TOPWL 191

“I think it would be a good idea to settle here for the night… What do you think?”

Bagon asked cautiously. Behind them, the burning red sunset had begun to soak into the ridgeline. They’d ridden for hours without rest to shake their pursuers, and even the horses were clearly worn out. Yudit ran a hand over Reed’s mane and said,

“Yeah, let’s stop here.”

The moment he stepped down, he felt his strength hit its limit. Dragging his heavy body to the water’s edge, he let his horse drink. Watching Reed gulp water so frantically made him feel sorry for the animal. The others weren’t much different. Darius and Bagon untied their horses and let them drink, then quickly started gathering firewood.

When Yudit stepped in to help, Bagon gave him a guilty look.

“Please rest. You shouldn’t strain yourself.”

Had he noticed how badly his thighs were shaking? Feeling awkward, Yudit quietly picked up what he’d gathered and carried it back to the campsite. On the patchy grass, Shane was laying out blankets and sleeping bags.

With a clatter, Yudit dropped the firewood in the center. Shane lit the fire skillfully with dry leaves and twigs. The moment Yudit felt the warmth, a wave of fatigue washed over him.

“You should eat something before you sleep.”

Shane’s voice brought him back. He hadn’t even realized he’d nodded off. When he looked around, Shane, Bagon, and Darius were all seated around him. As Yudit sat up, Bagon handed him a bowl of stew.

“We caught two birds. Found some edible herbs and mushrooms too, so I added those.”

The rising steam hit his face as he ate, and a warmth spread through his chest and stomach.

“This is really good. Thank you.”

In a place like this, with barely anything to cook with, making something like this in such a short time felt like a miracle. When Yudit praised him sincerely, Bagon scratched his nose, flustered.

“It’s nothing. I’ll make something even better tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

Even the dry, stale bread tasted good when soaked in stew. After eating, he stood to help clear things away, but Bagon quickly took the bowls and stacked them neatly.

“I’ll go with you.”

At that, Bagon looked uncomfortable.

“What’s wrong?”

“…We can work more freely if Your Highness stays here.”

“…Ah.”

Since they were his escorts, they couldn’t act on their own. Everything depended on Yudit. He gave up on helping with the dishes and started setting up his bed instead. Bagon even brought him some water to wash up with, and after rinsing off, Yudit lay down to sleep.

“Is your bed alright?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. Thank you.”

He nodded at Shane’s question. He’d been so drowsy before dinner, but now that he was actually lying down, sleep refused to come. He sat up, thinking he might as well keep watch, but Shane gently discouraged him, suggesting he close his eyes instead. In the end, Yudit lay back and forced himself to try sleeping. In the distance, the sound of insects and birds echoed through the night.

“You can’t sleep?”

He’d thought he’d been lying still without tossing or turning, but Shane asked quietly from beside him. Startled, Yudit replied in a small voice.

“How did you know?”

“Sleeping people breathe differently.”

“Ah…”

“If something’s bothering you, I can listen.”

“It’s nothing like that. Just… the insects are louder than I expected. I was wondering… don’t they get scared they’ll be eaten, making that much noise?”

He wasn’t sure if Shane would want to hear such pointless thoughts, but to his surprise, Shane responded seriously.

“They must think there’s something more important than life itself.”

“Something more important?”

“Reproduction.”

“…Right. I guess that makes sense.”

Those insects must be risking their lives, crying out like that just to find a mate. Yudit found himself wondering what it meant for an instinct like that to overpower even the fear of death. And with that, his thoughts turned, inevitably, to that night with Khalid. His face flushed. Would there ever be a day when he could hold him again? He already missed him.

Just then, a rustling sound came from the bushes. Yudit bolted upright, hand flying to his dagger. Something stepped out of the darkness.

“…Khalid?”

Yudit muttered, barely believing what he was seeing. It was Khalid, emerging from the underbrush, swaying as he staggered toward him. Yudit shot to his feet and caught him.

“Khalid, what happened? What is this?”

Khalid clung to him, panting, then parted his lips as if to say something.

“…Yudit.”

In the dark, his deep blue eyes glinted strangely.

“Run.”

As the words left his mouth, Yudit woke with a jolt.

Ssshhhkk!

The sharp whistle of an arrow cut through the air. Someone grabbed him and rolled him to the side just in time. Thwack! The arrow pierced both the sleeping bag and his sleeve. Yudit gasped. The others were already up.

“Put out the fire!”

Darius quickly buried the flames with dirt. Bagon cursed under his breath. In the darkness, Shane gripped Yudit’s wrist.

“We’re under attack.”

“By who?”

“Not sure yet. They probably spotted the fire.”

The horses whinnied nervously, sensing the tension.

“Saddles are already on. Take yours and head straight down the mountain. Hurry.”

At Bagon’s words, Yudit asked, panicked,

“You’re not coming with me?”

“If all four of us move together, we’ll be easy targets. It’s better to split up and meet in the next town.”

Bagon said this while running toward the horses. Yudit hurried beside him and said quickly,

“Then let’s meet in Mardia. It’s the town with the big clock tower in the center. I’ll wait there every day at five in the afternoon.”

“If we don’t meet within two days, go on ahead. I’ll follow.”

Yudit bit his lip and nodded. When Bagon saw the tear in his sleeve, his eyes darkened.

“I’m sorry I put you in danger, Your Highness. If we meet again alive, I’ll accept whatever punishment you see fit.”

Then he kicked his horse forward. Darius sprinted the other direction and let out a long whistle. That’s when Yudit realized, they were setting themselves up as bait.

“Stay close behind me. Don’t lose sight.”

Before he could respond, Shane deflected another incoming arrow and spurred his horse forward. Yudit followed without even breathing. Riding through the darkness was harder than he expected. After a short uphill stretch came a steep drop. He clung tight to the saddle, lowering his body close to the horse. It felt like he could fall off at any moment.

“After them! Don’t let them escape!”

A voice rang out close behind, and a wave of murderous intent surged toward him. Almost by instinct, Yudit drew his sword and swung it back. Clang! An arrow struck the broad side of the blade and bounced off.

It had come from an angle he could dodge, but his horse couldn’t. Realizing the danger, the horse started to panic. With no time to sheathe his sword, Yudit calmed the animal and urged it forward. By then, Shane was pulling farther ahead. Gritting his teeth, Yudit pushed himself harder to close the distance.

The steep path gradually leveled out, and the dense trees began to thin. Moonlight spilled through the gaps, giving them a bit more visibility.

“…?”

Shane’s speed suddenly slowed. Curious, Yudit looked ahead and cursed under his breath. The narrow road ended in a cliff.

Shane finally came to a stop at the edge and drew his sword. Yudit pulled up beside him. Below the sheer drop, a fast-moving river roared.

As Yudit approached, Shane spoke.

“There’s a hidden path under the cliff. Follow the river downstream, and it’ll lead you to the village.”

“I can fight too.”

Yudit shook his head. Shane shook his in return.

“There’s a skilled archer among them. He targeted you precisely, even in the dark. If we keep going like this, we’ll both die for nothing.”

Yudit started to protest, but then noticed something dripping from Shane’s elbow. When he looked closer, an arrow was buried in Shane’s forearm. Yudit’s face went pale.

“I’m not going to make it anyway. So allow me protect you to the end, Your Highness.”

Even as he spoke, their pursuers were drawing closer by the second. Yudit bit down on his lip until it turned white. Then, finally, he spoke.