Hurry!

Chapter 42
Eight black-robed horsemen rode through a wilderness full of wild beasts and savage tribes towards the Northern Mountains. Their faces were hidden under hoods and scarves.

Each horseman carried their tribe’s
signature dagger or short sword at the waist. The hilt of the sword made of a particular metal produced only in Ruteron. They glittered to reflect the threat of death.

No one dared to interrupt their journey. The reputation of the Ruteron people has become legendary everywhere. The cloaked and hooded figures on pitch-black horses were known as highly skilled assassins.

Rumor had it that even the king of the fae had used their services. Therefore, when

Err Seldam’s group passed by, people chose to stay away rather than face them.
At dawn the next day, they finally reached the border of Mond, surrounded by a dense and dark forest. This forest was very different from the forest in their territory.

The forest in Ruteron was beautiful, filled with all kinds of birds and insects, medicinal plants, and wildflowers.

Meanwhile, the forest in Mond was dark and silent. No sound could be heard. It was just the sound of the wind that sounded threatening.

“Be careful.” Athar, who led the group, held them back. “We can’t enter without permission.”

“Haven’t they lost their magic?” asked one of the group members.

“That’s their business, Garim,” Athar replied coldly. “That doesn’t mean we should lose our manners. Their rules are clear. Every visitor must get permission. Otherwise, it will be considered a declaration of war.”

“But how do we tell them?” asked Garim again. He was Athar’s cousin, so he spoke up.
“I’ll tell them,” said Err Seldam, who had been quiet. He took something out of his cloak pocket-a wooden whistle. After pausing for a moment, he blew the whistle with long and short notes in a specific order. Three minutes passed, and
Err Seldam stopped and pocketed the whistle again.

Moments later, the sound of stomping feet on the ground was heard.

Four black wolves burst out from behind the trees. Their massive bodies lined up in front of the horsemen, threatening and blocking the way.

“Greetings, Mond wolves.” Err Seldam opened his hood. “I am Err Seldam of Ruteron, here to speak with your alpha.”

He greeted warmly, showing no fear.
The biggest black wolf shook himself and turned into Radoff. “Chieftain,” he nodded respectfully. “I had guessed that it would be you. Welcome to Mond. Come with us.”

Err Seldam smiled. He had recognized the shape of Radoff’s wolves the moment they appeared, and he felt relieved rather than worried.

He signaled his son to ride ahead of him on the horse. He followed behind, while the others took up defensive positions, though it was completely unnecessary.

As they approached the heart of Mond, the towering pine trees and dense undergrowth gave way to a clearing dominated by a stone fortress. The walls towered high, casting long shadows in the morning sun.

The scent of pine and earth mingle with the aroma of meat cooked with spices.
Err Seldam and his riders descended from their horses. Radoff led them through the gate and into the courtyard. The tension in the air is intense; the

Ruteron riders are always an intimidating sight.
In the center of the courtyard stood
Karyan, the alpha Mond.

His presence commanded respect, a gesture of power and charisma. His sharp, amber-colored eyes gaze at his guests with curiosity and caution.

Beside him were his trusted advisors and bodyguards, all in human form.
However, his gaze softened as he stepped up to greet Err Seldam. “Welcome to Mond, Err Seldam,” he greeted. “To what do we owe the honor of your visit?”

In Err Seldam’s eyes, Karyan was still the little wolf he had once briefly cared for. The wolf pup was now an adult and a leader, and he respected him for that. “Alpha, I come with a request and an offer that I hope will be beneficial to both our race.”

Karyan raised his eyebrows, intrigued. “Then tell me. What is this offer?”
“With all due respect, I request that we discuss it alone, Alpha.”

Without thinking, Karyan nodded. “Alright” He turned to his right hand for a moment. “Radoff, provide rest and refreshment for the guests from Ruteron. Order people to feed and water their horses.” After that he signaled Err Seldam to follow him into the castle.

“Now, you may tell me the purpose of your visit, Err Seldam.” Now that it was just the two of them, Karyan’s demeanor became more relaxed. Just as Err Seldam had always thought of him as the little wolf, Karyan thought of the chief as a teacher. Twice when he was lost and sheltered in Err Seldam’s tent, the chief taught him a lot of knowledge from his own experiences.

Err Seldam took a deep breath, his expression serious. “I want to talk about Ordas Bermund.”

Karyan’s brow furrowed. “She’s still alive and I’m still holding her. I didn’t kill her if you’re worried.”

“That’s not my concern. Listen, Alpha. I have information that she is a danger to Nalani, if you still keep her here. Ordas has been tasked with weakening her by any means necessary, if not killing her. She has the ability to deal with matters of magic. A rare ability among the Ruterons, but I admit she does have that talent.”

Karyan pondered. He remembered catching Nalani several times in the dungeon where Ordas was being held.

Ordas engaged Nalani in conversation and seemed to be telling Nalani a few things. “I think she has influenced Nalani a bit since we were arrested. Nalani secretly visited her.”

“I therefore propose that you transfer her custody to Ruteron. We have ways to contain it and prevent it from causing more damage.”

Karyan’s eyes narrowed “Why should I believe that your people can handle her better than we can? Ordas is no ordinary prisoner. She is cunning and dangerous.”

Err Seldam nodded. “I understand your concerns, Alpha. But our tribe has a history of dealing with threats in the form of people like Ordas. We can ensure he is neutralized without endangering your people.”

Karyan considered this. “And what do you get out of this, Err Seldam? Why take on this burden?”

Err’s eyes met Karyan’s sternly. “I can’t tell you much yet. But Nalani’s safety is important. There are forces at play here that threaten more than just Mond. If Ordas remains here, it is only a matter of time before the taskmaster takes more drastic measures. Ruteron has a vested interest in maintaining balance. We do not seek conflict, but resolution.”

Karyan was silent for a moment. Finally, he nodded slowly. “Very well. I will consider your proposal. But know this, Err Seldam-if anything goes wrong, it will be your responsibility.”

Err bowed, understanding the seriousness of Karyan’s words. “Understood, Alpha. We will ensure Ordas is dealt with appropriately.”
“I’m relieved to hear that.”
“One more thing, Alpha,” the chief stroked his beard. “If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to meet Nalani, to make sure of something.”
“I’ll call her.”

Karyan was just about to yell at the guards, when there was a hurried knock on the door and Nalani ran inside with a gasp. “Alpha, hurry! Karina is going crazy!”

***