"No, no! The adventures first,

  explanations take such a dreadful time."

  - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

  Micah was thrown into the cold water, His head submerged inside the tub, and pulled back out the same second. He reached up grasping the edge of the tub and holding his upper body up. The two men frowned as they pried his fingers off before throwing soap into the water. His body was pushed back inside as he gasped for a breath of air again. He held his breath as they scrubbed his body with loofas, he kept his eyes squeezed not letting the soapy water in, once he was pulled back out by his arms and cold water was poured on top of him removing the excess soap. His silver curls covered his face, while he tried to control his breath. The room was freezing and he began to shiver, Micah’s hands covered his lower areas trying to fully process what had just happened. One second ago he was asleep then before he even knew it he was being stripped and carried into the baths.

  A few maids walked in, drying his body and hair with warm towels, one brought in a new set of clothes for him to wear. They braided his hair and cut some loose strands, Micah felt extremely annoyed seeing how they treated him like some common slave and did not bother to even speak or let him know what was going on.

  "Ya! Can you please explain to me why I am being touched?" He whacked a maid’s hand out of the way, and stole the scissors. "I also would prefer my hair not to be cut!" he let his hair free from the braid checking the length, an inch or two had been cut off, other than that it still remained long enough to reach his navel. He reached for a ribbon and loosely tied his hair back up into his signature high ponytail. Micah rubbed his triceps, crossing his arms. He felt as if he was skinned alive from the constant rubbing. "I asked a question. It’s rude to not reply."

  "It was my orders, I asked them to wash you and prepare you for today’s breakfast. We will enjoy a meal together, and come to an agreement." Nicodemus entered the room, the maids faces turned white and quickly they moved out of the way. Nicodemus extended his hand as if waiting for Micah to take it. He looked at the hand and placed the scissors there. Nicodemus sighed, handing them off to the maid closest to him.

  "Micah, join me for breakfast, you want to be set free do you not?" Nicodemus waited for a response. Micah’s heart started to beat fast, 'Did he just say freed?' he did not reply, being free was one thing Micah almost forgot about, he swore he would die in this room if Nicodemus, himself didn't come and kill him or hunt him down for sport. Micah looked carefully at Nicodemus' hand which was back facing him. Was this a trick? Was there an ulterior motive? He stood up and walked to the door.

  "I can follow you, what made you make such a decision? I heard I was to come with you south? Where are we going?" He became a talking questionnaire. Nicodemus chose to ignore him and led the way. Micah knew most of the palace, although he had not seen all of it, it was a lot more beautiful when blood and sweat was not running down his face.

  He glanced over at Nicodemus, he noticed his eyes were a bit puffy and he seemed more tired than usual. White fur was on his shirt and pants. He looked disheveled, it surprised Micah seeing him like this. Micah heard little foot steps running over to them, he turned around and saw a huge white dog coming at him. Micah’s eyes widened and he pulled Nicodemus down to the ground covering him with his body.

  "Wait-" Nicodemus said, it was too late as Micah slammed his hand on the marble protecting Nicodemus' head. Micah rolled to his side pulling Nicodemus up on top of him for protection.

  "Micah! Let go!" Nicodemus leveled himself over Micah and looked to the side, getting off of him. “That's my dog, He wont hurt me."

  Micah’s face flushed red, 'When did this idiot get a dog? And why in heavens is it so big?' Micah had a fear of dogs. It was worse as a child, all the same, he still was not a fan of them now. He watched as the ball of fur ran and practically pounced on Nicodemus. It was almost as big as he was on two feet. He got up from the ground and fixed his shirt and hair.

  "I was not aware that you had a mutt." Micah said, keeping his distance.

  "Yeah?" Nicodemus said, he stuck his tongue out in a teasing manner.

  "How mature of you. I'm hungry, and you owe me breakfast."

  "Yes, also, make sure to get along with Virgil. He will be coming along with us."

  "I will not be feeding it, walking it, or sleeping next to it. I will especially not be picking his shit up either." Micah was more annoyed now. He had lived with two giant dogs before. They both belonged to his father, and when not looking they would steal the meat off his plate. His father would laugh and just tell him to get more from the nuns. Finding out that he would now be traveling with a dog ruined his morning. He would make sure to stay away from holding any responsibility.

  Nicodemus and his dog walked behind Micah, he kept looking back to make sure he wasn't going to be jumped or tackled by it. He swore that if the dog even tried to steal anything off his plate he would decline to go on this trip. It seemed Nicodemus and this dog got along perfectly fine, perhaps it even slept on his bed, which would explain all of the fur on his pants.

  When the three of them finally arrived, Ruth had been sat at the table. There was a bowl of water and food on the floor which seemed to be by Nicodemus' chair. Micah made sure to sit on the opposite side. They all took a seat, and servers came out with warm meals. It was always a pleasure when it came time to eat. The plates were always set up nicely and now, Micah’s portions were carefully selected to have no dairy in them. He settled for earl grey tea, while Nicodemus and Ruth had chamomile.

  They sat in silence for a bit as the servers prepared and switched dishes around. It was the nicest breakfast he had probably ever had. Back home Micah ate with the nuns and his younger friend group. It was always a lot more casual than whatever this was. Back home the boys would help farm and pick the eggs themselves. Micah would help out in the gardens. He didn't come from poverty, in fact he was the adoptive son of the prince. The biggest difference between Nicodemus and Micah was just the way they were raised. Nicodemus seemed to always have stuff done for him. He had no calluses, bruises or scars. He almost seemed to be afraid of getting dirty. He noticed that Nicodemus tend to wash his hands a lot too.

  "So, I was wondering, Your Majesty. When do you plan to tell us where we are going?" Micah was tired of the silence. Nicodemus, cleared his throat and glanced towards Ruth. Ruth placed her fork down and wiped her mouth.

  "I was getting to it." Nicodemus said

  "It is rude to speak when eating, His Majesty will let us know soon." Ruth said, she seemed annoyed by him already. Micah felt confused. This was a stupid rule to follow.

  "Are we not leaving today?" He said. Ruth glared at him.

  "Yes, we are." Nicodemus put his silverware to the side. He straightened his back and gestured for the servers to put up the remaining dishes. Micah stacked a few plates together and smiled as he handed them off. "Micah, do you know your way around Alvon’s border with Avernita?"

  "Somewhat, I come from the Power district. We are located in the south, to the northwest side it’s Spirit District, higher north it’s Blood and East is Body."

  "What lies in the border?"

  "It is best to travel south to north. The more north you go the colder it gets, there are cloth merchants and different inns where you can stop and get clothes and rest. The southern region between our two nations is a lot of desert, so we can start off light and only carry what is most necessary. Fun fact! The sea dried up causing many deserts to form, after the fall of the greatest empires." Micah was well studied in history and maps. He knew about the first Infernal Divine War, and how a majority of the greatest empires were destroyed. There had been one huge war before he was born that killed three-fourths of the human populations, earth quakes caused the lands to divide and some of the land crushed together to form the White Sky mountains.

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  "Do you know about the twin ghost cities? Nicodemus asked, Micah thought for a moment, he had heard of them before. Problem was, he wasn't so sure if they actually existed. He rubbed his nose trying to find the right answer to say.

  "I will be honest, I have heard of them. I am not sure if they are real."

  "Great, because that is where we are headed."

  "I am sorry to interrupt, Your majesty, why are we headed to a place that might or might not be real?" Ruth looked at Nicodemus.

  "Do not apologize for asking a question. It is real, it has to be. That is why I am gathering you two. Micah seems to know his way around, and can fight. Ruth, and for you, I need a medic, I am also aware you are great with a sword."

  "...." Ruth looked down at her hands, she seemed super unsure of something.

  "You are also my closest friend. I refuse to let anyone else treat my anxiety if it isn't you. You're smart, Micah and I will be here."

  "I understand. I just wish not to slow you down."

  "You won't, Buer will give you as much information as you need. I need you. I couldn't do this without you."

  "Enough sappy stuff." Micah said, "Why are we headed there anyways?"

  "The twin cities, we have to go southeast, Do you know how to read a map?" Nicodemus looked at Micah.

  "I do."

  "Great, Samyaza went ahead and gave me three." He handed Micah and Ruth each a map and he kept one for himself. Micah held the roll and opened it, he flipped it to the opposite side and threw it at Nicodemus. "Sorry your majesty, this seems to be empty."

  "It is not, foolish boy." Samyaza walked in fixing his sleeves, he walked over and stood on the opposite side of Micah. He looked up at the taller man, this was Micah's first time seeing and meeting Samyaza. He had dark ruby eyes and a slender face, he was pretty to look at still, something about him felt alarming. Micah stood up and picked up the scroll, he handed it to the other man across him.

  "Foolish? Open it."

  "It is empty, because that particular map is only visible once you are near the cities."

  “That's pathetic."

  "As well are you. Your majesty, must you truly take this man?"

  “That's enough." Nicodemus stood up as well. "Samyaza, I have already made up my mind. Can you go over with us the route which we are meant to take? I want the three of us to be well aware, that way incase we become separated." Micah sat back down, and crossed his arms. He scowled when making eye contact with Samyaza. Nicodemus sat back down as well and handed a smaller map to Ruth who opened it carefully as well.

  "We are here, in the Superbia district’s coast, it would make more sense if you traveled south east, hitting the Lujeria peninsula. Once there, you should be able to take a day's break. If you manage to wake up by dawn, you will be able to hit the waste-land. I…want to advise Ruth about something before hand. Nicodemus you will need to be extra careful. Once the sun sets, you will see red in the sky, follow it. My friend should be able to guide you from there." Samyaza handed Micah back the map.

  "Why must I be careful?" Nicodemus asked

  "I will let Ruth know. I do not trust an Alvon."

  "Boo-fucking-hoo." Micah said. He was annoyed by him now. He was ready to leave. He didn't care anymore about the whole situation, if it meant getting him out of the palace. He hated being trapped. "So what’s the catch?" he turned to look at Nicodemus.

  "Catch?"

  "Yes, I know you are not taking me from the good graces of your heart. There is a catch to this all."

  "..."

  "Your majesty, please do not act all innocent.”

  "A blood oath."

  "..." Micah choked, he was kidding right? He waited for Nicodemus to say something. Now he kinda did wish his idiot butler said something too. "You. Butler man-"

  "What did you call—"Samyaza gritted his teeth.

  "I mean it. If you want your freedom, you will help me through this journey. Because I do not fully trust you either. Once we are finished, and Samyaza is freed, I will also set you free." Nicodemus' voice carried a lot patience, despite the fact that Micah was fully testing it now.

  "So you don't trust me?"

  "Of course not. He has no reason to." Samyaza spoke.

  "I.. I have to speak to Buer. Samyaza, can we take care of the notes? I will also speak to Dimitri and let him know I am leaving." Ruth got up collecting her bag. Samyaza nodded and straightened himself up, he followed closely behind her.

  "Nicodemus."

  "Micah."

  "Do you truly think this is something you want to do?" Micah, wasn't going to betray Nicodemus. He never even thought about it. He was let down by the fact it was even a thought. Nicodemus seemed to be hesitant, Micah grabbed a knife that was left on the table and held it in his hand. The other man stood up and frowned, he looked to be on guard, unsure of what was about to happen.

  "Micah, careful what you decide to do with that."

  “Let's get this over with." Micah grabbed the knife and stabbed the palm of his hand, and sliced downward, he winced at the pain. Blood dripped down to the table cloth. He held the knife with his bleeding hand and sliced across his good hand. He placed the knife between both of them and stared Nicodemus down. Nicodemus' eyes widened seeing the red stain the table. He hesitated, Virgil got up and stood next to Nicodemus, before he barked.

  “It's alright, sit." Micah was surprised how obedient the mutt was. The emperor grabbed the knife and looked at the stamp. '100 silver' it read. "You are one impulsive man." He took his own hand and stabbed it slicing downward and quickly following up with his left. He winced and threw the knife down.

  "I, Micah, swear by my blood to help you through this journey. I will not harm you, and I will make sure to get you home. Once freed, I will not speak a word of my imprisonment. By Blood, Bound to this oath."

  "I, Nicodemus Emperor of Avernita, swear by my blood to protect you, and cause you no harm. You are a free man and royally protected. By Blood, bound to this oath." Nicodemus reached out both hands. Micah set his hands on top. It felt weird, there was a stinging pain as open flesh hit flesh. He felt a heat between his palms, the same one would feel if they rested their hand over a candle flame.

  The oaths could only take effect if both parties meant what they said. The flame between their hands sealed the cuts. If by any chance one of the parties had ulterior motives or was not being truthful only the truthful one’s hands would seal, while the others hands would bleed, fully breaking the oath before it began. Nicodemus removed his hands and saw each of their freshly healed scars. He sighed in relief. Micah, felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He was free. First he would help the emperor, return him home and then he was free. He looked at his hands and saw Nicodemus begin to clean up the blood. Micah cleared the table.

  "I will be heading back to my room to get changed. When do we leave?"

  "Tonight, Ruth deserves a chance to say goodbye to Dimitri. Get some rest we have a long day ahead of us." Micah nodded, and headed back to his room. He felt dizzy at the thought of what had just happened. He needed to stay alive, freedom was so close, yet so far.