Winds of Freedom

Chapter 60: The Right Path

Chapter 60: The Right Path

Shuigang Islands – Shuigang Docks, Noon Hours

The town of Shuigang was bathed in the soft orange glow of the descending sun, its rays stretching across the waters of the docks.

But despite the beauty of the scene, a grim weight hung over the island like a shroud. The townsfolk moved slowly through the streets, their voices were hushed, barely above whispers, and their gazes darted nervously toward the looming silhouette of the palace nestled high above. Fear lingered in their expressions, an unspoken dread of what tomorrow might bring.

Inside the local inn, the atmosphere was no different, as the once-lively heart of the docks was now filled with quiet murmurs. Patrons huddled around dimly lit tables, their faces drawn and weary.

Anni, the innkeeper, wiped the counter with a rag, her hands moving in slow, tired circles. Her eyes, distant and unfocused, her mind preoccupied by darker thoughts. Something was about to happen, they all felt it. The question was not if, but when.

"The prince... has been getting worse," Annie muttered, her voice low. She kept her gaze fixed on the counter, avoiding the eyes of the others.

"Oh, what will happen to these lands... what will happen to us..." croaked Feng, the elder tiger sat slouched over his drink. He downed the liquor, the sharp burn barely registering on his tongue. Anni opened her mouth to object, that he'd had enough, but then closed it again. Truth was, if she wasn't working, she might've been in the same sorry state.

In a shadowed corner, a panda sat quietly, a Shuigang's guard named Han. He stared at his untouched mug, his brows furrowed in thought, his heavy expression betraying the weight pressing on his chest.

It wasn't just the other kingdoms breathing down their necks, it was their own prince. Prince Dail, once the hope of Shuigang, had turned erratic, his decisions spiraling into madness. Every move he made seemed designed to provoke disaster. The attacks on both Shang Mu and Shang Tu the highlights of his madness. And even worse.

Those who spoke against him vanished without a trace. Han had once believed in him. Now, he feared him. He looked around at the others, at the their fearful eyes, and for the first time, truly felt the decay of his homeland. Their once-proud nation was sinking, and it seemed no one had the strength to save it.

Then, a sound. A rising murmur from outside that broke the silence like a stone tossed into still water.

"What's that?" cried Miri, one of Annies little deer children. She pointed skyward with wide eyes.

"Hey, isn't that the flying machine from Mister Bark and his friends?" piped up Rudi, her twin brother, squinting into the sunlight. His expression shifted from confusion to joy. "It is! It's really them!"

Miri clapped her hands. "Mister Bark is back! And the crazy woodpecker that almost blew up the kitchen! And...ugh, that mean purple wolf." Her excitement dimmed slightly at the mention of the last.

"Wait, I thought he was a weasel?" Rudi asked, puzzled.

"Who cares? Bark is back!" Miri laughed, grabbing her brother's hand as they rushed off toward the docks.

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The Marvelous Queen descended from the sky, the vessel hissing as it touched down at the heart of the town, drawing a crowd of onlookers. Whispers spread among the townsfolk.

Bean leapt off the ship throwing his arms wide. "Goodie feels good to be back!" he chirped. "Maybe this time we can buy some souvenirs, eh?"

"We ain't buying crap," Fang growled, hopping off behind him with a scowl. His arms crossed. "Let's just get this over with."