As they pushed themselves more forward, their feet sore because of snow and cold, lips turning blue , fingertips felt numb but didn't stop and walk toward the south. Forest getting more dense, canopy covering whole sky made sun totally dissapear and the ray of hope disappeared too.
They were keeping track of time with a little hand watch, louis checked it once every hour. Night was near but the exit was no where to be seen. "Louis, what's time?" Kai asked, shallow breathing. Lack of proper oxygen and cold temperature made him tired and exhausted. "Around 8" Louis checked the watch. He checked on his comrades and master, everyone looked so exhausted and close to pass out. They needed rest and that's the only thing they could do at this point.
"We should take rest." Louis sat on nearby rock to make sure if its enough strong for kai to sit but kai already sat on different rock. He took few deep breaths to calm himself down and lean on tree's bark for support, snow fell on his head and face a little but not enough to make mess. "Everyone alright? No injury or anything else which needs medical attention? " he wanted to make sure that his companions were in their best conditions. Learnt from his father, one of the other things he praise his father for. He got answers confirming that everyone was fine, which was a relief ofcourse. Last thing they want was someone to faint, injured, or worse — Dead.
Kai and others agreed that Louis needed a very good rest, yes he was strong and vigorous but his body has limits too. He refused at first but after getting orders from kai, he leaned against tree's bark and closed his eyes and soon his soft snores could be heard.
Two knights decided to stay awake for keeping an eye for any danger while others rest. They were alert but bored, William, the younger knight plucked few leaves from nearby bushes , playing with them to pass time , it was also for not to fall asleep because cold can make you sleepy easily.
Henry , the other knight was still looking around,his eyes sharp, observing everything closely , posture straight and one hand tightly gripping the sword. He always heard from people that he was too much strict and stiff all the time but for him it was discipline. Getting up early , training without missing any day, follow each and every order from his master, and fulfill his duties with no questions asked.
William was new and still a child in front of Henry but compared to Jerry, william was social , extroverted person. He made jokes, and talked with higher ups normally but with Henry he was close and different, other knights made fun of William having crush on Henry.
They were from same village and William felt more close to Henry because of the same reason. Henry on hand had cold and stiff personality, still he was little soft for younger knight.
"Brother Henry" Henry turned to William was pouting and looking at leaves in his hand. "Yes" "Why there is no animal here? Cute squirrels and rabbits. I miss them." Ah there was one more thing about william. He loved cute small animals and get all pouty if he dont see them. Henry sighed knowingly. He didn't say anything just towards the direction where they came from and that's when it happen. The bushes started moving, there was someone or something in there. Henry glanced at younger knight who was alert and ready with his sword. They waited but nothing happened.
"Maybe it was a small animal or something. " Henry said but regretted next second as William dashed towards the bushes to see small animal but found nothing. Disappointed and upset about it, he turned to go back to Henry but pushed down on ground by something. It was heavy and breathing down his neck. His face could only look side where Henry was standing. "Dont move will. Just stay still." Will could hear the little panic in Henry's voice. Whatever it was on William, he could hear its growling.
Hearing voices and growls, others wake up too, chief was first , his eyes widened but next second he composed himself. "Will. Can you use your magic on its leg? " Kai who was awake now said. Knights were whispering and William heard few like "beast"
William used his magic on the beast's leg which was near his head and freeze it up. His magic was one of the strongest magic and the reason why he was select to become knights direct under Duke. The beast screamed and for a second freed William from its claws. William ran towards Henry and saw the beast. It was like alligator but huge in size , its claws were sharper than blade and its skin was white. It puked something on its leg and in a second it was in attacking position. Places where its puke fell on ground was burned like some acid.
The acid was dripping from its mouth and its eyes were fixed on William , chief pulled the younger knight behind him protectively. Kai saw such scenes many times when chief was acting like a protective father towards other knights and sometimes he felt what if chief was his father.