Land of Armonia

Chapter seventeen

Herogi stood in the young princess April's room with her comrades. They were standing in silence as Chili and April continued to argue. But April had the higher power over the centaur, and commanded him to let her go, to see the world, for she knew she would die soon. Chili told them to wait out in the castle garden, so they were escorted out by a guard.

The garden had large stone walls and perfectly trimmed grass. Rose bushes outlined the perimeter and the large cobblestone pathway in the center. Small ponds decorated the place with gold fish swimming inside, surrounded by cattails and Lilly flowers. Flowers of all sorts bloomed in orderly fashion, and trees sat perfectly trimmed to equalize the beauty.

Herogi wandered with assistance (for her leg was still injured) to a willow tree and sat at the base. She looked up at the curling branches that danced for her. Guards were ordered to watch them, in case they had a plan, which they didn't. Herogi didn't know how long they'd be waiting, so she decided to get comfortable.

Amante walked to the tree and sat beside her. He got comfy swell, and they sat together in silence for quite some time before they decided to speak.

"Amante?" She looked at the boy who had his eyes closed and head leaned against the tree. He opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Yes Cheeto?" He asked.

"The princess, she said she was going to die. What do you think she meant?" Her voice sounded nervous and scared.

"I don't know, I've never met her before. Maybe she is actually mentally ill, or has some disease like cancer." He said. " But let's not think about that. If she comes, we'll probably find out."

"She's a child, she can't come. You know that." Herogi looked down.

"If she knows she will die soon, doesn't she deserve to see what's outside her kingdom? Have a chance to be a kid?" He said, still looking at her.

"Yes but it's dangerous."

"Chili will come, I can tell. He already feels defeated by her and will most likely give in. And since she's a royal, she needs a body guard." Amante said. They fell silent again. Amante noticed how, strange Herogi seemed. Her breath was quick and nervous. She seemed pale, and over all scared of something. "Herogi, are you ok?"

"I'm fine." She said but he knew she was lying. He decided not to question her. He lay his head back up against the tree.

Five minuets past before a different guard came out of the castle with Chili and the Princess. Amante helped Herogi up quickly as every on bustled to look orderly. Herogi put an arm around Amante's shoulder and used him as support to walk over to the castle steps.

"Her majesty is coming with you, but I am accompanying her on the journey for her safety." Chili said. "Now, we will leave immediately, for the Chatons have brought news that a war has started between the Troktikos and the Tsiimin. It won't be long before the war rages here."

"The Tsiimin!? Aren't they.." Herogi glanced at Amante nervously.

"The fiercest and most dangerous warriors? Wild horses? Yeah, I'm afraid so." Amante sighed.

"What do we do!?" Herogi exclaimed.

"We must leave as soon as possible." Chili said as he picked up the princess in his arms. "Her majesty April has decided to join you."

Herogi glanced at Juntul, the rabbit girl had tears in her eyes now that she knew her tribe was at war. Herogi couldn't bear watching the girls fragile heart break.

Amante led Herogi, following Chili who took them to the gates of the palace. Misty carried Juntul in her arms while Chang followed from behind. The winged man flew over the gates in some sort of way to show off as Chili pushed them open. Guards escorted them out, and the gates slammed shut behind them.