บท 35: Good Ol' Friend
Rei and Achlys set off early in the morning in the following day. They were escorted by the white wolf itself up to the front palace gate.
Rei wore his usual black robe. He mounted the royal horse, while Achlys used the plain royal cart. Around 20 guards were following them.
The travel should take about one day and one night. They bypass the day with no hindrance. Reaching the the night time, they decided to take a rest at the clearing before the forbidden forest. To ensure their safety, they planned to enter the forest early in the morning.
Rei created a camp fire in the middle of 10 tents that were set around the bonfire. They cooked some meat that was brought as supplies from the royal kitchen. The guards were talking between themselves while feasting on the delicious meat. Rei has not touch the foods. He took a glance towards Achlys who were holding her shared of soup.
"What's in your mind?" Rei asked the silent young woman.
"Why you take me along, Master?"
"Because you are well versed about herbs."
"Why Master thought so? I cannot even differentiate between the herbs with the wild grass."
Rei shut his mouth.
"The last time we met was in your teenager self. At that time, you were around 13 years old, am I correct?"
"Yes, Master. This one cannot follow Master to the battle field, even if this one forced his Master."
'That is why I got no recollection about this young woman the first time they met.'
"Then, why did you choose to enter the kingdom?"
"Someone told me that Master was appointed to be the King's warlock. So, this one came to make sure herself."
Rei glanced at the clear moon. It's translucent radiance created shadows on the land. He sighed, enjoying the tranquil night.
However, the boisterous chatter was suddenly unheard. The surrounding became silent. The only noises came from the blowing breeze creating rustling of the trees.
"I should have guess it was you all along."
The cracking sound of dry branches being stepped on could be heard. Along the noise, a shadow appeared. The man stood some steps away from Rei who still sat with his back towards the intruder.
"Long time no see, Sedit."
Rei glanced around and saw everyone was fell unconscious on their spot. The unfinished foods were fell down onto the ground. Achlys' head dropped at Rei's shoulder.
"I am honored you still remember me, the Great Warlock." A low growl followed a fast glint of light was thrown towards Rei's back. With a swift movement, Rei carried Achlys and avoided the sudden attack. A knife nearly graced his neck.
"I could see you are still as powerful as before."
Rei put Achlys on the ground and leaned her back at the tree.
"And I could see you were as wicked as usual."
Rei stood up and faced the man.
"Have you put something on the food?"
"Just some sleeping herbs. Too bad you didn't eat them. Or else, killing you would be a child's play."
Rei guffawed.
"And here I thought you were died in the battlefield."
"I was. But then, a strong entities revived me." The man wore the same black robes. A necklace hung on his neck.
His sinister eyes casted in sorrow.
"I am a mere puppet now. I cannot refuse nor avoid their command."
Rei nodded.
"Too bad I should fight you now."
Sedit laughed.
"I hope you could defeat me. I only want to rest in peace."
He glanced towards her unconscious daughter.
"And please, keep my daughter safe. She was innocent in all of this trouble."
After saying that, Sedit launched his other knifes towards Rei. Swiftly Rei avoided the dozens dagger that was thrown towards him. He ignited black flames on both of his palms and hurled them to Sedit. However, Sedit nimbly avoided the attack. The black fire scorched every thing that came in contact with the flame.
"That's all you got?" Sedit snickered.
Rei shook his head.
More daggers were thrown towards Rei. He avoided each one of them. But, he could felt that he was in his limit. Rei focused his mind to find a useful offence spell. However, a strayed dagger headed towards the unconscious Achlys. Rei quickly put his body in front of her to keep her safe.
The dagger pierced through his shoulder blade. Trickle of blood dropped onto the ground. Rei took a deep breath and pulled the dagger out.
His breath was unstable. The wounds turned black in a minute. Rei realized that the dagger was smeared with poison.
"I think this is your end, the Great Warlock. Die in his old friend's hands would be a famous tragedy in your life story."
A wicked laugh resonated from Rei's back. Rei glanced and saw Achlys stood with her hands on his chest.
"You should keep your focus when you were in a fight. Or else, your enemy could take advantage of your useless act of kindness."
Rei shook with laughter. Achlys looked at him with malice.
"What are you laughing for?"
"Too bad I won't be the only one died in this battle."
Achlys suddenly retched a mouthful of blood.
"Don't you think I can hijacked your own food, as well? Dear Ms. Villain."
"What have you put into my food?"
"Just some poisonous oleander flowers that I've found in your chamber."
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