CHAPTER 34

Prince Arthur secretly went to an abandoned house across Alabama to meet 12 warriors he assigned to look after the family of the Zodiac warriors.

"This mission is a secret," he said, as he was strolling in front of them. "Please do not say anything to my father as he despised the Zodiac warriors."

"But for what reason?" asked the warriors on the front line, then introduced himself. "I am Odin!"

"That is not part of your job anymore. The only thing you should know is that the enemies are trying to kill them, and I wouldn't say I like the idea of involving their families in this danger. So your main responsibility is guarding them until the threat of the werewolves is gone."

"That should be after tomorrow, Prince Arthur?" asked Odin again.

"Yes, as you have heard, this kingdom's fate rests in our hands. The moment King Abaddon shows himself, I will face him. Let us now proceed to the topic. The location of the Zodiac warriors' home can be found within the capital of Alabama, except for Ammon who lives in Elshor."

Two warrioresses carrying two scrolls entered the deserted house. They bowed their heads upon seeing Prince Arthur.

"Prince Arthur, we already have the exact location of the Zodiac warriors and wrote them in these scrolls," said one of them.

Prince Arthur gazed at them. "Distribute them to these warriors and as I've discussed earlier, this mission should not reach my father!" He ordered.

They distributed the scroll to the warriors and left immediately.

The warriors opened their scrolls and saw the map. Then Prince Arthur continued speaking. "The red mark is where the zodiac warrior resides. I am certain that you are familiar with those areas, and if you're not, you can ask someone on the road. Anyhow, do you have any questions?"

Odin raised his hand. "I have some questions, Prince Arthur!"

"Go ahead, I am listening!" said Prince Arthur.

"I presume we have to stalk their families without them recognizing us since our mission is secret?"

"Precisely, although I know that they will wonder as to why the zodiac warriors haven't returned to their homes yet, let them go here, but don't let them get out of your sight."

"And as you said earlier, the reward for each and every one of us is one ton of gold!"

"That is right, Odin! However, once they found out who you are and the news reached my father. Not only will you lose your reward, but I will also kill you with my own hands. Those Zodiac warriors are like family to me, and what's important to them is important to me as well. So don't let me down!"

"One last question: what if the enemies attack their families and we save them? What do we say?"

"Just tell them that you just happened to see them."

Odin smirked as he was trying to outsmart Prince Arthur. "There should be an additional reward for that since we're up against a battalion of enemies!"

"I will add an additional 1 ton of gold if that's what you desire. By the way, the horses are waiting for you outside, so proceed with your mission. I am hoping that none of either you or the Zodiac warriors' families fall into the pit of danger."

Having the scrolls in their hands, the warriors went outside and mounted their horses, except for Odin who was assigned to guard Ammon's house in Elshor.

"Why are you not riding your horse?" asked one of the warriors assigned to the mission.

"The Elshor island is far from Alabama's capital. If I used a horse, where would I leave it?"

"You can tie it up on the tree once you reach the shore and use a boat to get there!"

Odin positioned his arms behind his head. "Just mind your f*cking business, moron! All I care about is the prize," he said as he walked away.

It took almost a half day before Odin reached the shore of the Alabama border. He sat behind the tree and rested for a while. He was tired and regretted that he did not ride a horse. "I should have used a horse going here so I could save my energy. Now, I have no other choice but to use a boat and paddle on my own to get to Elshor island."

Arya, one of the Amazonians spotted him. "Son of a bitch, how many times do I need to warn these f*cking idiots that they are not allowed to be in this place!"

She walked up to Odin and gave him a somber expression. "Hey warrior, this place is too dangerous for you! If you are not living in Elshor, you are not permitted to be near the sea of Alabama!"

Odin stood up and looked at her as if she were an imbecile. "I have an important business in that land. I walked from the kingdom all the way here and I am f*cking tired. So, I am resting for a while. Once I regain my strength, I am going to continue my journey."

"May I know what specific mission is that? Because the only king and Prince Arthur are allowed to pass through here, aside from those who live in Elshor."

"That is none of your business anymore. My mission is secret and important, so do me a favor and leave!"

"Sorry, but I respect King Bartholomeo and we strictly obeyed his rules. Now, you have to go back to Alabama. End of conversation!"

"Let him go," commanded Prince Arthur who rode his Pegasus and landed where they were. "I assigned him to an important mission!" he continued after getting down from the horse.

Arya and Odin immediately kneeled down to their knees upon seeing the Prince who got out of his horse. He looked at Mila and spoke. "His name is Odin. He is assigned to guard Ammon's house and the girl living with him!"

Arya faced the Prince and blurted out a question in shock. "Wait, Ammon is living with a warrioress?"

"Indeed! Although it's forbidden in the Kingdom. I don't think reporting such trivial matters to authorities who are preoccupied with more important issues is necessary. Our top priority is to prepare for external threats. By the way, I came here to relay the message from my father."

"And what is that?" Arya questioned.

"Please tell everyone in your group that the anniversary of our kingdom will be rescheduled for tomorrow. That is to ensure the safety of our nation!" Prince Arthur gazed at Odin. "Use the Pegasus to go to Elshor. You have nothing to worry about as it's easy to control. It will follow your every move."

"Thank you, Prince Arthur. I have been to that place before, so it should be an easy trip!" Odin rode the Pegasus and waved to Prince Arthur before taking off. "This feels so amazing. I got the chance to ride one of the legendary horses!" he mumbled.

He tugged the Pegasus towards the direction of Elshor Island, and it took only a while before he got there, as the Pegasus's speed was incredible. He went down to the shore and tied the Pegasus to a nearby palm tree. He put the scroll on the ground and spread it so he could see where Ammon's house was erected.

When he realized that it was not far from where he was standing, he abandoned the scroll and walked away. In the middle of the forest, he saw a house made out of wood and forgot that he should never disclose the mission to Ammon's family. He knocked on the door, and Charlotte opened it while pointing her katana at him.

"Who are you and what do you want?" she asked in shock. "I am already familiar with Ammon's footsteps and I knew he would never knock on the door of his house!"

Odin was stunned to see her gorgeous face, and his eyes sparkled when her face got more serious. "I'm in love!"

Charlotte pointed the katana at his neck. "You haven't answered my question. Who the hell are you, and what are you doing here?"

Odin bowed his head as he introduced himself. "My name is Odin and I am a friend of Ammon!" he lied.

"Ammon did not say that he had a friend named Odin. Stop lying to your teeth!" said Charlotte. "Just tell me the truth, otherwise I will cut your throat with my katana," she warned.

"Worry not, I am not an enemy. I swear!"

"How can I tell whether you're telling the truth?"

"Unless you allow me to explain myself, you won't know for sure. Otherwise, you can cut my throat if you don't believe a word I say!"

"Come inside, but don't do anything stupid. I am watching your every move," warned Charlotte again as she put her sword back on her scabbard.

Odin pulled a chair from under the table and sat. He roamed his eyes and saw many weapons scattered around and plenty of food on the table. Charlotte sat across from him and they talked.

Odin frowned. "First of all, I have bad news for you!" he took an apple and ate it without asking Charlotte's permission.

"I assume that is related to the werewolves trying to kill Ammon!"

Odin raised an eyebrow. "Yes, you're right! Prince Arthur cared so much for his zodiac warriors, and of course, he cared for their families too. I am here to guard you against possible threats."

"And how long are they quarantined?"

Odin let out a sigh. "I wouldn't say they are quarantined, they are just in one safe place where werewolves don't see them. I will stay here until the threat to their lives has disappeared."