A Sanctuary Found

The cave in the woodland close to Eldrador was reached by the undiscovered escape route. Following closely behind were soldiers from the united army and the royal guard Kiaren, who emerged from the cave holding the newborn prince in his arms. They ran into the thicket in search of shelter and refuge.

The troops dispersed into smaller groups to look for them when they emerged from the cave. After years of training, Kieran's sharp senses picked up activity behind them. He spun around quickly, his hand firmly holding the sword hilt, prepared for battle.

"It's finished. A confident soldier from the chasing gang proclaimed, "Neither of you will escape alive."

Kieran narrowed his eyes and fixed his steadfast gaze. "We'll see about that," he calmly shot back, his sword grip getting tighter.

Kieran and the prince were under attack from the four troops in the squad. With his blade held high, one of them pushed forward, intent on striking someone fatally. Quickly responding, Kieran used his own sword to deflect the assault and his other hand to counter with a dagger. The conflict grew more intense as the sound of steel hitting woods reverberated.

The soldier whom Kieran had injured stumbled back, gripping his stomach in agony. The other three soldiers continued, their attacks well-coordinated but not strong enough to totally penetrate Kieran's fortifications. The battle developed like a lethal dance, with every move well-planned and executed.

Kieran was able to render the three troops helpless after a fierce battle, but not before he was slightly hurt. As the last soldier fell, Kieran thought strategically and grabbed the prince in a hurry, altering his original intention.

Rather than move in the direction of Duke Gabriel Flynn, whose whereabouts were unknown due to the chaos surrounding the invasion, Kieran made the decision to head east, away from the immediate threats and toward an area marked by tribal lines.

Kieran saw a caravan parked in a clearing after traveling a good way. The caravan was made up of local peasants who had been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and shifting power structures.

The caravan leader and its occupants regarded Kieran with distrust and fascination as he slowly approached. Murmurs and questions abounded as they attempted to figure out who Kieran was and what he wanted.

The caravan leader asked, in a cautious but forceful tone, "Who are you?"

"Hello, I'm Kieran," he said, maintaining a steady tone despite his obvious signs of fatigue.

When Aria, the caravan leader's wife, saw the infant in Kieran's arms, she asked him about him. After a brief pause, Kieran revealed that the youngster was his nephew, who had been left orphaned by the conflict.

Among the caravan members, rumors and speculation abounded, casting doubt on Kieran's account. There was still suspicion, but Rowan, the caravan leader, stepped in and saw the weariness and resolve in Kieran's expression.

Rowan commanded, "Everyone, please be quiet," cutting off the muttering. "We don't know his full story, but what matters is his determination to protect his nephew."

Rowan took Kieran under his wing and gave him some food, some drink, and some more clothes. Appreciative of the break and warmth, Kieran gave a brief account of his travels and the difficulties he had encountered.

Rowan gave a brief explanation of their destination and the assistance they hoped to find as the caravan got ready to head out toward the Aethonari tribe's bounds. Kieran listened intently, appreciative of a brief escape from the tumult of battle, and felt a little pleased to be in safer company.

Meanwhile, back in Eldrador, the region was rocked by the loss of the capital city and the aftermath of King Alfred's death. The united army that had triumphed and their newly formed friends basked in their victory, oblivious to the difficulties and battles that would soon confront them.

From the Kingdom of Valtania came a breathless and nervous envoy who wanted to see Prince Felix Calanthor, who had been instrumental in the recent triumphs.

The messenger entered Prince Felix's chamber and brought urgent news from King Thrain Calanthor. While praising Prince Felix for his accomplishments, the telegram also demanded swift action because of a fresh danger posed by the Blacks at the northwest border.

Prince Felix moved quickly to gather his army as soon as the courier brought the king's urgent petition. The festivities were cut short when the prince's unflinching resolution in the face of increased responsibilities and challenges led to the start of preparations for the march towards Lykaios.