บท 21: The Mermaid Chase (5)
Huff, Huff, Huff.
In the deep night forest, where I ran for my life, my heavy breathing took the silence of the night, along with the fast footsteps chasing me. I couldn't think straight. The fear of being caught controlled me. All I could do was run to where my feet lead me.
"Why are you running from me?" yelled one of the men chasing me. "I'm no stranger. It's me! the meat vendor at the festival, remember? So, come with me. I'll buy you delicious treats."
I didn't dare to look back. But from what that man said, I think I know who he was. The Mister who sold the meat to me and grabbed my hand when I went to Max. That man at the capital and the human chasing me right now is the same. With the fear that intensified within me, I ran as fast as I could even though my feet hurt from running, and the cold sweat kept dripping down my face. Running was all I could do to escape this nightmare.
Thwack!
My shoes hit the rock, causing me to stumble on the ground. My knees were bleeding from the fall. Though it hurts and tired from continuously running, I get up on my knees. I removed the shoes on my feet because they were already broken. It will only hinder me from escaping.
Sniff, sniff, this is nothing. I should continue to run. Papa is waiting for me at home. So, I must survive, or else Papa will be sad and left alone.
I hid in a bush as my legs gave up on running miles. The heavy footsteps of the men approaching filled the atmosphere. I could hear my uneasy breath and the thumping of my heart.
The tension filled the air as I heard the man speak.
"Search for the child!"
"Don't let her escape! Or else we are all dead."
The group of men quickly searched for me. They're carrying a lamp that shines brightly in the woods. Even in the night, I could see their greedy eyes. Eyes that will swallow me whole if ever they catch me. I am afraid. I want to cry but I can't. Even the slightest hint of presence, surely, they will notice. In front of these greedy humans, I will be dead. I hope Papa is with me right now. When will this nightmare end? Is there an end? I looked at the night sky and saw the moon. What an unlucky child I am. It is a full moon.
Like a magical scenario in a fairytale, the legs of the child transform into a beautiful tail.
Indeed, it is beautiful.
Enchanting.
Truly mystical.
As I look up, I know what awaits me.
The greedy eyes.
***
It was still dark, and the Imperial Palace was unusually busy preparing to charge the Square Theater where the slaves auction will take place. Knights were dressed in casual mercenary attire to conceal their identity when the auction started. Though they tried to be more like a citizen, they couldn't hide their powerful aura. While getting ready, the Sun of the Empire, Emperor Callis, arrived in a noble suit together with Sir Helden dressed as his aide. Unlike the Imperial guards, Emperor Callis and Sir Helden would be inside the theater to act as bidder.
"Greetings to the Sun of the Empire, Your Majesty Ian Callis!" All the knights lowered their heads as they greeted the emperor.
"Lift your head," ordered Emperor Callis. "The auction will start at 3: 30 in the early morning. You will be stationed outside the Square Theater and wait there for our signal. If you notice something unusual, report it to me."
"Yes, Your Majesty," they said in chorus.
"Then, let's g—"
"I'll come with you. I can't miss the fun," said Ethan, hiding from the dark corner of the building. He was listening from the start and found it interesting, so he decided to tag along.
Emperor Callis knew that the first Prince wouldn't change his mind. He was hard-headed like him and thinking that made his head hurt. "Sigh, Okay," Emperor Callis said. "Let's go to the Square Theater to catch the rats."
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