CHAPTER 16: The Swamp

At the foot of the mountain…

Before the Spiritual Leader rides to town, he decides to drop by the Supremo's camp and informs him about the Young Miss entering the mountain. Naturally, the Supremo fumed.

"Spiritual Leader, how can you let her enter without consulting me?! I think it is known to you that she is not that strong and is sickly. If something happens to my daughter, I will not forgive you."

"Supremo, he is the Spiritual Leader. Calm down," Adviser Moraii said, trying to calm him.

The Supremo stood up from his chair and went outside the camp.

"I must apologize for what the Supremo said. I hope you understand. He is just worried about his daughter," Adviser Moraii said to the Spiritual Leader.

"Yes, I understand Adviser."

Minutes later, the Supremo came back.

"Then, can you perform a ritual to let me and my golden shielders enter that mountain now."

"I must apologize, Supremo. I can't let you enter that mountain as every entry is limited to five individuals. If I let you enter, you will be harmed."

"What?! Is there any other way?"

"There is none, Supremo. But, you don't have to worry too much, Supremo. It hasn't been long before the Young Miss followed the team, she might have already caught up to them."

"Spiritual leader, perform every ritual you know to make sure that my daughter is safe or be ready to lose your life. If you understand that, please leave."

The spiritual leader looked at the Supremo with a gentle gaze before he left.

"Supremo, you don't have to threaten the Spiritual Leader like that," Adviser Moraii said.

"Adviser, not now. I am anxious and worried and angry. I don't feel like arguing with you. Please leave."

Adviser Moraii threw one last glance at the distraught Supremo before he left.

XXX

As soon as they got out from the Mossy Forest, Tobias stopped and walked towards Sol. Commander Remus immediately blocked him.

"Commander, I'm a Wishbone. Even though you're strong and skilled, you still are no match to me. So, step aside," Tobias warned Commander Remus.

Commander Remus stared right into Tobias' unsettled eyes.

Why is he antagonizing me now? I thought that he's a well-behaved defender; but now, he dared to threaten me? I can't let him harm the Young Miss.

"Over my dead body. I will not let you harm her."

"Don't worry, Commander. I will never hurt her. I just want to ask a few questions; so, step aside please."

Sol tugged the Commander's robes to tell him that it's okay. The commander has no choice but to step aside.

Tobias walked closer to Sol. He stared at her. Her tresses were let loose and only one side was braided and adorned with accessories. Her face has several bruises and cuts. She is wearing purple robes with a golden accent. You can tell that it's an expensive cloth. Her all-around look is saying that she is the Young Miss. Also, he noticed that her robes were also let loose. Her belt is long gone as it was destroyed by the rocks.

Also, maybe because each one of them knew who she really is, no one asked why she's dressed up like that.

"Aspirant Moraii, I didn't interrogate you earlier because it was chaotic. Tell me, how the hell are you here? How did you know that we are here? Moreover, you still have your training," Tobias asked, still treating her as an aspirant.

"Mm. I filed a leave at the Training Camp. Also, participating in this mission could also help me with my training."

"This is a secret mission. How did you find out about it?"

It's as if something was stuck on Sol' throat that she couldn't speak. She averted her gaze towards Commander Remus.

"Do you need to know that, Captain?" Commander Remus asked him, trying to divert Tobias' question.

"You seem to be forgetting something, Commander. This is a secret mission. Aren't you also curious why Aspirant Moraii here knew about it?"

Commander Remus did not answer him and turned towards Sol who lowered her head to avoid both the gazes of Commander Remus and Captain Karsh.

"Did you perhaps...on that night, in the library, you heard-" Tobias said in scattered words, trying to know if Sol heard the secret mission from Commander Osiros' visit at the training camp.

"My father sent me," Sol finally said as she met Tobias' gaze.

"The Supremo sent you here?" Commander Remus unconsciously blurted out. As soon as he said it, he immediately realized that he spilled a secret but it was too late to take it back. Everything went silent.

Now that her identity is left out in the open, Sol immediately looks at Tobias and sees if he will react indifferently. Her heart started throbbing. Honestly, she's afraid that he will treat her differently now that he knew that she is the Young Miss. Will he insult her like those people who has been around her? That she's not fit to be the Young Miss? That she's the only flaw of the Supremo?

Surprisingly, he looked unfazed as if he heard something that is not a secret. He met her eyes without any hint of degradation.

"The Supremo will never send his daughter on a dangerous mountain like this," Tobias said, still staring at Sol with those interrogative eyes, "So, tell me, why are you really here?"

Commander Remus also looked at Sol. He also agreed on what Tobias had said.

It makes sense. How can the Supremo send his daughter to this mountain? More so, his daughter's body is not in the best condition.

"Well, Captain, as you have said, this is a dangerous Mountain."

"So?"

"So, I sneaked in. If my Father knew that I was here, he would definitely send people to make sure we are safe until we get out of here."

"But… they couldn't send more people here…" Haelas uttered after several minutes of watching them in silence with Dorn.

"Huh?"

"According to the rules, the maximum number to enter this mountain is five. And with that, no one should enter the mountain until those who are still inside haven't come out; or else, those who try to enter it will be met with mysterious illness or even death," Haelas continued to explain.

Sol was left dumbfounded. She felt stupid at the moment.

I came with the intention of bringing them home safely even though my presence as the Young Miss is the only thing that I can offer. However, I think I brought myself as a burden instead of someone that will help.

"Aspirant Moraii… Sol…Young Miss…?"

Tobias kept calling her. She has been unresponsive until she heard her title 'Young Miss'.

"Captain…I would not like to be addressed as such."

"But you have not been talking when I've been calling out your name."

"It's because I'm embarrassed, Captain. I came here without knowing anything. Now, our hope to be saved is gone. We now have to rely on ourselves."

Tobias reached her shoulders and tapped it gently.

"Then, you and Aspirant Aris will treat this as your training ground. Do not worry, you have Commander Remus here and Sir Allegros. I am also here. We will be alright."

"Yes, Captain."

"For now, ask Aspirant Aris for any ointments to put on your cuts and bruises. And as we have no female companions other than you, the closest one that could assist you is Aspirant Aris himself."

"Yes, Captain," Haelas obeyed as soon as he heard his name. 

He then pulled Sol to a big rock that could cover them. He gave the ointment to her and stayed near. Sol lifted some parts of her robe to apply the ointment herself. It showed that she has bruised shoulders, chest, stomach and knees. There were also cuts on her arms. 

After treating herself, she and Haelas started walking towards Commander Remus, Captain Karsh and Sir Allegros.

Tobias then tore a part of his robes making the people around him be curious of what he's doing. He then stepped closer to Sol and wrapped the cloth around her waist, serving as a belt. With that, her expensive robes are now in place.

Tobias then turned towards Commander Remus.

"We're good to go, Commander. Kindly led us the way," he said.

The commander didn't respond to him but he immediately led the way. Tobias then ushered Dorn, Haelas and Sol to go after the Commander. He followed from behind as he stared at the Commander. He breathed a sigh of relief. He wondered how he was able to go head on against the commander without trembling.

Is he getting better now?

XXX

While treading on, Dorn looked towards Haelas.

"Aspirant Aris, it seems like you're not surprised when Commander Remus revealed Aspirant Moraii's identity."

"Well, I have been quite aware about it for some time, Sir."

"Oh right. You are friends."

"Mm. Speaking of that, you, Sir, and Captain Karsh don't seem to be surprised either."

Dorn was speechless for a while.

"Ah. We are also shocked we just have an expressionless face."

"Mm. That's quite true sir."

Dorn stopped for a while. Should he be insulted?

Dorn then shifted his gaze to the Commander who's treading the path rigorously.

So is it because they have expressionless faces that they were not shocked that Aspirant Moraii is the Young Miss? Is that the real reason?

Commander Remus shrugged it off and continued walking.

XXX

As they tread on silently, Commander Remus suddenly stopped, halting them.

"What's wrong Commander?" Tobias asked.

"The path has been going downhill. We are nearing the swamp."

"The Swamp?" Sol uttered.

"Um. The Swamp. It's a dangerous area. Though the water is shallow on the path we are taking, we don't know what's lurking beneath it. According to the senior Wishbones who oriented us, you can meet a green anaconda here and a villainous spirit that could grab your feet and drag you towards the deeper part of the swamp and drown you there," Haelas narrated.

"If we tread on in silence, we wouldn't disturb them and gain their attention," Tobias said.

"We need to be careful. When we enter the swamp, grab on each other's arms," Commander Remus ordered and geared towards the swamp.

XXX

After several minutes, they finally arrived at the edge of the swamp. An almost clear water surrounded the tall slim trees that are clothed with vines. Parts of the swamp were covered with aquatic plants. It doesn't seem that dangerous to tread on.

Commander Remus took a step and another. Each one of them tread on the water, silently and gently. However, as they reached the middle, Dorn noticed something slithering towards them. He immediately let go of his grip on the Commander's hand and unsheathed his sword. He then aimed and tried to attack that thing.

"What is it?!" Commander Remus said and turned towards Dorn.

Before Dorn could answer, a big snake suddenly rose to them. It is olive-green in color with its eyes and nose located on top of his head. The snake is as long as about 40 feet and about 15 inches thick. The snake started flicking his tongue. Without giving them a chance to attack it first, this big snake lunged on Dorn and was able to bite into his shoulders.

"DORNNN!!" they shouted and unsheathed their swords.

"What kind of snake is that, Captain? It is so huge?" Sol asked in the middle of the commotion as she held her sword with her trembling hands.

"It is called an anaconda," Tobias answered.

The anaconda started wrapping Dorn with his body.

"Captain, attack now!" Commander Remus shouted at the Captain.

They then jumped closer to the Anaconda. Like an obedient believer, they offered their apologies first and started attacking it. The anaconda coiled on Dorn tighter and tighter as Dorn groaned in pain. The Commander and Captain were able to cut the Anaconda but it is not giving up Dorn. Once they've cut up the Anaconda, it would be too late, Dorn would have been crushed.

Tobias stepped back for a while and observed the Anaconda. After deciding his target, he jumped high and lunged on the anaconda, striking both of its eyes. It screamed in pain and fell on the water in a heavy weight making waves on the water. Dorn also came crashing down on top of the Anaconda.

"Dorn!" Tobias shouted and ran towards his friend, calling out his first name.

It's really serious and full of concern when Tobias calls his friend's first name in public.

"Aspirant Aris!" he shouted again as he held his friend in his arms.

When the chaos subsided, Sol looked around to see Dorn surviving the Anaconda. But then, he couldn't see Haelas anymore.

"Haelas!" she started shouting and walked around the waters.

"Where is Aspirant Aris, Young Miss?" Commander Remus asked when he noticed her walking around the waters.

"He's suddenly gone, Commander. He's just beside me earlier."

"Keep quiet," Tobias said and looked around. He closed his eyes and tried to focus his senses on his sense of hearing.

Commander Remus and Sol also looked around silently. They were just shocked when Tobias suddenly lunged on the vines hanging from the trees and swung to the South.

Sol started to follow him but Commander Remus asked her to stay with him and the unconscious Dorn. He knew that Tobias could handle it.

After about five swings, he finally saw Haelas being dragged towards the deeper part of the swamp. Haelas' grip was on his sword that was deeply hammered on the swamp floor. He tried to shout for help but it's incomprehensible with the gurgling sound. 

Tobias looked over Haelas' drowning body, from his head towards his feet. He wanted to know what's pulling Haelas.

Then in that quite murky water, he caught a glimpse of what seemed to be two pairs of pale webbed hands with long fingernails holding tightly on Haelas' right ankle. Tobias didn't call unto Haelas as this might agitate that creature. When the vine stopped swinging, he aimed his dart knife at those pale hands. He took a breath gently and struck his target. It made a wailing sound and released Haelas.

Tobias then swung towards him, wrapping his arm around his abdomen as he lifted him up from the waters. He then tried to do a powerful swing from that area towards the shallower waters. After that, he landed on the waters with Haelas coughing out those water he accidentally drank.

"Are you alright?" Tobias asked him.

"I'm alright, Captain. Thank you for saving me."

"Mm. Let's go. We need to leave this place before that creature will return."

"Yes, Captain."

Tobias then grabbed Haelas' arm to assist him as they waddled around the waters. In no time, they reached their companions. Dorn has also fortunately gained consciousness.

As soon as Sol saw Haelas, she hurriedly walked towards him and hugged him tightly.

"I am glad you are safe," Sol said and hugged him tighter.

Tobias then walked towards Dorn. He eyed his bleeding shoulders.

"Aspirant Aris, can you bandage him first?" Tobias asked Haelas.

"Yes, Captain."

Luckily, the medicines and bandages he took were contained in a bag made from animal skin. Thus, they were able to survive those water commotions.

"Do it quickly before the creature comes back to us," Tobias said.

"What creature?" Commander Remus asked.

"I don't know, Commander. I only saw a pair of pale webbed hands," Haelas answered.

After Dorn was treated, Tobias asked, "Can you still manage?"

"Of Course, Captain."

"Okay then, let's move on before that creature will come again."

"Okay then, let's get going. Let's tread on silently," Commander Remus said and led the way.

As they were nearing the end of the swamp, they started to see the fog scattered on that area. They have arrived at the Lonely Woodland. In that area, the fog is so thick that you can't see anything except some of the tree trunks. Also, when you reach the middle, you can hear a bamboo flute playing sweetly that it invites you to take a rest and will eventually let you fall asleep. Even though you will feel sleepy hearing it, you shouldn't or else you will remain asleep forever.

XXX

Commander Remus halted his companions again.

"Hold on each other's arms. We can be easily lost here as there is almost zero visibility. Also, never fall asleep. If you, you will be asleep forever," he said, warning them.

"Yes, Commander," they responded.

Slowly, they ventured into that foggy Woodland. You literally can't see anything. It's pure white. You can't even see what's ahead of you, unless you focus your eyes for a long time. You can even barely see the path you are treading on.

"Haelas," Sol started speaking, to distract him from the creepy vibes of that area.

"Yes?"

"I just can't believe that I know everyone who's on the team. I mean everyone knows everyone. It's like it's fate."

Haelas chuckled.

"So, you believe in fate now?"

"I'm starting to believe. "

As they are conversing, Haelas suddenly bumped onto something, making him fall and let go of Sol's arm.

"Haelas? Are you alright?" Sol asked.

He didn't respond.

"Haelas? HAELAS?! HAELAS?!" she shouted but still there's no response.

"What's happening?" Tobias asked as he focused his eyes ahead to check on their companions. However, he could only see huge tree trunks.

"Haelas let go of my hand, Captain," Sol said as she tried to feel her surroundings. She could only feel the path and tree trunks and no more.

"We might have been separated. Do not worry too much. Commander Remus and Sir Allegros are with him. Let's worry about ourselves as we might have entered another path," Tobias said, "I'll go ahead. No matter what happens, never let go of my hand."

"Yes, Captain."

As they tread deeper and deeper into the Lonely Woodland, they started to hear the tug of each string from the lyre harp. It was played beautifully. The tones relax the soul.

"Aspirant Moraii, be alert. The lyre harp started playing. Don't let it get inside of you."

"Yes, Captain."

"By the way, there is something that I wanted to ask," Tobias started as they took several steps ahead.

"What is it, Captain?"

"When I said that I'm going to give you special training, why did you cry?"

"Mm. Didn't I tell the reason, Captain?"

"No."

"Well, I'm just grateful that is."

"But your eyes looked sad and in pain."

"Um…"

"Never mind, if you don't want to tell me. It's okay."

"Well, you see, Captain. I am the Young Miss, the Daughter of the revered Supremo. I am a Wishbone of high status but I am also the weakest of all the offsprings of the Wishbones. I am the shame of all the Wishbones. I am the flaw of my father. People don't say it loud but they're taunting me. They're also taunting my father behind his back. That's why, I decided to prove them wrong, to be strong and be a skilled defender. That's after I saw you, Captain during the culmination of your training. When I saw you, I thought to myself that I want to be amazing and peerless like you. My father disagreed as my body is weak and sickly. Thus, I have to change my name."

"Did he ask you to change your name?"

"Yes, Captain but I knew that he just wanted to discourage me. He was totally shocked when I agreed to change my name. Thus, my name is Sol Moraii. It also helped that I've been stuck within the corners of the Manse as few people knew what I really look like."

"I don't know if you're brave or just stubborn."

"I also don't know Captain why am I so bold to join the force. When I joined, it was really hard for my body to catch up as I've only stayed at the Manse without doing any recreational activity. I am really jealous of my fellow aspirants who started training when they were younger and those who were exposed to extreme activities. It was really hard for me with the training and those judging eyes, but I persevered and I barely made it at the Bloody Cloaks Training Camp."

"You did well."

"That's what I thought, Captain. But then when I trained with those fellow aspirants who are really a lot stronger and skilled than I am, I was quite challenged. I assure myself that it's alright. With hard work, triple hard work, I will be able to reach their level. However, no matter how I try, I can't just seem to improve. I don't know what to do. I started to feel defeated. Then, you offered me special training."

"And you cried."

"Yes Captain, I am both sad and happy at the moment. Sad as I look back at my fruitless hardwork and happy that you offered me help before I completely crumbled."

"But you still crumbled."

"Yes I did crumble, but I was lucky that you were there to pick my broken pieces and restructure me again. I am really grateful, Captain."

"Mm. If you really are grateful, keep your promise."

"Yes, captain. I won't crumble again. I will not fail you."

"That's good then. I have another question as well."

"What's with so many questions, Captain? Did you suddenly become interested in me?"

"I am your training officer, I should be interested in you."

"Um."

"About the sun necklace, you said you don't remember who gave it to you. Among your childhood memories, which is the youngest memory that you could recall?"

"Um, I have vague memories of when I was 6 years old, Captain."

"How about when you're younger, could you recall anything?"

"No captain, is it not normal Captain? That was a long time ago, I bet no one can remember their memories at that age."

"I can."

"Well, maybe it's because you're amazing. By the way, how does that relate to the sun necklace Captain?"

"Well, you said that you couldn't remember how it ended up to you. Maybe it was given when you were much younger. Don't you want to know who gave that to you?"

"I haven't really gotten much thought into it. I thought that it might just be from my parents."

"Mm. By chance, do you know someone named …" he trailed off and swallowed hard, "Risus."

"Ri-"

Before Sol could say the name, she faintly groaned as she felt a sudden pain on her heart.

"Are you alright?"

"Um, Yes Captain. I don't think I knew someone with that name. Why do you ask, Captain? Should I know him?"

"No, not really."

"By the way, can I ask about something, Captain?"

"What is it?"

"I've been meaning to ask about…about-"

"Go on."

"Will you promise not to be angry at me?"

"I promise."

"About that portrait that Chief Healer showed to you. Who are they? When I saw it, they felt familiar but I don't recall who they are."

The grip of Tobias on his hand tightened. Sol waited for his answer but all she heard was the lyre harp.

"A-are you alright, Captain?"

"Mm. But I appreciate it if you don't ask me anymore about that," Tobias said as his eyes started to get watery. It seems like he is still emotional when it comes to his family.

"Okay, Captain," he answered.

And the cherry conversation ended. Everything went silent and the notes on the lyre harp played louder and louder, sweet and enticing.

They tread on for thirty minutes more when Tobias started to feel the effect of the lyre harp.

If a strong Wishbone like him can already feel it, then what about Sol?