Am I on the right track

"How long will it take to reach Antares?" Hermes questioned one of the passengers on the ship. They have been at sea for over seven days. The only means of transportation was by sail because the five kingdoms that made up the Lumpus realm were all islands. Except for Fenoira, which had a small bridge connecting it to another piece of land,

"Without the sea storms and other obstacles, it might take another two weeks." Yawning, the man gave his response.

Alaric was perched on the dock and studying the maps laid out in front of him. The five kingdoms' realm lay between the oceans; if it took two weeks to travel to Antares, it would take months to reach the targeted destination on the mainland. Alaric was aware of his destination, but he was unsure of how to get there. There was water everywhere around; it wasn't even on the map because there were no markers. Water covered everything in his field of vision; this was the region where the sun and moon never set. But where was the warlock going to be in the middle of the water? He occasionally had the feeling that the warlock is merely a myth.

Huffing, Hermes sat next to Alaric. "It will take longer than we anticipated." Alaric didn't respond to him since he was lost in thought and fixed on the maps in front of him. Then Hermes turned to face Alaric. Vixen's comments regarding Odin crossed his mind. Is this the resolve everyone was talking about, Hermes wondered as he noticed insanity in Alaric's eyes. He was internally terrified. Alaric's mind and every aware sensation had been under the grip of this warlock entity. "Alaric…." There was no response. "Your majesty.....," nothing, "Alaric.....," Hermes gave Alaric's shoulder a small shake out of fear.

"What? You were saying something?" Alaric shook his head, as if shaking something from his thoughts. He forced a smile as he turned to meet Hermes. With fear-filled eyes, Hermes was looking at him.

"Alaric, what's wrong?"

"I'm alright, I was just thinking," He let out a chuckle.

"I was stating that it would take longer than expected." Alaric only nodded while explaining that he had deduced this information from the maps. "What's on your mind? You appear lost." There was a momentary lull. Alaric's head was hanging low as Hermes continued to look at him.

"Are we making the proper decision?" Alaric smiled as he questioned. It wasn't the true smile; rather, it was the smile that concealed a wrenching sorrow. Hermes understood that his king was separated from his family, and he was being internally killed by this thought.

"Why now, all of a sudden?"

"Was it even right to leave my people behind?" Alaric hasn't had a doubt about this at all in the last six years. He was aware that the path was challenging from the beginning, but what made him rethink his choice. " Everybody protects their family by staying with them, but I left them."

"You left for them—you didn't leave them." Hermes' voice was grave as he spoke. It infuriated him. Why would he even think that? Yes, Alaric's brain is being affected by the warlock. Although not everyone knew what had occurred to the King of Josen, the realm was safe from any external attack. "Don't forget that if you hadn't stepped down, Salgama's terrorists would still be there." Alaric turned to face his friend, who was beaming with pride at him. Hermes was internally a little afraid—frightened of not upholding people's faith. Hermes had faith in Alaric's judgment, but did Alaric have faith in himself?

Alaric folded the scattered maps and murmured, "I suppose, I think I should get some rest." Hermes nodded, "Thank you." Alaric got to his feet and started walking toward the cabin he shared with Hermes and the other five travelers. He smiled and added, "For believing in me," before slipping inside.

Alaric kept the existence of the Salgamerians a secret while he and Hermes were only beginning their expedition. They were the citizens of Salgama, the war-torn kingdom where everyone had perished. A small number of individuals who were determined to reclaim their lost country at any costs joined and moved to other kingdoms, while the majority hid in regions where no one could find them. They prepared themselves to live like cavemen. They had no recourse because their former Salgama land had been claimed. As a result, they started plundering innocent citizens of other kingdoms and compelling kids to fight alongside them in their uprising against the king. The largest kingdom was Josen, and the surrounding forest provided them with a place to hide. The king decided to speak with them directly after only a few spies and assassins informed him of their presence. Although it was risky, they could rebel at any time.

"I have to go in a week, Levin." Alaric spoke while holding Aura in his arms. Aura was sleeping soundly.

"But what if it's an ambush, Your Majesty? At the very least, bring a companion." Levin responded; his words laced with worry. The greatest danger came from the Salgamerians, who came from a ruined nation where everyone was angry and had nowhere to reside. One of their adversaries took their kingdom. The Salgama's king was nothing less than a corrupt king, hence it had to be overthrown. The innocent people relocated to different states in search of work, and the rest of them continued to raise their own armies in preparation for conflict.

"No, I have to go alone. If it were an ambush, they'd try to attack the castle." Mr. Levin tried to speak, but he was interrupted. "And someone needs to be in the kingdom; as soon as I leave, you need to be on high alert because the Josen kingdom is in danger and I can't stop it on my own. This area had long been cursed, and now my daughter is in risk." Alaric was said to have learned of the Salgamerians hidden in the forbidden realm through his companion and assassin Hermes. Like the Salgama, his realm was disintegrating. He had to save both the kingdom and his daughter, but he couldn't accomplish it by himself.

"But as soon as they learn that the King is absent, they'll launch an attack."

"That is why I have a coronation planned."

"A coronation!" Mr. Levin exclaimed out.

"A half coronation, indeed. The throne should never be left unoccupied." The king said. "I don't know how long I'd be gone." Alaric turned to face the state healer, who was witnessing their conversation from a distance. "I need to find the warlock, and in the meanwhile, I'll even take care of the Salgamas."

The state healer continued to work on Aura's healing for a week. The healer informed the king that Diona was exempt from the curse because it was intended solely for the kid. It was either Diona or her daughter, though, as the curse was extremely potent and filled with rage. The state healer revealed that despite his best efforts to lessen the effects of the curse, Diona was able to survive for a little period of time. "I'm only a state healer; I can only heal superficial wounds and lessen the effects of any spell, but not break the spell," the healer said. He took a brief moment to think. "Find the warlock; I managed to lessen the curse's impact; the hairpin in your palm would provide temporary protection for her."

Alaric eyed the hairpin and questioned what he was getting at. " What is the purpose of this ordinary-appearing hairpin?" His words got caught up in his throat when the state healer said something.

"When Diona was drawing her final breaths, she asked me to allow her to protect Aura by whatever means imaginable. To break or prevent any spell or curse, only a tremendous energy can do that."

"What do you mean?"

The state healer let out a heavy sigh and stated, "She poured every last bit of her strength and breath into that hairpin because she knew she couldn't make it. I simply helped her hold her power in check so she could use her last breath to save her daughter, which was the first gift you and Diona gave your daughter." Inwardly cursing himself for not being present at the time, the king was listening to everything with agony in his eyes. As he failed to defend his wife and daughter, he swore. "Although I am aware of your thoughts, now is not the time to feel regret. You must be in the proper frame of mind."

"For a long time, when individuals wanted to be remembered among their loved ones, they would transfer their positive energy to one item they hold dear." With some magic, it can be done, and Diona wanted to safeguard your daughter with that, even if you're not here." The healer said, "So, I must advise, you should find the warlock as quickly as possible. She'll always protect her, but it won't break the spell; it doesn't promise anything; it's only for the time being, you might say. She's protected for the time being until then."

The king finally decided to take Hermes with him after much persuasion, and the two of them set off for the forbidden territory where the Salgamas had been sighted. There was no turning back now; Alaric was taking a chance. They were far into the dense forest, which had before brought to mind both pleasant and painful memories for him, and now there were these Salgamas. "This is where we last saw them." Alaric dismounted his horse after nodding. After some time of searching, they found no sign of anyone. The tree trunk next to them was pierced by an arrow as they prepared to remount the horse. Even though it passed by them closely, it avoided touching any of them. Hermes swiftly drew his dagger and quickly assumed a defensive stance in front of the king.

"It was intended to be a warning shot." said Alaric. "We came here to have a conversation. It would be preferable if you could all come out." They were already outnumbered and there could be more than 10 Salgamerians, so Hermes stared at the king in bewilderment. The strength in Alaric's voice, though, said differently. It was controlled but firm. The rustling of the bushes was followed by footsteps after what seemed like 10 minutes. "There are a total of seven persons." Alaric spoke while keeping his eyes closed to pay attentive attention. A man who appeared to be their leader emerged from their left, followed by six other men, as he counted each step.

"Ask your man to take the blade out of our faces, please." The leader spoke. Hermes didn't retreat and watched Alaric to see what he would do next. Alaric nodded and advanced toward the Salgamas leader, pausing at a safe distance, as Hermes stowed his knife.

"What are you doing here?" Initially, Alaric stated it.

"What do you think? If you don't want to be hurt, give me all your money and return home." He laughed and made fun of the king. Alaric kept quiet and only glared at the leader, his stare frightening all seven of them. Having cleared his throat, the leader continued. "Do you want to leave this world? You didn't hear me?" The leader moved closer to Alaric by taking two steps forward. Alaric was unfazed by his hollow threats and kept glaring at the commander.

"I believe it is you who wishes to die." Alaric spoke in a collected manner. "I advise you to go back to where you came from. All that we seek is peace." After hearing the laughter from all seven Salgamerians, Hermes pulled his dragger once more. His knuckles were getting white from gripping the dagger with his tight fists. At the king's command, he was prepared to attack.

"This is where we currently hunt because we have nowhere to go." The leader laughed while drooling in contempt.

"This is the last time I would advise you to return." Alaric spoke, and one of the seven men drew his sword and marched forward. He lunged for Alaric, but Hermes was quick and swiftly severed the man's wrist. The man's hold on the sword slipped as blood began to pour from the cut area, and he dropped the weapon. Although the man's wrist wasn't completely amputated, the wound left him in terrible pain. The monarch learned that these were hooligans under the command of the troops, not trained soldiers. In order to stop the bloody outpouring, the man took a step back while holding his hurt arm. The leader prevented the other five guys from drawing their swords.

"Who are you?"

"I'll tell it again: leave the Josen kingdom and go back to your home country. You won't survive much longer, even if you murder us right now. You and your entire troop will be hunted by the north and east, including the Josen Kingdom, and that would be unpleasant." When the man heard that, his eyes grew wide. The Salgamas consented to leave the kingdom as a result of Alaric's strong words. Alaric must be a member of the nobility, they reasoned. "And instruct your men to avoid the area if you don't want a bloody conflict."

The attackers started to walk away after backing up a few feet. "The cards will change." The leader spoke before vanishing into the forest.

"Let's see."

When it became known that Salgamas were hiding in various locations throughout several kingdoms, search teams were dispatched to find them. Within a week, many Salgamerians had been detained. Added security was employed throughout the kingdoms. These messages were dispatched around the kingdom in the north and east by the royal advisor. The salgamerians were taken care of quickly.

Alaric plopped down on the bed and turned himself so he was facing the ceiling as soon as he got to his room in the deck. Alaric took out the hanky given to him by Vixen and admired it. "Your Uncle Vixen made this for you, Princess." He murmured to himself as he closed his eyes, picturing his daughter, her tiny feet and hands, her beautiful golden eyes. "Do you resemble your mother more now that you've grown bigger? Or me?" he chuckled lightly, curious about Aura's appearance. There was a long pause, as if Alaric had drifted off, but then a single tear rolled down his cheek. Alaric thanked God that he was the only person in the room as his lips quivered and he struggled to hold back tears. The room was a decent size with two bunk beds on either side of the wall facing the other and a single bed perpendicular to their foot. He opened his eyes and took a look around. Alaric had thrown the maps he had brought with him onto the communal desk, which was also present. He muttered as he sat up and examined the large chart. "Am I on the right track?" he whispered to himself, furiously wiping his cheeks.

On the deck, Hermes was equally concerned; Alaric had held his calm for the past six years, but he was crumbling on the inside, and it was undeniable. Hermes begged the gods above them because he could not bear to see his king in such a state. "Please guide us if you're there watching us, as some people think you are. Help us." With his hands on the railing, he closed his eyes and relaxed. His knuckles grew white from holding on with such force.

"Pay attention, everyone; we'll be stopping in Terraya Dock for two days. Both the ship and our food supply need to be restocked. Please make the most of this time, fellow travelers. Let's go ashore for two days because I'm sure everyone is unwell from these days at sea." Everyone rejoiced as the quartermaster declared it. They needed to set foot on land because a week of sailing had gotten everyone sea sick. Who can predict what this land will hold? Possibly luck? Maybe this is a sign from above.