Chapter 30

The group sped towards the end of the hall, scooting and side-stepping counters with endless plates of food.

Eventually they made it, ready to open the door to the corridor.

They eventually met with the guards, which the Heathers expected of knights with big swords with tips that were sharper than machetes.

But they came across two men in suits which had guns strapped on their belts.

"Are you guys the Heathers?" one of them in a Russian accent asked.

"Yes—yes we are," Caville answered quickly. The man nodded, and disclosed the pathway to the king's hall.

They all nodded—except Xavier—who gave them formidable guises.

They opened the door, opening up to a hall with designs of dragon scales that led all the way up to the throne.

The king had a cap on his head with a large robe and boots and a gold staff carved as a snake.

"So, are these the famous Heathers," he said with a broad laugh.

"Yes, sire," one of his butlers said. Then, the king stood up from his throne and proceeded towards the Heathers.

"Welcome to my kingdom of Hemor, and—you must be the great Asiris."

"Yes," Asiris said with a smile that quickly faded away. "We have a request for you." "Okay, please join me in my dining room." They were served tea and cinnamon rolls, which the kids liked—but not Caville.

"So, what was your request?" the king asked, sipping his tea.

"We are on a mission to find the Heather Eye to defeat the Ikes."

"Oh yes, the general told me," he said. "And you wanted some help?"

"Yes, your majesty."

Suddenly, the king gave a sigh and scratched his head.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not sure that'll be achievable."

"Excuse me?" Asiris hissed, with widened eyes of disbelief.

"You see, my kingdom has had peace for over two-hundred years. Each king was able to rule in peace and growth. We are not ready for war." Then, Asiris argued, "But, there will be a war whether we like it or not, the Ikes want to kill us off, and they will do whatever it takes just for that to happen."

"I'm sorry, but my answer is final," he said, quickly getting up from his seat.

Asiris followed his exact movements, making the king analyze that he had something else important to say.

"You know, we saw a camp of Ikes just sitting behind your walls."

The king's eyes widened bigger than Asiris's as he got closer to him.

"How did you guys know?" he rasped. "Because at the top of the hill, we saw thousands of Ikes camping. And we had a good view."

The king put his hand on his head in surprise, worry and fear.

"Now, if we help you and win the battle. You will agree to help us in this war, the war that puts all mankind at risk."

Slowly, the king looked at Asiris, then gave his answer.

"Fine, just get these Ikes off my palace!"

"Yes, your majesty."

Ultimately, the Heathers got up from their seats and walked towards the door until they were suddenly stopped.

"Wait—Asiris."

"Yes?"

"Help General Visch command the army."

"I will."

When they left, Caville immediately asked, "Um, when do you think they're going to attack?"

"In midnight, it's usually when the people sleep, then they can attack and take down the city," Asiris said, using his experience.

He came across the two men again, except this time it was a lot more urgent.

"Go tell General Visch to prepare for battle," he said.

The guards immediately ran towards the right, making their way to the general.

They rushed towards many doors, to which they found the general.

"Hello, General Visch; Asiris said to prepare for war."

The group quickly got out of the party, while they went outside as Asiris tried finding Jack.

He rushed towards the dining area, seeing Jack chatting with some new-found friends.

"Hey, Jack!" he called, quickly getting his attention. "We need someone to take us back to our house!"

Forthwith, he sped out of his seat, rushing through the crowd as they proceeded towards the limo. Eventually they made it to the car, and Jack barged in and turned on the car.

"Why are you rushing so much?" Caville asked. Jack scoffed.

"Asiris told me about the news, so you guys need to get your gear. I'll meet you guys on the battlefield."

Everyone heard the order and waited to quickly leap out of the car and head to the house.

The limo went faster than before, thinking regardless about the traffic that was in front of it.

They made it to the hill much faster than they left, and immediately the heathers rushed out of the car.

"Come on, let's go!" Asiris said, as the rest ran.

"Time for war!" Xavier excitedly shouted as they closed the door.

Everyone rushed to their rooms, changing their clothes, putting on their armor, and stationing their swords in their belts.

Micah quickly went to the mirror, practicing stances and swift movements.

Peter performed quick chops on the wall, fastly kicking and side-stepping, disturbing the others of their preparation.

Soon enough, the group finished their duties and quickly went downstairs. "So, who's going to drive us?" Vienne asked. "I will—just get in the car!" he shouted, startling the group. They quickly went out the door, whereas Asiris stayed inside panicking.

Then the feelings started to move towards Caville, which she walked over to Asiris.

"It's okay, we'll win this battle," she said, hoping she was comforting him, which she barely was. "Trust me."

She left him due to the sudden challenge he gave, which she decided to abandon the idea.

After a moment, he looked out the window—staring at the heathers that sat in that car, ready to go into battle.

Was he the only one worried?

The thoughts ran through his mind, which he tried strenuously.

But, it didn't seem to work in some way, somehow. As an act of retirement, he shouted and stormed into the car.

The group could infer quite quickly that he was stressed, although he was commanding the army.

After he pushed the pedal, he slowly proclaimed something to the group, hoping to lift their spirits.

"Okay, listen. Whatever happens there, just remember—you guys are warriors. Even if we lose this battle, you guys are still heroes. Okay?"

They nodded as they produced silent tears from their eyes, which even Asiris tried to hold back.

He was successful, but he was still bawling in his heart. This was going to be the first battle that would decide the turn of the war.