The next day, as planned, the three Sins were already at the starting point.
The kingdom's entrance was calm, bathed in soft light filtering between the stone walls and nearby trees.
Some rays of sun fell on the ground covered with dry leaves, creating spots of light that moved slowly with the breeze. The air was fresh and clean, carrying that special calm that appears just before a long journey.
The three were gathered in front of the great gate that marked the boundary between the kingdom and the outer forest. It was an enormous door of wood reinforced with metal, large enough to let entire armies pass. Behind it stretched the forest, dark and full of mysteries.
Each carried what was necessary for the trip. Weapons securely fastened, backpacks with provisions, and a serious expression on their faces. All were ready to depart, focused and prepared.
Everything… except for one thing.
Kael still hadn't arrived.
Seraphyne watched the path with arms crossed, tapping the ground with the tip of her foot, clearly annoyed. Her eyes scanned the kingdom's entrance over and over, waiting to see Kael appear.
Viridia, on the other hand, observed the forest in silence, as if already measuring every tree and every shadow. Magnus paced back and forth, restless, muttering things no one fully understood.
—Don't tell me again… —Seraphyne muttered through her teeth, her expression making it clear she already knew the answer.
And, as expected, Kael had gotten lost.
Despite already knowing the castle a little, he always found a way to get it wrong. He took the wrong hallway, went up stairs he shouldn't, opened random doors or ended up in places that had nothing to do with the exit.
While the others waited for him, Kael wandered aimlessly through the castle corridors. He passed the same spots over and over without realizing it.
—This can't be… —he murmured, looking around—. I swear I've already been here… haven't I?
He walked past a fountain, then through a gallery, and then back to the fountain.
—No, no, no… this is personal now.
Luckily, Serenna found him before the situation got worse. She was near the fountain when she saw him going in circles as if trapped in a loop.
—Kael… —she said patiently—. Lost again?
Kael stopped dead and looked at her, somewhat embarrassed.
—Uh… yeah —he replied, scratching his head—. I thought this was the way, but I think the castle moves when I'm not looking.
Serenna sighed, but didn't smile. She was already used to it.
—Come on, this way. The others must be waiting.
She gently took him by the arm and began guiding him through the correct corridors. They walked for a few minutes, passing through doors and hallways Kael swore he had never seen, until they finally reached the kingdom's grand entrance.
From afar, Seraphyne saw them coming. When she noticed Kael was with Serenna, her tense expression relaxed a little, though she was still clearly annoyed.
—Why the delay, Kael? —she asked, crossing her arms.
Kael avoided looking at her directly.
—Uh… I'm really sorry. I got lost halfway…
Seraphyne let out a long sigh.
—Seriously, with you it's impossible —she said—. But anyway, the important thing is that you're here now. Let's go… though wait. I didn't tell you yesterday, but you need to change clothes.
—What? Why?
—Are you an idiot or pretending to be one?
—Ah…
—Look —she continued—. If someone sees you wearing the same clothes as always, they'll recognize us. And worse if it's heroes. They already know what you look like, so at least change. We don't want to get into combat unnecessarily.
Kael understood immediately.
—You're right. So… what should I wear?
Seraphyne pointed to a set of clothes folded neatly on the ground.
—Take that and put it on.
Kael obeyed. He took off the clothes he was wearing and began putting on the new ones. First the white shirt, then the long-sleeved black jacket with a hood, and finally the dark, comfortable pants.
When he finished, the others looked at him attentively.
The clothes fit him surprisingly well. He no longer looked out of place, but like someone who could blend in with common people without drawing attention.
—Perfect —Seraphyne said with a satisfied smile—. In the end, I really do have good taste.
—Thank you very much, Seraphyne —Kael replied—. Well, now I think it's time to go… See you, Serenna. Please take care of the kingdom while I'm gone.
Kael approached and hugged her. Serenna was a little surprised, but didn't pull away.
—Goodbye —she said with a slight smile—. Come back safe and sound. I hope everything goes well for you.
Serenna watched them until the four disappeared among the forest trees, following the path that led them away from the kingdom.
The atmosphere changed immediately. The forest was darker and quieter than inside the kingdom. The air smelled of damp earth and old leaves. Each step made the ground crunch beneath their feet.
Viridia went in front, guiding the group with firm steps and an attentive gaze.
—I'll tell you something —she began—. Crossing this forest will take us about three days on foot. There's no other way to reach the elf kingdom. There are no safe roads or quick routes.
Kael swallowed hard.
—Three days… that's quite a lot.
—It is —Viridia replied—. That's why you must stay alert. This forest is full of creatures.
The group continued walking, observing every shadow, every movement among the trees. The silence was heavy.
After about ten minutes, Viridia suddenly stopped. She raised a hand for the others to stay still.
—Wait… there's something strange ahead of us.
She crouched slowly and moved forward a little.
—As I thought… it's a huge bear.
—A bear? —Kael whispered, feeling a knot in his stomach.
Without wasting time, Viridia lunged forward. Her body moved like a shadow. She drew the knife she carried at the back of her hip and ran straight toward the creature.
The bear, nearly six meters tall, roared loudly and swung one of its enormous paws.
But Viridia dodged it easily. In a single movement, she plunged her knife into the animal's side. Then she attacked again and again, not giving it a chance to react.
In a few seconds, the enormous bear fell to the ground with a thunderous crash.
The forest fell silent once more.
Viridia calmly wiped her knife.
Kael swallowed hard, impressed.
—Looks like we already have our dinner.
Everyone was completely surprised and at the same time a little confused by what Seraphyne had just said.