Rush - Road To The Royal Capital

The guide had begun to draw circles in the sand as they mulled over the fact that they had been tricked. It wasn't long since the time they exited the cavern as the sun still shone brightly in the sky.

All was well until there was a shadow overcast which blocked the guide's view of what they were drawing. The guide scribbled over the sand art a little peeved at the owner of the shadow and tossed the stick they used to draw back towards the forest behind them.

"Ah...?" the guide glanced upwards, a slight annoyance in their tone until they saw the familiar pair of amethyst eyes.

"We should go. I know I said to wait for Susie but... I'm more worried about King Xander. I'm sure Susie will be fine. She's the strongest person I've met so far." Mikhail said as he lowered his gaze to match the guide.

"Why the change of heart?" the guide asked with a cryptic grin before correcting their tone to a respectful one.

"I... I just feel terrible. Xa--- King Xander