CHAPTER 8.5: PURSUIT

***The city of Stadtsberg, League of the Valley Cities***

James didn’t expect that his fortune would get even much worse.

“…”

By then, some paladins from the Holy Palatial Gardens had entered Stadtsberg and were actively cooperating with the militia in their search for him.

While hiding in an alley, the former king weighed his options. His kingdom, and supporters, lay in the northeast direction, but it was infested with the city guards, as well as the paladins. He could try escaping to the south, to Savoy or Amaranth, and take the sea route back to Nerfes.

However, that was a risky route. It would go past the sea controlled by the Paladin Corps’ navy, and he surmised that by now, they were also scouring the Great Sea, hoping to capture him.

“…”

His only plausible way of escape lay to the west, where he’d escape to the territory of another kingdom called Halveth, then turn north to the Desolate Wastes, and finally, south to Nerfes. A long route, but a safer one.

“…”

Taking a deep breath and praying for the blessings of heaven, James proceeded with his plan. Taking a detour to the northern exit, the former king confirmed his hunch that it was crawling with city militia and some members of the paladins, waiting at a checkpoint. Then, trying not to stand out, he changed directions, taking a busy street to the left.

He’d escape through the western approaches of the city.

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Another checkpoint was set up at Stadtsberg’s west exit, although much to James’ relief, it was only manned by the city guards…with no paladin in sight. He prepared his identity papers and uttered a little prayer. Once he summoned all his courage, the former king proceeded to the exit, blending in with other merchants and commoners in the queue.

“…”

James could feel his heart close to bursting as the line slowly moved. The city guards were thorough in their checks, bringing the queue to a crawl. Some were becoming irritated and were causing fights that the militia would intervene to prevent, further interrupting the guards.

“…” The former royal’s eyes went around, trying to see if there were groups of paladins coming. The more the checkpoint delayed, the greater was the risk of his capture. And then…

“!!!”

Much to his horror, James’ nightmare finally came true. A pair of paladin guards were walking their way towards the western checkpoint. He subtly covered his face with his cloak, and slowly turned away as the paladins went past his spot.

“Captain, we’re here to reinforce this position, as ordered by our commander, the Duchess of Henristone,” one of the paladins saluted the militia guards, “News has reached us that there were some fights that broke out among those who wished to exit the city.”

“Ah, yes! Thank you for your help!” the militia captain replied, “There were fights, indeed. Your presence is of great help!”

Upon realizing that the paladins won’t go away, James decided to leave the western exit and find some other way to escape. He stepped back, though slowly, so that he won’t get noticed. However…

“Ow! Watch where you’re going Mister!” a merchant behind him cried out; he stepped on her foot.

“I-I’m sorry!” James was panicking.

“Can you please be careful next time? You almost caused my merchandise to fall!”

“Yes, yes, I will! I’m really sorry!” the former king knew he had to go; the merchant was creating a scene.

“Hey!” the city militia called out to them, “What’s going on there? Can’t you please quiet down? We’re all suffering here, you know!”

Shit! James’ heart nearly skipped a beat; however, he tried his best to keep himself from running away or he’d raise everyone’s alarm.

“…”

Well, at least the merchant and the guards went quiet.

“Hey, you there with a cloak!”

“!!!”

The paladin guards noticed him and were walking in his direction. “Can you remove that from your face?”

Oh well, this is it!

Not waiting for them to reach his spot, James had to act fast. Chanting a light magic spell, he blinded everyone at the line and made his move, sprinting away from the main thoroughfare and into the back alleys of the city.

His pursuers, however, were quick to recover and sounded the alarm. Soon, the entire city was roused and was locked down. Soldiers combed the streets and alleys for James, and he had to move from time to time to avoid the patrols.

“He’s here! Hurry!”

“Block the other side of that alley!”

“Surround him!”

Grasping that his position was now compromised, James prepared himself to fight to the death. However, he realized he had no weapons with him. He could delay his capture by using magic; but then, what’s the point of resisting when he’s already surrounded?

“…”

Only one option flashed through his mind. Should I bite my tongue and kill myself?

“There he is!” a paladin finally caught sight of the former king and alerted her comrades.

If he just didn’t get involved with eliminating that commoner!

James closed his eyes and prepared to bite his tongue. But then, he felt a cloth entered his mouth, preventing his action, just as he was tackled on the ground and was restrained from further resisting.

“You really did cause us a lot of trouble, Your Majesty! To think, you’re even trying to harm yourself!”

Opening his eyes, he saw the commander of the Paladin Guards Corps, the Duchess of Henristone, standing before him.

“Ah, don’t worry!” she winked at him, “Though many wanted you dead—including me, Her Holiness had instructed us to bring you back alive. She’s still your friend, after all, you know? And you’d be safely incarcerated at the Palatial Gardens, than trying to come back to Nerfes.”