NightTime Roads

Yes, I haven't updated in awhile. Yes, I am very sorry that I haven't updated. No, I haven't forgotten all you readers... I've been swamped and busy with all sorts of things. It's tough writing new chapters, especially when my brain can't keep up with my work. Don't worry, I am making an effort to keep this updated ASAP. So, a new chapter for you all.


Chapter 14


It was the early morning of dawn, as Antros, Ayisa, and Evia walked through the forest. Ayisa yawned widely. She was used to getting up early, but only if she was going to be busy soon to keep her awake. Walking through the woods was by no means any special feat, but Antros had convinced her that leaving as soon as possible would best boost thier chances of getting closer to find his brother, Idroa. Evia was guiding them out, as they had no idea of any forest paths that would take them out.

As soon as the light of the sun shone on thier faces from outside of the forest, Antros smiled. He could see, in the far distance, a town of sorts. "Thanks for all the help Evia. We really owe you one."

"In that case, I have a request. I would like to come with you."

Antros looked to Ayisa amazed. Ayisa spoke first however. "You can't, it's far too dangerous. Antros is a wanted criminal by the kingdom, and if your caught with him... Well, I know I won't be harmed, but-"

"I have already made my choice. You will need my help if you want to beat Idroa."

Ayisa looked to Antros, wondering what he thought of the idea. Antros shook his head and turned around. "Well, I suppose I can't really stop you. But just remember, whatever happens, you chose it, not us." Antros walked away, leaving Ayisa and Evia to follow in his wake.

The rising sun soon beat down upon them, until they had reached the next town. With any luck, the Royal Guard of Gaia Kingdom would not have visited this place yet, letting them move through the town freely, at least for a time. With even more luck, Antros could somehow make some money to buy a new weapon, considering his brother had yet to return the one he 'borrowed'. All three entered a tavern without anyone casting curious glances or glares, meaning that luck was with them so far.

"Excuse me, we wish something to eat and a place to rest. We have traveled far." Antros said, talking to the keeper. The keeper was a young man, not much older then Antros himself with long red hair held back by a strand of thread, making sort of a ponytail. He gazed at all of them, before pulling out a leather book, opening it.

"I see. Where do you hail from then? You three look pretty worse for wear."

"In a forest," Evia spoke almost at once, "someplace far. These lands are new to us and we have yet to get accustommed to the terrain."

"Right. So why are you traveling so far? Not much beyond this point besides the port town Kials, and the island kingdom, Doisa."

Ayisa tried to speak up, but Antros held her. "It's terrible, but you see, our companion here is-"

"Cursed." Evia said, causing all three of them to turn to her. "She can't speak, some evil has prevented this. We heard tales of the island kingdom and wished to go there, hoping to find a way to break it."

Even Antros looked perplexed, but suddenly realized what quick thinking it was. He was going to suggest something else, but this seemed much more believible. The keeper thought so for his face softened at the sight of Ayisa, who tried to silently communicate with her eyes. "Well, that's a shame. Yeah you heard right, something mighty powerful over in Doisa Kingdom. Of course, it's pretty dangerous. It's an island, so your likely to encounter storms and such. Not to mention rumors."

"What rumors?" Antros said surprised.

"Well... it's not anyone's place to speak bad about Doisa Kingdom, but there are rumors about it's ruler. Nice guy yes, but some people believe that he was only for show while the real powers of that kingdom control it's people. But the people are too afraid to rebel against such powers, especially since they respect thier king well. He's a fair man, but they don't want to anger him or bring his wrath upon them."

"That sounds terrible." Evia said, while Antros remembered briefly the man that Idroa murdered in his name. He certainly looked rich, but he hardly seemed to speak much about the state of the kingdoms. He seemed more like a nobleman then an actual king.

"Rumor was that the current king came into that kingdom with little money or future. No one was sure how he did it, but he ended up becoming a rich and powerful merchant. Increased trade. increased fortune, he was considered a hero by the people. When the king then died without an hier, this man was widely popular and the people wanted him to be king. However, soon after his rule, the rumors began." A strange silence seemed to befall them after all this, until the keeper wrote something down inside the leather book. "Enough of all that. I have some spare rooms, I'm sure you can stay. And there will be food for you in a moment."

Antros smiled and thanked the man, but before he could think about how he would pay him, the man merely waved his hand and gestured for them to sit. "Of course, it will be free of charge for tonight."

As they all seated Antros smiled to Evia. "That was some quick thinking."

"Thanks. I just hope-" Soon all talking was cut off, as someone stepped into the tavern. Wearing his gold plated armor and carrying a spear, Rekia stepped in. He walked to keeper silently, taking in everyone he could see.

Perhaps it was luck when Rekia did not speak up right away and set himself to talk to the keeper. "Can I help you sir?"

"I am looking for some people. One of them is a man with blue hair. He's kinda hard to miss."

Antros, Ayisa and Evia stood, hoping to leave unoticed. At that point however, the keeper pointed ot them, causing Rekia to turn. "Well, I think he might fit the description but-"

Antros turned to see Rekia, and they stared each other down for a full minute. It seemed to last hours as they gazed at each other, Antros' mind going numb. Instinct told him to run, run far and fast. "Go!" He shouted pushing Qyisa and Evia out, while Rekia rushed foward spear in hand. Antros dodged by rolling off away from the door, causing Rekia to strike a table nearby, completely crushing it. Rekia turned on him quickly, causing Antros run.

"Come back here!" Rekia shouted, as people started to panic, turning over chairs in thier haste to move out of the way. Antros burst through a window, Rekia hot as his heels. Suddenly, without warning Antros turned and delievered a swift kick to Rekia. Not expecting it, Rekia was knocked back, but didn't fall. He refused to go down so easily.

"Rekia, listen to me! It's not what you think!"

"I don't have to listen to you! I saw Lady Ayisa with you, which means that you must have captured her! And I suppose your other companion was an accomplice?"

"No, it's nothing like that!" Antros shouted back. "Someone else is doing this, not me! You have to believe me!"

"And who else could it be then? Because from what I've been going at you've caused quite the trouble. Kidnapping our fair princess, killing our guards, it's more then enough to have you killed already, not to mention the murder of-"

"It wasn't me! It was my brother!"

A full minute more passed in silence, and Antros wondered if he should run now. Finally, Rekia started to laugh, chuckling at first, but soon building up into laughter. "And you expect me to believe that. All this time at the castle and you never once mentioned him. Now suddenly, he exists? Not a very good defence Antros, quite pathetic actually."

Antros was starting to lose what little patience he had for Rekia right now, which was never a good sign. "Damn it Rekia, stop being so thick-headed! I-" But before the words could come out, Rekia charge with his spear again. Reacting quicky, Antros dodged and put some distance between them. He knew he couldn't take on Rekia without a weapon, so defense was the only option. Soon however, Evia and Ayisa could be seen. "Go! Go to the port now!"

"Antros, please let-"

"Take Ayisa there! And hurry! I'll meet you later!" Rekia made a rush for Evia, but Antros tackled him down from behind. Antros gazed upward to see Evia pulling at a resisting Ayisa. He knew she was trying to get back to him, try to explain everything, but it wasn't worth it if Evia was going to be hurt. Although he told her she would be responsible for joining them, Antros couldn't help but worry for her safety also. Antros was thrown violently off of Rekia, as he straightened himself. "No Rekia, you will not hurt her. I am the one you want anyway, right?"

Rekia sneered and charged foward...


"Take me back! Take me back at once!"

Ayisa was fighting tooth and nail from Evia's grip to get back into the town. She had to speak to Rekia, force him to see that he was wrong, even it meant risking her life also. She didn't want to be seperated from Antros again, not just when they finally reunited after days upon days of being apart.

"Ayisa, calm yourself! There is nothing you can do right now!"

"No! I have to try! I have to-"

"You'll only be getting in Antros' way if you go back! We can't prove his innocence on just your word alone!"

Ayisa was still trying to get away, although the words did cut deeply, for her efforts were becoming less and less violent. "But... I can't lose him... I know I can't. What if Idroa comes back and-"

"And that would put you in further danger. He wouldn't think twice of taking your life," Evia explained, not forgetting how Idroa threatened to kill Ayisa back in the forest. "I will protect you, I must. But have faith in Antros. He will be with us soon."

Ayisa soon stopped fighting and tears formed in her eyes. Yes, they had to seperate, but Ayisa hated it. She felt she had been seperated from him long enough and any more and she would lose him somehow. She vaguely registered that Evia had relaxed her grip, and silently prayed that Antros would make it back alive and well. Even more hopeful, with a plan of what to do.

"Where did he want us to go?"

"He said to the port... which must mean Kials. We can wait for him there." When Ayisa did not move upon hearing the news, Evia put a hand on her shoulder. "I know it's hard, but have faith in Antros. I know he can get out of this. Something tells me he can."

Ayisa knew he could to. This was probably not the first time Antros had been in what seemed to be a no-win situation. But it didn't ease her heart to know that. Giving a great sigh and wiping her tears away, Ayisa turned her back on the town, Evia keeping her calm and steady. A wild thought came, to just run now and find Antros, but she crushed the thought almost as soon as it formed. It was better this way. Better to just turn and keep moving. But her heart still cried out, still was torn. She hadn't felt this bad since a year ago, when her dreams of Antros huanted her with uncertainity and fear. Back when he was unpredictable and seemingly unfeeling to her.

She wished this was only a dream too.