Aerthys

4 hours ago

The castle's labyrinthine corridors felt like the jaws of a beast ready to snap shut. Thorn moved with the stealth of a predator, his eyes scanning every corner, every shadow for signs of movement. Behind him, Prince Arin's breath was ragged, each inhalation a risk of discovery in the silent halls.

"Move like a ghost," Thorn whispered, his voice barely a vibration in the air. They slipped into a servant's passage, so narrow that the walls seemed to close in on them. The air was thick with dust, the silence so profound it was almost suffocating.

They popped out into a forgotten courtyard, where the moon barely dared to shine. Thorn paused, his hand signaling Arin to be as still as stone. The slightest sound could betray them. After what felt like an eternity, he whispered, "This way," guiding Arin to an ancient gate, its hinges groaning like a warning siren as they forced it open.

Outside, the city was a canvas of darkness and deceit. Thorn's steps were whispers on the cobblestones, but Arin's were less practiced, each footfall a potential echo of their escape. They navigated through alleys where the smell of refuse mingled with the evening's chill, every shadow a potential guard.

As they neared the market, the tension ratcheted up. The clamor of the day had subsided, but now the quiet was a double-edged sword—easier to hear, easier to be heard. Thorn suddenly pushed Arin into the dark recess of a doorway, his body tense against him as the heavy tread of guards approached.

The patrol was close, too close, their voices discussing the night's watch. Every word was a knife, every laugh a threat. Thorn's grip on Arin tightened, his eyes locked on the guards, waiting for the moment to breathe again. When they finally passed, Thorn's whisper was urgent, "Run."

They sprinted towards a decrepit section of the city wall, where a gate, hidden by time and neglect, awaited. Thorn worked the lock with trembling fingers, the metal cold and unyielding. The gate shrieked in protest as it opened, the sound slicing through the night like a beacon of their location.

Stepping outside the city walls, the air was sharp, the darkness a cloak they desperately needed. But even now, the freedom was tainted with fear. Thorn's whisper was a mix of exhilaration and dread, "We're not safe yet."

Unknown to them, Orion had been a shadow among shadows, his presence felt more than seen. His eyes, cold with calculation, watched their silhouettes blend into the night. The tension was palpable; their escape was known, and the game of cat and mouse had only begun.

Back in the present

Thorn and Arin ran fast through the streets of Ignisia, chased by Thane and his mean friends. They reached a dead-end alley with a big wall. The boys were close behind.

Thorn saw some old pipes going over the wall. "We can climb these!" he said.

Arin, not good at climbing, followed. They got to the top just as Thane and his group got there. One of Thane's friends threw a bottle with fire stuff in it. It broke on the pipes, making a big fire.

Arin almost fell but Thorn caught him. They looked back and saw the fire spreading. Then, one of the burning pipes fell, hitting Thane's leg and trapping him. The fire was getting closer to Thane.

Arin, even though Thane was mean to them, couldn't leave him there. "We have to help him," he said to Thorn.

Thorn nodded, and they both quickly climbed back down. The heat was intense, and the flames were licking at Thane's clothes.

Arin, with bravery he didn't know he had, grabbed a piece of cloth from the ground, dipping it in a nearby puddle to make it wet. He handed one end to Thorn, and they used it like a rope to try to drag Thane away from the fire.

Thane was in pain, yelling for help, his eyes wide with fear. Thorn and Arin, together, pulled with all their might, the heat scorching their faces. They managed to drag Thane just far enough away from the worst of the flames, but not before some of the fire caught on Arin's sleeve.

Thorn quickly patted out the flames on Arin's arm while Arin checked on Thane. They managed to move the pipe off Thane's leg, but he was hurt and in shock.

Thane looked at Arin and Thorn, his face showing he was both scared and grateful. Arin knew that they had all just been in a life-or-death situation together.

Thorn, seeing the change in Thane's eyes, knew this wasn't the end of their story. This scary moment would change how they felt about each other, but it would take time.

As they helped Thane limp away from the alley, back towards safety, Arin felt a bond forming, one born out of danger and mutual rescue. They weren't friends yet, but they had all risked their lives for each other today, and that was a start.

Thorn escorted Arin home both full of burns on their bodies but not fatal. "That was fun.." says Arin

Thorn:This is the life i live everyday, Most of the time i just come to the castle to watch flowers and rest.

Thorn takes the path that he usually takes to reach the flower garden while not noticed by guards. And so on they both go their separate ways after a day of adventure.

Orion: My king it seems the prince has returned safely (Reporting back to the king on the thrown)

 Current ruler of Ignisia

King David the third, 50 years in age

Even though his old he loves hunting and traveling

The food he eat must be spicy,

He has a reputation for his great leadership and peace treaty.

He has never lost a battle in all his fights

King David: Let him have his fun , to become a great king you must know your people. Orion i have a question

Orion: yes my king

King David: That boy he was with, is he the same boy who sneaks to the flower garden?

Orion: Yes he is your highness.

King David: Lend him an entrance card , The prince needs a friend , I cant trust the child but the prince might learn a few things from him, I believe his last name is Hosi right?

Orion: yes your highness, the child currently lives alone , struggling to survive he always looks happy...and thats thanks to your people sir , They take care of him .

King David: Yes. That is all

Orion: Thank you my king.

Orion turns around to walk away " Ooh one more thing Orion" the king speaks to Orion.

Orion: yes your highness.

King David: That child has been found , The Verdani child ...You are to retrieve him Zowe as soon as possible. I trust you will not fail .

Orion:Yes your highness

Orion walks away after making a salute