Kael settled into the merchant's cart, squeezed between crates of goods and sacks of merchandise. As the wheels rolled forward, his thoughts drifted back to his brother. He wondered how Damon was holding up and silently urged himself to move faster.
The journey took nearly three hours before the merchant finally announced their arrival in Malruk. Kael wasted no time climbing out of the carriage. He reached for his pouch, intent on paying the merchant for guiding him through the road.
"There's no need," the merchant said with a gentle wave of his hand. "Let me do one good deed today. Perhaps it will bring me luck."
Kael thanked him but insisted. "Please take it. It's only right."
The merchant hesitated, then accepted the coins. Afterward, he reached into his belt and pulled out a dagger, handing it to Kael.
"Malruk is not kind to outsiders," he warned. "The thieves here won't hesitate to kill if they sense resistance. Be careful."
Kael accepted the dagger respectfully. "Thank you. I'll remember your kindness."
Before leaving, Kael asked, "Do you know where I might find a dryad healer in Malruk?"
The merchant shook his head. "I'm not familiar with the city, but dryads are drawn to life. Where there's abundant vegetation, you may find them. If you meet one, ask—they often know healers."
He wished Kael well and expressed hope that he would find what he came searching for. Touched by his words, Kael smiled, waved goodbye, and discreetly hid the dagger behind his back.
With no time to lose, Kael asked several passersby where he could find vegetation. The first ignored him. The second claimed not to know. The third finally answered, pointing to the left.
"Take that street," the man said. "You'll reach a fountain. Turn right there, and you'll find a district called Unu. There's vegetation there."
Following the directions, Kael observed Malruk closely. Its paved streets and mud-brick houses reminded him of Hearthshade. As he moved deeper into the city, he noticed that Malruk was divided into multiple districts, each distinct in layout. Even at dawn, he could make out the canals and sewer systems running beneath the streets.
When he reached the fountain, he turned right as instructed. The alley ahead was noticeably darker than the others, but he pressed on. Suddenly, he heard movement behind him. He turned quickly—but saw nothing.
When he faced forward again, two figures stood in his path. Both were dressed in black cloaks, swords drawn.
"Hand over what you have," said the shorter one.
The taller thief studied Kael carefully. "What's a child like you doing here? I've never seen your face in this district."
They assumed he was a lost boy from another part of the city. Kael quietly tightened his grip on the dagger hidden behind his back. He had no time to waste—not when his brother's life depended on him.
Euphelia waited in her bedroom after her mother left. An hour later, there was a knock at the door.
"Enter," she said, sitting upright on the bed.
The door opened, and Rose stepped inside. Euphelia rushed forward and hugged her tightly, tears streaming down her face.
"I'm so happy to see you," Euphelia cried.
Rose looked startled to see her young mistress in tears. She gently held Euphelia's shoulders. "There, there. Don't worry. Everything will be fine. We'll find a dryad healer."
Euphelia wiped her eyes and nodded.
With Rose's help, she dressed in formal attire. Once Euphelia was ready, Rose left to search for leads while Euphelia attended her classes. During etiquette lessons, Euphelia struggled to focus. Her thoughts lingered on Damon, Kael, and the truth waiting to be uncovered.
As soon as her final class ended, Euphelia rushed to the servants' quarters. Rose was already there, waiting with news.
"I found a lead," Rose said. "A dryad healer named Nyara. She lives in Nywel, a city in Sylfera."
Determined, Euphelia decided to seek her mother's permission before leaving. This time, she would not make the same mistake.
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At the refugee camp, Damon's condition had stabilized. Russell entered quietly, carrying a bottle of infused herbs. Carlos had gone out of Petonia in search of rare ingredients.
Russell helped Damon drink the mixture. "It'll help strengthen your body," he said.
Damon nodded weakly. "Has Kael returned?"
"Not yet," Russell replied. "But he will. Soon."
Damon turned his gaze aside and silently prayed, asking his parents' souls to protect his brother.
Nearby, Lina washed Damon's bandages. She glanced up at the brightening sky and whispered a prayer of her own—for Kael's safety.
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