For a moment, there was only silence. The surrounding woods seemed frozen, as if the world itself were holding its breath. Then, there was a faint rustling among the trees—barely audible movement, yet all around them. Keal slowly raised his hand, scanning the dense greenery. Whoever surrounded them knew exactly what they were doing.
Yet, no one was in sight.
"We don't want trouble!" Keal called into the forest. "We're just passing through!"
Instead of an answer, the same deep voice echoed back—firm and unyielding:
"Surrender your weapons!"
At that instant, the old woman stepped forward, her voice clear and powerful: "I am Jarul's mother! These men protected us—they are peaceful! Bring my son here, immediately!"
Torgul glanced at Unutay in surprise. That meek, hunched woman now stood resolute—and it startled him.
Moments later, a figure crashed through the undergrowth—a broad-shouldered man with a sword at his side.
"Mother?" he asked hesitantly.
But the old woman remained unflinching, her words sharp as a blade:
"Jarul! Is that how one greets people who have protected your mother and risked their lives for us?"
The resistance fighters emerging from the woods looked on in confusion. The old lady—just moments ago fragile—now roared with authority.
Jarul bowed his head.
"I'm sorry… I didn't know… I didn't recognize you…"
"How could you not recognize your own mother?!" she scolded, hands on her hips.
More fighters stepped out from the trees—some disarmed, others watching the newcomers suspiciously.
"Are we just going to stand around here?" the woman demanded. "We're tired, hungry, and need rest."
Startled, Jarul straightened.
"Of course. Follow me—there's food, water, and beds in the camp."
No one from Keal's group spoke. Their respect—or perhaps their fear—was palpable as they silently followed Jarul under the canopy.
As they walked, murmurs broke out among the fighters behind them:
"Who are these people?" "Have you ever seen beings like them?" "Such creatures don't pass through our woods…"
Their curious, cautious gazes followed Keal, Torgul, Mika, and the others.
The old woman halted and turned sharply.
"Have you no manners? They are our guests! Without them I might not be here today—show some respect!"
The fighters fell silent, offering only respectful nods.
Within minutes, they reached the hidden resistance camp—a cluster of huts nestled within the forest, blending seamlessly into the trees. Children played along winding paths but froze in awe at the sight of their unexpected visitors.
Jarul turned back.
"Come with me. First, you'll rest in my home and eat. Then we talk."
Keal nodded. They followed Jarul into a simple but tidy hut.
"Sit down," Jarul invited. "Make yourselves at home."
Just then, two little girls burst through a door.
"Grandma! Grandma!" they squealed, launching themselves into the old woman's arms.
In that moment, the fierce protector transformed into a fragile grandmother, tears streaming as she hugged her grandchildren close.
Kiro leaned toward Mika.
"I think she can shapeshift more than you can," he whispered.
Elandra gave him a playful nudge and couldn't resist a smile.
Keal stepped forward.
"Jarul, thank you for welcoming us so warmly. We'll be on our way early tomorrow—our journey goes on."
Jarul frowned thoughtfully.
"Where are you headed? I've never met beings like you."
Keal met his gaze.
"We come from another world. We came here to find someone—but he's not here. So we must continue."
Jarul nodded slowly.
"Stay as long as you wish. You've protected my mother and our village. How can I ever thank you?"
Keal shook his head faintly.
"You needn't do anything. A meal and a place to rest is more than enough."
He turned to Nerion.
"Is the crystal ready by morning?"
Nerion gave a quiet nod.
They settled down to rest, though Mika remained awake the longest. She had never known a family; no one should ever be left alone. The little girl weighed heavily on her heart.
As night blanketed the camp in silence, Mika slipped out of her tent and wandered through the village. At its edge, she found the small girl staring into the dark woods.
Beside her, Mika crouched.
"Why aren't you sleeping?"
"I don't know if my father is alive," the girl whispered. "I don't even know where he is or if he's safe. I miss him so much—he told me a story every night."
Mika felt her throat tighten. A tear rolled down her cheek. Tentatively, she asked, "Do you know where he is being held?"
The girl nodded sadly.
"All the prisoners are being kept in Taskura."
"What's Taskura?"
"A place where they make people work. They mine precious stones—for the king."
"Do you know how to get there?"
"Yes… from our old village you can see a mountain with two hills side by side. If you take the valley between them, you'll find it—right in front of the king's grand castle."
Mika paused in thought.
"I think I've seen that mountain…"
Turning to the girl, she asked, "What does your father look like?"
"He's tall, strong—and the handsomest daddy in the world," she answered, her eyes shining.
Mika managed a sad smile.
"How do you expect me to find him?"
"With your big eyes!" the girl said with determination. "You turn into a big creature—a bird maybe? Then we fly. I'll show you the place—and then we fly back."
Mika hesitated, then whispered, "You'll do exactly what I say. No words, no detours. Agreed?"
The girl nodded firmly.
Moments later, they slipped through the sleeping village. Out of sight, Mika transformed into a massive eagle. Lowering herself, the girl climbed onto her back.
With powerful strokes, Mika ascended into the night sky, heading toward the old village—and into a night that could change everything.
Meanwhile, Keal tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Mika's sorrow weighed on him. His "no" had been too harsh—too stubborn. If there had been even the slightest chance, he'd have rescued the girl's father himself. Yet the mission was paramount.
Maybe it was time to say that out loud.
Quietly, he exited his tent and walked to where Mika should have been sleeping—only to see empty ground. He scanned the camp, concern mounting.
Turning to Elandra, he whispered urgently, "Where's Mika?"
Elandra rubbed her eyes, alarm crossing her face.
"She was just here…"
One by one, the others awoke. Kiro looked groggy.
"What's wrong?"
"Mika's gone," Keal replied sharply.
"She's just stepped outside for fresh air," Kiro muttered, still half-asleep.
Unutay stood up.
"I'll find her."
Torgul rose too.
"I'm coming."
At that moment, the old woman rushed over, panic in her voice.
"My daughter! She's gone too! I can't find her!"
Jarul joined them, concern etched on his face.
"Where did you last see her?"
"In front of the hut… with one of you."
Keal stiffened—he knew.
"Mika… you didn't go alone?"
Turning to the others, he commanded, "Get ready. We're leaving—now."
"Where to?" Jarul asked urgently.
"To Taskura. She's likely gone with the girl to rescue her father."
Jarul swallowed hard.
"That's madness. Taskura's a fortress with hundreds of soldiers. No one gets in."
Keal met his gaze with resolve.
"It's too late for caution. We have to go. How do we get there fast?"
Jarul studied them, realizing the gravity. He exhaled.
"I'll bring the Jackers."
"Jackers?" Torgul asked warily.
"Beasts that can carry us—fast and far. They know the path."
Jarul nodded to one of his men.
"Seven Jackers—now."
The soldier grimaced.
"Seven? Why?"
"Because I'm coming too."
Silence fell as everyone processed this.
"You're joining us?" the soldier whispered.
"Yes. I owe them that."
Shortly after, seven Jackers arrived—massive reptilian creatures with shingled skin and strong limbs, saddled and ready. Keal recognized them—the same beast riders they'd fought earlier.
Torgul crossed his arms.
"I'm not riding that thing."
Kiro grinned.
"Then stay here. This thing'll collapse under you anyway."
Torgul growled.
Elandra rolled her eyes.
Keal nudged forward, commanding.
"We have no time for hesitation. We're retrieving Mika—or we lose everything."