CHAPTER 16

Hector's expression brightened, but the bookkeeper's response was restrained. "I can see you don't believe us, but please pay close attention to what I'm telling you. You must be aware of these things in order to be able to return.

"I'm taking notes." Tessa nodded, eager to put this charade behind her and move on.

Hector turned to face his wife, who nodded while removing a tiny photo from her dress pocket. It was created a few weeks ago on the occasion of Michael's ninth birthday.

Tessa snapped the photo and gave the boy a puzzled look. Although he had delicate features like his mother, his colouring—black hair, vivid blue eyes, and light skin—was exactly the same as that of her father.

Hector chimed in, "He fell through a ten days ago. We don't know what he has been doing since then, but given his intelligence, I have no doubt that he has managed to live.

"His thinking is outstanding. He will be aware of the location of the portal and be aware to remain nearby, the bookkeeper continued with assurance.

When the bookkeeper motioned for her to retain the photo, Tessa attempted to return it but instead tucked it away in her breast pocket. She experienced a brief pang of sorrow for the pair. Even though Tessa didn't get into the concept of other worlds, she did think their kid was missing.

"Keep in mind that if the portal closes after you pass through, don't panic, and note where it was. It will resurface close to that location after half a moon cycle.

"Understood." Tessa nodded in agreement, but she couldn't help but wonder how two people with such visibly impaired mental faculties could be so strong as to donate magical trees and send a messenger to the Warrior Kingdom. It just didn't feel right.

She observed the couple as they kept talking about the crossing. Although their accounts lined up, nothing was proven by this. Tessa has witnessed some grieving Greenlanders persuade themselves of some truly absurd things. In the Warrior Kingdom, death was too frequent and too expected for warriors to experience it in the same manner as other people. However, it's possible that Light Landers, like Greenlanders, did not know how to deal with death. Michael, was he already gone?

The bookkeeper asked as he observed her face, "Are you ready?"

To demonstrate that she had paid attention, Tessa repeated the details before getting up. I said, "Lead on."

Hector came closer while taking something from his belt. "Turn, please."

She was given a blindfold before being brought out of the room via two doors and down one set of stairs. The first breath of fresh air reached her face 52 steps later. They were welcomed by the smell of wet grass and fallen leaves outside, but once more they could hear nothing to suggest the presence of anyone else. How is it possible? Where was everyone because it was still daylight and possibly a few hours past noon based on the intensity of the sun's rays on her skin? She might not have actually been at the Light Castle after all.

She continued walking for another 83 steps until Hector untied her blindfold. They were in a dense forest with no trace of the structure they had just left. Tessa slowly scanned the area, noting the shadows that weren't supposed to be there. They were all four, standing still and waiting. Between two large trees, a little distance away, was a puddle of dark sludge.

Without saying a word, Hector approached her and handed her her bow, arrow, sword, and dagger.

The Book Keeper watched Tessa fasten her blade to her belt and remarked, "I hope you won't need these."

Tessa bent to tuck the knife into her boot while tossing her bow and arrow onto her back.

Hector, who now had access to her guns, cautioned, "It may not seem so, but we are armed." He definitely did not value warrior honour very highly.

Tessa exhaled. "Your wife is unarmed, but you have a sword by your side, a dagger in your left boot, and something in your right pocket." She stood up and gave the taller man a direct look after tightening the boot strings around her feet. No matter how many weapons you have with you, Light Lander, you cannot beat me. If I intended to murder you, not even the four archers you've set in the trees would be able to shoot their arrows quickly enough to stop me.

"You little..." Hector attempted to advance one more step, but the bookkeeper stopped him.

The bookkeeper said to her husband, "There is no need for threats, Hector," but her gaze was on Tessa. "A warrior's word is her bond," Lieutenant Tessa said, "and she has already agreed to try the crossing."

Hector's lips were pursed, but he nodded nevertheless. He then did something Tessa would never have imagined. "I'm sorry, Lieutenant. Not because of the blindfolds or safety measures, but because questioning your honour was inappropriate. Since Michael vanished, I have been unable to think clearly, which is hardly an excuse.

Tessa didn't say anything but gave a mute nod. She wasn't accustomed to being addressed in this way. She was also unable to comprehend the emotions the couple was experiencing. Her belief that their son was absent and that the parents genuinely thought he had entered another dimension was now crystal clear.

Hector took a thin, light bag full of tiny, white balls out of his breast pocket and gave her the remainder of them after popping one into his mouth. "Each day's worth of nutrition and medicinal herbs are all included in one ball. Take one right now; you'll need the energy.

Tessa threw one into her lips and was amazed to see that her hunger was suddenly satisfied.

The bookkeeper replied in a hurried voice, "It's time.

This was it, then. Turning to the next tree, Tessa placed her foot on the trunk and reached for the lowest, solid branch. As she fell to the ground, the large piece of wood broke free in her palm.

"I'm prepared to jump. She responded to the query inscribed on the Light Lander's faces: "But if I don't fall into another dimension, I shall count on you to pull me out.

They appeared astonished, but they nodded in agreement.

The bookkeeper begged the lieutenant, "Find our son." "Please keep him safe and return him to us. I assure you that you will be rewarded.

Bloody Diyu, yet Tessa felt awful for the woman because of her desperation.

"I'll give it my all." She pledged. She would, too. Wasn't she planning to dive into the murky liquid? She stepped to the edge of the puddle after giving Hector the far end of the branch and turned to face the elder woman. If this doesn't work, "I have your word that you will let me go when...?"

"I'll be there, Warrior. The bookkeeper was adamant: "I won't keep you here.

Tessa nodded and lifted her boot over the puddle, which she considered the best entrance. She was being observed by the Light Landers in tense silence. Tessa, just jump; let's finish this. She took a long breath before firmly grasping the branch and pushing herself off the ground. The instant the tips of her boots hit the substance, it began to suck at her clothing. Before Tessa could exhale, she was pulled down and into the darkness before she even started to go down.