Chapter Seven

  Part Nine

  Ali ran.

  At first, she didn’t know where to go. But had suddenly remembered what Prince Vax’dian had said to them in the tea house before. She was pretty good at running, so she made it back to the Rivers Pass in only an hour. It just meant that she was now exhausted from the run, and she almost looked forward to plunging into the chilly waters.

  She took a deep breath and ploughed through. Yep, just as cold as she had remembered.

  She practically stumbled out onto the river bank inside of Yor’s Wall, completely soaking wet. There were more people on the streets, as it was now around midday. So Ali was met with even more startled looks. She could understand though, a complete stranger just waded through the river, even she would be dumbfounded.

  She shook her head, there was no time for this. Since leaving Line and Arasha behind, she had no idea what would’ve happened to them. Right now, her top priority is finding some more help. Especially since that was what Line had asked of her.

  Ali half walked, half ran through the city of Yor. The Four Seasons was on the other side of the city, so she had to cross The Fifth Bridge. One of many bridges in the city of Yor. And when she thought she took a wrong turn somewhere, she spotted The Four Seasons. She sighed a sigh of relief when she saw this building, she had never been happier to see a tea house. She would rather see a brothel. But nether less, she entered.

  It was quite busy in here, but then again it was the perfect time for tea. She couldn’t help but to take in the sweet air of small baked goods and fragrant teas. She gave a slight grumble, now was not the time to give in to temptation.

  A pretty woman came up to her “...can I help you?”

  This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Ali noticed her eyeing up her dampness “yes actually” she decided it was best to not explain her drenched self “I’m actually hoping that the second prince is here”

  The woman continued to eye the wetness through her brown eyes “do you need a fresh set of clothes?”

  Ali frowned, she was not expecting a flash of kindness from this woman “no, no thank you. I just need to see the second prince”

  This woman tucked a lock of fine brown hair behind her ear “wait here a moment” she then swiftly turned and headed up a flight of stairs.

  Ali glanced around the room at all the people looking at her. She sighed, she would never forgive Line for this.

  It was a short while before that same woman appeared over the wooden railing on the second floor. She beckoned towards Ali, so Ali took that as invitation to head on up the stairs. Her boots squelched with each step, she hadn’t even realised that her boots were making a sound until just then. She winced with each squelch. No, forget forgiveness, she would personally disown their friendship.

  “This way” the woman said as Ali reached her.

  This woman led her through a brightly lit hallway to the same room that they had previously met with Vax’dian in. The woman smiled, and left Ali.

  “Thank you” Ali called after her before making her way through the door.

  This room was exactly like Ali had remembered. And indeed sitting in this room was Vax’dian and Hyde.

  “you are back! Thank God!” Ali was surprised at how happy she was to see them.

  “We just got back” Vax’dian responded “...Ali? Why are you wet? And is Line not with you?”

  “...umm. it’s a long story. But for now, we just need your help”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “We need reinforcements. At Yor’s Loch”

  “Alright”

  Ali was shocked that she didn’t need to explain why they needed help, and that he would so easily give them a helping hand “we were looking into missing person reports. And the king had only given us five days to finish this case”

  “and how many days ago was that?”

  “four”

  Vax’dian stood “Hyde, let’s go”

  Hyde stood “alright”

  “Xena?” Vax’dian asked.

  And coming through the door was that same woman who had greeted Ali “yes?”

  “Have some men sent to Yor’s Loch”

  Xena smiled “of course”

  “if we need more, I’ll send Mortimer back” Vax’dian turned back to Ali “lead the way”