I Got Reincarnated, But My Wife Is Now My Mother! - Chapter Ten

There it was in front of us. The majestic city of Helendale. You could see her sister city, Helenadale, across the Golden River in the distance. Both cities lay on the southern boundary of the Gold Forest. The river ran deep within, with the source somewhere in the hidden Golden Mountain ranges just south of the Frozen Expanse. The road is full of travelers. Blending in here is vital. As we approach the city gates, anticipation grows. A platoon of Royal warriors was observing those who entered the city. A group of Royal Knights are present in the rear. Everyone is checked intensely. Our party's turn is coming up soon. 'Here's hoping these cloaks we came up on are enough concealment to get past.' 

We were up next, and two towering warriors looked over me from head to toe. I even inspected Raven as if my majestic steed was a threat. They were on edge. Their alertness was at the highest levels. I saw a crudely drawn picture of myself, my mother, and my sister. In fact, our entire family was posted on the bulletin board, along with Sir Duncan, Sir Josiah, and Lord Alfred. Many others under my father were stationed there. A little relief came to my soul, knowing he, my other sisters, and my brother were free and safe in some manner. The soldier looks me in the eye for an uncomfortable moment.

The air tensed around us as the command cut through the morning mist, "Alright, move along, sir," a soldier, his voice edged with authority, barked at us. Despite the abruptness, we moved on, a silent accord between us to not provoke further attention. Beside me, I sensed a wave of relief wash over my sister, her usually tense shoulders relaxing ever so slightly, a testament to the constant vigilance we had been under.

But that fleeting moment of relief was shattered almost instantly. "Girl, stop!" The voice, sharper and more commanding than the last, belonged to a Knight. His armor gleamed ominously in the weak sunlight, a stark contrast to the softness of the dawn. My heart plummeted into my stomach, a cold dread wrapping around it.

Rooted to the spot, I turned towards the source of the command. "Girl, are you not a mage? You're to report to the Castle at once," he declared, his gaze piercing through me as if he could see the very essence of my being. His words, though spoken to me, felt like a decree that changed the course of our journey in an instant. "Come with me now. You and your traveling companions," he commanded, leaving no room for argument.

The gravity of the situation settled on us with a weight heavier than the morning dew. The Knight's presence, imposing and resolute, signaled a turn of events we hadn't anticipated. His order, while direct, carried an undercurrent of urgency that suggested this was no mere request but a directive that could not be ignored.

Sophitia looks at me with fear. 'We can't fight them here. There are too many warriors already. With those Knights here, we stood no chance.' I signal to my sister to comply. It was our only option. She nods and follows the Knight. The rest of us fall in behind her. The tense factor increases as we enter the city. Like my hometown, Annedale, this city was as beautiful. The same architecture blessed this settlement. At the heart of the bustling town was the Castle. Sitting on a hill surrounded by an iron curtain wall. Even from here, I could see the banners of House Martindale. 'Was this city under my house's control still?' The people look unaware of what happened at Annedale. 

As we complied, the path ahead seemed to stretch into uncertainty. The Castle, a place of power and intrigue, loomed large in our future, its walls holding secrets and perhaps even answers. But it also posed questions, the foremost being the role my sister's abilities would play in the grand scheme that awaited us.

Soon enough, we stood in front of the Castle gate. The tremendous gate roars to life, slowly opening to reveal the courtyard. Lord Lincoln Gaston Huntley and Sir Bishop Leonel Westmoreland, two of my father's close allies, are waiting inside. They immediately recognized us. Yet, the Knights escorted past them as they left. I caught Sir Bishop passing a scroll to the Knight in front. Once we were inside the Castle, the Knight brought us to a room.

"All mages and their servants will stay here in the Castle for the time being. Make yourself comfortable for the time being," the Knight said, passing the scroll to Lady Sophitia.

She waited until we were alone to read the message. Lady Aiko and I waited in anticipation while my sister carefully read every word.

"Father is alive, but Annedale is under the governorship of House Villanueva. Sighting crimes against the Kingdom. There's also a passage about you brother. You are to be apprehended and brought to the Capital. All other family members are to be gifted to House Villanueva," she whispered.

"By the Gods. Will that man ever cease his obsession? Now he targets my own daughters!!" Lady Aiko scolded.

I knew what she meant. Duke Issac had many sons and daughters. Forcing my sister into a political marriage with his family and ally families would seal his power grab. I could figure out what he planned to do with me and Erfan. Mother said on the bed, looking over the scroll my sister gave to her. Sophitia wasn't saying anything. I think she knew what it meant now. There was no going back to our old lives. Our father's whereabouts are unknown. She was the oldest daughter. That means she and our mother would no doubt go straight to Duke Issac. An unpleasant future. 

With the vestiges of last night's discussions still lingering in the air, I mustered a resolve that felt both foreign and familiar. "Don't worry, we'll figure this out. Our first step is to regroup somewhere safe. Our House Guard and the Knights loyal to us wouldn't be defeated so easily," I asserted, trying to infuse every word with confidence.

Orzella, her brows furrowed in concern, looked up. "What do we do in the meantime?" she asked, her voice a blend of worry and determination.

Nella chimed in with her characteristic matter-of-fact tone. "The Gold Forest is a dangerous place," she reminded us. "We'll need supplies to make the trek," she added, emphasizing the gravity of our situation.

Elene, the youngest and often underestimated for her tender age, contributed with a hint of fear in her voice, "I heard that there are monsters deep within the forest."

Lady Sophitia, ever the protector, reassured with a warmth that belied her own fears, "Nonsense, Elene! Even if there are, we'll look after you." Her words, meant to comfort, sparked a glimmer of hope in our heavy hearts.

Despite the reassurance, the truth remained—we were venturing into the unknown, and Elene's fears weren't unfounded. I've heard those rumors, too. A simple journey through the Gold Forest would require more than just resolve.

In a hushed tone, Lady Sophitia posed a question that had been weighing on her mind. "Do you think Lord Lincoln is aware of who we are?" Her voice was low, carrying the weight of our precarious situation.

Lady Aiko responded with a hint of skepticism. "Of course he does, why would he provide us with this information?" Her question hinted at the complex web of alliances and betrayals that surrounded us.

"I suspect his ranks are filled with spies," I suggested, piecing together the puzzle of our current predicament. It was a chilling thought, one that added another layer of danger to our mission.

My mother, with her years of experience and wisdom, added, "Last year was an influx of recruiting from the mainland. Spies were probably embedded during that time." Her insight underscored the need for caution and discretion.

Understanding the urgency, I laid out our plan. "Sophitia, we need to know what's happening in the city and get the supplies we need to pass through the forest," I explained. "Sophitia and Nella, you go to the market and see what you can purchase. Elene and I will hit the inns. Maybe I can hire a mercenary or adventurer. Orzella and Erendriel will stay here with Lady Aiko," I added, dividing the tasks according to our strengths and abilities.

Orzella's concern was palpable as she warned, "Be careful out there. Inns can be dangerous places if you walk into the lower end ones." Her caution was a reminder of the risks that lay ahead.

Elene, with a bravery that belied her youth, reassured her, "Don't worry, sis, we'll be fine." Her words, though meant to comfort, carried a hint of the adventure and danger that awaited us.

Lady Sophitia, taking charge, concluded, "Let's return here before dark." Her directive was clear, setting a deadline that underscored the urgency and peril of our task.

This city is immense; I figure we start on the south side and work our way counterclockwise. Of course, we need to be extra careful. Now that we are aware of spies here, we need to be absolutely careful. I felt eyes on us as we parted ways for the day. Lord Lincoln is clever in calling all mages to his domain. He knows our family is magically inclined. An intelligent cover to get a message to anyone in our House. Those Knights at the gates must be loyal to him and some soldiers. All the reasons to be more careful. Relying on mercenaries was risky. Adventurers, we're the better shot for us. It would be helpful to have at least a guide.