Chapter 9

“Reluctant words.”

Christine shoved a punch into the last standing foe’s stomach and sent an additional blow with her right leg below his chin. She finished him off instantly by skirting his feet off the ground using the same leg. The man fell to the ground like a heavy log and passed out.

‘Poor Jihas, that has got to hurt,’ Kyoden winced on his behalf.

“We better leave this place A.S.A.P. Their backup would be on their way,” he advised, pointing a thumb behind him to indicate the defeated men.

After everything was calm and peaceful again, Raviex and Christine resumed their journey heading north-west. But this time, they were travelling in a small group of three. They included the man of twenty-one years of age who gave his name as Kyoden. He had offered his horse as carrier for their things and his money as expenses for their journey to show his sincerity.

“Who were those men we fought back there, Kyoden?” asked Raviex. The uniform they wore certainly did not look like it belonged to the Valkyr Empire to him.

“Some err… robbers, I suppose,” lied Kyoden lamely, too embarrassed to tell the truth.

“Robbers with uniforms?” scoffed Christine. ‘That is the dumbest excuse I’ve ever heard’, she thought incredulously.

Raviex smirked, ‘Bet on her to be blunt on people.’ Altering the subject, Kyoden questioned Christine’s identity as a Yamist. The Prince became curious and surprised. How did he know?

“I am indeed a Yamist. I serve the god of Righteousness, Calith,” confirmed Christine. Personally, Raviex did not approve on her being so open, especially to an unfamiliar person. However, if he had known the reason, he would have a completely different idea.

Kyoden acknowledged her with a hand-shake. “Pleased to meet you, Christine, I never thought I’d meet other Yamists except for Akina. I’m the Messenger of Prosperity from Haiken Metropolis, appointed Keeper of Akina’s scroll.”

Raviex was more lost than ever. The conversation Christine and Kyoden was having had been a complete blur to him. “Could someone kindly tell me what’s a ‘Messenger’?” he snapped, annoyed with the fact at which he was forgotten by them. They slowed things down and took their time to explain to him. Considering that it was quite a while since the world last encountered Yamists and Messengers, it was almost natural for people to have forgotten their existence.

As Kyoden was a Messenger himself, he monopolized most of the explaining. Raviex learnt from him that it was the Messengers who informed the Yamists about their holy tasks. Chosen by the tight bonds between a Yamist and another individual, the Messenger would receive a Scroll stating the compulsory mission of the Yamist from the god whom the Yamist served. The Messenger was usually the closest companion of the Yamist.

“For all I know, each city where the ten main temples dedicated to each of the ten gods of Light are located in Kingdom Katelion has its own Yamist and Messenger. Take Haiken Metropolis for example: it is where the god of Prosperity, Kaisen is the highest on his power. The Yamist of Prosperity is Akina Kaneshiro.

There are ten selected cities altogether including the Floating Land, Katelion City. So, naturally there are ten Yamists of the Light.” Kyoden glanced at Christine when he quitted talking to take a breath. “Who’s your Messenger? Him?”

Alarmed, Raviex took a swift look at Christine for her reaction. He had been avoiding this subject about her as a Yamist the whole day because he didn’t want her friendly mood to change into a stormy one. Who in Senadon knew how sensitive she was to that question?

“I have yet to meet my Messenger,” said Christine with a cool countenance despite the depression which was eating her inside. She had long ago convinced herself that she might not live past the current year but at the same time, she refused to bother others about it. The Prince kept his silence.

On hearing her answer, Kyoden nodded solemnly. It was bad news. Most Yamists receive their Scrolls by the age of either thirteen or fourteen. She had grown past the expected period of time without receiving hers. He wondered if she was a forsaken Yamist. It would be a lost and a waste to the god Calith and the Kingdom. He believed she had the touch and talent for it.

“So what’s the important quest you two are on?” inquired Kyoden. When he saw the both of them making a long and meaningful eye contact, he added, “I don’t suppose you’re looking for the legendary Saviour of Katelion, the Ultimate Praetor Valkyr Leo, are you?”

“What makes you think that way?” said Raviex, a suspicion grew in him.

“I’m not surprised if you are. Only such a noble quest could call for the Prince himself,” replied Kyoden, his eyes rested on Letaikno, implying it as the dead giveaway of his identity. “I must warn you, you are absolutely not alone in this quest. There are others who are also trying to find Valkyr Leo, even more after Letaikno showed the Light of Katelion. Many had seen it, yes, and they know the sealed city has been opened. In other words, it’s a race to the finish. The grand prize is the Ultimate Praetor which only exists in the mind.”

“That is why I must be the first to get to it. I can’t allow it to fall into the wrong hands,” declared Raviex, he gazed gently at his sword as it vibrated softly between his fingers. Peculiar as it seemed, he believed that the sword had a soul of its own and somehow, Letaikno would help lead him to his goal. “The Light presented Letaikno, Sword of Katelion in memorial of Valkyr Leo. I’m positive it is the key to the White Ruins. As descendent of King Leo Katelion, I will claim what is rightfully mine!” he exclaimed, slashing the air with his sword diagonally.

Christine and Kyoden who were walking beside him smiled at his determination. In their hearts, the Yamist and the Messenger pledged to their gods that they would protect the Prince no matter what and assist him in fulfilling his destiny.

They had been travelling for a week on foot before they entered civilization again. Raviex cheered out aloud at the sight of Little Dai Town. Just by hearing the sound of the busy town excited him. The quiet and uneventful days in the woods taught him to appreciate the people and things around him instead of merely taking them for granted. Besides, Little Dai Town was an extraordinary and beautiful town; a mini replica of his favourite city – Daiburn City.

“I better book a place for us to stay for the night,” volunteered Kyoden, taking Interi along with him. Raviex muttered his agreement while observing a butcher selling meat to a woman. They were haggling over the price boisterously. He never had a chance to know about a peasant’s life till now.

The town was alive with the noises of people shouting their bargains and promotions, housewives who grouped together chattering, laughter of children who were running around, sounds made by domestic animals and much, much more! His ears were delighted with the feast they were given. The atmosphere was different to him for he was rarely exposed to the public.

All around them, men tipped their hats when they passed him, greeting Raviex and Christine. So did the ladies, though their way was to smile and nod their heads once. Enjoying the friendliness of his people, the Prince returned greetings to them as well. He undoubtedly preferred to lead a normal life as a citizen once in a while for a change without high-ranks minister bothering him.

No one recognized him as Prince Raviex since Letaikno was hidden beneath the cloak Kyoden had lent him. Kyoden insisted that he needed the cloak more than he did. “You can’t go around hunting for the White Ruins with your subjects noticing you everywhere you go. It’ll be next to screaming out to the Valkyr Empire of your whereabouts,” he had said firmly earlier on before they entered Little Dai Town. He had spoken to Raviex and Christine about rumours he heard regarding the maniacal search by the Valkyrians for Raviex whom they thought to be alive.

“Raviex, I think our rooms are ready,” informed Christine once she saw Kyoden waving at their direction from their left. They walked to the inn where he was waiting for them. It was not the fanciest place but it looked inviting and appealing enough to Raviex. Above the entrance of it, a signboard bore the inn’s name: Poets’ Inspiration Inn.

“This is the best place I could get at the most reasonable price. There will be hot shower, clean towels, comfortable beds and proper food prepared for us. I chose two rooms just next to each other for convenience’s sake. I hope you won’t mind sharing rooms, Raviex,” said Kyoden apologetically. Raviex shook his head, gesturing that it was fine with him. Keen to start their long-awaited showers, the three hurried to their private rooms.

It wasn’t fifteen minutes after the guys settled down in their room when someone banged on their door. To Kyoden’s surprise, it was Christine. Quizzed by her urgent expression, he allowed her in. He yelled to Raviex who was bathing to let him know it was Christine at the door. Having a hunch that something was up; Raviex extended his bath until later to investigate what had brought her here.

Quickly wrapping a towel across his waist, he stepped out of the bathroom. Whatever the other two was expecting, they sure didn’t think of seeing the Prince of Katelion standing in front of them, half-naked. Christine blushed slightly and looked away while Kyoden burst into a badly suppressed fit of laughter. Annoyed, Raviex threw him a what-is-so-wrong-with-you stare at him.

Catching his message, Kyoden cleared his throat and grinned. “Alright, so, Christine, it better be something really important to meet His Highness halfway in his royal bath,” he teased.

Deciding not to waste his energy on pounding him up, Raviex turned his attention instead to Christine. She was busy working on her Visual-C; her face was of seriousness and anxiety. “What’s going on, Ryn?” questioned Raviex.

“Keith contacted me a few minutes ago. He said someone has tracked him down in Mabluku Territory as the intruder of the Government’s satellites. In exchange to keep Keith’s secret; he demanded to speak personally to you. There’s no doubt this unknown black-mailer knows that he’s been in touch with you. The problem is who is he? What is his motive to speak to you? Is he trustworthy?” said Christine without looking at Raviex; her eyes were still on the Visual-C.

“Who’s Keith?” asked Kyoden in an unwitting way. Raviex and Christine glared at him simultaneously. That was the most unrelated subject in this situation to them. Noticing their glares, he added, “Did I say something wrong?”

“He’s my brother,” she answered curtly.

Mouthing the word ‘oh’, he blurted, “That’s bad news, right?” This time, Raviex made an exasperated ‘duh’ look as Christine chose to ignore him. Kyoden shrugged at his innocence.

“Okay, Raviex, it’s your call. Do you want to speak to whoever it is?” said Christine, watching him, returning to the solemn atmosphere. Raviex wasn’t able to think clearly, not when things happened so suddenly. Doubts clouded his mind…

“I…I…,” stammered Raviex. ‘I don’t think it could be someone from the Valkyr Empire. He must be a Government senior officer to be able to gain access to the satellites. But if that’s true, would he force me to return to Katelion City? I’m not going back, I won’t do so. Valkyr Leo is still waiting for me,’ Raviex’s heart thumped. ‘What about Keith? What would happen to him?’

“I’d like to see him,” he said finally with an unwavering tone. ‘I can’t be such a selfish person; furthermore, I’m the heir to father’s throne. I should be selfless with my people and always defend them, just like how father did,’ Raviex decided in his good conscience.

Giving him a small smile, she contacted Keith. A few seconds later, a 3D image of his head appeared, hovering above her Visual-C. “Keith, Raviex agrees to see your mysterious friend,” said Christine unperturbedly. He nodded in response and instantly, a beep came from Raviex’s Visual-C. He went to the table where he had left it. He saw that the screen of it presently showed a zoomed-in world map on Mabluku Territory to reveal the location of the caller, substituting the digital numbers of the time.

“Press the button which is blinking green,” urged the girl. Raviex hesitated as he held out a finger to press it. Frustrated with himself, he shook his head slightly to vanquish his uncertainty. He pressed the button before he had an opportunity to change his mind. As he retrieved his hand, the same 3D image of Keith’s head appeared.

“Glad to hear from you again, Raviex, though I would have preferred it to be in another condition unlike this. I’m sorry to trouble you, my Prince,” said Keith, embarrassed.

“None at all, Keith, it’s the least I could do now to repay your kindness to me when I was in Mabluku Territory,” said Raviex, then added, “Well, I guess we should just be through with it.” Keith smiled appreciatively and thanked him. Announcing that the unidentified person would take over his line in eight seconds, unaware, the trio held their breaths.

Five…four…three…two…one—

The Prince blinked in disbelief, and then broke off into a grin. “Erik!”

“Huh? Am I missing something here?” muttered Kyoden, scratching his head. “So, it’s good news now?” Christine rolled her eyes when he referred to her.

“Raviex, am I glad to see you! Listen, I’m sorry to frighten your friend. I thought a surprise would be sweet,” said Erik.

Christine walked up next to Raviex and addressed him, “You’re not going to expose my brother?”

“Of course not!” reassured Erik. “He’s not harming the satellite’s system anyway. I trust that he is using the satellites for good purposes, considering Raviex is in good health. But erm… did I catch you two on a bad time? ‘Coz I’m kind of sure Raviex is err… naked right now,” he cleared his throat after finishing his last three words hurriedly.

Without thinking twice, Kyoden collapsed on his single bed with teary laughter. Raviex looked at Christine nervously and unintentionally met her eyes. Blushing, they looked away. “It’s not what you’re thinking!” chided Raviex, picking up the Visual-C so that Erik could have a full view of him. “I’m half-naked. I was having my bath.” Making himself clear, he put it back down on the table.

“Sorry… Raviex, the Kingdom is in a wreck. Warlords are showing their true colours now since your status is unknown. Cities are rebelling overtime against the Floating Land. They’re declaring independence! You must be restored to the throne in order to dissolve the crisis,” pleaded Erik.

“I can’t, Erik,” said Raviex as he crossed his arms and closed his eyes. He explained to him through relating his story starting on the day he was defeated by Soul Stealer. He revealed how Letaikno wiped out the Valkyrians on that fateful night as well as the journey he had chosen to undergo in search for the legendary Ultimate Praetor Valkyr Leo. Erik simply listened in awe.

“Please understand. I know you’re having a tough time up there but I’m doing this for my people’s good. A weapon like Valkyr Leo must not be used for evil. Imagine if we have him on our side. The Valkyr Empire will no more be a threat to us!” said Raviex. Erik, however, seemed unsure about it.

“I will make a deal with you: give me six months and I swear I will go back no matter if I succeed or fail in my journey,” Raviex gave his words in order to fully convince him.

Erik sighed. He was a soft-hearted person, plus, Raviex had his crucial point. “You’re the Prince, Raviex, you’re in charge. Caution from me, man - be careful! By the way, I’d like you to know that Kingdom Katelion has a betrayer. Remember the force field’s magical disappearing act when the Valkyr Empire attacked us? Raviex, it was pure sabotage! Someone deliberately minimized the crystals’ powers, causing lack of energy to form the force field. KACUSA wasn’t aware of it until it was almost too late.”

It was a preposterous thing to do. How could a dirty scoundrel exist in Katelion City? It was unthinkable to Raviex. The Capital’s residents were made up of the Noble families, the Honourable families and the Royal family itself. The rest would be the loyal guardians of the Kingdom including KACUSA and the three Armies which consisted of the Ground force, Marine force and Air force.

“Who is this traitor?” hissed the Prince, disgusted.

“I dislike framing people without evidence but it looks bad for Duke Ralph. Kaira saw him coming out from the Power Source room,” said Erik truthfully.

“Duke Ralph…,” repeated Christine coldly, clenching her fists. Immediately, Raviex understood her sudden fury towards this name. He was the man who snatched away her home from her. Raviex laid a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.

“If he is the one, I will personally see to it that a death penalty destroys the betrayer. Nonetheless, I still need iron proof for it,” he declared.

Erik smiled at his words. “A merciful and fair king you will be, Prince Raviex. I await the day you are proclaimed as the rightful ruler of Kingdom Katelion, don’t worry, I’ll do my best here.”

Raviex gave him a thumb-up. “Oh yeah, I’d like a favour though: please do not tell anyone you have found me.”

“Why not?” asked Erik. To keep a low profile was his excuse. “Not even Kai—”

“No,” he interrupted sharply, and then added sternly, “Not even her.”

“She—” Erik wanted to say something on Kairalina’s behalf but dropped it. “I’m not trying to complain but it sure is not gonna be easy for me to buy you six whole months of time without telling the Kingdom you’re alive, Raviex.”

Raviex chuckled and joked, “Life isn’t always easy, Erik, you should know that by now.”

“Are you sure you’ll be alright alone there?” Erik’s voice was of concern.

Before he could answer, Kyoden said aloud, “He’s not alone!” Raviex turned to face him. Nearing him, he continued, “Not in a million years.”

Acknowledging Christine and Kyoden who were by his side, Raviex couldn’t help but smiled in deep appreciation.