Adventures Beyond The Void [Season 1]

Chapter 26: Bandits Meet Trees and Warriors Assemble

3RD POV

The last of the bandits had been subdued. The warriors moved swiftly, securing the perimeter and helping the shaken villagers. But even in victory, Ronan and Airos were unable to shake the dread inside their hearts. If the bandits had escaped and came here to destroy the village, then 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 approached, his smile softening at the sight of their worried faces.

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

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

   Sirius: - WELL THEN, WHAT ARE WE 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. When they reached the entrance, all that greeted them was rubble and silence. The entire front had collapsed, a jagged wall of stone sealing it shut.

   Airos: - No, no, this can't be!

   Ronan: - Zana... captain...

Airos fell to his knees, his nails digging into the soil. They can't be dead!! He slammed his fist to the ground in pure frustration, but the moment his hand collided with the dirt...

BOOM!!

Airos stared at his palm in confusion. Did he really punch that hard?

BOOM!!

The right side of the rock wall was blasted outward. A moment later, a figure stepped out of the smoke.

Selin.

Her head was scratched, blood smeared across her cheek, but she stood tall. Zana lay unconscious across her back. Behind her, several of the remaining bandits emerged, dragging their unconscious comrades.

   Airos/Ronan: - CAPTAIN!!!

They both ran to her.

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

Sirius stepped forward.

   Sirius: - WHAT A MAGNIFICENT ENTRANCE!!

The warriors immediately restrained the bandits, while also tending to their wounds. They were too exhausted to resist. Some were even grateful that Selin hadn't left them to die. As Zana was carefully laid down, Ronan approached Selin.

   Ronan: - We thought we lost you.

   Selin: - What kind of captain would I be, if I died and let you little troublemakers burn everything down?

They laughed softly, relief washing over them. Her gaze turned back to Sirius.

   Selin: - Also, when I told you to call for reinforcements, I didn't expect the king to send an entire squad.