Chapter 25: A Narrow Escape

The blast of the horn echoed through the ruins of Eldoria, sending chills through Akin's spine. The sound was unmistakable—an enemy signal. The rebels were returning, and they wouldn't stop until they had control of the capital and Akin's head on a pike.

Garrick's hand gripped Akin's shoulder firmly. "We need to move, now."

Akin didn't hesitate. "Gather the men. We head for the southern gate. It'll be the least watched."

They moved swiftly through the palace grounds, the once magnificent buildings now a shadow of their former glory. The crumbling walls and broken statues reminded Akin of the fragility of everything his family had fought for. But now was not the time for reflection. Now was the time for survival.

The sound of soldiers' armor clinking filled the air as Akin and Garrick rejoined their small group of loyalists. Their eyes were filled with questions, but there was no time for explanations.

"We're leaving," Akin commanded. "Now."

As they moved through the city's winding streets, the sounds of distant shouts and clanging steel echoed closer. The rebel forces were on the move, likely sweeping the streets in search of any remaining loyalists. Akin's heart raced as he led the group through the familiar streets of his home, the weight of his decisions heavier than ever before.

They approached the southern gate, its once sturdy doors now sagging from the damage of previous battles. The gate was unguarded, just as Akin had hoped. The rebels hadn't had time to secure every exit, focusing instead on the main thoroughfares.

"We'll make our way south," Akin said quietly to Garrick. "If we can find a way to regroup with the northern forces, we might stand a chance at taking the capital back."

Garrick nodded but didn't reply, his eyes scanning the horizon as they neared the edge of the city.

Just as they passed through the gate, the sound of hooves thundered behind them. Akin spun around, his heart sinking. A group of mounted rebels was charging toward them, their spears glinting in the pale light of dawn.

"Move!" Akin shouted, his voice hoarse with urgency.

His men reacted quickly, sprinting toward the tree line just beyond the southern gate. Akin could feel the rebel riders gaining ground behind them, the thundering hooves growing louder with each passing second.

"We're not going to make it!" one of the soldiers shouted, panic creeping into his voice.

Akin's mind raced. He couldn't lead his men into the open. They'd be cut down by the riders before they even reached the trees. Desperation clawed at him, but he forced himself to think clearly.

"Garrick!" Akin called, catching the captain's attention. "We need to slow them down."

Without hesitation, Garrick grabbed a fallen rebel spear and planted himself in the middle of the street, ready to meet the oncoming riders. Akin drew his sword and took his place beside Garrick, his heart pounding in his chest.

The rebel riders charged forward, their spears lowered and their eyes locked on their targets.

"Hold!" Akin shouted, his muscles tensing.

The riders closed in, their war cries filling the air, and at the last moment, Akin and Garrick lunged forward. Akin's sword connected with the first rider's spear, knocking it aside as he slashed upward, sending the man tumbling from his horse. Garrick drove his spear into another rider's chest, the man's scream cut short as he crumpled to the ground.

But more were coming.

Akin barely had time to recover before the next rider was upon him. He dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding a spear thrust aimed at his head. He retaliated with a quick slash to the rider's arm, sending him reeling back.

"Go! Get to the trees!" Akin shouted to the men behind him. "We'll cover you!"

The soldiers scrambled toward the safety of the forest as Akin and Garrick continued to fend off the rebel riders. Another spear came at Akin, but he deflected it with his sword, countering with a quick strike that knocked the rider from his horse.

Garrick was a whirlwind of fury beside him, his spear finding its mark again and again as he kept the riders at bay. But Akin knew they couldn't hold out much longer.

"We need to fall back!" Akin called, his voice strained.

Garrick nodded, his face grim. "Go, I'll hold them!"

Akin hesitated for a split second before turning and sprinting toward the trees, his muscles burning from the effort. He could hear the riders closing in again, their hooves pounding the earth like the beat of war drums.

As he reached the cover of the trees, Akin turned back just in time to see Garrick pull a rebel from his horse with one last, desperate effort. But the captain was surrounded, the remaining riders circling him like vultures.

"No!" Akin shouted, his heart lurching in his chest.

But before Akin could react, Garrick shouted back. "Go, Akin! Now!"

Akin clenched his jaw, knowing he had no choice. His men needed him, and staying would only mean death for both him and Garrick.

With a final look at his captain, Akin turned and disappeared into the forest, his mind reeling with the weight of his decision.

---

They moved quickly through the dense trees, the sounds of the rebel riders fading behind them as they pressed on. The forest offered some protection, but Akin's mind was consumed with thoughts of Garrick. He had left him behind—left him to die.

The men moved in silence, their faces grim, but there was no time for mourning. The rebels were still out there, hunting them, and they couldn't afford to stop.

As the day wore on, the forest grew darker, the thick canopy above blocking out much of the light. Akin's thoughts kept drifting back to the capital, to the wreckage they had left behind, to the betrayal that had allowed the city to fall.

And to Captain Jarek.

Akin's fists clenched at his sides as he replayed the conversation with Jarek in his mind. The man had been too calm, too collected. And now, with Garrick gone, Akin felt more isolated than ever.

"We need to find shelter," one of the soldiers said, his voice breaking through Akin's thoughts.

Akin nodded, his mind snapping back to the present. "We'll keep moving for another hour. Then we'll rest."

As they continued deeper into the forest, Akin's thoughts swirled with questions and doubt. The capital was lost. Seraphina was captured. His father's fate was unknown. And now Garrick was gone.

And somewhere out there, hidden in the shadows, was the mastermind pulling the strings. The one who had orchestrated this rebellion. The one who wanted the Valion family destroyed.

Akin swore under his breath. He wouldn't stop until he found the traitor. Until he avenged his family and took back his kingdom.

But for now, all he could do was survive.