…
The terror of the chaos could still be felt a week after the rebels' infiltration. King Adam's frustration urged him to deploy a thousand mercenaries to look for Ely.
"Even if you burn the whole forest, I don't care!" he told the mercenaries in a loud voice.
"Wait, brother. Do not do it!" Prince Kaio said after arriving at the training grounds.
The King looked at the prince with dismay. "We all know that our enemies live in that forest, but we cannot infiltrate it because of their terrain advantage. I should have burned the whole mountain long ago and have Maro killed-"
"The Ancil Mountains are considered sacred, my King. You will anger our holy Goddess if you burn the forest."
King Adam furrowed his brows, "Look, Kaio. Ely was taken by the rebels. We do not know what they'll do next."
"Hmm, I think Ely will be safe with them. Maro's their leader, have you forgotten?"