The noise seemed to attract some nearby hunters, who slowed their pace, spotting something in the vegetation. When they saw it, they remounted their horses. They expected wild animals, but some noticed that the tracks showed the trotting of many horses, all headed in the same direction. "What's going on? Do you think someone broke the rules by ganging up?"
"They might, but it wouldn't last long. The prize the queen will bestow on the winner is far too precious to pass up. They'll probably betray each other..."
"And what if..."
"What? Speak." The man with the full beard and the large black bow looked up at the young nobleman who had approached him and spoke decisively: "Perhaps we're in danger. The queen warned us, and it's unwise to ignore the words of a wise woman like her."
"Should we check them out? What if they really are dangerous people? Wouldn't it be better to call for the guards?"
"If the queen were in danger, it would be too late. I propose we follow the tracks for now. If you want to alert the guards, I won't stop you. Good luck." The man mounted his horse and without further ado began to follow the tracks on the ground. Meanwhile, the young nobleman decided to follow the man, too frightened to turn back alone: "I'm coming too, wait for me!"
Many people had noticed something was wrong, and the marquis's absence had raised suspicions among the queen's personal guards, who hadn't followed the princess to monitor the situation. No one had attacked them at the time, but the road to Quentin Sorton's mansion could be dangerous. They had decided to change direction and find an alternative safe haven, namely the nearest village from which most of the crowd of citizens had come.
Some shepherds and farmers suggested the path they should follow, protected by the thick vegetation so they couldn't be easily spotted. The guards had learned from the princess's maids that the attackers had bows and were hiding in the woods. There could have been many of them, even enemy soldiers.
"The princess and the queen are in danger... what do we do?" Mariella couldn't shake her panic, while Rachel remained silent and studied the dirt.
They were walking in one of the small groups formed to reach the nearby village. If they had all gone together, no one would have escaped from a potential ambush. The guards had split up so they could protect and monitor the situation for everyone.
"I don't know... but what about that strange advisor? Where is he? Maybe if we found him, he'd know what to do!"
"He left at dawn. I saw him."
"What?" Mariella worried even more: another betrayal?
Federik, listening behind them, allowed himself to join in the discussion: "I shouldn't discuss private matters, but as an advisor, I can confirm that man's outbursts have always been approved by the Queen herself. I don't suspect him, but I do think it's a strange coincidence."
Federik took a moment to consider his next words: he wasn't experienced in comforting people, but he would try; the urgent situation required clarity on everyone's part. "I'm sure her Majesty and her Highness will have considered every eventuality. They are intelligent and courageous women, you can believe that. They wouldn't risk their lives for a lack of foresight. After all, they are far-sighted, and both have great intuition. A politically unstoppable pair, and considering the queen's skill with weapons, I can confidently say they won't be stopped by a mere ambush..."
"You're a great flatterer, but you speak the truth."
The three who were talking jumped in fright when Astrael appeared out of nowhere at their side. "Councilor!"
Rachel looked at him as if he were the only beacon of hope, and even Mariella showed a relieved expression. Federik wiped a drop of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand and adjusted his glasses, taking a closer look at Astrael. His shirt was stained with blood and his jacket was in tatters, something the demon also noticed as soon as he followed the direction of his eyes. With an elegant gesture, he shed his coat and rolled up his sleeves. His eyes were darker than usual, they even seemed red! Federik stammered when he saw him walking down the street from where the entire group had come:
"W-where are you going, Councilor?"
"Where? Isn't it obvious? I have to get people out of trouble."
Federik, Mariella, and Rachel couldn't stop him, not even the guards who saw the strange man dart away. Astrael waited until he disappeared into the vegetation before materializing as close as possible to the two women he was looking for. He had only narrowly escaped the enemy demon. His name was Morpheus, a creature extremely intolerant of the human species: while demons of lust lose themselves in the pleasures of the flesh and torment humans for it, creatures like Morpheus gain satisfaction from corrupting souls and bringing them into their shadow realm.
These demonic beings are typical of the northern continent, and Astrael couldn't explain why he was in this kingdom. One thing the demon of lust couldn't stand was an invasion of territory, and demons or people like Morpheus, fanatics and megalomaniacs like few others. Although, truth to be told, few creatures of the shadows could call themselves non-mythomaniacs.
Astrael soon abandoned his human form so he could fully utilize his powers, even if they were limited in the human world. He soon smelled royal blood in the air, but at the time he didn't know who had lost blood. Morpheus was hot on his trail, and he was also waiting for his sacrifice: the princess of Arran.
He had to move quickly, otherwise it would be difficult to find the two women safe and sound.
It was time to put an end to that damn mess.