An amazing camping trip
The weather outside was chilly. The thick gray clouds announced nothing good.
Julian had finished packing everything, well everything wasn't in fact much. The little he needed was clothes, food and tools to rebuild they're shack once they found refuge yet again.
The rest, he tried to throw away or burn as much as possible. Hopefully to leave the least amount of trails as possible for his pursuers.
Although he knew it would be bad for his wife, Sofia, to be caught. He also knew that if they were caught, it would be harrowing death sentence for both himself and they're child.
After they had run away from, they're home town, bounties were attached across the kingdom to find them.
This was why they had hidden in such a remote region. One without a soul around, as well as one were no one dared to visit.
This was all due to the river the flowed a few kilometers up. The cause wasn't known, but the water had an extremely high level of mana concentration in it. Because of this, any animal or human that came into contact with it would fall ill and die within a thew days.
Because of all of these reasons, up until now they hadn't seen anyone in they're 5 years living here. It was they're safe haven.
Julian went around looking around the house quickly to see if there was anything else he had to throw into the fire.
After having confirmed he went into his bedroom, his little kid Nikki was still there, sleeping.
Sadness filled his heart, this was not the life he had wished to give him, he wanted him to have a beautiful life, with love from family and friends.
But… at this rate the second part would be missing and that tore his heart apart.
He kneeled to his side, looking at his innocent face. Just what would he do for him to keep that innocence that he had.
He made a promise in his heart to do his best to protect him from all the dangers he would ever encounter. He had done the promise multiple times before, but it reassured him to repeat it.
Julian shook Nikki's shoulder softly from side to side.
- Good morning big boy, its time to wake up.
- Huh… whaaaa…
Nikki rolled over, blocking his ears softly.
He was such a cute kid…
- Its time to wake up, we need to leave early because me you and mama will go camping!!
Nikki jumped up again.
- Camping??? Reallyyyyyyy?
- Yes of course, why would I lie about something THAT amazing!
- Yesssssss!!!
Nikki got out of the bed running towards the closet to pick his nicest clothes.
Joel on the other side looked at him with a sad smile.
He knew the reason he was so happy for the occasion was because it was the only time Nikki got to visit different regions, and if they passed a town, people.
But this time, it wasn't to actually go camping, it was a much more depressing reason, but he couldn't tell that to a little child. Much less his own.
- Is everything ready…?
Sofia had appeared behind them, she looked as if her parents had just died. Well, if she cared for them.
She clearly wasn't in good shape, but she then put on a smile, a smile to not let her little kid know that she was afraid of what was to come.
- Yes everything is ready for the camping trip my dear, we are going close to a magical lake, isn't that fun? So, Nikki make sure to pack your bag quickly.
Julian's smile wasn't one that could be called genuine, but he said it that way for two reasons. First, it was to tell Sofia what lie he had told Nikki for him to be so excited about the situation.
The second was to give a general direction they were heading. In the Treck Empire, there was only one place called the magical lake, it was a place that was owned by a noble family that wasn't too populated.
Of course, they wouldn't be staying at the lake, but that was the direction that they would currently be heading in.
- A magical lake?? Do you think we will see unicorns or or!!! A dragon??!!!
Sofia chuckled; her son was just so cute no matter what the situation was.
- Of course my lovely boy, you will see all kinds of creatures when we will travel! Like Samuel from your book.
- Yesssss!!
Nikki then finished his bag quickly. He packed his books and a few toys he wanted for the trip. He ran out outside signing.
He would finally be able to travel outside again, just what kind of amazing luck did he have.
It must have been because it's the 5th year that they had been living here… well that's what Nikki thought at least.
- Are you sure everything will be alright?
Sofia was still worried, but she at least regained some of her courage seeing as how her son was acting. She would do anything to protect his happiness.
- Of course it will be, I won't let them get to us no matter what they do. I will keep the promise that I gave you when I wed you.
- Right…
The two hugged each other for over a minute, appreciating the little silence that they had for now.
Sofia was trembling a little bit, but Julian hugged her, whispering everything would be fine, that they would stay a happy family forever and ever, just as they had dreamed so many nights together.
It was now an hour later, they had finally reached the river.
It was a beautiful river, the water was crystal clear, every rock and plant that dwelled bellow could be seen with almost no imperfection.
The river was 10 meters wide and a few kilometers long. Of course they couldn't simply cross it, unless they had a death wish.
As per usual, they reminded Nikki to stay close by at all times and that under no circumstances could he touch the water. It was too dangerous to even touch.
Nikki already knew this and nodded before running off in a distance.
It wasn't the first time they were taking this path to go to the other side of the river.
A bit passed the rapids, there was a large tree trunk that had fallen down.
It was big enough to be crossed on with ease, even with luggage.
Along the river there was mostly rocks. Kind of like a beach that had rocks instead of sand.
Apart from that, there was still the bustling forest that surrounded the forest.
There was a lot of animals, and hence preys as well. But with the power of a 3rd tier mage and a seasoned hunter, they wouldn't have much to worry about.
The family walked at a slow marching speed. Although time was pressing, they had to take some detours here and there to try and throw off the pursuers from they're tracks.
On top of that, they had to make sure that Nikki didn't catch onto what was happening.
Sofia and Julian were already happy enough that Nikki hadn't noticed the almost empty house we he ran out.
If he had, it would have been complicated to explain no matter what excuse they made up.
They held hands together, it was going to be a tough trip but, at least they were in this together.
Afar could be seen the rapids as well as the tree. It was about time for them to finally cross the river..
Nikki had already run all the way over to the tree.
Looking at him, it was clear to see that he was really excited about the supposed camping trip.
- Dear, we really need to make sure that he never loses that smile of his… I don't know what would happen if we lost him…
- Me too Sofia… me too.
They held each others hand even tighter… probably trying to reassure themselves that everything would be fine…
- MOM DAD HELP!!!! THERS SOMEONE HERE!!!
Julian and Sofia's hearts stopped for a second. Where they already caught? No they couldn't let this happen. Not after 5 years of hiding away.
Julian took out his axe and started running towards the screams of his child.
Sofia, although a bit slower on the uptake followed him, starting to chant different incantations for her magic spells.
It took them less then 30 seconds to catch up to they're son in distress. He was leaning over, something.
Sofia pull him back, I'll take care of him! On it!
Two blue waterspouts shot out of a magical circle and shot forward towards her son.
Rolling around his torso and arm before pulling him back quickly.
Julian on the other hand was right where his son used to be, ready to attack whoever dared to touch his son.
His vision turned red, he didn't even look at who it was, how dared they touch his son? In front of them no less!!
His axe was now falling, going at such a speed that even a mage wouldn't be able to stop in time. He was going to kill him.
- Dad stop!!
Although Julian was in a tunnel vision, one to kill his enemy. The voice of his son, his kid. No state of mind would let him not hear it, and thus, his axe stopped right above the head of a young man.
His hair was white and his eyes were a vibrant purple, his was as pale as a ghost. Just who was he?