I waited patiently for the others to wake up, wondering what would be next after that, with my own unit there was a chance I might be pitted against other tribes, who were simply defending themselves, but with my missions coming from the queen still, there was a low chance of that, right.

My thoughts went to the king, could I save him, like dad once did, how dad’s friendship brought light not just to the king but all of Cathopia.

“There you are.” I sat up straight. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Tigra.” Just the sight of her made me nervous, my heart racing into overdrive, even more so after we had danced so closely together. I gulped struggling to find the simplest words.

“What can we do for you your highness.” Raziel lowered his head.

“Can I ask a small errand of you and your warriors?” she asked, not even questioning why my warriors were all passed out around me.

“Don’t you usually ask the Rattus for that now?” I commented.

“Please.” Her eyes seemed to widen. I couldn’t say no, no matter what it was.

“What is it?” I looked away slightly, trying to control my emotions. I had gotten better at hiding how I felt in front of her, but when she caught me off guard, then I struggled.

Tigra came closer, sitting in front of me. I peered at her from the corner of my eye. I placed my hand on my tail to stop if from flickering, stupid thing always felt like it had a mind of its own.

“I was hoping you’d get something for me,” she smiled, strangely nervous about it.

“Just come out with it Tigra.” I looked her in the eyes.

“Sheesh,” She crossed her arms.

“What do you need of me?” I asked.

“Can you get any more of that water,” she relaxed a bit.

“Water?” I repeated.

“Your mum told me about the waters in the underground caverns are capable of loosening the grip of darkness.” She glanced around at my unit. “I was hoping perhaps it could help dad, before he causes any more damage between the tribes and those, we share these lands with.”

“Sure.” I reached for my water pouch. “Here.” I handed it over.

“You had some on you?” she gazed at me curiously.

“I headed down a few days ago as it is the only water the Bluapple will drink without getting all moany,” I mentioned. “I also had to collect some soil from down there, fresh poo too, picky plant.”

“You sure?” She questioned.

“I only keep some on me because it tastes so good,” I responded licking my lips.

“Thanks,” she smiled taking it from me.

“Anything else?” I smiled.

“This is the real reason I came over here.” She reached into her pouch pulling out some rolled parchment. “A request from mum.”

I took it from her, opening it to read the content:

Fang

I have concerns about the tribes around Cathopia, there have been some random attacks which I want to investigate. Be cautious they maybe in relation to the darkness, which has deeply inflicted my husband.

I fear they will attempt to weaken Cathopia’s trades beyond breaking point, just as they tried to do before. Destroying the ties of friendship, which can so easily be shattered, and hard to rebuild.

Check those closest to you first. I have also heard rumours the next target is the Panthera Pardus tribes. Quick haste, before they too suffer.

Queen Daz.

I crumbled up the parchment in my hand, remembering the attacks I personally dealt with before.

“What’s wrong?” asked Tigra.

“More pointless conflict,” I answered.

“Not dad attacking villages again.” Tigra held a sad expression.

“I don’t think it is, remember Queen Daz with the permission of the king Alton promised no more knights would be sent out.” I looked at the paper. “It think it’s something else.” I stood up. “I have to get going.” I lifted my hands summoning water around my unit.

“You’re not.” Tigra placed her hand over her mouth as I splashed it down all at once.

They all woke with groans and moans. “Time to get moving!” I looked down at Tigra. “I won’t be long.” I smiled.

“Why say that, I don’t need you,” she looked away, but glance back. “You just be careful.”

“I will.” I glance at all my unit members. “We have a mission directly from the queen. I had hope to wait a little longer before we were set off on any missions, but can’t put any mission on hold, especially this one. Let’s head out.”

“Aye sir.” They all responded.

“So loyal, already,” commented Tigra getting to her feet. “Good luck.” I nodded and she headed off.

“This way,” I ordered heading off.

“Don’t we need supplied before going on a mission?” asked Kiba.

“Not where we’re going,” I answered. I knew we would be welcomed by those in the Panthera Pardus village, they would provide shelter and anything else while we were there.

It would only take about half a day maybe longer depending on their pace, if my calculations were right then we would arrive just after nightfall. I just hoped I was not too late for these rumoured attacks the queen had heard about.