Adventures beyond the void

Chapter 26: Bandits Meet Trees and Warriors Assemble

3RD POV

The last of the bandits had been subdued, some in handcuffs and some unconscious, tightly bound by shimmering chains of magic. The magic warriors moved swiftly, securing the perimeter, helping the shaken villagers, and assessing the damage that was caused from the battle. But even in victory, Ronan and Airos stood apart, faces grim, hearts heavy. Both of them couldn't shake the dread inside their hearts. If the bandits head escaped and came here to destroy the village, then that meant Mrs Selin and Zana had failed.

      Ronan: - They're not here.... They can't be...

      Airos: - I don't believe it. I don't.

Seeing their tense expressions, Sirius Flameborn approached, still radiating warmth and intensity, his usual sunny smile softening at the sight of their worried faces.

      Sirius: - WHY DO YOU TWO LOOK SO SADDENED?! WE HAVE SAVED THE VILLAGE!! THIS MUST BE A MOMENT OF CELEBRATION NOT FRUSTRATION!!!

       Ronan: - Our captain..... She still hasn't returned with our comrade.

       Sirius: - WELL THEN WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! LET US GO FIND HER AT ONCE!!

Without another word, the three of them, along with a handful of Sirius's most trusted warriors, headed for the cave.  The path was twisted with fallen trees, scorched patches of earth, and scattered equipment. When they reached the cave's entrance, all that greeted them was rubble and silence. The entire front had collapsed, a jagged wall of stone and crystal fragments sealing it shut.

      Airos: - No.... no, this can't be....

      Ronan: - Zana.... captain.....

Airos fell to his knees, his nails digging into the soil. He was angry. No, he was furious. They can't be dead!! He slammed his fist to the ground in pure frustration, but the moment his hand collided with the dirt, a loud BOOM was heard that shook the forest. Airos stared at his palm in confusion. Did he really punch that hard? However, another deafening BOOM echoed through the valley. The right side of the rock wall erupted, blasted outward by a pulse of red and black energy, like a cannon of shadows. Dust and smoke flooded the air. A moment later, a figure stepped out of the smoke.

Selin.

Her head was scratched, blood smeared across her cheek, but she stood tall and composed, Zana unconscious across her back, held carefully like a precious gem. Behind her, limping and bruised, several of the remaining bandits emerged, dragging their unconscious comrades, forced to obey Selin's orders in order to make it out alive.

      Airos/Ronan: - CAPTAIN!!!/MRS. SELIN!!

They both ran to her. Selin gave them a tired, nod, her voice low and edged with iron.

      Selin: - Don't just stand there, help me get her down. She's out cold, but she held that cave longer than anyone should've.

Sirius stepped forward, eyes gleaming with admiration and respect; a sight that Selin has rarely received throughout her life.

      Sirius: - WHAT A MAGNIFICENT ENTRANCE!!

She hummed, but didn't reply. Sirius turned to look at his squad members and nodded toward the bandits. The warriors immediately restrained them and tended to their wounds. The criminals didn't fight back, they allowed themselves be captured, for they were exhausted. Some however were even thankful to Selin for not letting them die. As they carefully laid Zana down and began examining her, Ronan approached Selin.