The Crimson Magister Chapter 6: V1-C6: Petals and Thorns

Read chapter 6 of The Crimson Magister by Okram on NovelPedia.

Azure tore through the forest faster than she had ever moved before. Every step felt lighter, stronger, almost unreal. She had been too exhausted to notice it at first, but now that Aqua had healed her, the change was impossible to ignore. In her current state, she was sure even the full-scale ambush from before would struggle to scratch her. But she could not afford to dwell on the past. Her mind held only one thought: Find Sheira and bring her home. She pushed her body to its limits, using the trees to launch herself farther with every step. And yet the red-haired woman from before was effortlessly keeping up with her newfound speed. Her pride would not allow her to fall behind someone, so she pushed herself to rush even faster. She turned her head for a split second as she noticed the woman right behind her, following her closely but still letting her take the lead. Her pride was hurt, but she was still happy that someone as powerful as this elf agreed to help her. Soon, the forest thinned, and the two women reached a dirt road. After a moment of investigation, Azure noticed a track embedded in the soil. She knelt and touched it. These tracks are fresh; they will surely lead us directly to the enemy . She turned to Aqua before asking, "What do you think, is it likely that the enemy took Sheira this way, or would they still be holding her at the camp?" Even if the woman was practically a stranger to her, she still wanted to hear her opinion. Aqua shook her head before answering, "My senses cannot pick her up nearby. If that wagon is close enough for us to catch and I still cannot sense her, then it is likely bait." Aqua’s answer made sense. If the attackers were clever, they would use one wagon as bait while the real transport carried Sheira elsewhere. She rubbed her face and groaned. She was unsure of how to proceed. If the wagon ahead of them did not carry the princess, then the real wagon could already be hours away, and at worst, it could be out of the Ebon Forest. Why did I have to fall unconscious? I should have just given chase instead of attacking Aqua. If they reached the main road, we wouldn't be able to track her, and my shame would be too great for me to bear. Her thoughts gnawed at her so much that it started to hurt her in both body and spirit. She felt a gentle hand touch her on the shoulder, making her snap out of her thoughts. Azure turned around and saw a smiling Aqua. Azure couldn't help but smile and shake her head. She was truly lucky Aqua was there to help her. If she sank into despair now, the chances of rescuing Sheira would be slim to none. If not for Aqua, she would most certainly have taken her own life by now. She did not speak with her much, but just having the presence of someone else was enough to at least keep her cool. "I know how you feel. You lost someone very important to you," Aqua said solemnly. Aqua stood in front of her and gently whispered, "I know what it’s like to lose someone important… I’ve been through something similar before. So, I’ll do everything I can. We’ll find her." Aqua stretched out her hand before pulling Azure back to her feet. Azure could only nod at her words. She had neither the strength nor the will to speak, and yet she felt her suspicion of Aqua weaken. For the first time since the ambush, trusting Aqua felt possible. Azure smiled before muttering. "Thank you. After all of this is done, I will make sure that you are properly rewarded." Aqua shook her head. "There is no need for a reward. I am helping you because I want to." Azure smiled warmly as she finally had the will to stand proud as she was before. "Well, what are we waiting for then? Let's go after that damn wagon. With our speed, we should be able to reach it!" "Indeed. Let us go, Lady Azure." A moment later, both women rushed after the wagon. As both women ran at breakneck speeds, Aqua only had one thought in her mind: She finally trusts me. I promise, no harm will come to you or your little fri