I signaled for the crew to take position.In an instant, each of them slipped behind the mossy trunks, the damp foliage, or the lichen-covered rocks. The air grew heavier. The wind had stilled, as if the forest itself were holding its breath.
Theresya was trembling, her small hands clutching Nilyna's tunic.Nilyna crouched down and gently wrapped her arms around her.
— Don't move, she whispered. Stay close to me.
Heavy footsteps drew near. Branches cracked, and leaves rustled beneath foreign boots.Then, three figures emerged from the thickets. Men, dressed like simple fishermen — worn linen shirts, rolled-up trousers, nets slung over their shoulders.But their eyes, the way they scanned the surroundings — their intent was clear.And beneath their coats, I could see weapons glinting faintly in the dim light.
I stepped slowly out from my hiding place, letting the leaves part before me. Their eyes snapped toward me instantly.
— Good day. Who are you looking for, gentlemen? I asked calmly.— Could it be this child, perhaps?
The three men froze in surprise, exchanging a quick glance.The tallest one, a gray-bearded man with a cold stare, took a step toward me.
— That's none of your business, he said in a harsh voice. And who are you, anyway? No outsider is supposed to set foot on Sakuraggio.
I tilted my head slightly, intrigued.— Interesting… And why is no one supposed to come here?
— Shut up and die, spat another, unsheathing his blade.
Their swords flashed in a single metallic breath.But they had gravely underestimated my guard.
I raised my hand.A whistle cut through the air.
Arrows flew from every direction.I leapt into the air, twisting to avoid their wild swings. The arrows struck true — the three men fell before they could even understand what had happened.Their bodies collapsed to the forest floor before my boots even touched the ground again.
Silence fell.Only the distant cries of crows disturbed the stillness of the woods.
I signaled for my men to advance.Nilyna led Theresya away so she wouldn't see the bodies lying among the roots. The girl trembled, tears welling in her eyes.
I approached her, wiping the blood from my blade before sheathing it.— It's over. You're safe now.
The child slowly looked up at me. Her lips trembled. Then, timidly, she took my hand.— I… it's not just me, sir, she whispered, her voice breaking. My grandparents… my whole village… they're prisoners. The invaders captured them.
Nilyna frowned.— Invaders? What invaders, Theresya? Who are they?
The girl hesitated, searching for words.— I… I don't know, ma'am. I'd never seen them before. They came two weeks ago.
I lifted my eyes, thinking.— Two weeks…
Behind me, Sylena raised her head.— Jonady, two weeks… that's exactly when—
I finished her sentence quietly.— Yes… when the sea attacks began near Kyosval. And when we lost contact with the people of Sakuraggio.
Theresya nodded weakly.— We tried to fight back. But they were too many… too strong. They captured our leaders, took our homes. Since then, they control everything. They make us work for them — to fish, to dig, to build strange things…
Tears rolled down her cheeks.— My grandpa… he helped me escape. He told me to go far away, to find help… that someone would come.
Nilyna placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.— Those three men chasing you… were they part of the invaders?
Theresya shook her head.— No… When the invaders came, they said, "Submit or be destroyed." Those who obeyed were spared — and now they serve them. Those men… they were fishermen from the village. They chose their side.
I sighed softly.— I see.
I knelt before the girl.— Don't worry, Theresya. We're going to help you.
She looked up at me, her eyes shining with tears.— You… you'll help me?
I smiled.— What kind of king would I be if I didn't come to the aid of my people?
She blinked, confused by my words.— A… a king?
Nilyna chuckled softly.— Yes, Theresya. This is His Majesty Jonady, the new monarch of Ednia.
— Him?! she exclaimed, eyes wide. But… my grandma showed me a picture of the king! He was old and had a big mustache!
Nilyna burst out laughing, unable to hold it back.— If Rael were here, she said between laughs, she'd be in tears hearing how her father is described.
I couldn't help but smile, shaking my head.But my face quickly turned serious again.
— Theresya, do you know where the other villagers are being held?
She nodded quickly.— Yes! In the valley, behind the great waterfall. That's where they keep the prisoners. I'll take you there.
I stood up straight.— Good. Then let's move.
I gestured for my men to regroup.The bodies were hidden under leaves and branches. The wind picked up again, as if trying to erase all traces of the fight.
Theresya climbed onto a soldier's back, too tired to walk. Nilyna stayed close beside her, one hand resting on her sword.
— Jonady, murmured Sylena as she approached.— Yes?— If what the little girl says is true, we're not facing simple bandits. These "invaders" sound organized… disciplined. Perhaps even a foreign power.
I nodded slowly.— I know. And that's exactly what worries me. But one way or another, we'll soon find out.
Behind us, the forest seemed to hold its breath once more.Ahead, a thick white mist began to rise, veiling the path.
I drew in a deep breath.— Forward.
Each step brought us closer to the heart of Sakuraggio…and to the secrets the island was hiding.