The Flower Is Finished

I jumped in surprise when I heard a bird's voice suddenly on my shoulder. I did not even realize how fast it had moved or how strong the wind was that brushed past my body.

"Are you surprised by my presence?" it asked, turning its face away and occasionally glancing at me as if mocking me for successfully tricking me.

"Yes, I am. I didn't feel you flying around me at all," I said lazily.

The bird immediately flew down from my shoulder and landed on a large rock beside me.

"So, have you found where the Sandras are being held?" I asked, and the bird fell silent for a moment.

"They are in the hall. But some of them are also in the palace," it said in a weary tone.

"And most of them are in the palace. Inside the palace, there are several underground rooms, and they are there. Guarded by the demon clan and mages."

"What did you say?" I asked to make sure of what it had just told me.

"I saw the mage clan. They can change forms just like demons, but I can distinguish which are demons and which are mages."

"Then how is the kingdom's condition right now?" I asked in panic as I remembered Princess Lufi, who was still inside the palace. I felt they had already targeted the kingdom.

"It seems they haven't moved yet," it said confidently, but I was still confused whether I should retreat to make sure the kingdom was safe or continue to secure the Elf clan.

"Think about what is in front of you, Xanders."

I nodded and fell silent for a moment.

"Then why do you look so tired?" I asked, and it moved closer to me.

"Their troops are far more numerous than yours. We might not even be able to hold them back," it said softly, and I raised my eyebrows in confusion.

"So you're underestimating me?"

"No. But we don't have any other choice," it replied weakly, and I nodded.

After knowing their location, I immediately rushed to discuss this plan with George.

"They are very cunning."

"Do you have a plan?" I asked the bird.

"Wait. Can you give me a name? Don't keep calling me 'bird' or anything like that."

I glared at it when it asked me to name it.

"Fine. Your name is Kael," I said lazily.

"So, do you have a plan, Kael?" I asked again.

"How many troops remain right now?" Kael asked.

"Only a few, considering many soldiers have already fallen."

"I will call my friends to distract their movements. Then you sneak in with several soldiers. But you must also dive. Free two places at once."

Hearing Kael's explanation, it seemed reasonable, though I felt the remaining troops were only a handful.

"Alright!"

"I will move toward the hall. You enter through the back gate, and I will distract them from the front. After that, you free the Sandras."

I nodded, understanding what he meant.

"We must attack before morning comes. So tonight is the right night to strike them," he said.

I nodded again.

"Alright, I understand."

After that, we immediately parted ways, and Kael flew toward the open sky to ask his companions for help.

After speaking with Kael and knowing the location, I hurried toward George.

"George, we need to talk!" I said as I opened his tent while he was about to change his clothes.

"Oh, sorry. I thought you were going to sleep, so I opened the curtain right away," I said and quickly closed it again, waiting outside.

A few minutes later, George came out fully dressed and approached me.

"Did something happen to you?" he asked, and I motioned for him to enter my tent.

Only the two of us were inside, and I asked him to sit.

"Can we move now?" I asked without hesitation. He looked shocked when I said that.

"But—"

"So what actually happened?" he asked with a confused expression, while my lips struggled to explain everything.

"We must move tonight. If we delay, something might happen tomorrow," I said seriously.

"Alright then. I will order the soldiers to prepare."

"So what's your plan?" he asked.

I looked around, making sure no one was listening to our conversation.

"We will divide into two groups. You go to the hall, I will go to the palace," I explained.

"Did you bring the map?" I remembered the map King Albert had given me, and George knew about it.

"Yes. I'll get it."

Not long after, George returned carrying the map. He spread it out, and I stared at it carefully.

"This is the cliff where we are currently stationed," I said, pointing at it.

"Our position is on the cliff, and here there is a waterfall whose flow leads to both the palace and the hall."

"So we will head to the waterfall. If we force our way from the front or back, I'm sure they are already on guard. Therefore, our only choice is to follow the current, so we can infiltrate the area," I explained in detail.

George nodded.

"Now we divide into two groups. In one hour, we depart."

He nodded and left to inform the soldiers.

At that moment, Farel was nowhere to be seen, and I didn't know his whereabouts.

As I was about to open the tent, Farel suddenly rushed toward me.

"Xanders, something happened," he said breathlessly.

I raised my eyebrows, waiting for him to continue.

"Tomorrow, the Sandras will be executed all at once."

I was shocked. Kael's suspicion had been correct.

"Let's prepare," I said, and he immediately responded.

"What's the plan?" he asked while catching his breath.

"You'll know soon. Hurry before sunrise."

I began gathering the items I needed and ordered Farel to prepare as well, as we had very little time.

We were fully prepared, and this time we would move before morning in two groups.

I looked at the soldiers standing before me.

"Are you ready?" I asked firmly.

"We are ready, sir!" they answered in unison.

"George, have you prepared everything?" I asked directly.

"Yes, I have already given the orders."

"Good. As I explained earlier, those who will follow Lord Sanders and those who will follow me—form your lines accordingly!" he shouted firmly.

The soldiers immediately formed two groups.

"Do you remember what I told you earlier?"

"Yes, Captain! We understand everything!"

"Good. We move immediately."

As George spoke with his men, I smiled faintly. It seemed they didn't even realize it.

Captain George was truly extraordinary. He commanded thousands of soldiers and trained them every day. I wasn't sure I could ever lead like him, but seeing how much respect he received made me smile quietly.

"Wait, what's the plan?" Farel asked urgently.

George and I turned at the same time.

"You'll understand," I said calmly.

"Just follow me."