AUTHOR'S POV
It's almost sundown when Stellan and his cavalier reached the borders of Nether. They combed through every village, waterway and even the darkest portions of the forrest as they track down the dark healer. Every smallest to gargantuan varmint encounter, the knights were twice as brutal… effortlessly diving into a bloodbath with all their might as if they were born to kill.
With earnest eyes, each swordsman fulfilled their duty vanquishing every beast coming their way. Stellan revered the incomparable honor and strenght each knight put in every swing of their swords. He saw no ounce of fear despite every blood that drops. The pain seemed more like an impulse to push forward, basking in it until it cease to exist. No one hesitated, not even a little. Jacomus and Atrius watched in awe while the knights of Hesam clash in series of onslaughts with prodigous precision. Hesam does train perfect caliber of swordsmen, and they both want in.
Clearing the way, they all passed by burned down hamlets, scattered carcasses of beasts, and vast withered greeneries in caution. It was a definite proof that death roams the land closeby. The quiet sets their teeth on edge. Whenever the silence is disturbed with a slightest purr, they all stand on tiptoes, prepared to strike.
And yet, there was always nothing in the dark.
Nothing in the cold winds of the night under the purple sky.
At the time, they have decided to slow down with Stellan still on the lead, seconded by Gallanthe. The profound silence started to become jaded that Gallanthe decided to break it. "When you were leaving Hesam, I thought you'll come running for your princess", Gallanthe uttered as they cross the misty open grassland.
"Not yet, but that's the next best thing to do", Stellan said without looking at his comrade, riding slowly.
"I'm totally lost. Clear things out with me", Gallanthe continued as he match the speed of Stellan's stallion. "You and Galen fell for the same woman? The woman whom he is supposed to marry, while you were betrothed to Princess Eira?", he inquisitively asked. Atrius and Jacomus pry closely, trying to listen for what Stellan has to say.
"Quit being nosy, it doesn't suit you", Stellan clicked his tongue at Areon, speeding up a little avoiding Gallanthe. Atrius and Jacomus tried as hard to calm themselves.
Snickering softly, Gallanthe was too entertained not to stop. He have never seen Stellan go uneasy just because of a woman.
"That's a nice ring I've never seen you wear one before", Gallanthe noticed.
"It's our ring, and it's our business. So, back off", Stellan simply answered, hiding his hand from Gallanthe.
"So it's true? Aish! What did you see in her?", Gallanthe frustratingly asked. "Princess Eira is definitely the most beautiful thing I've ever seen! Delicate, sophisticated, gentle…", while he continued to bicker his thoughts openly, he suddenly felt cold down his spine. It was then he realized Stellan, Atrius and Jacomus were all shooting daggers at the inquisitive knight."What did I say?", Gallanthe he cluelessly wondered with a frown.
"If you're that curious, then allow me to answer that", Atrius couldn't stand to just listen, as he chisel his way between Gallanthe and Stellan. Whistling softly, Jac knew Atrius wouldn't stay quiet as soon as they both heard Helena's name. "Princess Helena is like no other woman out there.", Atrius said. "She's dauntless, reserved and has her own kind of pretty. She glows as if she has her own light. I know Eira is beautiful in so many undebatable ways. Even so, Princess Helena is the kind of lady who treats everyone just the same", he said as he attract the other knights in his response. Their interest on the only princess of Nether started to grow as they mumble the likes of her.
"She's the only girl that I knew who would put her life on the line to save others", Jac added with a cocky grin. "And she likes sweets too much, I'd say it's always the best tasting ones!", Jacomus nodded leaving Gallanthe confused how they know so much about the princess.
"Now, that's enough", Stellan said as he pause their journey by the stream. "We'll rest for a while!", he rewarded the knights a well deserved break, hoping Gallanthe would finally keep his mouth shut too.
"Fine, I get it. But, how did you two meet?", Gallanthe kept on badgering Stellan.
"When are you going to stop?", Stellan sighed, leaving Areon with his staff by the stream before reaching for the waters to wash his face. On the other hand, Gallanthe enjoys every moment with the paladin knight. Jac and Atrius could only feel bad for the annoyance Stellan doesn't deserve. "This is will be a long journey for Sir Stellan", Jac said.
The entire cavalier took some time to rest their horses, share meals, and drink some ale. They made a big bonfire, enough to warm their cold faces and freezing hands. They stood onguard and aware of their surroundings, inspite of being on stationary. Gallanthe finally stopped landing tons of questions at the paladin knight. In fact, he didn't had any plans to stop until Stellan lifted his fist wrapped with a blue flame.
"It's been a whole day", Atrius stood beside Stellan, now standing by the fire. "Will we able to find it?", he asked.
"It will show up", Stellan answered.
"Are you… well?", Atrius asked softly.
"I'm anxious.", Stellan replied with a sigh. "Undeniably scared.. but I know I shouldn't", he thought, not wanting his fears to break his hopes and endanger the people he love and care for.
"It will all be over soon", Atrius assured, looking ahead the burning dried leaves.
"Hey Atrius, I found this", Stellan pulled out his hand from his pocket and handed it over to Atrius.
"This..", Atrius dropped his jaw as he sees his dagger.
The dagger he gave to Umbriel back in the palace captivity.
"I thought I should give this back", Stellan said. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to save him".
He stared at the dagger in his hand, realizing Umbriel is indeed gone. "We all did tried hard to escape death", Atrius clasped the hilt as hard as he could.
"Stellan?", Gallanthe called as he notice something moving across the stream. In a sudden, a hard blow went flying in the air that almost hit Gallanthe. A couple more hits rained amongst the knights, alarming them of the arrival of the sought after nemesis.
"Stand down!! The dark healer is mine!!", Stellan held his dragon hilt, beaming its blade with a bluish glow.