(Chapter 24)
Ben Finn found himself lying on a stone with native fruit and water canteens around him. He was clueless where he was but he figured they were friendly if they offered food and water.
"Welcome to Aurora." A strong feminine voice came from behind him.
"Now that's gotta be Kalin." He said and greeted her with a smile. "Good Avo it's been a long time."
"I believe it has, Ben Finn. And what happened to you, may I ask?"
"It was a fishing accident." He lied. Kalin saw right through him.
"Don't look at me like that! My hands are clean!"
"I know how reckless and clumsy you are, Ben. What sort of mess have you gotten the Albion Army into now?" She crossed her arms.
"I told you. I didn't have anything to do with this. Honest!"
"We fish out a man from our docks. I could only think of one man that would be in the net. Ben Finn."
"It's nice you think the best of people." He half muttered.
"What are you doing in Aurora?"
"Well, that's the thing. We were actually charted for Aurora but out ship was attacked by Logan's fleet. We were coming to you for aid."
"Why would King Logan attack his own ship?"
"We were coming here because the kings brother is launching a revolution. We need you to side with us and help him take the throne."
"You say 'we'."
"Walter, the kings brother, Jake and I. Will you help us?"
"It seems we are stuck as well. We needed assistance from King Logan years ago. We faced the horror we call 'The Crawler'. It destroyed our civilization and all the loved ones we once had."
"I don't understand."
"Follow and I will show you."
Upon exiting the shrine, Ben saw the city in complete ruin, houses destroyed, smoke still bellowing from the carnage, dead women, men and children littered the streets.
"Good god. What's happened here?" Ben was almost in tears.
"I told you. The Crawler did this. About four years ago, we were attacked by the being when King Logan was visiting. We fought it off but not without a terrible cost. King Logan promised he would increase protection at our borders with some of Albion's Army and he would send more soldiers to patrol the streets if it ever came back again. He left with that promise...we never saw him again...or the aid we needed. We are recovering still from the attack The Crawler commenced again on our village weeks ago. Some of us are still in mourning, the others have accepted what they can not change."
"And you?" Ben inquired.
"I am broken inside. I do not care anymore for I have said my peace and I am ready to join my family in death. It is much better than living here in this desolation."
"Maybe if you had a reason to live you'd change your mind."
"What could you possible do or say to change my mind?"
"King Logan's brother needs you and is on his way to ask you in person. He will bring change to the throne and he will bring you aid."
"What makes you so sure he's not a shadow of his brother?"
"I have battled with Jake and he is nothing but the best. He has honor. He is devoted and one of the best fighters I have ever seen."
"Maybe we can discuss your plan when he gets here."
"It's not my plan. Far from it. It's like a we help you, you help us kind of thing."
"And you're sure this man is not like Logan in any way?"
"I am sure. It's just, when we were attacked, we were separated. I am not even sure where they managed to go."
"Or if he even survived."
"Walter I am sure. He wouldn't let an ocean stop him. And Jake? He's a Hero. Like his father."
"Really?" She said intrigued.
"Yeah. It's really cool. He can toss fireballs around and the guards were fried within seconds."
"That's just lovely."
"Sorry. I like magic. And when it's the real thing it's way better."
"I only hope they come in the back way to Aurora. The front way is closed off by The Crawler. I don't think even your Hero friend nor Walter would make it through."
"We better send some people out just in case they are in there."
"The desert is unforgiving. Without the proper supply of food and water, which I assume they don't have, they will never make it. Plus with The Crawler still heavy in the desert they will be lead off by illusions and deliriums."
Ben mused at the trouble they were in. He didn't even know for sure Jake and Walter made it to shore.
"I can help in the search party. If I see them, I can help bring them to the city."
"Very well. Let's get a party together."