The City of the Blessed

As the cursed waggon pulled them through woodland waste, the trip was lengthy and rocky. Maleah sat in the eerie stillness, watching the sky change hues. The waggon lurched to a halt as dusk fell. She heard a bell ring somewhere in the near distant.

The mumble of words slipped away as feet scuffed on rough dirt. Shifting her gaze, she noticed Cam disappearing into the harbour. Rhys moved up to his spot and fixed his gaze on her.

"Are you ready?" she said quietly.

"But I don't have any other option, do I?" Maleah replied, shaking her head.

"No." Before she reached the end of the waggon, a sliver of remorse crept across her face. Rhys glanced out as he lifted the cover. "They're all over. We'll have to remain in the hotel.

Maleah stepped off the waggon after her, understanding. She peered into the bustling port from behind the nearest building. The Kings Men moved in pairs, their outfits allowing them to roam freely. Swords hung from their hips, and fidelity crests adorned their chests. As they walked, they laughed easily. At the opposite end, unclothed guys streaked in white and brown garments dragged containers. She tracked them down and discovered the ship.

The King's crest was emblazoned on a single sail. A single flames' tail dipped into an upside-down tree whose limbs lashed out in threes, embroidered in brilliant gold on crimson silk.

"That's the ship," she said, pointing.

"The trick is to get there." The girls swung around, startled, to discover Cam kneeling over them.

"How did you get here?" Rhys was adamant.

"Nearby. The harbour is crowded with pirates and King's Men. You two have already been identified, and numerous guys have been stationed nearby to prevent you from fleeing."

"Are you sure you don't have a way out?" Maleah was perplexed.

"Yes. The majority of the guys are stationed around the roadways. They don't have any towards its back, though. We can get there faster if we keep between the buildings at the back."

"How are we going to board the ship?" Cam smiled as he stared at Rhys.

"On the other side, there is a little window. When we arrive, I'll assist you in climbing in so you can get going."

"How did you get here?" Rhys was adamant.

"Nearby. The harbour is crowded with pirates and King's Men. You two have already been identified, and numerous guys have been stationed nearby to prevent you from fleeing."

"Are you sure you don't have a way out?" Maleah was perplexed.

"Yes. The majority of the guys are stationed around the roadways. They don't have any towards its back, though. We can get there faster if we keep between the buildings at the back."

"How are we going to board the ship?" Cam smiled as he stared at Rhys

"On the other side, there is a little window. When we arrive, I'll assist you in climbing in so you can get going."

"How did you get here?" Rhys was adamant.

"Nearby. The harbour is crowded with pirates and King's Men. You two have already been identified, and numerous guys have been stationed nearby to prevent you from fleeing."

"Are you sure you don't have a way out?" Maleah was perplexed.

"Yes. The majority of the guys are stationed around the roadways. They don't have any towards its back, though. We can get there faster if we keep between the buildings at the back."

"How are we going to board the ship?" Cam smiled as he stared at Rhys.

"On the other side, there is a little window. When we arrive, I'll assist you in climbing in so you can get going."

"How did you come to know so much?"

"I've been here for a while. Remember that stealth and silence are our allies. Keep your ears and eyes peeled for any passing guys. Please notify us if you hear or see something."

They followed Cam into the harbour, ducking behind him. Maleah didn't have time to assuage her anxiety since she was preoccupied with avoiding being left behind.

As she moved into the shadows, the stench of rotting fish competed with the lovely perfume of sea salt. They had to duck into unoccupied buildings on two occasions to await the arrival of half-drunk King's Men and pirates.