Chapter 7: Exposed

(Veil) (B & B)

Rayla slumped onto the table that evening, heavy thoughts plaguing her mind. She waited a whole day for Callum thinking he would return. But the boy never showed. No doubt he's probably fuming from earlier. She can't exactly blaming for reacting that way, but he didn't have to abandon the mission entirely.

Ugh… what the hell was she thinking? She can't lose hope now. It's only been a day. Night had already fallen but that's no excuse to lose hope.

Callum will come back. He has to. They may bicker, but their friendship was stronger than just one argument. He'll return. She knows this. He just needs… time.

A lick on her face broke her from her daze. "Ahh! Zym! I told you a hundred times. I'm not a chew toy. Go play somewhere else alright?" The little dragon whimpered lowly at her irritated face. "Haa… sorry. I didn't mean to yell. This is all that stupid Callum's fault for making me wait."

"Still no sign of him?" Elyon asked poking her head through the reception desk with an overly chippy smile.

"No. He's probably drawing something to cool his head." That's been what he does whenever he's upset. "Thanks for… letting me stay a while."

The receptionist waved it off casually, serving a cup for the depressed moon shadow elf. "Oh please. Don't mention it. I'm happy to serve my first ever customers. Besides… I kinda feel partially responsible for your fight. Tea?"

"Please." Rayla nodded sipping the warm drink in hand. "And… you're not responsible. We were bound to find out about it one way or another. You… kinda just happened to be the one who broke the ice."

"Well if there's one thing I know, it's that fighting is natural between friends." Elyon forced a smile. "Just think of it as a hurdle you have to go through together."

"I wish he knew that."

"As a matter of fact, I think I know how you can ease it up."

"You're not going to give me some life lessons and advice now, are ya?"

"Nope!" She yelled. "It's peace offerings."

"Peace… offerings?"

"Gifts!" Elyon clarified. "What better way to say I'm sorry than gifts? And I have the perfect one for you."

"Oh no. That's not really nec—"

"Tada!" She slammed a book in front of the assassin with strange writings and glyphs drawn on the cover page. "Magic for dummies Vol. 1! Fifth edition. Your friend Callum seems like a guy who enjoys magic. So give this to him and I guarantee that he'll be your friend again."

"That's… really sweet of you Elyon. But I don't think…"

"No no! Just try it out." She insisted incisively. "I don't want you guys to fight after staying at my B & B. Think of the reputation it might make around here!"

"W… well…"

"Just try to imagine it." She pulled Rayla up close, cheek by cheek while she gestured to the door. "You hold your book up. And then Callum walks through those doors."

"What about me?"

"AHHHHHH!" The two girls hugged each other and screamed to the top of their lungs completely taken by surprised when the said boy entered, hearing his name.

"Callum!"

"Right! Go for it!" Elyon pushed the book into her arms and shoved the girl forward, leaning in to whisper. "Just follow the script I taught you."

What script!? No! I'm not mentally prepared for this. Don't push ya bloody… how strong are you!?

"Callum! H… hi!" Rayla said as she found herself face to face with the prince. Her smile twisted up and down awkwardly. "You're… back."

"Yeah…" Now he replied looking just as equally awkward as her. "I… needed time to think."

The two of them shifted awkwardly by the reception table, darting in one direction, barely able to make eye contact. Callum rubbed his head regretfully while Rayla held one side of her arm while hiding the spell book in the other. One might even say that they look like a couple going on their first date.

Elyon sat back in anticipation with Zym standing by her side.

Thankfully that stalemate ended when Rayla spoke up. "Callum, I have to tell you something."

"Wait. Me first." He interjected rather suddenly and paused when the words got stuck in his throat. "I… was wrong. Actually… I was kind of a jerk earlier. I got too emotional and I… needed someone to blame."

Rayla blinked, a small grin curling on the side of her lips. "Go on."

"I didn't mean any of those things I said." He continued. "After everything we've been through, you deserved better, you deserved more than to be treated like some punching bag. And… I'm sorry for treating you that way. It wasn't your fault that the elves are at war. None of it was your fault. In fact you've been doing everything to stop it. I should've believed in you. And… I shouldn't have been so angry."

"Oh Callum." She placed her hand over his shoulder, smiling softly. "I don't blame you for getting angry. You had every right to be. I should've known what our mission would've entailed. I was so stupid. So prideful to be on my first real mission, that I didn't even knew what it would've led to. Had I knew about the invasion - I would've done something."

"I guess we were both stupid in our way."

"Very stupid. Some more than others."

"Hey!" The boy's face beamed at her gesture to which they shared a heartwarming laugh. "You're special, Rayla. You know that?"

"Oh stop." She gave him a playful smack. "Now you're just milking it."

"I mean it." He repeated as he reached into his satchel. "You're special. More than you could ever know. So… here. I got you something that'll make up for it."

"Callum. You really sho—" Her words cut off. Mostly because of the bright singular flora which was presented to her. "—uldn't…" She was able to finish, mouth opened.

Callum, taking her stunned silence to be a positive thing, continued. "It's a Moon Flower, I think. I heard that they only grew in your homeland."

Her hand unconsciously wrapped its fingers around its delicate little stem, pulling it just close enough for the petals to tickle her chin. She recognized it almost instantly. But that only made it all the more dizzying. The flower then let out a soft hiss illuminating with a bright and powerful beam as if it had been prepped for this very moment. She doubt Callum would've been able to time it perfectly but that didn't make the gesture any less meaningful. Her mouth opened and some syllables were thrown out but, for the love of the dragons, she couldn't remember what they were. Her heart was thumping loudly on her chest while her face turned in so many shades that Bait would've been impressed.

The flower came in charged with all the signs of the moon. Energy flowed through her like an electrical current enhancing all her senses.

She heard Elyon muffled a scream from behind the door as she practically hopped like a rabbit trying to suppress her legs from running around the city yelling in gleeful joy. Figures a bookworm like her would know the details.

"Ralya?" Callum's voice came through but just barely. "Are you ok?"

No! My heart isn't ready for this!

"YES!" She said with few digits too high of a tone. "J… just one question: Wh… where did you get this?"

"Uh… around?" He shrugged. "I wanted to get you something better but… I don't have money."

Rayla's cheeks darkened, her vision fading from heat building through her head.

"You… really… shouldn't… have." She forced out the words, just barely keeping herself from screaming.

"I wanted to." He added with a puppy dog smile which only made the assassin turn even redder. Never before did she wish for a monster attack to come right now. Heck, she even wish that this flower was a bouquet. At least then she would've been able to bury her face in it. "Oh… and I have one more surprise."

More!? Was it a rusty knife to stab her heart with because she'd seriously take it right now!

"I got us a spot on the caravan."

"Huh?" Rayla's mind got back on its feet. "The caravan? But I thought they were all taken?"

"Well… I made a friend today." He answered. "Remember that woman I tackled back at the Sun Nexus? Well I met her and she promised to get us a spot on the next caravan out of here."

"That's… great?"

"I know right?" He gleefully added. "Anyway, it'll be leaving in about an hour so we have to pack up. I'll grab my things." And without even waiting, the boy rushed up leaving a stunned Moon Shadow Elf.

Rayla stood there, still like a statue, still holding onto that flower. She held it tight like the most precious thing in the world yet at the same time she looked at it like a bomb that could go off at any second.

"Oh boy."

"Congratulations!" Elyon squealed like a six year old hugging Rayla. She would've tossed confetti in the air if she had any. "Oh my gosh. That was amazing! I was thinking you were gonna give him the gift, but then he countered with an even bigger gift! I wished he got down on one knee. You wouldn't happen to be looking for a Maid of Honor, would you?"

"Please. Shut up." Rayla buried her face in her arms, wishing that someone would just end her right now.

(Highway) (Camp)

Corvus didn't think it was possible but the trip to Katolis was indeed coming to an end. The caravan they were traveling in kept a brisk pace and always stuck to the schedule. In just one day, they crossed through about four towns and unloaded enough cargo to make the journey back and then some. He was impressed with how the head of the caravan organized things. They never stayed in one place longer than an hour or so. And whatever business they conclude must be done by that time or they leave you behind. No exceptions.

At this rate they'll probably reach Katolis in two if not three days at best. Way better than traveling in a small group and traversing through the land. Not to mention the provisions they hand out.

Though Corvus thought that they'd be spending the night in an inn at least. The dirt road here was no way for a royal to be sleeping on.

But while he pondered on the living conditions of the current king, his senses turned towards the guards who huddled in groups spread out in different areas.

At the beginning of this journey, the guy was glad to have some well-trained militia on his side. It disheartened would-be bandits and kept most of the wild life at bay. But after traveling with them for a day, he began to have doubts on their intensions.

It was subtle at first but it seems evidently clear now that they were hiding something. The guards had their eyes on Soren and Claudia the whole way through their journey. And it wasn't the friendly kind of look either. Corvus can tell that they had something wicked going on but he didn't have the proof to accuse them.

He kept close to their carriage, listening to everything and watching for the slightest hint of aggression.

Claudia was watching over Ezran and Ellis who dozed off about an hour ago. The two kids laid over inside the carriage using Ava's soft fur as a pillow. They looked adorable and the dark mage has made it her mission to record their… cuteness… for as long as possible.

Soren was also around, sitting by the campfire. He looked like he was sleeping but Corvus can tell that his senses were kept on alert. The man was aware of the guards unnatural looks and kept a weapon in hand at all times. Neither of them were sure what they wanted but he certainly wasn't going to be caught unprepared.

The Tracker's ears perked up at the sound of the bushes rustling.

"Who goes there?" He demanded, drawing out his hook and chains. "Show yourself." He got his answer in the form of the king's glow toad. "Oh… it's just you." He slouched, putting his weapon away. "You nearly gave me a fright you… frog?" Bait simply gave him a glare. "You know… what are you anyway? Are you some kind of… grumpy old… creature?"

The two of them locked in a staring contest for a moment before Bait gave him the tongue and walked back to its owner.

"Fine. Be that way." Corvus said to it.

"Talking to frogs now?" Soren's voice caught him in his duties. "That's just sad."

"Oh be quiet."

"Hey, don't be grumpy. Why don't you sit down and chill like all the young kids are doing now? It's a full moon. No need for reading lights." Corvus glanced at the comfy log by the campfire. It was a tempting offer but the looks those other guards were giving made him anxious. "And don't worry about them. They won't do anything."

The Tracker looked at him surprised. "How would you know?"

"It's textbook." He replied, which didn't really make a lot of sense. "Trust me. If these guys wanted to do anything to us they would've done it back in the last town. Not here. Too many witnesses." Huh. That actually made sense. Even though the caravan was practically asleep, any commotion they stir will undoubtedly rile up the folks here. Not to mention their boss would be mighty annoyed if his discovered own hired hands causing trouble. That will just cause chaos and frustrate the folks traveling with them. Besides, it's nice to sit under the Full Moon.

(Breach Fortress)

They came from every corner of Xadia.

Mages, Knights, Squires and Engineers. Elves, each and every one of them. They descended on the opposing shores of the Border like a swarm of locusts. From her high tower, Amaya could look out over an ocean of tents and campfires which shone in the moonlight. An ocean that may as well stretch towards the very horizon.

It was an army far more powerful than any she had faced and far more numerous. Each soldier with weapons superior to theirs.

As regretful as she thought of it: War has come to Katolis. And they were ill prepared for it.

The General turned her attention back into her fortress and watched as her men ready themselves for battle. The Standing Battalion was the kingdom's finest company, each soldier specialized and personally trained by her instructors. They were hard bred warriors all, who fought in more skirmishes and with skill and discipline to match those of the Crown Guards.

The Fortress itself was also difficult to take. With its double walls, siege weapons and traps, even the mightiest armies of Xadia will have difficulties breaking through. The narrow path also served to their advantage limiting how many attackers can come through at a time.

There were also a few instances where the elves would attempt to cross the lava river to flank them. Their craftsmen have developed small vessels that could withstand the heat for a short while before it dissolved. Luckily for them there were only a few places they can cross and those poor elves would be showered with arrows before they could even reach the other sided.

"Your soldiers are ready General." Her lieutenant reported in, fully armed from head to toe. "The elves won't be getting through here without a fight."

"And morale?"

"High at the moment. But it can be better once reinforcements show up." He replied roughly before turning towards the elven camp on the other side of the kill zone. "I've taken the liberty of positioning squads at the short crossings of the river. If they enemy tries to outflank us like their usual strategy, they will fire a signal arrow to alert us."

It was a common strategy. The elves tried to cross the lava flow once or twice during the usual skirmishes but they never managed to successfully land without taking huge losses. Now with the numbers on their side, they might be able to press on beyond the Borderlands.

"It looks like they're preparing their war machines." The soldier added gesturing to the many construction being by the camp. They were definitely putting a lot of effort in this push. "Battering rams, siege towers, catapults. Quite a large variety."

Amaya smirked at his worries.

Sure the elves had a lot of toys on their side, and maybe the numbers to match but she had a few tricks up her sleeves as well. And she couldn't wait to try it out on those poor pointy eared wimps.

(Veil) (Caravan stables)

It was difficult for Rayla to put on a straight face at Callum. Her heart was still suffering from that awfully sweet gesture that he made an hour ago. A gesture that he did without even knowing. Her cheeks were burning by the mere thought of it. She was turning so red that folks here would've mistaken her to be a Sunfire elf.

The Moon Flower he gave now sat comfortably in her pocket, safe within a handkerchief that Elyon so kindly/cruelly provided. Honestly, that girl looked like she just had all the holidays played up right in front of her in one epic show. Her eyes sparkled and her brain went into overdrive mode that she could barely even form words.

And it's not like she didn't have a good reason. Rayla herself felt like she could just melt from sheer embarrassment. Her hands were sweaty and she was stiffer than pine tree on a hot day. Yet despite all her blubbering and irritation, she couldn't help but plaster this stupid smile on her face. That stupid god awful smile that she can't seem to remove!

And all of this stemmed from that boy who hadn't the slightest clue of what he did.

Rayla swore that she'll get back at him for this. A thousand fold. But at the moment they can take comfort over the fact that they now have a ride. Taking the caravan from here on will hasten their journey through Xadia and get an audience with the Queen of the Dragons. It's just a shame that they won't have the time to sightsee the views or visit any of the local tourist spots.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the caravan waiting area. It was a large circle platform with stables and warehouses that assisted in the moving of cargo. Oddly enough there appear to be a lot of people setting out. Normally at this time of day, the workers will be pitching camp or snoozing off. The horses don't really travel that well in the dark.

And surprisingly enough, Callum's new friend appear to be absent.

"This is the spot." The young prince declared.

It looked like a decent meeting place. A large area with crates stacked around them.

"And your new friend said that she would meet you here?"

"That's what she said." He defended. "She told me that she can get us a ride on one of these carriages."

"And you believe her?"

"Normally I would say no. But she did boss one of those soldiers like it was no big deal so I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt."

"And is she here or is she doing the thing people do to get attention?"

"You mean being late?"

She shrugged. "I'm just saying that I find it hard to believe that someone would offer us a ride just because you drew her lizard."

"Are you speaking ill of my beloved?" The two heroes jolted back when another voice caught them. "That's ten years of incarceration."

"Yikes!" Callum yelped as he hid behind his partner who drew out her blades in response.

"What do you want now ya goof? Here to start a fight?"

"And waste my blade on the likes of you?" The elven knight gave a sarcastic laugh as he put on a yawning motion. "Peons should face peons."

"Maybe I should give you a cut or two? Then we'll see who's the peon here."

"That kind of back-talking would've earned you half a year's worth of pain." The elf's face darkened for a second there before reverting back. "But unfortunately I must stay my hand. I am here on behalf of my beloved Viera. She made a request, despite my frustration, to grant you two passage with my caravan. I've already applied the necessary paperwork so you shouldn't have any difficulties with border checkpoints."

Rayla's eyes bobbed confusingly. "Oh… that's… nice of you."

"Believe me, Moon worshipper, I didn't do it out of the goodness of my heart. My beloved pestered me for this. Arguing with her would be like trying to chisel through the mountains with spoon."

"Can one of your caravans take us to Caeli then?"

"The land of our winged brothers?" His eye looked upward in thought. "I suppose."

Wow… that was… convenient. Almost too convenient. No caravan ever took a direct route to the high mountains of the west. But if they did, they could probably get to the Dragon Queen in two week or less. They can still stop the war from escalating. If they can just bring Zym to his mother.

"Caleb, sweetie." A soothingly pleasant voice interrupted followed by a pair of hands seductively wrapping themselves around the knight's torso. "Are you threatening these people again? I thought we talked about this. They're nice folks."

Strangely enough, Caleb's expression turned around as he faced his wife's longing eyes. "I was merely giving them a stern talking. If I wanted to threaten them, I would've drawn my sword long ago."

"Aww, is my little knight feeling lonely? I'd be happy to reward you."

"Tempting vixen." He cooed.

Oooo…k. Ewww.

Get a room, you two.

"When we're alone, darling." Viera added pushing her husband away, much to his disappointment. "Now be a dear and go see to our preparations. I want everything ready for my new friend.

"As you desire, my love." He bowed lowly throwing one arm across his chest while his long beautiful hair dangled down his face hiding an oddly wicked smile.

Seeing the man walk away, Viera turned her attention back to the two with her pet lizard hissing on her shoulder. "Sorry about my husband. He can be… extreme at times. Not that it's a bad trait."

"We noticed." Callum chuckled. "And… thanks again for getting us this ride."

She waved it off. "Oh believe me. It's no bother at all. I just needed to give Caleb a pouty face and a few kisses and he melts like butter. He might show a strong and commanding side, but deep down he's just a puppy that craves attention."

"I'll… take you on your word." The young prince cringed before turning to his partner. "Oh. And this is my good friend, Rayla."

"Oh my magical sheep! You're that Moon Shadow elf from yesterday!" Viera's face went ballistic. "It is a pleasure to meet you at last. I heard so much about you from Callum. You really are adorable."

"Uh… sure?" She darted to the boy in question. "You told her about me?" He shrugged back apologetically.

"And I'm so glad you two are on speaking terms again. I'm glad things worked out between you two."

"Yeah we… wait… what? How did you…?"

"And Callum. Sally has been ecstatic about your drawing. She really loves it." Viera added suddenly, changing the subject. "I think you really brought out her eyes. It's just too bad you couldn't stay longer. I would kill to have you paint a portrait of me. The last one who tried to draw me just can't get my nose right." She wiggled her said nose to emphasize the point.

"We'd love to stay but… we got business elsewhere." Callum responded shyly. "Very urgent business."

"What if I throw in an all you can eat buffet? Or rooms at an inn of your choice?"

"Aheh… thanks but… maybe another time."

Viera sulked. "Fine. Pinky swear?"

…!

"Heh… sure."

"Callum! NO!" Rayla's warning came too little… too late. When Callum returned the gesture, the Skywing elf grabbed his left arm and pulled his glove off revealing the extra finger in his hand.

"Well well well… now that's a rare sight." Like an actress who was no longer on stage, Viera's attitude turned a complete 180. Her sweet and happy-go-lucky smile turned wicked and cruel while her eyes sharpened like needles. She quickly pushed Callum down and pinned him to the ground, holding his arm, threatening to break it on a moment's notice. "It's not every day I get to find a human wandering here."

Rayla reached for her knives but pulled a stop when she felt the familiar heat of a Sunfire blade dangling close to her neck. The elf's husband had somehow got the jump on her without her notice.

"Careful now." He stated with a smirk. "One wrong move and I might just burn that pretty face of yours." Zym whimpered down behind her legs, frightened.

Like a trap that was sprung, the workers that were in the area threw off their disguises and drew out their concealed weapons. She knew something was off. She just didn't catch it fast enough.

"How'd you find out?" Rayla asked as she raised her arms up in surrender. "There's no way you could've seen through it."

He shrugged. "True. His disguise is better than most. But my dear Viera has a… talent for reading people. It didn't take a fool to discover the boy's true identity."

"And he was so inept." The woman added pressing the boy down straining his bones while he removed his fake disguises. "Fake horns, hidden ears. The works. And here I thought you humans knew better."

"Arghh!"

"Callum!" Rayla gasp and reached out only to be halted when a pair of squires grabbed her. "Stop it! You're hurting him."

"Sweetie. That is entirely the point."

"Do take care now, Viera." Caleb sighed, not at all disturbed by his wife's unsightly change of behavior. "We need him for interrogation."

"Oh come now Caleb. Can I at least play with him for a little while? I did find him after all."

"True. But I cannot squeeze the information out of him if he's dead."

"Relax. This is the first human that crossed the Borderlands. You can only imagine my curiosity. I'll be gentle." Her eyes squinted a bit when she noted the boy trying to push himself up. "Oops." She added more pressure to her legs and snapped something within. The young prince screamed bloody murder, tears of pain threatening to break.

"Callum!" Rayla howled angrily. "Are you mad!? He hasn't done anything!"

"Oh dear. Did I break something? I expected humans to be… studier than this." To hell with that woman! She was gonna die. Rayla was ready to introduce her to two pointy ends of her blades the moment she got the chance.

"Weak in body and mind. What else were you expecting from their kind?" Caleb scoffed. "You've had your fun my dear. Now bag him. We can interrogate them back at the castle. High Lord Oberon will be quite ecstatic to learn their secrets."

Viera did so with a disappointing look. After making sure that the boy won't be able to escape, three of the squires came in and apprehended him. Those bastards treated him roughly, pulling him out of the ground like some sack. They were gonna pay.

"Toss the human in the holdings. And bring the Moon worshiper to the dungeons. We'll settle on her punishment later." But they failed to notice a third member in their party. A cute and innocent wuzbat that was more than meets the eye. Just as they were about to haul the two away, Zym attacks and bit the squire holding Rayla.

"GAHHH! My ankles you little piece of… goh!" He never got to finish when the assassin smacked him right on the face.

With speed and agility born from her race, Rayla drew out her weapons and struck the unsuspecting soldiers knocking four of them in mere seconds.

Caleb and Viera backed away from such response and took safety behind their reinforcements.

"Callum!" Rayla ignored them and hastily rushed to her friend worryingly. "Are you alright? Say something!"

"I… can't feel my left arm." He groaned out achingly as he struggled to stand. That witch must've broken something or pop a joint. Either way there was no way to help him. Not in this situation.

Rayla scanned her area and found a stroke of luck in the distance. A loaded carriage tied to a horse. If they can get to it, they can get out of the city.

"Over there! Can you walk?"

"Y… yeah." He said weakly.

"Get to that carriage and go on without me. Zym, stay with him." She readied her blades. "I'll buy you some time." Callum had no reason to argue. He could barely form words with the pain he was feeling. Slowly he limped his way to the carriage, flinching with every movement.

Before long, Rayla found herself confronting what looked like the whole city garrison. They seemed ready for a fight especially against her.

"I'll admit you have talent, girl." Caleb commented from behind. "But surely you cannot believe that you can best the members of the Sixth Blade Legion."

To their surprise, Rayla laughed. "On a normal night? I'd probably say no. But tonight? I think I'll take my chances." As if acting upon her words alone, the clouds in the sky parted giving way to the glittering stars and the full blown moon above. Torches that lit the area suddenly went off, the air thickened while the animals grew quiet. And when the moon's mighty rays fell upon the land… the assassin vanished.

"The full moon…" Caleb gulped realizing his error. "Defend yourselves!"

But against a Moon Shadow elf assassin under the blessing of her racial powers, the squires stood little chance. Rayla was barely visible to the naked eye and her strength was increased nearly ten folds. Her strikes were stronger, her movement faster and her senses enhanced with magic. The soldiers did their best but even the strongest sword cannot strike what it cannot see.

"Haaa!" A swordsman swung downward but struck nothing but air. "Wha?" Rayla retaliated with a double kick to his face sending him to a pile of manure in the stables.

Using all her training and abilities to its fullest potential, Rayla took now thirty of those guards in a flash. The mere sight of their brethren being pummeled like rookies made the others slowly back away not want garner her attention. But that was fine. She wasn't aiming for them. In fact, she just wanted to buy time… and get a little payback for Callum.

Slowly she turned her attention to that arrogant knight and his wife and charged. An eye for an eye. An arm for an arm.

xxxxxxxxxx

Callum reached the carriage not long after. His arm hurt like hell but he still made it.

The carriage was loaded and the horses seemed agitated with the ongoing fight.

How stupid of him to be caught in that trap. He should've seen how obvious it was. The deal was simply too good to be true. No one was that lucky. Not even him. Gods. Now he and Rayla were paying that price.

He doesn't know how he was ever gonna make it up but he knows who has to fork over the bill.

xxxxxxxxxx

"Hya!" Another guard thrust his spear forward in Rayla's general direction, but the elven assassin was too quick and too invisible to be struck. She smacked the soldier in the face with the pommel of her blade knocking another one down and putting another notch on her belt.

But she had a special spot for a certain mage. That Viera. She was going to pay.

"Come out you mongrel!" The knight, Caleb, demanded, readying his Sunfire blade. "Only a coward hides in the face of battle."

Yeah, and it's also unfair to have your whole Legion gang up on one girl.

Forget it. She was going for that moron first. The witch will be next.

Using her training in stealth, the assassin slowly slinked into the darkness and hid within the shadows. Rayla darted towards them, brushing between crates and soldiers, daggers inching ever closer.

She was only a hairs breath away by then.

"A nice effort." Suddenly as if drawn by some strange power, Viera turned to her, hands forming runes. "Frigus!" She shouted with a strange echo and trapped Rayla in a block of ice that seemingly sprung out of the ground leaving only her head and her arm exposed. It came out so suddenly that it practically took everyone by surprise.

"What in the bloody…" Rayla struggled to break free but found it sturdier than any chains she came across.

"I told you: I can read people like a book." The woman taunted. "And I can tell you'd prefer to strike where we can't see. Such a typical behavior for assassins. Predictable and unimaginative."

"A remarkable feat, my love. But could you not have done that before she made a mockery of my men?"

She shrugged. "Meh. I enjoy the sight of men lying on the ground groaning in pain. Isn't that, assassin?" The witch added poking Rayla's nose which she responded with a sneer. "Ooooh~~ you're a feisty little one aren't ya?"

"Come a little closer and I'll show you how feisty I can be."

"And snappy too." The Skywing elf snickered. "You know. You kinda remind me of… Caleb when he and I were first dating. Always so… irritated all the time. He's so cute when he's…"

"Ahem!"

"Right right. Sorry. Not the time. Now where's that human of yours?"

"You're not going to find him." Rayla spoke in defiance. "He's long gone by now."

"Ha! Oh please. You don't really believe that, do you?" Viera taunted with a tone dripping with amusement. "I can read people like a book. That boy might be weak but he can be quite stubborn. And you know what stubborn men like him usually do? They do reckless things."

"Look out! The carriage!"

"Bingo…" Rayla watched in horror as Callum came in, driving a carriage madly towards them, whipping the horses into a frenzy. The guards that stood in his bay bolted off, dodging his reckless maneuver. "What a very predictable human. But I admire his commitment. Caleb darling. Will you please do the honors?"

"With pleasure, my love." The knight readied his fiery blade like he had done a hundred times before. The man looked like an experienced fighter. He won't blink twice to kill the boy.

"Callum! Don't!"

Caleb lunge forward pointing his blade directly at the young prince. He would've cut him down to size so easily. But as the man came close, he noticed something wrong, something… strange. Callum used his remaining hand to draw a rune in the air, angrily summoning the primal source of the wind.

"That… can't be…" Viera gawk, unable to comprehend the action.

"Fulminis!" With a powerful shout, a bolt of lightning fired from his fingers sending the knight flying across the field straight towards Rayla's prison. Viera hardly noticed the ice shattering from the weight of his impact freeing the assassin within. "Get in!" Rayla agreed on that notion and leaped in as the boy drove the horses onward.

"Close the gate!" Someone shouted. But by then the two had already bolted off leaving nothing but dust.

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Viera stood there, stunned and still like a statue despite all the squires running around like headless chickens. It was brief moment but she was sure of it. That was a rune spell. That boy… that… human… used magic.

"Unhand me!" Her husband howled pushing his squires away as he stood back up, humiliated. "Don't just stand there. Get that gate open and send out the riders! NOW!" They obeyed frighteningly. She could feel him storming in her direction, wiping the trickle of blood running down his cheeks. Anyone who stood in his way almost immediately found a reason to be somewhere else. "Why didn't you tell me he was a mage?"

He was a mage. No. He IS a mage. A human mage. Probably the first anyone has ever seen in… ever.

"I… didn't know." She muttered. The words felt foreign on her lips. She couldn't make sense of it. "Humans aren't supposed to wield magic. They… can't."

"Apparently this one can."

Her eyes shot up. "Yes. Yes he can. A human mage. The first of his kind!" A sadistic craving crossed her face as her hand extended forward. "A human that can actually use magic." Her smile twisted in a dark and sadistic manner. It widened so much that it practically took over her cheeks.

Caleb's brow curled up. "I haven't you this excited since our wedding."

"I want him Caleb…" She hissed. "I want him…"