Chapter 286: The Bridge


    It wasn''t wise to venture into the deep thorny forests through the pitch-ck darkness of the night. Therefore, Hadrian decided to stop and camp. Under the darkest shroud of the naked trees, they could not make a fire and could noty on the murky earth as starving beasts continued to roam. And to their misfortune, rain fell upon them. Fortunately, they found a cave after aborious search. It was cramped with all of them staying within the shelter, but it would have to do. They had their horses outside to rest. They were especially resistant to the cold, and the rain wouldn''t bring any sickness to them.


    Before the skies would lighten, the group would continue their journey.


    As they took turns to stand and watch, Kier, the golden-blood wolf, apanied them. The rest of the men failed to plunge themselves into slumber no matter how exhausted they were. It was the fear and vignce that kept them awake. Resting their bodies was enough, even if their minds kept thinking.


    Moulin was sitting on the cold ground with a neutral expression. He and the rest were surrounding a small jar, emitting a dim yellow glow. The glowing remains of three light bugs illuminated the area faintly. The rest of the group was clutching their coats tight and huddling together to keep their bodies warm. Sympathy crossed Moulin''s face. He wanted to use his abilities to keep the cold out. However, he wouldn''t dare to. He shouldn''t carelessly act on his own and bring danger to his group.


    While the others rested, Jagra shifted closer to Moulin and slipped a small bun of bread.


    "Here. Eat this. You''re too skinny."


    Moulin shed him a re but didn''t refuse the bread. He pursed his lips as he broke the bread in half. He then reached to give the other half to Ghana, who was eyeing the food in her friend''s hand. They have already finished their cold meal. However, how could it be enough?


    "Thanks." Ghana grinned and stuffed her mouth with the bread, chewing gracefully. Jara could only sigh.


    With a nod, Moulin brought his satchel, opened the cover, and slipped the bread inside where a particr snow-white fox was sleeping peacefully.


    "How long should we wait?" Ghana swallowed thest of the food before turning to her two friends. She kept her spear beside her, guarding it and feelingforted.


    Jagra kneaded the middle of his eyebrows before answering. "A few hours more, perhaps. I heard the Lord is thest watch."


    Hearing this, Moulin stopped. With a nod, he patted his twopanions before standing up. "I''ll be right back."


    "Of course. Gofort your dear lover..." Ghana muttered thest part as she watched Moulin walk away from them. She yelped when Jagra gave her a slight jab of his elbow.


    As Moulin went farther from the rest of the group, darkness sank deeper around him. There were two shadows near the entrance of the cave, conversing seriously. Moulin could hear them even if their voice were as faint as a whisper. The first person he heard was Emlen, who was persistently talking to Hadrian. Hadrian gave him direct and brief responses as he listened.


    "The primary safe route towards the cliff will be blocked by worm vines. We can''t go through it without destroying them. The only way to kill them is with mana. We have to find another path." Emlen sounded frustrated as he pointed out the problem.


    ''Worm vines...'' Moulin knew about these carnivorous nts during Emlen''s lectures with him.


    He recalled Emlen say that they would encounter worm vines as they followed the map. These nts are dangerous, and they multiply fast. The vines feed on anything close to them, stretching out their vines, rapidly crawling until they would capture their prey and feed on their blood. However, mostly dormant, but it was hard to determine when they would fully awaken or when hunger would strike them. Investigating from his experience with such nts, Emlen learned when these carnivorous nts were especially active.


    "Then we head east," Hadrian replied.


    "There is no bridge."


    "There is one."


    Emlen frowned. "It is old and will not be able to hold our horses and us."


    "We will leave the mounts."


    Emlen''s eyes widened. He couldn''t believe what he was hearing. "What?"


    Hadrian shifted his gaze to the mouth of the cave. The rain formed a curtain of water, concealing them from the outside. He nced at Kier, who was guarding the entrance. The beast''s golden eyes glowed brightly n the dark. Hadrian narrowed his gaze slightly, "The horses were bred to survive the darknds. They will live."


    "I''m not worried about the horses!" Emlen gnashed his teeth. "Do you know how dangerous and how long it will take us to make the journey on foot?"


    "We will make it." Hadrian turned to him. His eyes are unwavering. "I will make sure of it."


    Emlen stared at him. He was too frustrated to reply to the man''s words.


    "Moulin..." Out of the blue, Hadrian broke the silence.


    Moulin paused shortly before he approached the two people. There was an uncertain look on his face, and it was evident that he had heard of their conversation.


    "Moulin, you''re not sleeping? Get some rest." Emlen regained his call the moment he saw his brother. His brows furrowed in worry.


    "Like the others, I couldn''t sleep," Moulin said. His silver eyes turned sullen. "I heard."


    "Don''t worry..." Emlen stepped closer to him. "I''ll take watch. You just need-"


    "Brother..." Moulin spoke. He gave Emlen a soft stare. "I''d like to have a word with Lord Hadrian."


    Emlen stopped.


    Jagra and Ghana sneaking a look: "..."


    Emlen blinked. The way Moulin spoke about it so casually as if Emlen would agree was beyond surprising. Emlen recalled that Moulin wouldn''t even mention Hadrian in front of him, worried of frustrating him.


    "Brother?" Moulin called with furrowed eyebrows. He tilted his head slightly when Emlen didn''t answer.


    "I... O-Of course." He blurted out.


    "Thank you." Moulin smiled. "I won''t be long."


    "Yes..." Hadrian added as he deeply scrutinized the bold young man stepping near him.


    Emlen nkly walked away. Jagra and Ghana secretly retreated back to the group. They didn''t clearly saw what happened, but their ears could hear everything. They didn''t want to be caught spying by the second Lord of the Fraunces Family.


    "What courage." Hadrian chuckled as he wrapped an arm around the youth''s waist. The darkness seemed insignificant as they felt each other''s warmth.


    Moulin leaned his forehead on Hadrian''s chest. He didn''t mind the dark. "I figured I would need to catch him off-guard. I didn''t want to keep hiding from him."


    "Hm..." Hadrian hummed as he embraced Moulin. "Are you anxious?"


    Moulin nodded as he raised his arms to hug Hadrian back. "But I''m not afraid... just worried."


    Hadrian gently stroked Moulin''s back. "It will be alright."


    "How can I be useful?" Moulin asked as his arms tightened. "When do you need me?"


    Hadrian perceived the youth''s worry of not being able to aid the team. He was brought along because of his powers. What use would he be if he was always told to suppress his abilities? How can he be of help?


    Hadrian sighed. His eyes slowly closed as he spoke in a low voice. "It''s still too dangerous now. When we cross the bridge, we won''t have to restrain our abilities too much anymore."


    As the words sank in his ears, Moulin lifted his head to meet those gold striking golden eyes. "Really?"


    Hadrian nodded in reply.


    "Alright..." Nodding, Moulin leaned in Hadrian''s embrace.


    The two remained standing, feeling each other''s warmth as the rain heavily fell upon the mouth of the cave.


    Several hourster, the men hurriedly packed up and mounted their horses when the rain had stopped. Hooves beat the murky, muddy earth, sshing about mud and water. The forest appeared strangely calm. However, the frightful air that surrounded it remained. They headed west per Lord Hadrian''smand. Emlen led the way as Kier raced forward to detect any malibreed that woulde their way.


    Under the dull cloudy sky, Moulin felt a chill ran up his spine as his eyes nced around them. The ck branches that decorated every tree appeared like sharp thorns, ready to shred every living thing. They have been traveling for hours, never stopping. It was hard to tell time with the consistent gloom and pall that enshrouds everything.


    After a few hours more, the trees gradually lessened. Tall rocks began to enter their vision.


    "We''re near," Jagra said as relief filled his expression. "Finally."


    Moulin narrowed his eyes warily.