(CHAPTER 20: THE PLAINS KINGDOM)

Their journey continues. After the encounter with the Naga, they pick up their pace and soon is able to walk out of the unexplored area within 3 sleeps. On their way they've fought more Naga's, flesh eating dragon snappers, ants the size of a palm but it was nothing to them. The gang before they met might be afraid or gave up, but they wouldn't, because they have each other. But one thing for sure is kind of bizarre, Adam and James would always disappear during the fight, and reappear after the fight ended. If they are just cowards, Hero could apprehend that, what's even bizarre is that one day Hero caught them red handed laying glowing red emerald on the path they are walking.

When asked the twins replied that one of their mission is provide a safe path for future patrol. Their excuse is believable, so Hero didn't question further. What in his mind right now,

Is the beauty awaiting ahead of them.

As the jungle finally clear out, they finally arrive, the heaven they've been awaiting for a long time.

The plains

The land of the plains is flat, filled with tall furry grass. There are no trees blocking their path, they are lined up side by side the mud path leading them towards the kingdom. They followed the path and look around, enjoying the scene as they walk.

It was indeed peaceful. The wheat grew like there is no tomorrow, cows, horses and sheep were roaming freely around, grazing the emerald grass. Bundles of flower bloom beside them, like a colorful tuff of mountains, with bees buzzing around them, filling the air with sweet flowery honey taste. The sky was always clear, the wind always blows, giving them a relaxing feeling, as they stroll leisurely without any sign of haste. All their tiredness and suffering from the green hell were comforted the moment they step foot on this land.

After an afternoon on the path, they finally arrived.

The Plains Kingdom.

The kingdom was guarded by a huge layer of thick cobblestone wall, with twenty watchtowers along the wall, providing security to the people living within it. There was a huge moat separating the wall and the rest of the land, the moat was filled with glowing balls that floats and swim according to the current. Hero recognize them as box jellyfish, the most toxic being in this world, one sting is all it takes to kill.

Hero and the rest step foot on the wooden drawbridge connecting the kingdom with the plains. They passed through the guards who just slightly nodded at them upon seeing their attire. Their first sight into the kingdom was astonishing. The Plains Kingdom is lively, unlike the other places they've encounter. There is life and hope boxed within this place. The road is bustling with business, it was a spectacular sight for adventurers like them, especially Hero and Brine. It was their first time seeing a scene like this. Their heart were blossomed with Joy as Hero describe the scene for Brine, she smiled and nodded eagerly, tugging his sleeve to ask him have a walk around the town with him, in which they agreed.

They walk every pathway and alley within the kingdom. Rose found her academy and a job to work in order to pay her fees, and Hero found a place who is willing to give Brine proper job, food and shelter. Hero felt happiness as he look at them, but he felt sadness, as if he is losing something dear to him. Their journey might be over, but not for him, not for Norman. Just as he was deep within his thoughts, he didn't realize that Adam and James has disappeared…..

"Darn finally some good rest!" Hero lay on the soft fluffy bed of the Inn they have just checked in. It was ten times better than his experience before, lying on the cold muddy floor, feeding the mosquitos and getting bitten by creepy crawlers. "Get prepared, we have a farewell party reserved at the kitchen." Norman chuckled as he start dressing his finest clothing he could find. It was just a goodbye, but he has to be formal, especially towards people who've experience life and death situation with him.

Hero stare at the celling of his room blankly once more when reminded about the farewell party. His feelings right now is mixed, he felt happy, sad, excited and depressed at the same time. He would surely miss them, especially Brine she was the first person he have ever met in this world. Rose too, she has helped a lot….

Suddenly he remembered something as he open his mouth and spoke: "Where is Andy and James?" "Nah, don't worry about them." Norman has finish wearing and began posing on the bronze mirror in front of him. "Probably sending their regards to the king or something." "Without saying goodbye?" Hero questioned, his mind spun with questions, deep down he felt something was off about the twins.

It was the same feeling that he have when he first met Phil.