Somewhere around 7 to 8 pm they finally made it on the border.

Thankfully they haven’t caught up to them, but that’s not all. They should be worried about the bandits that might come after their belongings, or worse, soldiers from their kingdom might’ve been posted within this part. It would sound right for them to watch over here since there have been reports of a ruckus around the area.

Alastor’s eyes were slightly open. He gazes at her.

Before he could say anything, Caroline already interrupted him. “I’m not a damsel in distress, don’t worry about me. You’ve fought hard back there. The thing I could do now is to take the wheel so you can rest. Go get some sleep.”

She’s still unwilling to give up.

Alastor gave out a deep sighed. He wasn’t planning to goad her into his wish. Alastor was glad that he had asleep, even if he didn’t admit it.

The stars of heaven bloomed and flashed in the velvet black like scattered moondust.

Alastor is getting sleepy again. His expression dulled. His eyes weakened and closed.

It was at this moment he’s on the verge of unconsciousness when he heard a faint whoosh. His eyes cast back on the sky. On top, he saw a man wearing a white cloak standing.

“Yo.” The man greeted.

Caroline noticed his baton quickly withdrew and attempted to crush Alastor’s skull. She quickly shifted the direction and the whole carriage was shaken.

Through the thick forest, the man was knocked over by the branches.

Alastor climb on top of the carriage. His sword is ready.

If it weren’t for Caroline’s quick thinking he would’ve fallen over the road.

“That’s nice what you did there.”

Caroline thumbs up.

Misfortune fell upon them.

The shortcut had them fell over 4 feet high. Their carriage nearly trips over the road. Alastor went down and gave a mighty push through his feet while remained hanging.

A flare whizzed behind him.

Alastor fluidly evaded the incoming attacks and made his balance stable as he made back on top of the carriage. His masterful play of sword blocked every projectile attack. The fireball and arrows were repelled perfectly.

Another water ball skidded through the woods and made a curve turn towards him. Alastor made a single mirror wall to block the attack.

Then, an abrupt break happened.

Alastor nearly fell but he leaped down.

Caroline was silenced.

He looked in front and saw two people. A woman, fairly young, had short black hair and a face of a stoic person. The other one was blonde and tall, around 5’8.

Alastor knew what the white cloak meant.

“Canaries.” He muttered under his breath.

“Surrender. The two of you are suspects for the ruckus back in the Indigium Region border.”

They whipped their batons on the air.

“I kinda forgot to tell you that they’re after us,” Caroline said.

“What? You should’ve told me sooner.”

“I did not expect that they would go that far to pursue us even we made it cross on the border.”

Alastor was caught in his thought. He didn’t expect that this would happen. He hasn’t fully recovered from the fight against Ursax. Whatever happened to him back there, consumed most of his stamina.

As of now, he has 15 percent left of his mana. So, obviously, fighting them head-on is not an option. Running away is also not an option. Considering that they’re law enforcers, bribing is also not acceptable.

They’re cornered.

“Shit.”

Another three people came down from behind her.

The only reasonable thing to do now is to surrender and wait for the others to come and rescue them.

He prepared to lay down his sword.

He drew out a breath and then…

What was that? Those words came out of his mind.

He smelled a dry and woody odor of a cigarette. He’d never mistaken that smell. Alastor was well aware of that.

He couldn’t determine where it came from. The smell is everywhere.

Seconds after then, the ground quaked.

All of them are alarmed.

What the hell is coming?

A shadow blanketed them and landed between the two parties.

The smoke of dust was billowing around him. With a single swing of his club the billowing dust dissipated into the breeze.

His cyan hair and beard swayed softly along with the wind.

He showed a grin.

“I thought that my men finally caught something. Well, it wasn’t food, but my cage could use canaries.”

The young man scoffed. He looked around and felt their presence. They’re outnumbered.

He raised his hand, indicated to retreat. They threw smoke bombs on the ground and they’re gone.

Their savior looked back.

“Oh, we meet again.” Timber said. “Troublesome as ever.”

“You,” Alastor said. He quickly held strong his sword. “What do you want?”

“What do I want?” Timber repeated the question. “It is you who need something. Is that how you repay those who save your ass?”

Alastor looked over Caroline. She’s calmed and remained collected. She looked back and gave him a nod.

Alastor put his sword back to the scabbard.

“Sorry about that.” Caroline started. “We had a rough ride.”

“I can tell.” Timber replied. “It is the canaries who came after both of you. So, you must have done something to alert them.”

It wasn’t a question. Timber is goading them to confess, but they both knew that it’s not going to happen and Timber knew very well why.

He received no reply.

Timber slightly shakes his head. The people in the dark slipped away without any noise.

“Come.” The Timber called out to them.

Alastor was hesitant. He remembered very well what his men did to him back on Vesoga Plain. Looking back at Caroline, he knew that being with him is not safe, but what other choice he has and it appeared that he has no intention to do something against them.

Liber grunted. He too doesn’t like Timber’s vibes.

“Is he a friend?” Caroline asked.

“I wouldn’t call it like that.”

“Hey!” The Timber intercepted. “I won’t do anything to you guys.”

“Knowing you, I doubt that would be the case. What do you want?”

“How uncanny.”

“I haven’t completely forgotten what happened before.”

“Don’t worry about it. It won’t happen again.”

Alastor raised a brow.

“What does that mean?”

“I cut off my ties from that man.”

Theo?

“It’s not safe for a beaut like her to travel in the middle of the night.” Timber gave him a head-to-toe look. “Even for you.”

“Can you still go on?” Alastor asked Liber.

Liber replied with a cheery ‘Gruu’ sound.

The Timber started to walk ahead of them and they followed.

He hoped that they won’t notice the royalty he’s escorting.