THE THIRD MAGE 24 Rescue 3

"Your Majesty, Denaire has made large chariots to house people during the travel. She equipped it with wings so that it need not travel over land. Her Pegasus shall pull this chariots up the sky. Our Dark magicians can conceal these flying chariots during the night so it won't be spotted."

"In order for the plan to be successful," Denaire added. "The move should happen at night when the moon is on its new phase, which is tonight. Light magicians would then bend light that would pa.s.s through the chariots towards other direction. Other teams shall stay and watch the progress and prevent any interruptions."

The Kings face were etched with worry. But there is no other way, they either have to try to seek for better shelter or die in this h.e.l.lhole. "I hope this plan works. The people are getting sick because of this cramped s.p.a.ce. Anywhere is much better."

"So then we have to divide the teams. General Luther," Denaire called out. "Gather your men; we need your team to be on the lookout on the ground. My spies will help you cover more area."

"Your spies?"

"Yes. I'll let you meet them later. They're still outside on watch."

"Head Councilor Dranx shall lead the move. He will accompany and drive the chariots. Your Majesties, you have to be in the first group. It's better to keep you all safe first."

"But the people," the Queen worriedly said.

"Don't worry Your Majesty. You will not be seen. We'll do our best to make this a success."

Head Councilor Dranx then shouted at the a.s.sembly, "First group shall comprise the royal family, children, pregnant women, the sick and the wounded and the elderly. Second group shall be the rest of the people including supplies. Soldiers and elite force with Denaire and General Luther, you have important things to do."

Denaire nodded at the Head Councilor and looked for Samarra. She found her tending a child's wound.

"Samarra," Denaire called out. "Could you help gather the children and elderly?"

"Of course, Denaire."

"Thank you." Denaire smiled at her and started to turn around.

Samarra braved herself to call her back. "Oh and Denaire, I'm sorry. But I understand you completely now. I lost hope immediately for brother, forgetting that he's stronger and braver than I am. I know he can find his way back to us. I do trust him, and I'll pray that he could come back to us sooner."

Denaire hugged her Lady Samarra. "Thank you. And please take care on your journey."

"Don't worry. I know how to fight now. I'll protect them."

***

Head Councilor Dranx and Denaire huddled in front of the chariot; their sight locked on the tiny communication ball where an image of Granny appeared.

"Are they ready?"

"Yes Head Councilor. I will stay near the sh.o.r.e so that my army of undead will be called immediately in case Exoshans are heading this way. Councilors Theo and Lia are ready to receive them in the island."

"Good. It's almost time. Denaire, are you sure you will remain here?"

"Yes, someone should gather the remaining people to wait for you to be back. The knights will protect us."

"Okay take care."

"You too."

Denaire met with General Luther. "General, I have called my spies to a.s.sist you." She whistled, and the birds came flying in.

"This is Ruru, Mumu and Deedee. They will be your eyes in the skies. They'll report to you anything that seems unusual."

General Luther looked at the birds skeptically. "But how will they do that?"

"We fly and say it to you General," Ruru replied sarcastically which earned a laugh from Denaire.

"General, I hope you don't talk anything bad against them when they're present. They're a bit sensitive. Haha okay babies, get going."

***

Dranx rode Divina, who was leading the group of Pegasus that would pull the chariots into the sky. He hoped to every G.o.d in the heavens to guide their journey and that they would safely arrive. He hoped they could pull this through.

When he saw that all the chariots were filled and the skies were getting darker, he started gathering magic and engulfed the whole a.s.sembly in darkness. When he finished, he nodded at the Light benders, hoping that they'll understand what he means: bend the light.

And then they shot up from the sky one after the other. "Divina, tell your mates to stay in position."

"Yes sir. They have been briefed well enough. Don't worry. Don't you trust master Denaire Head Councilor?"

He grinned. "I trust her. I trust her with all my life."

They flew until they reached the island uneventful. As soon as they landed, Head Councilor Dranx led the settling down of the people. The other Councilors helped him.

He announced, "Please settle first in these makes.h.i.+ft tents. We don't have very good builders here as we are just servants before. I hope, when the rest of the congregation arrives, we can provide you with better dwellings."

The Queen replied with tears in her eyes, "Dranx, this is more than enough. Thank you for remembering your people." And the whole bowed at them - the no-mages.

The no-mages were moved at such a feat. It was new to them that the upper cla.s.ses would give them such respect. But here they were, being bowed at by even the royals. This is such a nice day for them.

Dranx coughed to clear his swelling pride. "It's our duty Your Majesty. Please rest now. We have to go back and take a rest."

Suddenly, distress signals were heard from their communication b.a.l.l.s. Dranx swiftly took his out from his pocket.

What he saw stopped his heart. It was Denaire's face, bleeding all over.

"We're being attacked."