The Song Of Sword And Magic

Chapter 36: Trying to Come Up With a Solution 

[Translator — Asuka]

[Proofreader — Karane]

An idea gradually formed in Fern’s mind. He took a look at Kaya, who looked around apprehensively like a frightened deer. The sight reminded Fern of his previous ordeal, so his heart started aching.

After mustering enough courage, he said, “I have an idea…” All of them immediately turned to him as though they had found a savior. “We can’t take the risk by moving forward, so our only way out now is to go to the side.”

“The side?” Miles looked at his right. “You mean this way?”

“Yes. This way is our best bet for escaping from them.” Fern paused. “To be precise, we’ll only stand a better chance of surviving by going in this direction compared to other routes.”

Miles nodded. “I understand. No route is the safest now, so we can only take the relatively safer route.”

“Yes. So…” Fern swept a look over all the mercenaries. “Get the horses to keep moving forward to lure more Doylans away. At the same time, we’ll rush to our right. Also, I need some of you to erase our footsteps after we leave. It’s not easy to fool the Doylans, but we can buy more time by doing so.”

“That’s a great idea. Time is running out for us. Let’s get prepared now according to this plan. We’ll start marching toward our right in three minutes.” Miles ordered.

***

As all of them started getting busy, Fern found the sight familiar. He stopped Miles, who was ready to make the horses gallop off, and said, “Miles, if… I mean if…” He gulped. “If this solution can’t save all of us in the end, I hope you’ll forgive me.”

Miles clapped Fern’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. No one will blame you, for you’ve done your best.” He then nodded at him and shuffled toward his horse.

“Wait a minute!” Rae suddenly appeared behind Fern as Niss followed her.

Miles stopped in his tracks and turned to look at her. “What’s wrong, Miss?”

“Alright.” Rae crossed her arms and stared at Miles. “Since we’re on the same boat now, I think you should tell us what it is that the Doylans want from you.”

Miles flashed a smile at her. “You’re right. I shouldn’t hide it from you anymore. In fact, our goal isn’t to hunt down the Dark Tide.” He shifted his attention to Mr. Hunter. “The item is being kept by Mr. Hunter now. Our task is to pass it to the king of Doyle personally.”

“What is it that makes all of you willing to take such a risk?” Rae questioned.

Having a doubt in his mind, Stan took a step forward. “Since this item is for the king of Doyle, then why is Diaz trying to snatch it from you?”

Miles shot a glance at Rae and Stan before shifting his attention to the mercenaries, who were trying to make the horses charge forward. “Do you know why we could defeat fiends and zombies easily without losing anyone on our side? It’s because… we have the Sacred Hallow with us. It’s a magical item that can deter the Dark Tide.”

Rae and Niss traded glances, finally knowing the reason behind it. On the other hand, Stan wanted to ask his question again as Miles didn’t answer him. 

Miles waved his hand at him to motion for him to be patient. “Diaz is trying to snatch it from us because they don’t want anyone in Wallis to know that Doyle is only able to defeat the Dark Tide with the help of the Sacred Hallow.”

Stan’s face twitched when he heard that. “You mean they want to seize the Sacred Hallow secretly and tell the entire continent that they’re able to destroy the Dark Tide with their own power?”

Miles heaved a sigh. “Yes. That’s the only explanation now. It’s the best way to build their reputation on the continent.” He shook his head. “We’ve been framed the moment we accepted the offer. We’ve stepped into the trap unknowingly.”

In disbelief, Stan fell on his bottom. It’s just like what I heard in the castle… He recalled the conversation between the king and the mysterious woman.

***

Rae approached Miles and looked into his eyes. “Who gave you the Sacred Hallow?”

“They’re two old magicians—one man and one woman,” Miles replied. “They were clad in white cloaks with flower embroidery on the hem. That’s what stands out about them. Anyway, they didn’t look like evil people…” He sighed. 

“White cloaks?” Rae shifted her attention to Niss. “Only the Great Sages of the Magician’s Tower have the right to wear white cloaks, right?”

Niss nodded without uttering a word.

“Alright. We’re running out of time. Excuse me.” Miles bowed his head at them slightly and turned to leave. 

“It’s getting more interesting now. White cloaks… Do the Great Sages have something to do with this matter?” Rae rested her chin on her right palm and fell into her thoughts. 

With a livid expression, Niss glanced at Rae. In her heart, there was no way the Great Sages would do anything evil, for they were the most upstanding archmages whose responsibility was to protect Wallis.

Fern and his companions were occupied by their own worries and never chatted with each other. Just then, Kaya approached them and called out, “Fern.”

Hearing that, Fern raised his head in shock. “K-Kaya.” Seeing that, his companions left the place tactfully.

Kaya grunted and stared at him. Her soft-looking eyes seemed to have the power of melting Fern inside them. “Fern, I don’t know why it is, but I find you really familiar. I think we’ve met before, so…” She bit her lip. “I just want to let you know about this when we’re still safe. I know this sounds ridiculous—”

“I-It’s not ridiculous!” Fern interrupted her. “Thanks, Kaya.” After taking a look at his right hand, he reached out to her. “Kaya, can you give me your hand?”

After a serious nod, Kaya extended her right hand and rested it on Fern’s palm. Fern held her hand and closed his eyes as he felt the love in the air. At that moment, it seemed that they were the only ones left on earth. The real Kaya was dead, and he could only meet his lover again in this world.

***

“They’re coming!” Mr. Hunter suddenly warned. Just then, he extended his left hand, whereupon a falcon stopped on his arm. “They’ve just entered this forest!”

As everyone looked back at the road anxiously, Miles ordered, “All of you, charge toward your right-hand side until you leave the forest. Don’t stop and keep running until you see the first town.” He then turned to Mr. Hunter. “You’ll lead some people to erase our footsteps and follow us later.”

Mr. Hunter nodded and led some mercenaries to rub out the footsteps on the ground. Meanwhile, the other mercenaries dashed toward the right-hand side at full speed.

When Fern opened his eyes, he realized that Kaya was still staring attentively at him. “Run. Trust me. All of us can leave this place safely!” Upon finishing his words, he released her and stared at her in a steadfast manner.

Despite being unwilling to part with Fern, Kaya gave him one last glance and turned to follow the other mercenaries.

“We should get going as well, Fern,” Rae reminded.

“Let’s go. All of you, stick together and follow me,” Fern said to his companions. 

***

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