The sun had just begun to cast its gentle rays across the courtyard, where a formation of fifteen knights from KARTEE stood in disciplined alignment. Observing from the armory window, Blue took in the sight and gathered her resolve. Clad in her armor, she was determined to join them, to be part of the action rather than a bystander to the kingdom's plight.
Just as she was about to head out and join the knights, Queen Aila entered the room, her presence a mix of concern and understanding. Blue, with a sigh, preemptively addressed the queen's likely plea, "Look, if you're here to tell me not to go, save it. I'm going."
Aila's smile was warm, tinged with both sympathy and maternal care. "I don't want you to go, but," she began, her voice gentle and measured.
Blue, prepared to offer a counterargument, was interrupted by Aila's next words, "I don't want you to go, but I will allow it if you go with people I know—people that love you and can keep you safe."
It was a compromise, and one that Blue hadn't entirely expected. Aila's consideration for her safety was evident, and even though Blue was driven by her determination to help, the queen's words gave her a moment's pause.
Blue's sigh was laden with a mixture of determination and frustration as she replied, "That's what the knights are there for, Aila. I promise I'll be safe."
However, Aila's response held a deeper concern, one that extended beyond the protection of the knights. She uttered, "I'm not talking about the knights. I'm talking about them." Just as Blue tried to decipher her words, the door of the room swung open to reveal Chris leaning casually against the frame, his presence adding to the air of tension. But he wasn't alone; Kar made his appearance a few moments later, a serious expression etched on his face. The scene continued to unfold as Austin and even Mercy joined the gathering, creating an unexpected assembly of people who evidently held a shared concern for Blue's wellbeing.
In that moment, the gravity of Aila's words became clear. She wasn't referring to the castle's knights, but rather to those individuals who had forged deep connections with Blue—Chris, Kar, Austin, and even Mercy. These were the people Aila alluded to when she spoke of those who loved Blue and were equipped to protect her beyond the boundaries of the castle.
As the unexpected group formed by Blue's closest companions gathered in her room, Mercy's presence raised a curious eyebrow from Blue. "Mercy? What are you doing here?" Blue questioned, her tone holding a mix of surprise and intrigue. Aila provided an explanation, highlighting the necessity of having someone well-versed in locating the elusive "mu-something."
Amid their conversation, Blue brought up the possibility of Marcus accompanying her on the quest. Aila's response was met with laughter, a momentary break from the tension that hung in the air.
After the laughter subsided, Aila turned her attention to Blue, her concern evident in her words. "Please be safe," Aila urged, her voice carrying a motherly weight. Blue responded confidently, "Don't worry, I will." Aila then addressed the four companions who would accompany Blue on her mission, emphasizing the importance of their role in keeping her safe. Kar's promise resonated with determination, "Don't worry, Mum, we will." In a playful retort, Blue quipped, "I'll be the one keeping you guys safe," eliciting a playful challenge from Mercy. The camaraderie among the group was evident as they shared laughter, and even Mercy's rare spoken contribution prompted amusement.
Before setting out on their journey, Blue had a heartfelt moment with Aila. "Please keep an eye on him and the kingdom for me, will you?" she requested, a testament to the trust they shared. Aila's response was succinct but reassuring, "Of course."
As they rode into the sunrise, the sound of their horses' hooves faded into the distance. They eventually reached the border of KARTEE, deciding to make camp for the night and continue their journey by boat in the morning. The nightfall brought with it a sense of quiet determination as the group prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.
