1 The Grey Storm

It was almost evening. The sun, still intact in shape but soon to disappear in the west, seemed to be in a haste too. It's red-orange rays soothing the mildly tired bodies of some horse riders. From their appearance, one can see they're soldiers from the neighbouring kingdom: Stalwartian Kingdom. The kingdom of hard workers and warriors. Also, the kingdom of brave. Otherwise, had it been someone else, they won't dare to choose the shortcut that passed near the Death Forest just to reach in time.

The one, leading them looked to be in his early twenties. A handsome man with tall build. His muscles,flexing every time he urged the horse to run forward, could cause downfall to a city full of women. Soldiers following him looked at his back as a source of power. He was the crown prince from Stalwarts. His Chestnut brown hair reaching his shoulders moved with air, making his features appear more prominent. The man with golden, Greek gods' like body and handsome features; including broad forehead, perfectly shaped eyebrows and clear golden eyes full of wisdom, looked indifferent at first. However, his keen eyes were sharply scanning the surroundings especially the dark forest at his right.

They were passing through a passage which was right next to this haunted forest: Death Forest. The road had been abandoned some 10 years ago thanks to an evil witch who brought great disaster to the the two kingdoms. It was rumored that her eyes were the most dangerous creature that ever accidentally evolved in this world. They had a mind of their own. And to people's horror, changed color suddenly to some other creepy color. Ten years ago, ancester of Stalwarts and present Stalwart king's father used all his force to banish the witch to this forest of death. And since then, no one ever used this road to go to each other's Kingdom. Both kingdoms built another road and used it to transport. If not for this urgent message for Aspartame Realm (current Kingdom) the prince wouldn't have insisted on using this passage.

Looking up, Aziel Stalwart softly kicked his black horse's belly so it ran faster. His pointed nose straight in the direction of main city and pursed lips seemed to form a thin crack before closing shut tight. His pearl white royal robe making a contrast with shining black horse made him stand out. They were now just two kilometers away from city walls as the sun started setting down.

"Hurry up."

Domineering youth spoke for the first time throughout their journey and that too, in a Stern voice. He then kicked his horse so it galloped. All the soldiers followed his lead and started approaching the city swiftly.

Few meters away from the city walls, atmosphere around the group suddenly changed. A strong negative energy was obvious in the air while all the horses stopped in their track. All the soldiers gulped nervously while looking around them, watching the city walls hide behind a grey mist. It's like they are trapped in a room with grey walls. Everyone held their weapons consciously, trying to sense a figure when a chilly voice came from the mist.

" Visiting after so many years?

what a surprise my dears.."

The nervous group of soldiers immediately took action, forming a defense wall around the prince and holding out their weapons. Their fear wasn't bigger than their loyalty to his highness.

A low chuckle came, resounding again and giving an eerie vibe, as if the atmosphere wasn't eerie enough. All this while Aziel stood calmly, his facial expressions showing no hint of surprise or fear. However, his clever eyes seemed to be in a distress, trying to find a way out. According to his information the witch hadn't tried to come out over the course of ten years. But how come she came out when someone tried to use the path? Could it be her plan to trap people to avenge herself? He couldn't decide. His train of thought was disturbed by a resolute voice;

"Your highness! we'll protect you. Please do as we ask and try to reach the main city."

Aziel looked amazed at the loyal voice of his commander and promised himself to award them for their loyalty.

If his speculation was correct, it's the damn witch and right now protecting his people was his utmost duty. As he opened his mouth to address the invisible witch, she spoke again.

"What? wanna try me?

Do as you please"

Before any of them understood, the grey mist around them took a shape of storm, closing in on them and taking them to the air alongwith their horses. Frightful shrieks came from them as they got captured by grey Misty hands, boring into their souls, taking all their energy away. The storm was getting faster and faster by every minute, and with each passing minute, different grey Misty creatures started attacking them out of blue. they had shapes of horrible beasts and only their aura was enough to damage these feeble soldier's energy.

"Stop."

As soon as a certain command landed, the grey Storm stopped in it's track. Aziel was standing in the middle of this chaos, the only one standing intact on the land and it took him few seconds to guess the witch's intentions. His resolute features showing no fear or anger but a firm belief.

"Our worthy prince seems quite sensible." that same eerie voice spoke with a hint of smirk in the tone.

Aziel looked forward, boring his gaze on the mist before him, and said in a commanding tone again.

"Let them go and I'll follow you. I'm a Stalwart and I know how to take responsibility of my ancestor's actions. Just let the soldiers go."

" I must say; Great choice PRINCE AZIEL STALWART." an eerie chuckle sounded again before all the soldiers were dropped to the ground. the mist started engulfing Aziel as his panicked people tried to rush towards him despite their injuries.

"Go back Stalwart soldiers, and tell your WORTHY king that Death Forest's shunned witch has taken his son." That low venomous voice spoke again, laughing eerily...

"Oh! In case he forgot, announce him my name, Verena Raizel, the color eyed witch shunned by his father."

With that, grey mist disappeared along with Aziel Stalwart, leaving the horror stricken soldiers in daze in spite of the clear city walls ahead of them.