章節 22: RESCUE (1)

They arrived at the island. The no-mages welcomed Denaire on her return but were shaken by the sight of a bloodied Emong.

Head Councilor Dranx helped Denaire down her Pegasus and commenced another meeting.

Emong was part of the meeting now, after he was cleaned and made to wear clean clothes. His wounds were then bandaged and cleaned.

Head Councilor Dranx addressed the congregation. "Councilor Denaire has arrived bringing news of the mainland. Please listen, we'll have to decide what we have to do next."

Denaire stood up and recalled what she saw in Oniro. "There was nothing there. All of it was in ruins."

There was a collective gasp from the crowd. Granny spoke up, "You mean to say we were too late for a rescue?"

Denaire didn't reply, but said what her spies said. "We detected that our people are still alive, only, they are in hiding. We have to find them and give aid. Also, Exoshan fire archers were seen at the south marching to the west albeit, marching to attack Perifaenia in a couple of days."

"Oh no!"

"We have to do something."

Emong, who was silent, spoke up. "We have to prevent them from conquering Perifaenia. If they do succeed, they would be unstoppable, and we can't take back our lands. Perifaenia has been very good in unveiling illusions. It's only a matter of time before Exosha uses that and find us here on this island."

"Not only that," Head Councilor Dranx. "This period of time, volcanoes all over Aenario would be dormant. It's our only chance of defeating them and to reunite with our loved ones in Oniro. We just have to think things through."

"I still think we have to rescue our comrades first," Granny argued. "We can't march against Exoshan forces just by us. Exosha has experienced no-mages fighting against them; so naturally, they may have discovered ways to counter our powers. What we need to do is fight stealthily."

"In short," Emong added. "We need Assassins."

"Precisely."

Head Councilor Dranx then said, "Then, operation 'Rescue Oniro' should be in order."

***

At the break of dawn, the no-mages were sent to the mission. Denaire led the search party; Emong and his team were the diversionary team where if the search party was caught, they would provide a diversion to execute the plan; and Head Councilor Dranx were to lead the look-out team to ensure that no Exoshan shall stray on the path of the search party. The look-outs were stationed at every four directions, most of them concentrated on the south and north side where Exoshan armies could possibly emerge.

Denaire provided them with tiny communication balls to see what happens in each team. "Remember," she said. "Tell the ball of whoever you want to see. A floating image will be visible right after and you will see what the other team could see. Use it wisely. It could only be used three times."

Denaire clutched the tiny ball in her hand. She dispatched her spy animals ahead of time. Kiki and Deedee were to help the look-out team and Ruru will help the diversionary team. The rest of them were with her in the search party.

"Squeaky," she whispered. "Where did you feel that pulse of life?"

"Near the old crafting school master."

The old crafting school? It could be, she thought. There were many underground passages there. Maybe they found a place to hide among those passages.

"Okay Squeaky, lead the way."

Denaire and her team followed Squeaky silently; eyes darting from the front to their surroundings. Even if the diversionary team were following them close by, they should be very vigilant of ambush attacks.

When they reached near the school, Squeaky looked at his master. "Master, I don't know the way towards the underground. Magic is surrounding the whole place."

Denaire nodded for she knew the way. And only Amon and she knew its secret. "We'll take the backdoor. We have to be sure this isn't a trap. Follow me."

They went at the back of a building, the stone carving building. She clapped twice hope filling her to see her favorite pet; and there came bounding the stone lion, Raj.

"Raj! My boy! Very good!"

Raj, miraculously survived the attack. His body was still intact and there were no apparent damage.

"Raj," Denaire asked while rubbing his back. "Do you know where the people of Oniro went to hide?"

"Yes, master. Follow me."

Raj led them to a series of turns down an old, slimy staircase. Then they passed by ancient creepy crypts and looted treasure troves.

At long last, they reached a huge stone door with an ancient lion head as a door knocker. Raj prodded Denaire to knock. She swallowed and took the door knocker and tapped it on the door.

They waited and waited until the hinges of the door squeaked from lack of use and the door finally opened.

Samarra was standing behind the door.

"Denaire!"

Denaire couldn't believe it. Her feet took her to where Samarra was standing. She held the lady's face and cried. "Oh gods. Thank the gods you're safe. Quick, tell me where the others are. We'll take you away from here."

Samarra smiled, her tears of joy freely flowing down. Her head bobbed up and down as if nodding to everything Denaire had said.

Denaire shook Samarra. "Hey Samarra! Samarra! Do you hear me?"

It was then that Samarra focused her face on Denaire. "Oh Denaire. You don't know how happy I am to see you." The Lady hugged Denaire and cried and cried.

"Hey it's alright. I'm here. Where are the others?"

Samarra broke from the hug. "Yes. I'll lead you to them."

But before they could proceed towards the inner chambers, a distress signal was being sent to her communication ball.

She took it out from her pocket and an image of a dead Exoshan soldier flew right in front of her eyes.