In the bustling heart of Gaity's marketplace, a herald stood atop a wooden platform, raising his hand for silence. A crowd quickly gathered, curiosity flickering in their eyes. The man unfolded a parchment and announced in a commanding voice:
"Ladies and gentlemen, by decree of Her Majesty Queen Lora, a grand reward shall be granted to whoever captures this man!"
He lifted a sketch for all to see—Frankfurt Pierce's face stared back at them from the page.
"Fifty thousand gold coins to his captor!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Among them stood Pierce himself, alongside Cain, both frozen in shock.
Cain leaned close to Pierce's ear, whispering with urgency:
"Sir Pierce… did I hear that correctly?"
"Yes," Pierce muttered grimly. "They're after you, me, and the boys. We must flee before anyone notices."
But fate was cruel. The deceitful shopkeeper who once cheated them cried out:
"It's him! That's the wanted man!"
The crowd erupted, turning hostile as they encircled the two fugitives. Pierce reacted swiftly—his palm flared with searing light, blinding the mob long enough for him and Cain to escape. Yet as they reached the edge of the square, soldiers closed in from both sides.
Cain clenched his fists. "What now, sir?"
Pierce exhaled. "We surrender."
"What? And Aaron, Ashen—?"
"They'll come for us. I trust them."
The soldiers shackled them, the shopkeeper smirking with triumph as Pierce and Cain were dragged into a waiting carriage bound for the Queen's fortress.
---
Meanwhile, in Pierce's mansion, Ashen played idly with his spectral companions while Aaron pored over an ancient tome: The History of Maro.
The book spoke of an age before kingdoms, when the land belonged to a colossal wolf named Rai. This beast wielded a devastating power—Naitra—a force that absorbed vast streams of Nai and unleashed them in a single cataclysm capable of obliterating ten realms at once.
But Rai's dominion ended when a band of humans, led by a warrior named Maro, invaded. Though Rai fought fiercely, he fell to Maro's blade, Razanao, a weapon forged to counter any attack born of Nai. The land was christened "Maro" in his honor.
Aaron shut the book, placed it in a drawer of his study desk, and descended the stairs.
Ashen, still playing, perked up at a sudden commotion outside. Curious, he approached a passing soldier.
"Excuse me, sir—what's happening?"
"Today, the Queen presents the captured Pierce and his aide at the castle."
Ashen froze. Horror surged through him. He dashed back upstairs, shouting:
"Sir Aaron! Something terrible has happened!"
"What is it?" Aaron asked, pausing mid-training.
---
At Queen Lora's palace, Pierce and Cain were shoved before her throne. The Queen smiled at the sight of them, but her brow furrowed.
"Wait… where is the boy?"
"We found no trace of him, Your Majesty," a soldier replied.
Her expression darkened.
"Then announce a new bounty—one hundred thousand gold coins for the boy named Aaron."
Pierce and Cain exchanged a stunned glance as guards dragged them to the dungeons.
---
Back at the mansion, Aaron and Ashen sat together in tense silence until Ashen finally asked:
"What do we do now?"
Aaron thought hard. Then an idea sparked.
"Ashen, create two phantoms that look exactly like us."
"Understood."
"One more thing—can you weave cloaks from spirits?"
"Yes. Do you need them?"
"Not yet."
---
Elsewhere, in the Queen's chamber, Lora sat in silence. Beside her, her maid Naerina spoke gently.
"My Queen, why do you seem unsettled?"
"That boy… he scarred my face with fire. He left me branded."
"I am sorry to hear this. May I take my leave?"
"Go."
Naerina bowed and departed, her steps carrying her down into the prison halls. There, behind the iron bars, Cain recognized her.
"Naerina? You?"
"I came to learn what truly happens here."
Pierce cut in sharply. "We will say nothing."
But Cain raised his hand. "Sir, she is an old friend. Please—trust me."
Pierce relented.
Cain whispered to her: "If you truly mean to help us, I'll know if you lie."
"I do."
He searched her eyes, then sighed in relief. "I believe you."
Before leaving, she wished him luck. As she disappeared into the corridors, Pierce asked:
"You knew her?"
"Yes… since the orphanage, after my family's death. She later entered the Queen's service. We haven't met since."
---
That night, Naerina climbed into a hired carriage, instructing the driver:
"To Pierce's residence."
He demanded one hundred and fifty gold for the trip. She paid without hesitation, and the wheels turned toward the mansion.
---
On the top floor of Pierce's estate, Aaron and Ashen prepared for their mission. They donned disguises, while Ashen conjured perfect spectral doubles of them to act as decoys.
Aaron ordered: "Send the phantoms wandering the streets. Keep the soldiers distracted."
"Understood."
He then turned to Ashen again: "Fly to the roof and craft a winged spirit. I'll fetch my sketchbook and tools."
"Why take them now?" Ashen asked.
"I'll explain at the castle."
Ashen climbed to the rooftop, summoning a great phantom hawk with wings wide as sails. Aaron returned with a packed satchel.
Minutes later, the two boys sat together on the roof, watching the hawk.
"Aaron," Ashen asked quietly, "what does the Queen look like?"
"She has hair the color of ripe lemons, eyes as green as spring leaves. She looks in her thirties."
"Do you think Pierce and Cain will survive?"
Aaron smiled faintly. "Of course. They once stood against an entire band of mercenaries. They're strong men."
Ashen's face softened. "Really?"
"Yes. We'll save them."
As night deepened, Aaron rose. "It's time."
They mounted the phantom hawk and soared into the skies. Wind roared past them as Aaron whispered to himself:
"Hold on, Pierce… Cain… We'll tear you free from that wicked Queen."