Phobos came to a halt on the cobblestone street, allowing a stable hand boy to take the reins and lead his horse to a watering hole. Before him stood the construction site full of carts and pulleys. Even in the early evening, a swarm of people milled around the new building skeleton. A bit further down the yard, stood open tents with sturdy wooden tables, and he could already smell the food cooking on the fire. The few groups of workers were cheerfully conversing over mugs of ale. Critically inspecting the order of things, he nodded to Cedric and proceeded to the opulent-looking tent where officials should have assembled. Normally, they would meet him with fanfare and pomp, but since he came unannounced, it was better this way. It was a hassle to interrupt ongoing work.

He smirked after opening the flap, seeing the startled expressions of the gathered people. The room was warm and brightly lit, with a sturdy table piled high with parchment and sketched drafts. A few plush chairs and a bookcase full of scrolls and books stood in odd places. It was a cluttered mess inside. However, it was a welcoming environment where everyone gathered to work or relax after a long day.

'Gentlemen,' the prince offered a greeting, seeing a few sitting people suddenly moving to bow to him.

'Your majesty, we had expected your visit tomorrow. Please accept our apologies for not greeting you properly.' The Crafters' Guild Master stuttered, expecting a reprimand.

'It is of no consequence. I wanted to check on your construction progress. Unexpectedly, I had some free time to spare for today's visit.' Phobos waved his hand in a carefree manner, as if coming to inspect the new building site was beyond his interest.

'I see…' The guild master straightened his robes. 'Well then, even if your presence here is an unexpected surprise, allow me to introduce myself. I am Duncan from the Crafters' Guild, and this is my apprentice, Jacob.' The man bowed in deference. 'Prince Phobos, your expertise will be greatly appreciated. Where is Lord Cedric, if I may inquire? '

'I am here,' Cedric said as he opened the flap and entered the tent. 'Your majesty, General Vathek is waiting for you in the yard with recruits. We should pay him a visit after inspecting the construction site.' he said, giving a slight bow.

'Excellent! My Lords, let us proceed to the building site' the pudgy guild master clapped his hands in excitement. They followed Duncan out into the noisy field. The remnants of the building were dismantled, leaving just a few charred wooden beams. Phobos noted the new materials, which included rocks, bricks, and wooden planks, drawn in carts by the rhinos. All around there was the cacophony of saws and hammers. They walked along the sandy path, avoiding the mud in the field caused by many feet coming and going everywhere.

'How long will the construction last?' He asked, looking at the basic skeleton of the new building.

'If the weather conditions are good, it would take around two months.' The man replied, looking up at the sky.

'Make it faster. I cannot have my army living in a field for that long,' Cedric sneered. 'They cannot be sitting here like ducks while the rebels are at large.'

'Cedric is right. The construction should be completed in less than a month,' Phobos agreed.

'But, my lords, I do not have enough resources to meet such a demand.' Duncan complained and paled, realizing what he had said to the prince.

'Every available soldier will be dispatched to your aid. After all, it is their home being built,' Phobos answered. 'If this is insufficient, the palace will hire laborers from neighboring villages.'

'Much appreciated, my prince. It would help immensely.' Duncan bowed his head in relief.

There was a commotion in the outdoor kitchen as they passed through, checking the supplies, talking with the artisans, and inspecting the site. The cook's enraged yell reached their ears.

'Thief! Guards, drag this scumbag to jail! He will lose a hand for this! '

Two soldiers standing near a makeshift pantry immediately responded to the angry tirade, dragging the offender through the crowd. When one of the guards pushed the person to the ground, Phobos winced, hearing a painful wail. His heart stopped for a moment, seeing the filthy and hunched figure attempting to protect his back from the rough treatment. It was a child, about eleven summers old. He was filthy. The tattered clothes barely held together, and the face and hair were matted with mud and twigs. He clutched a single loaf of bread to his chest. When the soldier yanked the child to get up, their eyes met. When an unguarded hunger flooded his senses, he almost staggered. Then there's pain, resignation, and apathy. It was a split-second connection induced by sheer desperation. The child wanted to die and was not afraid. It was better than a gnawing hole in the belly and general lethargy in the body. Phobos' stomach lurched, and he quickly pushed the invasive feelings under the hardest mental wards he could muster.

'Enough!' His voice carried over the crowd. Many heads turned in their direction, and people were taken aback by his commanding presence.

'Bow, you ignorant fools!' Cedric stepped in front of him, scowling at the crowd with a sneer. 'Our Prince graced you with his presence!' He turned around and kneeled on one knee, his hand above his heart, expressing deep reverence for his person.

'Your majesty…' The workers fell to their knees and bowed their heads, and soon Phobos was the only one standing above everyone. He wandered his gaze around the camp. The unease permeated the air. He has never asked for this, to be revered in fear. However, the position demanded his compliance and specific behavior. Phobos gritted his teeth, looking at the one person who was still crouched on the ground, appearing smaller than he was. So much cruelty. And for what? A piece of bread? He looked around, focusing on the edges of the streets. The alarmed eyes looked back at him with pale faces and sunken cheeks. There were far too many people seeking refuge in the city. Somebody in the crowd coughed, and Phobos startled, focusing on the situation at hand.

'Get back to work!' The order was given, and everyone scrambled, trying to escape from his menacing presence.

'Master Duncan, you are dismissed.' He nodded at the plump man. 'Cedric?'

'Yes, my Lord.'

'I have an idea for getting rid of the vermin that gathered around the city.' He tapped his chin. 'Bring Vathek and his men to the city dressed in civil attire. Provide food and gather refugees in shelters. You, my friend, will have to disguise yourself and pass off as one of them, offering travel to better lands. Locate a portal and transport them away. Let the Guardians handle this. We do not have to lift a finger on charity, and the Guardians will have to deal with the increased traffic of people in their world.'

'I will see to it, my Prince.' Cedric smiled, 'an ingenious solution to this little problem, just in time to sweep away the trash. We do not want Elyon's eyes to see unnecessary things. The girl is already a problem without any more bizarre ideas she could come up with.'

'Indeed. Yet, you toe a fine line between being her confidant and a teacher. If the things I witnessed in the stable are any indication. Have your thoughts changed about my offer?' Phobos quietly inquired.

'Forgive me, my Lord. Elyon can be quite demanding, and those actions were born out of irritation. However, even if I am still undecided about my feelings on the matter of her heart, a few seeds planted in a general direction never hurt anyone. I always make arrangements for various plans in motion.' Cedric replied with a grin on his lips. He inclined his head and prepared to leave on orders when Phobos grabbed his elbow.

'Wait a second... Take the child to the palace. May servants bathe and feed him before he finds work. Having servants who are indebted or grateful to me is always beneficial.'

'As you wish.' Cedric bowed and walked away without a prompt.

Phobos nodded to the retreating figure and went back to his horse. Eyes followed him, some curious, others terrified or disgusted. However, nobody was brave enough to stop him. They parted like the water, letting him pass with mock respect. His steed was already waiting in the stable boy's hands, and he bowed with admiration while giving him the reins.

Phobos mounted the horse and gradually allowed him to trot away. When they reached the streets, he hugged his furry neck and let a trusted friend gallop without care.

The wind tousled his hair, and the world moved at breakneck speed as the horse bolted out of the city. The sun was already setting in the western sky as the urban sounds faded into the silent chirps of birds. Arian was sweaty and snorted in delight after the run when Phobos dismounted and released him. The free horse went to graze on the grass and drink from the nearby stream. The prince stood motionless, just listening to the sounds around him and attempting to calm his mind. Sighing, he struggled to center himself and wobbled when previously invaded feelings made themselves known. Phobos heaved, sinking to the ground and clenching the soil between his fingers. Over and over again, trying to get rid of the immeasurable hunger in his stomach. Realistically, he knew it was a phantom pain, but it was hard to separate his feelings from the tangle of intruding negative emotions. Soon he lay on the soft damp moss, feeling utterly exhausted. Dusk shone through the trees, followed by descending darkness, and the forest came alive with various insects and animals alike. His head ached, and since there were no people around, he let his tightly bound powers go with a silent gasp of air. The clearing shone in a gentle green light as if thousands of glowing fireflies were dancing in the air. It was not a forceful or aggravating use of his magic. It was merely something he could rarely allow himself, if not at all. To unravel the locks hidden deep inside, to be one with nature, with the Planet. Feel something he had long buried away, his former Guardian side. Phobos closed his eyes and relaxed as if he were sinking into warm water. Listening as the plants grew around him, the grass caressed his fingers and flowers weaved into his hair, giggling like a tiny girl. Fine vines encircled his body, entwining their delicate stems into his clothing. And deep beneath it all, the planet groaned silently, like never before. When he opened his eyes, they glowed a deep green emerald color, and he could see the Veil, enshrouding the night sky like a soap bubble. Yet, the color was wrong. It was very dark. Purple and red blended together like a poisonous haze that no one else noticed. He wanted to rip it apart at the seams but was powerless to do so. He was a bug trapped in a jar, dying slowly as the air inside vanished. Phobos blinked, and the view faded away. His magic retreated, and the clearing returned to its previous state. Just a few stubborn, creamy blossoms clung to his pale hair. The moon shone in the clearing as he slowly went to the stream to freshen up. The water was cool on his skin and sweet on his tongue. Phobos cleaned himself up and stood up, carefully reassembling his perfectly sculpted mask of indifference. One more thing was left to tackle, even if he was reluctant to do it. Phobos lifted his palm into the air asking for a favor and letting his magic do the rest. He did not want to use the rose whispers because the garden was too far away or pierce the Veil with explosive anger, even if it could be achieved. Sometimes a simple incantation will suffice.

'Zephyr, God of the winds… One who can travel between Worlds... Heed mine call, convey my message to the Guardian of the Heart... I need to meet with you…' The words flowed out in a silent whisper.

The wind answered and rippled on the surface of the water, rustled in the woods, and played in the tree leaves. It warmly tickled his palm and flew away, carrying his words onwards. Now he had to wait and hope that the Guardian would soon acknowledge his call. It was important to inform her about his plans to transfer to some people. Perhaps she would help, or maybe not, but he couldn't ignore her any longer. Especially if it was his idea to involve her in any way. Whistling for the horse, Phobos braced himself for a long trek back to the castle. He will have enough time to make new plans and forget about another meltdown. Soon the lone rider vanished into the dark forest, leaving only freshly blossomed flowers in the meadow.