Empire of Kingdoms Awakening

Chapter 9

The branches beneath the snow snapped as Samuel walked through the woods, Majesty following him from close behind. He halted and sat up against a pine tree as he burrowed his face into his hands. A sigh released from his lips revealing a cloud of condensation.

Approaching footsteps caused Samuel to snap his neck in its direction. It was Airenesse. Her hood was down and her dark hair had flurries of snow that seemed to float on top as it fell from the openings in the sky. Her eyes were puffy as if she had just finished crying.

She gestured to him an innocent wave. "Hey." Her voice was soft and broken. Running her hand across her red nose, she offered him a broken smile.

Samuel took her in for a moment. "Why are you so upset?" He asked her. The last few days they had reconnected. It was as if they had never been apart to begin with. She had introduced him to the workers in his keep, including her boss at the weapons shop.

They had also been planning for their expedition to Hollowbane. They had found many issues they may encounter, such as lack of strong weapons, nonperishable foods, and an excuse to where they were going as to why they would be gone for such a long time.

She walked up to Majesty and took his snout in her hands. "I don't think you should go by yourself. Bring me or at least Cole." Her eyes pleaded with him. "Even if we don't take part in the summit itself, it's a long journey and anything could happen."

He walked up to her and placed his hands on her arms. "I've done it once before, and it was a much longer journey as I had to go to many people's homes to get them. I will be okay." His hands dropped from her and Samuel sat back in his spot by the tree. "Plus, I could really use some time to clear my head." While his face showed sincerity his voice did not seem convinced.

Taking a spot next to him, Airenesse rested her head on his shoulder. He rested his chin on her head. "What if something happens to you? I'll be alone." It was something they had not spoken about since their reunion. She hadn't been alone for a long period of time. While the world did reset, it took years for it to take place.

"Don't think like that. I will come home to all of you. I won't leave you, again." Her breathing became balanced and her body relaxed. "I do have to leave soon." She turned her head to face him but did not speak. "I know."

After many moments passed, Samuel rose. He offered Airenesse a hand to help her up, but she did not take it. She brushed the snow off from her clothing as he mounted his horse. "Be safe." She told him. He nodded to her in acknowledgment before he took off towards the harbor.

After almost 2 hours, Samuel reached his destination. They would have gotten there faster if the weather were to be in their favor, but in the Icelands it never seemed to be. They had to take a few breaks. As he began to approach the dock, a sailor intercepted him. "Headed to Oasis?" She questioned. He nodded his head in response. "Go ahead and board."

Samuel crossed the gangway with Majesty and came to a stop once he was on. He had never liked traveling across the water in large ships and often found himself getting seasick. He was only used to small fishing boats. After a few more people boarded the vessel, the sailors began to shout to each other that they were cleared to depart.

Chatter began to break through both the passengers and crew members. One walked up to them and took Majesty down below with the other horses. Samuel asked if there was somewhere quiet in which he could sit to prepare for the upcoming summit and he was escorted to a corridor below on the other side.

When he entered, he found a few others working as well. He took a seat at a desk near the center in hopes that it would settle his stomach from the rocking not being as bad. It didn't help much.