how empty the road she traveled was. The mother and daughter were the first people that Adelaide had seen on the road. It was strange, she thought. Perhaps everyone had decided to stay at home because of the war.

A breeze swept under Adelaides feet and travelled up her body. Leaves brushed against her, and she couldn't help but smile. Autumn was her favourite season. Yes, everything was in the process of dying in autumn, but Adelaide saw it as more of a hibernation than death. She loved the way you could feel the air change around you, and how for a few brisk weeks, the earth would give off a golden hue. It was a magical time of the year. Adelaide sighed and lifted her head to the sky, closing her eyes. She had to take a moment to appreciate the earths wonder.

Leaves crunched underfoot, and it was not from Adelaide. Her head snapped back to its rightful position, scanning the trail in front of her. A small gasp escaped her lips as she saw what was approaching her. A group of men in two single file lines, walking in unison. They wore soldiers uniforms, each one with Avartia's crest stitched onto its sleeves. Adelaide averted her eyes, frantically attempting not to look too suspicious. She pulled her hood over her head a little more and looked to the ground.

Adelaide dared to steal one more glance to the group of men, and immediately regretted it. She locked eyes with a man with the most piercing, dark blue eyes she had ever seen. They were such a dark shade of blue that Adelaide wondered if a drop of ink was accidentally poured into his eyes when he was being created. His brows were furrowed, and they seemed to be permanently stuck in that position. They drew together slightly more when he looked at Adelaide, and she felt as if he were looking right through her facade. Her eyes widened slightly before she looked away, regretting ever looking back.

After a few seconds, Adelaide let out the breath she had been holding. The mens footsteps started to fade. She was safe. She looked back once more to make sure the men were still walking. Thankfully, they were.She sighed in relief. Her first encounter with the enemy. Sure, she my not have actually had to cross them, but it was terrifying nonetheless. Adelaide was simply glad she didn't scream from the rooftops that she was a spy and let them arrest her. Thankfully, she had kept her cool.