Air Kingdom

Chapter 40-The Prince And The Pervert

The corners of Anthony's lips rose and he took a step forward, bringing me along with him. I took a quick glance back, watching everyone slowly following us. We stepped onto the red carpet, sinking into the sand from our weight. As we neared the end of the red carpet-or what looked like it-I started to get nervous. I tried slowing down my pace. Anthony noticed and tugged on my arm, almost making me stumble and fall.

I regained my balance and glared at his unfortunately attractive head. He kept on grinning as if nothing unusual happened. We neared the edge of the carpet, our speed never faltering. I shut my eyes right before we crossed.

For a second, I felt weightless as a whooshing sound reverberated around Anthony and I. My feet found solid ground-or how solid sand can be-and lifted my eyelids. People were busily walking around, only focusing on their current goal. There were old, wooden building, similar to the ones described in Western books. I could spot a bar, general's store, and even a nearby bed and breakfast. The paint was faded and rusty from all the sandstorms. Chatter was a big difference compared to silence that met us beyond the border. The illusion even masked noise. The Airians walking around weren't wearing the same clothes we were. Some men had dusters and leather pants; others even adorned cow boots and cow hats. Most of the women and young girls wore old-fashioned dresses or the same attire as the men. There were roughly about fifty Airians on the streets, but I was willing to bet there was more inside. A few Airians approached Arthur and took him to a sanctuary for camels-much to Jewel's dismay.

"Whoa." was my only answer. I had to give the Wizard some points. The illusion was very believable, it could even fool one of the smartest souls on this planet.

"Whoa indeed, Your Highness," Anthony replied, removing his arm from mine. People had started to gather around us, curious to know why there were strangers in their remote town. I ignored the attention and focused what was in front of us. We were still on the red carpet which was longer than I thought. It snaked throughout town, managing to find its way through the path of busy people.

Anthony followed my gaze and pointed to a less filthy building than the others. It was shaped like a mini castle you would find in fairy tales and it held a sense of authority. I didn't notice it earlier, but now that I have, it was pretty obvious. The Wizard seemed to have a lot of authority and power. That worried me. I felt a gentle push on my back. I spun around to see Rodas, looking calm as always.

"Don't worry," he whispered into my ear, sending shivers down my back. "I got your back. It'll be fine."

Strengthened by his words, I took a step forward with Anthony by my side. He passed me to lead the way like a tour guide. He pointed out some of the best sightseeing places in Vernon.

"What's that over there?" asked Serena, pointing at a ramshackle building on our left. Anthony had a slightly disgusted look on him. "That's a bar. It's known for being a shady area for shady people. Not everyone in there is exactly....sane."

I scrunched up my nose, noticing the sudden wretched smell of alcohol. A man had walked out drunk from the bar, looking dazed and creepy. He had lime green hair and tattered clothes. He approached us, causing Seiro to immediately stand in front to shield me. The smell of putrid alcohol and stink from not washing in a long time got stronger. He grinned, showing us his yellow, rotten teeth.

"Why 'ello there...." He slurred. "Are ya folks new 'ere?"

I started slowly inching away, trying to drag Seiro with me, but him being a gentleman, stayed.

"We were just going to go see the Prince. Do you need any help getting home, mister?"

The man grinned even more. "Why thank you for the offer! I wouldn't mind having such a lonely young man escort me back to my home. And don't call me mister. The name's Vito Dawnaxe."