One More Step

Kyra could see everyone's expression becoming cold but she felt extremely comfortable. No matter what she knew that with so many Guards she had no need to worry at all. Looking at those bushes she could feel the hidden auras flying here and there and chuckled.

Elder Kei knew her so far so he just shook his head. ''You are a way to carless. How did you survive so far?''

Kyra shrugged and pointe at Ao Theo. ''I have the most dedicated Guard in world. Why should I not comfortably live my life? Didn't you say yourself that our Guards no matter junior or senior Guards are more than enough to handle whole armies on this continent? That is the reason as well to completely and utterly trust them.'' With a wink, she smiled at Ao Theo and closed her eyes. Yep, this carriage is definitely comfortable.

Anna shook her head and poked Kyra's cheek. ''I just want to see how thick your cheeks can be. Trusting them completely is fine but should you not be wary...''

Kyra opened her eyes and sighed. '' Wary of what? Those in the shadows are not stupid at all. Do you think in this upcoming event they would dare to attack Elder Kei? They know how angry Emperor can become. If we get attacked he would probably investigate deeper than it is their wish. So all they do is watch from sides and grind their teeth in anger. Literally.''

Elder Kei became silent while watching Ao Theo that just comfortably sat on the horse and rode directly next to Kyra's side. ''You became comfortable as well.'' That was not A comment, it was the truth.

Ao Theo just shrugged. ''But the child is right. Whoever attacks us is not from this country. The ones that would attack us would be those that want us to severe contact with them so they can run over this country and take it over. If they have to wait again for the next hundred years, they would get crazy. So whoever s outside there, even if they hate it, they are actually protecting us.'' But then he started whispering so low that only those in the carriage could hear. ''Our juniors might be here, but arent our seniors in hiding. Elder Kai wouldn't take out the junior brigade without real back up, wouldn't you?''

Cold humph could be heard from Elder Kei, but he didn't answer or gave any kind of response on that. His eyes were pointed at the town that could be seen through the trees. ''We are awaited.''

Kyra didn't know what to expect, so she just comfortably closed eyes and took a short nap. Ao Theo chuckled while seeing her act like that. Sleeping si good. Who knows when she will be able to do that again.

As soon they came closer Anna patted Kyra's hand but was surprised by the clarity of her voice. ''I am not sleeping. Just listening. Don't you hear?''

Everyone went silent and accept the sound of Horse hoofs and carriage wheels, nothing else could be heard. When Anna was about to ask, suddenly they heard drums, clamor and cries. She straightened her back and looked at Elder Kei.

''They are waiting for us in fanfare, while people are dying next to them? Are they crazy? What is actually really going on?'' Kyra could see guards pushing people that are crying from the pots and pans that they just turned over. Some pushed the soldiers aside and started grabbing the food form ground while the soldiers laughed.

Ao Theo shook his head. ''This country really don't deserve our protection. They can't even protect their own people in a state of such disaster. What is wrong with them?''

But suddenly Kyra chuckled and her cold voice made even Elder Kai surprised. ''They are really trying so hard to perform. Good, really good. I almost got angry. Tell the junior squad to ignore them completely. Soon they will start hitting women and children. And last they will lash at our people for interfering with Emperor's orders. If any of juniors jump up to help the others should knock him out cleanly. This is clearly made out performance. Too bad, we better not react at all. All they can do or stop or kill people. If they kill, Emperor will make their bosses' lives difficult, if they stop the performance will become a farce. This will be a nice slap for them. Juniors, harden your heart. this is how this world is. Nasty to the core.''

Slowly from bushes young soldiers in proper uniform appeared and strode calmly behind the carriage. Their eyes didn't waver, their expression was cold and their walk unified. As they passed the people, really the cats started just like Kyra predicted. They went inside the crowd and started pulling children, women and weak old people and hitting them.

As their cries for help resounded trough the valley they passed, the line of people just passed them as they didn't even exist. After the long line of people calmly strode away towards the city the clamor stopped as neither the soldiers or the people knew how to react. Kyra just snorted while everyone else sighed in relief.

Their real goal is to help the weak ones and help in the state of dire needs. But in this case, the direr need was in the city. They had so many sick people and the virus came back. This time even worse.

As they approached the city the silence was actually what met them. People trying not to talk and just bought what they need rushing back home. Their faces had made out masks and as they got closer Kyra and Anna slipped the masks over their faces and sighed. It is about time.

The people turned their heads towards them and few people just stood there and waved their hands towards their carriage. Kyra recognized the old woman and the others and waved back. Even in these times, they had to work to survive. At least they had masks over their face.

She turned her head towards guards that rushed out of the town while a young man on a horse rode right behind them. Kyra recognized him, the Crown Prince. He winked at her and then bowed politely towards Elder Kei. ''Elder, welcome...''