CHAPTER 45: JOURNEY TO THE MOON GODDESS TEMPLE

Godfrey wasted no time.

With the council dismissed and the halls temporarily emptied, he sent for Camilia in secret.

Two strong horses were saddled in the back courtyard, packed with gold coins hidden beneath supplies—dried food, water flasks, cloaks, medicinal herbs, and a sturdy map of the world.

Only three people were aware of the plan: Prince Rudolph, Sir Krell, and my mother, Myra.

Myra had already helped Camilia dress in simple traveler’s clothes. She now wore plain tunic and cloak.

Myra led Camilia through the castle’s hidden passages, avoiding prying eyes, until they reached the courtyard where Godfrey stood with Krell.

Godfrey turned as they approached, his expression blank. "Camilia," he called softly.

She blinked, taking in the sight of the prepared horses, her brows twisted in confusion. "Father... what is going on?"

Godfrey exhaled, stepping closer. "We won the battle against the Demon King’s army, but it’s only temporary. We’ve realized now—they weren’t just attacking the kingdom. They were after you."

Camilia caught her breath sharply. "Me? But why? What does the Demon King want with me?"

"I don’t know," Godfrey admitted, his voice tight. "I wish I did. But whatever it is, it isn’t for anything good. Whatever reason he has, it puts you in danger. And the longer you stay, the more he’ll come. We must send you somewhere safe. Somewhere even the Demon King cannot reach."

Her fingers curled into the fabric of her cloak. "So... I’m to leave? Just like that? I’ll never see you again?"

Godfrey forced a smile, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Of course you will. I’ll visit. Whenever I can, I’ll come see you. I promise."

She lowered her head, a tight feeling in her chest. The thought of leaving everything behind—her home, her family, the only life she’d ever known conflicted her.

Krell stepped forward, sensing her hesitation. "Princess, I know it’s hard. But your life is in danger. And the kingdom can’t survive another attack like the last. I swore an oath to protect you, and I will keep that oath—no matter the cost. You have my life."

Godfrey nodded. "You’ll travel alone, just the two of you. No soldiers, no banners. The fewer people who know, the better. The journey to the Moon Goddess Temple will take two weeks on horseback. You’ll have enough supplies and coin to last." He hesitated, then added, "You’ll need to pose as a commoner. No one can know who you are."

He reached for a small leather pouch strapped to his waist and handed her a rolled scroll, sealed with the royal crest.

"Present this to the high priestess when you arrive. You’ll be accepted into the temple as her assistant. That way, you’ll be given sanctuary under the goddess’s protection."

Camilia looked down at the scroll, then back at him. "So I’ll live as a servant?"

"As an assistant," he corrected gently. "And a protected one. This is the only way."

Another silence lasted a minute.

Camilia then took a slow breath. "Alright. I’ll leave." She glanced at Myra. "May I say goodbye to Myra?"

Godfrey nodded.

She turned to Myra, her eyes glistening. "Thank you," she whispered, embracing her tightly. "For caring for me all these years. You were like a second mother."

Godfrey clenched his jaws. It’s been four years since the Queen’s banishment. Myra had acted like a mother to Camilia ever since.

Myra held her just as fiercely. "Be safe, my lady."

Then Camilia turned to Rudolph, who pulled her into a rough hug.

"Don’t do anything reckless," he muttered. "After the war is over, I’ll welcome you back home."

Finally, she faced her father. Godfrey cupped her face, his thumb brushing away a stray tear.

"Be strong, my daughter," he murmured.

She nodded, then mounted her horse, gripping the reins tightly.

Krell swung onto his own steed beside her.

Without another word, they rode out—past the castle gates, past the city walls, and into the open road.

* * * *

I waited quietly beneath the thick shadows of the old pine trees, just off the narrow woodland path.

I pulled my hood lower and adjusted a black mask over my face. I didn’t want Camilia to see me. Not yet.

Then I heard them—hoofbeats. Slow, steady.

Two horses emerged from the trees, their riders cloaked and silhouetted by moonlight.

I stepped onto the path, blocking their way.

"You’re late," I said calmly.

Krell pulled his horse to a halt. "I’m sorry. Goodbyes take time."

Camilia stiffened. "What’s going on?" she asked sharply, her voice suspicious. Her eyes flicked to Krell, then back to me. "Who is this?"

Krell glanced at her. "He’s a friend," he said. "Trust me."

She glanced back at me, her eyes narrowing. I saw her throat move as she swallowed hard, her grip tightening on the reins.

She was watching me cautiously, unsure whether to be afraid or simply wary.

If only she knew the truth... that I was her half-brother. That we shared the same blood.

That the king she adored was my father too. Would she feel differently? Would she look at me the same way she was now—with caution and distance?

I didn’t dwell on it.

Instead, I turned to Krell. "The road ahead isn’t smooth. The Demon King’s reach extends far. Getting her to the Moon Goddess Temple won’t be easy. There will be dangers at every turn—ambushes, assassins, sorcery. You’ll need help."

Krell squared his shoulders. "I can handle myself," he said firmly. Then, after a brief pause, he added, "But... I’m grateful for the help."

I gave a subtle nod and raised a hand.

A swirling portal tore open beside me. Four hulking figures—broad-chested and towering, covered in armor and tribal tattoos stepped out of the portal.

Wenome. Gronk. Ikea. And GigaChad.

They stood before Krell, the ground crunching beneath their heavy boots. Their presence alone was enough to make Camilia’s horse shift nervously.

"These four are from my warband," I said. "Wenome and Gronk are excellent at tracking, hunting, and setting up camp. They’ll ensure you never go hungry or exposed to the harsh climates. They can fight too."

Krell nodded, sizing them up.

I went on. "The twins—GigaChad and Ikea—they’re pure warriors. If you ever find yourself surrounded, they’ll break the enemy lines. They’ll protect both of you with their lives."

Krell glanced at each of them, then offered a firm nod. "Wenome, Gronk, GigaChad, Ikea," he said with respect in his voice. "It’s an honor to have you with us."

The orcs nodded in return, but then, in unison, they spoke.

"The honour is ours Sir Krell."

Krell blinked, visibly stunned to his bone marrow. "They can speak?"

Camilia’s mouth parted slightly in surprise. "They can... talk? Impossible!"

I smirked beneath my mask.Then I stepped back toward the still-open portal, the shimmering energy humming softly.

"I’ll be on my way now," I said. "Journey well, Krell."

He stepped forward and extended his hand. "Thank you," he said quietly. "For everything."

I shook it firmly.

I gave a final glance to Camilia and waved her farewell.

She didn’t wave back.

Fair enough.

With a quiet breath, I turned and disappeared into the portal, vanishing into the night.

* * * *

I stepped quietly into the Red dragon’s library, searching for Raven.

At the far end of the room, I found her sprawled across a wooden desk cluttered with scrolls and open tomes.

Her cheek rested on the pages of an old manuscript, one of the many I had assigned her to study.

She had clearly studied late into the night.

I walked over to her, my footsteps barely making a sound against the floor.

For a moment, I just stood there, watching her breathe softly in sleep.

A strand of her hair had fallen over her face, and I reached out, gently brushing it behind her ear.

She murmured something unintelligible but didn’t wake.

Just then, a voice came from the doorway.

"My liege," Gwyneria called softly, her voice steady and respectful. "A word."

I glanced at Raven once more, then turned and followed Gwyneria out of the library.

We walked through the high-arched corridor together. "A glorious battle, my liege," Gwyneria said, looking proudly at me. "You were amazing out there."

I smiled. "Thanks, Gwyneria but the glory and honour must be given to my orc warband not me."

Gwyneria eyed me closely. "You practiced necromancy. I never imagined you’d use the scepter to summon an undead."

"I had no choice, Gwyneria," I said. "If I hadn’t taken such risks, the demon king’s army would’ve wiped my orcs out."

Gwyneria laughed. "I understand. Still, I’m impressed you were able to pull it off without letting it corrupt your mind. Those undead answers to you. You now have an army at your disposal."

I didn’t say anything.

The path led us down to the double doors of the throne room which stood wide open, sunlight pouring in through the high windows above.

Inside, gathered near the dais, stood the rest of the orcs.

Dwayne, Vibranium, Brick, Rocky, Jojo and Rust. The strongest six.

They dropped to one knee the moment I stepped into the room and bowed their heads.

"Lord Ghorath," they said in unison, voices deep and filled with reverence.

Gwyneria stepped forward, the corner of her mouth lifting with quiet pride.

"The battle was a success," she said. "The demons scattered like ash in the wind. We reign triumphant. Your strongest soldiers has proven themselves once more. I only ask that you acknowledge them, my liege."

I looked at each of them—blood-streaked armor, battered weapons, and proud eyes that gleamed with loyalty.

These guys weren’t just soldiers. They were my family now.

I nodded solemnly. "You have done well. You have honored me, and you have honored yourselves. Thank you—for your strength and your loyalty."