Lina had some time to think about it as the streets grew quieter.

  And there's a good reason for that. They have now reached the first stop on their daily schedule - the Park of Rilgohin.

  They cross a narrow alley formed by two closely standing houses, and although they are still in the city, Lina feels as if she has arrived in a different place at the end of the alley.

  Her face lights up as she begins to smile involuntarily.

  In her excitement, she tries to wake her mother, who only mumbles and turns over. Joane may have had one too many drinks, but it seems unlikely that she could have fallen into a coma as a result. Known to occasionally indulge in an extra glass within the castle walls to cope with the monotonous political life, it is unusual even for her family members that it has gotten so out of hand so early today.

  'Never mind,' Lina thinks and tries not to dwell on it.

  They cross the Jade River over the arched bridge.

  Like all other access points in the park, this one is guarded by soldiers.

  The paths in the park are well-maintained and much smoother than the cobblestone streets of the city.

  The Jade River meanders through and around the entire park.

  It is a harmonious blend of water and land, creating the feeling of a green oasis.

  Due to the variety of plants, this place has become a large playground for smaller animals.

  After the war, it served as a place of relaxation and retreat for the people, as the city was nearly completely destroyed at that time. This purpose has not changed to this day. For the stressful everyday life, the park serves the same purpose now as it did 15 years ago.

  Sunlight filters through the bright green of the young leaves and the dense treetops. In the tree canopies, Lina spots a mother bird feeding a worm to her newly hatched chicks. Other birds chirp and fly joyfully through the park.

  The variously designed meadows of different sizes and shapes invite picnics, although one must be careful not to have one of the friendly moles create a hill under the picnic blanket.

  On the meadows, one can relax, listen to and observe the animals, and ideally enjoy the sunshine at the same time. If a cooling down is needed, there are plenty of opportunities to sit by the Jade River, dangle your legs in the water, or even wade up to your hips.

  The source of the Jade River is located in the center of the park.

  Along the paths leading to the source, many seating areas have been set up.

  There is also a small playground for children.

  However, despite the beautiful weather, no one is visible in the park today, as access is denied to the citizens.

  The carriage stops at a water basin for a first short break.

  Edmur and Vyncent get out and stretch.

  Edmur takes a bit longer, while Vyncent is already waving to the people outside the park who have followed them.

  Lina follows them outside, leaving her sleeping mother alone in the carriage, and finds herself a few meters away from the carriage, in the shadow of a natural stone statue. It is an upright woman gently holding a dove in her open hands.

  "Is that..." Lina begins, her face lighting up, "... Mother?"

  Her father approaches her.

  "She bears a certain resemblance, that's true," he says with a smile, "But please don't mention that I said that," he whispers afterward.

  "This is the co-founder and wife of the first ruler of Rilgohin—Mathilde Wynfre."

  "Wynfre?!" Lina asks, visibly shocked, "W-why is she here?"

  Roygon Imperus Wynfre, the first ruler of Rilgohin, and his wife, Mathilde Wynfre, had a deep desire for peace and freedom when they decided to leave Londe. Some people who also left Londe very early and were instrumental in building Rilgohin had different ideas. They wanted to take more radical action against Londe. As a result, Roygon was pressured to overthrow the High Council by any means necessary. He understood that a war with Londe was, sooner or later, inevitable. However, at this early stage of his country's development, it was simply not feasible.

  This stance quickly led to mistrust among the insurgents and doubts about the Wynfres' resolve. A civil war threatened, which Roygon tried to avert in the Rilgohin park when he confronted the insurgents there. Mathilde then realized that even Roygon had been driven by hatred. The fresh wounds caused by Londe's injustices, including severe discrimination and inequalities, had only deepened the hatred in people where love should have been. So, on that day, Mathilde became the voice of reason when she appealed that Rilgohin would be doomed if it fought against itself before the land could reach its full potential. To achieve her goal, action was needed, not haste. Peace had to be made with oneself before it could be spread to the world. But her words fell on deaf ears—an act was needed. In an act of conviction, she pierced herself with a dagger.

  "I am finally free," she said in her husband's arms, "As free as our land will be from Londe. I hope that you will find the right path."

  With Mathilde's ultimate sacrifice to achieve inner peace, she ultimately brought peace to Rilgohin. She died from her injuries in Roygon's arms, whose mourning echoed throughout the city. This incident made Roygon's determination and vision of making Rilgohin a promised land unassailable. Furthermore, they erected a statue in memory of Mathilde to preserve her hope for peace and freedom forever.

  "This is a cherished place, and it does no harm to anyone," says Edmur. "Do you see the dove in her hands?" he asks, and Lina nods.

  "It's a peace dove and represents the desire and hope for peace and freedom. That's something everyone longs for," he explains. "We couldn't take that away from the people."

  For the first time, Lina recognizes the significance of their roles in this divided land. She looks around and notices the many people on the other side of the river. They press against the iron railings that surround the park, and many others stare at them from the windows of the buildings across the way.

  Lina feels as though she and her family are the exhibits in a zoo. It's as if the visitors are waiting for someone to throw something edible into the enclosure to make the animals move.

  It doesn't take long for something to happen, as a half-eaten piece of bread lands not far from her. Her father and brother are oblivious, but Lina picks up the piece of bread. The people who were making a fuss earlier are now completely silent. They never would have expected what was happening right in front of their eyes.

  Lina walks over to the pond, takes off her shoes, and steps into the cold water up to her ankles. The little refreshment feels good.

  After Edmur has shown Vyncent how to orient themselves in the entire park with respect to the eastern castle walls, he notices that the attention of their spectators has shifted to someone else. He looks in the same direction and sees Lina standing in the water. Shocked, he scolds her, but she points out the citizens who are watching her intently. She is very aware of the impact she is having, and Edmur realizes that the calls, whether positive or negative, have stopped.

  This is one of the few moments Lina has had the chance to make a positive impression on the citizens. Like her audience, Edmur now watches every step his daughter takes very closely.

  "Your dress," Edmur remarks angrily."It's just water," Lina comforts him "It's gonna dry sooner than later."

  "Where did you get the bread?" he asks suspiciously.

  "From Mama's bag," Lina quickly lies. "It was left over from the breakfast she had packed."

  Fortunately for Lina, her father did not see that the bread was from a different source or that it was already bitten. And to her further luck, her mother does indeed have bread in her bag that she had packed earlier, as her father immediately checks.

  The family of ducks near Lina wants to escape, and their quacking drowns out the entire park. But Lina tries to show gently that she poses no threat by approaching slowly, tearing the bread into pieces, and tossing it to the ducks.

  Immediately, Lina is surrounded by ducks that devour the bread in no time. Many spectators are impressed by Lina's openness towards the animals. A small portion even sees it as a symbolic gesture of hope and peace, indicating positive change—especially near Mathilde's statue. Others remain skeptical, viewing Lina's actions as naive or mere show, a reflection of the distant and reserved royal family.

  Overall, the expressions of the bystanders show that they are giving Lina their respect, which also satisfies Edmur.

  'That should leave a good impression,' Lina thinks to herself and smiles a little.

  "What's up, little sister? Don't you want to interact with the people here?" Vyncent asks as he approaches.

  "Yes, but not like this," Lina murmurs as she puts her shoes back on and continues to look around the park.

  "I'd like to do it this way," she says, pointing to a group of children in ragged, dirty clothes. They are playing a ball game on a distant grassy area.

  Her father and brother have to look very closely to spot the children, who are so far away that their voices can't even be heard. Lina feels a deep desire to join them.

  She sighs.

  The playing children embody the opposite of her—carefree, happy, and free. Almost ironically.

  'S-P-L-A-S-H.'

  A citizen overcomes the security measures and jumps into the Jade River to reach the royal family. The soldiers are determined to prevent this and manage to stop the man's desperate attempt before he reaches the shore.

  "Look, Lina, you already have an admirer," Vyncent laughs.

  "Maybe he just wanted to go for a swim in these temperatures," Edmur adds with a laugh.

  The royal guard instructs the family to get back into the carriage. They drive along a narrow path with no room for oncoming vehicles. Animals keep their distance from the carriage, and her father talks nonstop. As Lina looks outside, she lets her thoughts wander.

  She walks through a forest that bears no resemblance to the pleasant atmosphere of the park. The ground is soggy, it's misty and cold. The only sound is the wind gently moving the leaves and branches. No living creature is in sight.

  Suddenly, something moves in the dense underbrush beside her. She approaches cautiously.

  'C-R-A-C-K.'

  She flinches as she steps on a twig. Hesitantly, she pushes the underbrush aside before she is ruthlessly attacked. She falls backward before she can break free from her attacker.

  A squirrel, looking suspiciously like Mr. Red, scolds her before scampering away.

  "W-wait," Lina calls and chases after it.

  At times, she loses sight of it, but its sounds lead her back on the right track.

  The squirrel reaches a clearing. Lina stretches out her arm, but as she arrives at the clearing, the squirrel seems to have vanished into thin air.

  She looks around and spots something in the middle of the clearing. She is too far away...

  Wait a moment.

  Is that... a gravestone?!

  "Lina."

  Lina startles awake.

  "Did I fall asleep?" she asks, confused.

  "Your eyes weren't closed, at least," her brother replies. "If you were asleep, not like Mother."

  Edmur immediately checks if his wife still has a pulse after the sudden scream from their daughter didn't wake her.

  'Was that a dream?' Lina wonders to herself. 'But it felt so real,' she thinks, unsettled.

  It was a daydream that Lina experienced while fully awake—nothing ordinary, neither for her nor for anyone else in the world.

  Before Lina's inner eye unfolded a kind of premonition.

  How these events are connected and why she was confronted with them today will soon be revealed to her.

  Slowly regaining her senses, Lina spots an arch bridge.

  "Are we back already?" she asks.

  Her father looks outside and notices the bridge in the distance.

  "Yes and no. They look similar, but it's not the same one," he says. "Do you notice anything about this bridge?" Edmur asks his daughter as they approach it.

  Lina can't see any difference.

  "Look at the railing," he suggests.

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  "Merchant District," Lina reads aloud and Edmur nods.

  There are four bridges in total and each of them leads to a different area of the city. The park can be reached from any zone by using these bridges. An officer is also assigned to each city area: The bridge they are currently on leads to the Merchant's District, which is under the responsibility of Riffin Champell. Previously they had come from the Royal District, which is under the command of Albes Maxwiff, who is Vyncent's combat trainer at the same time. There is also the Whitepool District, the largest in the city, which is overseen by Annet Walurg, and the Shinemore District, which is overseen by Barder Echothed.

  “Are we going to make it to the Rogue District today too?” asks Vyncent with interest, ”I heard some soldiers talking about it.”

  Edmur scoffs.

  “That's not where we're heading today,” he continues. "We've completed our first stop and are now on our way to the marketplace. After that, we'll head to the sea. And finally, we'll make a stop at the magnificent Sacred Green Tree."

  Lina can hardly wait, even though she would prefer to skip the marketplace and go straight to the sea. Her home is situated at the highest point of the city, giving her a view over great distances, but you usually can't see the sea from there. She only knows it from books.

  The carriage stops just a few meters after they cross the arch bridge.

  They are now in a narrow alley, where three men are waiting for them.

  "Ahh, there he is," Edmur says with pleasure.

  He gets out and greets a tall, slender man of middle age. He is accompanied by two young soldiers.

  "I thought I'd take the liberty of greeting you here," the man says.

  "Thank you, my friend," says Edmur.

  "Mr. Champell," Vyncent exclaims with enthusiasm.

  Mr. Champell always reminds Lina of a giraffe—probably because of his long neck, pointed chin, and distinctive nose. But that doesn't mean she respects him any less. Riffin Champell is the officer of the Merchant District and thus plays a central role in Rilgohin. Any questions, problems, or disputes are reported to the officer, Mr. Champell. He is responsible for resolving and addressing these matters. Those who don't adhere to his regulations can expect to face punishments. There is an ordinance, created by Mr. Champell himself, that dictates what is allowed and what is not on the marketplace.

  "Oh, the little prince has grown up," Riffin Champell says, shaking Vyncent's hand.

  "The last time I saw you, you only reached up to my chest."

  "Soon, I'll be able to say the same about you," Vyncent responds playfully. "Albes has taught me a lot. I can't wait to show you."

  "Is that so? Well then, let's see a sample," Riffin laughs.

  A clearing of the throat interrupts their banter.

  "Well, well," Riffin says.

  Lina thinks the same.

  Riffin helps the awake Joane out of the carriage with grace.

  "You can save your nonsense for another day," she says with sluggish movements.

  "You had to say that," Edmur hisses at her and pulls her aside. "What happened?!"

  "I don't know. Probably the weather," she says, adjusting her sun hat. "Did I miss something?"

  Edmur bites his tongue to hold back his frustration.

  "We were at the park," he says finally. "Your daughter fed ducks and was like you in a dreamland the rest of the time. Are you really okay?"

  "Just a bit dizzy," Joane replies. "But I should be fine."

  "So, shall we?" she asks the group, catching Riffin amusing Lina and Vyncent with his playful faces.

  Riffin Champell wears a black robe made of coarse fabric. Unlike their subordinate soldiers, officers do not wear shimmering armor. This can easily lead to Riffin being mistaken for a teacher or cleric. To avoid such potential confusion, officers usually wear badges and medals on their clothing.

  So, why doesn't Riffin wear any? Lina wonders to herself.

  Meanwhile, he discusses the measures taken with her father.

  There are only three entrances, at which the controls for today have been quadrupled. Soldiers are stationed at each market stand, and some are patrolling the marketplace. And not just on the ground.

  On the roofs of the buildings facing the marketplace, archers are stationed.

  The number of people allowed in the marketplace is also limited. This is to ensure that the soldiers have a good overview of the events.

  At the end of the alley leading into the marketplace, soldiers are stationed, and suddenly one of them comes running directly toward them.

  "Mr. Champell, sir. There is a problem."

  "Jeffreys," Mr. Champell says warmly, "What sort of behavior is this? Don't you see we have special guests today?"

  The young soldier immediately realizes his brusque behavior. He salutes, bows with practiced grace, and apologizes for his hasty actions.

  "Well, Mr. Champell, there is a problem—Mrs. Felling has just discovered that a large portion of her fireworks was stolen overnight."

  "Well, it looks like her fireworks are off this year," Edmur responds sarcastically.

  Mr. Champell also takes the incident calmly.

  "It's not a big deal," he says. "If someone unauthorized tries to set off fireworks, we have our thieves. Jeffreys, please inform the other officers to keep their eyes open and their ears sharp." He clarifies, "A large number of fireworks is hard to hide, and it's even harder to get them out of the city in such a short time. We'll get to the bottom of this."

  Jeffreys nods, salutes again, bows, and then moves away.

  Meanwhile, Riffin pulls out a small Florentine notebook with a plastic cover from his pocket, which he always carries with him. He makes a brief note in it before slipping it back into his pocket.

  Lina has wondered before what secrets it might hold but quickly dismisses the thought, as Mr. Champell surely doesn't use it as a diary.

  As they pass the soldiers, their attention is immediately drawn to a beautifully designed fountain made of marble.

  "Wow," Lina marvels.

  In the center of the square basin stands a statue on a pedestal. The statue depicts four figures in bronze, each standing with one foot on the back of a turtle. In their hands, they hold an eagle made of stone that spews water into a slightly lower basin. The symmetry of the pose symbolizes the equality of the people.

  "An impressive fountain, isn't it?" Edmur says, joining his daughter.

  "What does it mean?"

  "Well, it represents our four officers. The turtles represent the four city districts assigned to them, which they protect. The marble basin represents Rilgohin. And the water spewing from the turtles symbolizes their contribution to making Rilgohin what it is."

  "But can Mr. Champell even swim?" Lina thought she was saying in her mind but spoke aloud instead.

  Her father bursts into loud laughter.

  "You should have seen him in his prime," he says, patting Mr. Champell on the shoulder, who puts on a crooked smile.

  Meanwhile, Joane holds her head.

  "Are you really okay?" Edmur asks.

  "Just a bit of a headache," Joane replies.

  "If that's all," Mr. Champell says, "there's a pharmacy next to my office. We'll surely find something to help with your pain."

  "But I've already missed a lot. Maybe I should..." Joane says uncertainly, especially regarding Lina.

  "But it doesn't make sense to torture yourself all day," Lina interrupts, "It's fine. We still have a lot ahead of us."

  Her parents are not surprised, as Lina is not the type to hold grudges against others.

  "I'll be right back," Joane promises.

  "Then I can also speak with the owner of the stolen fireworks," Lina hears Mr. Champell say as he and Joane head off.

  Lina is surprised to see that her family is getting almost no attention in the marketplace. Her father shakes hands with several people and has brief conversations with merchants.

  In the meantime, Lina and Vyncent stroll past the various stands and look at the goods on offer. The royal guard follows the members of the royal family every step of the way.

  At a stand selling shoes, Lina's gaze lingers longer.

  In contrast, Vyncent is more interested in the stand next door, which sells all sorts of masks, including theatrical masks, masks for masquerade balls, protective masks, and even shame masks.

  "Father has better ones," Vyncent says, slightly disappointed, and moves on.

  The entire marketplace is paved, except for where the pens for sheep, chickens, geese, and pigs are located. The buildings around the marketplace are occupied by the owners of the shops inside. The balconies on the upper floors are made of fine natural stone and are intricately designed. They indicate that, besides the Royal District, this area is also home to wealthier people.

  There is a lot of activity. Lina can hardly imagine what it would be like if the number of people allowed in the marketplace was not restricted.

  But despite her concerns, she feels more comfortable here than she feared.

  The siblings now find themselves in a huge fruit and vegetable store.

  Greynyx, one of the royal guards, waits for them outside the store. He does not envy his comrade, Stiham, who follows Lina and Vyncent into the store and must keep them in sight. Lina has never seen so much fruit and vegetables at once, but she would prefer it if the store dealt in sweets.

  Outside the store, things are getting rough. There is another entrance to the marketplace here.

  The soldiers on duty are being cursed at or begged by citizens to let them onto the marketplace. But the soldiers remain firm, regardless of how much the people push and shout.

  'B-O-O-M.'

  A noise, as loud as a thunderclap, shakes the square, followed by dead silence.

  Lina and Vyncent rush outside.

  The people look around in confusion. Everyone heard the explosion, but no one knows where it came from.

  Edmur is urged by the royal guard accompanying him to seek refuge in Officer Champell's building. He ignores the request. After a brief moment, the busy activity resumes.

  'B-O-O-M.'

  Another explosion is heard, and once again, everyone in the marketplace listens intently.

  This time, the noise is not as loud, but it is clear where it is coming from.

  Everyone now looks towards the west. No one moves, except for Lina and Vyncent, who, as if hypnotized, walk towards the western access point through the crowd of citizens and soldiers. The people there have their backs to them.

  Even the soldiers who had previously prevented people from entering the marketplace are now staring into the distance.

  A massive cloud of smoke is rising above the city's rooftops.

  Birds scatter in a panic, and then 'B-O-O-M, B-O-O-M, B-O-O-M.'

  Explosions follow one after another, and they are getting closer.

  Chaos begins to spread across the square. Edmur is immediately pushed into Mr. Champell's building by the royal guard, who is already waiting for them.

  "Where are my children and wife?" Edmur asks instinctively.

  "I'm here," Joane says, joining them. "Where are the children?" she asks in turn.

  The men shrug their shoulders. Joane's stomach tightens. She wants to go back outside, but Edmur holds her back.

  "We need to get them!" Joane shouts at him.

  "Calm down! Greynyx and Stiham are with them," Edmur says soothingly. "They know what to do in an emergency."

  Joane listens to him.

  "Riffin," she calls out nonetheless, "do your men know as well?"

  "Of course," Mr. Champell responds conscientiously.

  Meanwhile, things are becoming hectic on the western side of the marketplace.

  Lina and Vyncent are forced to temporarily seek refuge next to the entrance.

  "We can't stay here," Vyncent says, "Where are Greynyx and Stiham?!" he exclaims in frustration.

  "Vynce," Lina says unsteadily, tugging at his cloak.

  "STIHAM!" Vyncent shouts as he spots him in the middle of the marketplace.

  Stiham notices them and starts to move towards them, but suddenly he is attacked by two citizens.

  "What the..." Vyncent wonders, but at the same moment, Lina grabs his arm.

  She points towards the entrance.

  The people are now practically fighting to get onto the square.

  The soldiers have lost control.

  The closer the explosions get, the more disorganized they become.

  The first of them start to flee.

  Vyncent senses the danger.

  "We need to leave! NOW!"

  The crowd overruns the remaining soldiers.

  Vyncent grabs his little sister by the hand and runs with her.

  "We need to get to Mr. Champell's precinct!" Lina shouts.

  The precinct is on the opposite side of the marketplace.

  But Vyncent isn't heading there. Holding Lina's hand, he makes his way to Stiham.

  One of the attacking men has Stiham in a chokehold, while the second has already stabbed him multiple times with a knife. Only then is the attacker overpowered by another soldier. With his last bit of strength, Stiham skillfully frees himself from the chokehold and brings his attacker down.

  Due to the knife wounds, Stiham has lost a lot of blood, leaving him too weak to kill the man.

  And the man is now trying to get up again.

  "Scum!" Vyncent says as he kicks the man back to the ground.

  "Stiham. Where is Greynyx?"

  Vyncent supports him, but at the same moment, he notices the blood on his hand, coming from Stiham's wounds.

  Lina, Vyncent, and Stiham are swept along by the crowd, trying to escape the explosions. They all head towards the southern entrance to reach the Royal District.

  Fights are breaking out all over the marketplace between citizens and soldiers.

  'B-O-O-M, B-O-O-M, B-O-O-M'

  Explosions in the Royal District!

  For the people, there are only two options left: either seek refuge in the marketplace or flee through the narrow alley to the park.

  It's a hopeless situation, and the already overcrowded marketplace continues to fill up.

  "We need to get out of here!" Vyncent realizes and grabs Lina.

  "Run to the pharmacy. It's next to Mr. Champell's business," he says.

  "What??" Lina replies, perplexed. "No, I'm not leaving you alone."

  "Listen," he says, pulling Lina closer, "The situation is out of control. We're not safe here!"

  "What about you?!"

  "I'm not leaving without Stiham," Vyncent replies. "Now go! I'll be right behind you."

  Within seconds, she makes her decision.

  Lina makes her way through the chaotic crowd, which engulfs her like a sandstorm and darkens the world around her. She constantly collides with women, men, and children, all trying to find safety. She loses sight of her brother after only a few meters. Her sole aim is to reach the pharmacy to get help for Stiham.

  She is only a few meters away when two shabby-looking men block her path.

  Lina notices that the two men are wearing purplish-red garments, similar to Stiham's attackers. They grin maliciously and reach out their hands toward her.

  Lina senses danger and flees.

  She runs around the goose enclosure to reach the northern side of the marketplace.

  There are only two market stalls left between her and the pharmacy.

  But before she can move, she is suddenly yanked behind a stall.

  "Greynyx!!?" Lina jolts. "Where have you been??"

  "Something required my attention," Greynyx replies, wiping blood from his nose.

  Two motionless bodies lie on the ground beside him.

  "Are they..."

  Greynyx sniffles.

  "They attacked me and dragged me away," he explains. "Where is your brother?"

  "He's with Stiham," Lina says, shocked. "The people who attacked the soldiers and you... they've all..."

  "Wearing purplish-red garments," Greynyx finishes her sentence. "We underestimated our enemies."

  Then Lina remembers again.

  "Stiham was attacked and is injured. We need to help him!" Lina insists.

  "Alright," Greynyx says. "You stay here. I'll be back soon."

  Greynyx disappears into the crowd.

  Lina stays hidden and tries to process what has happened in the last few minutes.

  She seems least concerned about the two corpses beside her, as too many panicked people are running around.

  She can't stay here!

  She's not far from the pharmacy. So she steels herself and starts running.

  But she doesn't get far.

  She collides with a boy who is running around the corner at the same moment.

  The impact causes Lina's forehead chain to fall to the ground.

  Both clutch their aching heads, and Lina notices that her forehead chain is missing.

  The boy, who is a little younger than Lina, sees the chain lying on the ground in front of him.

  She follows his gaze.

  They both reach for it, and their fingers touch.

  Instinctively, they look into each other's eyes, shutting out everything around them.

  They hear neither the screaming nor see the commotion.

  They are no longer on the chaotic marketplace but in a dark void.

  Like in a mirror, they see a reflection of themselves in each other, which then swirls together like a whirlpool.

  Lina and the boy breathe heavily, but at this moment, it feels as light and carefree as a butterfly just lifting off from a plant.

  A warm bundle of energy, originating from their stomach region, flows through their bodies down to their fingertips.

  A connection forms between them - a connection that feels familiar to both.

  But where from?

  They are in a trance until a new, nearby explosion jolts them back to reality.

  They stare at each other in silence for several seconds.

  "D-do we know each other?" the boy stammers, breaking their silence.

  "What? No!" Lina responds quickly, dismissing the thought.

  "Or?" she stammers questioningly.

  "Miss Elmhart!" a soldier shouts.

  Before the soldier can reach the children, a hand grabs the boy by the collar and pulls him away.

  "Are you alright?" the soldier asks, slightly out of breath.

  Lina, still not fully aware, nods.

  The soldier looks for the boy but cannot find him among the many people. He then turns to the princess, who is panicking and searching the dirty ground for her chain.

  "Where is it? Where is it?!"

  The soldier spots the lifeless bodies not far from Lina and gasps.

  "Miss Elmhart," he says, "I'm taking you to safety."

  Then he throws her over his shoulder, like a farmer with a sack of potatoes, but Lina has only one thought at that moment.

  "My chain!" she calls out sadly as the soldier rushes through the chaos towards Riffin Champell's building.