Chapter 28:
I followed my daughter to another world.
Walking next to the convoy, I blink the dust from my eyes and look around. The knights and soldiers from the castle trudge along with forlorn looks on their faces, weary after hours of walking. For two days we've been walking like this. Crossing mile after mile. Finally, at the tip of the column, the old general from the battle with the demonic creature calls a halt. Stopping in my tracks, I move off the road to the side and sit down heavily against the tree. Looking up as Ella comes over, she hands me a bottle of water, and waves over her head. Taking a sip of lukewarm water, I watch as Hannah and Ari come and take a seat next to me. Taking the bottle of water from me, Ella takes a seat next to me, whilst having a drink.
"How much longer til we reach the Hall?" My voice comes out as a harsh croak. Two days of marching in constant dust does wonders for your voice. Stoppering the water bottle, Ella clears her throat before responding.
"At least another hour. We will probably set up camp either here or just on the other side of the pass and make our way in at first light." Before I can respond, an officer comes hurrying over to us, bowing deeply.
"Lady Ellavessa, Lady Hannah and Master Oscar. The king is requesting your presence at once." Chuckling to myself as I get to my feet, I clap the young man on the shoulders.
"Easy, kid. There's no need to be so uptight. Oscar is fine." Turning to Ella, I hold out my hand to her.
"Shall we?" Taking my hand, she let me pull her to her feet, and once Hannah stands, I gesture for the young man to lead on. Hurrying ahead of us, he leads through the soldiers, arriving at a group of men standing around a small table with the king. Sitting in the middle of the table, the most exquisite key I've ever seen was emanating a pale rainbow glow. As I stop next to the king, he turns to look at me, gesturing towards the key.
"They finished it. And just in time. I was worried we might not have it before we arrived." Opening my mouth to speak, I stop as a commotion comes from nearby. Turning to look over, I see a wounded elf riding a horse at breakneck speed towards the king. Stopping just short of him, the elf flies over the front of the horse, landing badly. Rushing over to him. Elias leans down and lifts the elf's head up.
"We're under attack. The demon… kings… army." As his eyes fluttered close, Elias hollers.
"Oscar, healing now!" Holding out my hand, I step forward and place it a few inches from the elf's skin.
"Healing wave." Watching as the golden glow envelops the elf, a sadness grows in me as his breathing gets shallower and then stops. Releasing the magic, I place my finger on his neck and shake my head.
"It's too late, Elias. He's gone."
"Damn it all to hell." Punching the ground, He lays the elf down on the ground. In a single movement, he unpins his cloak and lays over the man's face.
"See that he gets taken care of properly." Standing, he walks a few feet away and then bellow out at the top of his lungs.
"Listen up, men." Waiting for a moment as all the soldiers stop their tasks and turn towards him, he points towards the covered elf.
"We've just received a message that the Federation forces are under attack by the Demon King's private army. I know you're all tired and weary, but now is not the time to rest. I know you were all looking forward to a good night's rest, but we march at once. I will not let the Demon King have his way. We won't arrive too late this time, you hear me?"
At his command, the soldiers all shout, sir yes, sir in unison, rattling the bones in my chest from the vibration of their voices. Hurrying about their tasks, they begin getting ready almost immediately.
"Oscar, come here." Coming over to the king, he waves his hand at the board.
"I don't know what to expect, so I need you to do something for me. Ride ahead and get the lay of the land. See if you can buy some time until we arrive."
"What good can I do?"
"Your strength is unparalleled. I have faith that you can get there in time to hold the line. I need an hour at the minimum. Two at the most. If you can buy me that, we may have a chance." Looking at the horse nearby, a bolt of fear runs through me.
"I really hate horses." Coming over to me, Hannah places her hand on my arm.
"You can do this, Dad." Looking at her with a dead look causes her to laugh and turn away. Shaking my head, I turn to Ella to find her stifling a laugh and smiling at me.
"I guess I'll see you soon?"
"No. I'm coming with you."
"Are you sure?"
"What? No argument? It was what I was expecting."
"Honestly, a, it wouldn't get me anywhere, and b, I could do with the company. You can steer that infernal contraption." Gesturing at the horse, Ella bursts out laughing and makes her way over to the creature. Soothing it after the incident with its rider. Coming over to me, the king grasps my hand in a warrior's grip.
"Good Luck,"
"Thanks. See you soon. Don't be late." Walking over to Ella, I climb awkwardly onto the horse behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist.
"Ready?"
"No, but let's get going." With a flick of the reins, she coaxes the horse into movement, and we head off towards the Hall of the Damned. Leaving the King and his army to finish getting ready and follow behind us.
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