Chapter 502 Departure From The Merland
"Y-you…" Havelok and Marina were also equally startled to see that Kayden also possessed one of the rings.
He briefly explained that this was one of the reasons why he needed to infiltrate the Holy Island. Because he needed to find all three rings which contained the hope for the Asani clan.
"I get it now… I get it now… It must be the Guardians and the heavens allowing the two of you to embark on this important journey…" Havelok trembled as he expressed his understanding and bewilderment at the discovery that he found.
"They must have orchestrated this very moment to happen in order to also express their agreement with your opinion," Marina commented as her expression was also equally bewildered.
In the end, the old couple looked at each other and nodded, seemingly deciding about something.
After some time they finished their conversation and let Eli and Kayden go.
That night, the couple called their older son, Nalu, and a select few from their best warriors.
They all gathered at King Havelok's hall and waited for him to disseminate his orders. Having been summoned so suddenly they thought that there was something urgent that needed their attention so they all waited in all seriousness and quietly.
"Good evening my greatest and most trusted warriors." King Havelok entered the hall alongside Queen Marina and they greeted the warriors with a solemn expressions.
"Good Evening Your Royal Highness, King, and Queen!" Prince Nalu led the warriors into replying to his parent's greeting.
"En… at ease… I have called you here to announce something very important. As you all know, I have already segregated a huge part of our troops to go to the Seirende Continent and help them face the curse users who want to steal the peace of our dear Prasinos.
Now, you have also known the two individuals whom our Protector has ordained to protect, Lady Eli and the young one Little Han…."
Havelok's gaze surveyed the crowd to see the nodding expressions of the people, signifying their understanding of the matter.
"Just now, we have known that the Great Doctor Kayden who was the true person behind the identity of the doctor who created the cure potion and Lady Eli herself, will embark on a journey to infiltrate the Holy Island and investigate their highest possible connection to the curse users!"
Once King Havelok announced this, the crowd burst into a passionate discussion.
Some of them were shocked to know that two of the most scholarly known people in this age would be brave enough to become a spy inside the main temple.
They discussed how worried they were and how unbelievable it is to know that these two people were so crazy to even be on a suicide mission.
"I know… we have tried convincing them otherwise as well… but there was compelling information that was given to us that made us fully support their endeavor.
This is connected to the results of the spy activities we have done around the island.
We have found significant and irrefutable clues that the Holy Island is up to something, and as the territory nearest to the Holy Island after the Vanderford, we are in a dangerous situation should the evil start to spread.
They may not reach our territory, but they might not let us see the sunshine again…"
Havelok explained, he told them what was only necessary and no longer dived into the details.
But it was enough to also change the perspective of the warriors in the room. Now, their eyes were ridden with the fervent desire to take part in protecting their land, by the way of helping Eli and Kayden in their mission.
"I assume you know have figured out what I need you all to do…" Havelok finally smiled and looked at them with an approving nod.
"Father, we are willing to help in any way we can!" Prince Nalu put his hand on top of his heart signaling his utmost sincerity from the words he just said.
"Our King! We are also willing!"
"Good! Good!" Marina was also relieved to see the warriors and even her son willing to brave the dangers to help Eli.
It was not that they did not cherish their only male offspring, but even Emperor Valentin was willing to send all of his sons straight to endure the trap just to buy time for the other troops to organize.
Why can't they do that for their land's peace?
While being a royal, or a person in power seemed all glamor and glory, it comes with a very heavy responsibility.
That is to put the well-being of your subjects first before yourself.
Because what is a kingdom without a land?
What is a crown when you have nothing to rule?
Havelok and Marina knew that Prince Nalu understood their intentions well, with the burning gaze in his eyes, they knew that their son was also willing to sacrifice.
"Now… not all of you will accompany Lady Eli and Great Doctor Kayden to the Holy Island, neither will I require you to join them in infiltrating the vicinity yourselves.
A third of you shall be joining the Forgeworns to protect Little Han as he goes to the Dragon Clan, the rest will go and hover on the Holy Island to stand by and help Lady Eli and Great Doctor Kayden should their lives be in danger.
You are to get them out of the vicinity once danger comes, and run back to the territory with them as fast as you can. Then we will regroup and think of a way to deal with the enemy." Havelok instructed.
"I will also send the leaders of the other domain races to extend their help. We must not let the two go through the danger alone." He continued.
He knew that once he told this to the elders, they would also send a few strong people to protect Eli and Kayden, but he did not believe that the enemy was that easy to trick. So he did not forget to advise the men to escape upon sight of inevitable danger when it comes.
He believes that as long as they are alive, there will be chances to plan and prepare again. There is no need to force everything during the first try, it is also an honorable tactic to retreat.
"We heed your orders, Your Royal Highness!" The warriors and Prince Nalu all saluted, recognizing their King's orders.
Just like that the warriors were already sent out to prepare for their journey, the next day the old couple talked with Eli and Kayden once again to explain their decision.
Eli and Kayden did not refuse their goodwill and could only thank them sincerely.
Just like that, three days passed. Eli, the Forgeworns, and the warriors now embarked on the journey to go to the Greenwave mainland, specifically to the Dragon territory in the northernmost part of the continent.
Since it was also the northernmost part of the land, the dragon territory is also called the Prasinon's Deadend, meaning beyond their territory, there was no more, only a void space of the oceans.
"Take care on your way, also do not hesitate to contact us once you are in trouble. Do not worry about Little Han, the Chief of the Dragon clan will take care of them." Marina and Havelok looked at Eli and held her hand.
Marina took a communication stone in her hand and handed it over to Eli, signaling her to put the stones on one of the vacant gem holders of her bracelet.
"I will, Your Highness King and Queen, my heart could not express my sincere gratefulness for your hospitality and support. I really thank you." Eli answered, her hand trembling as she looked at the affectionate gaze of the couple.
"It's our responsibility as elders… we could only do this much when you two were doing such a dangerous task," Havelok replied.
After bidding farewell the Forgeworns boarded their bubble carriage and went off, all of the merfolks waved their hands to them as if also saying their goodbyes.
"Prasinon's Deadend… here we come," Eli thought as she gazed at the Merland which was already becoming small and invisible in her vision.
–
Meanwhile, on the Desolate Wastelands, the armies of the first and second troops have already reached their new rendezvous point.
The lieutenants of each camp greeted each other and immediately asked their troops to set up a new camp and survey the territory. After all, they have to find a good place to trap the Seirende Army in.
"The third army is not around yet? I suppose we should be hearing from here this time already… Did he send something on your end?" As they were observing all the work, the Lieutenant of the first army asked this fellow Lieutenant.
The second Lieutenant frowned and answered, "I haven't received any, it has been three days since he answered that he will pack up and move with his troops… but he had not sent any more till now."
"Do you think something happened to the third army?" The first one asked.
"I am worried however, after thinking, I doubt anything would happen, after all, it would be impossible for the enemy to intercept when we are stationed at the entrance of the wastelands all this time."
The first Lieutenant paused and pondered for a while. After thinking, he also agreed that the second Lieutenant's words make sense and so he shrugged and replied,
"Well maybe he was too anxious to keep up with us and had already forgotten to respond. Let's give him some time then."