Although soldiers whispered complaints and theories amongst themselves, the mission was nearing its completion. The bags were loaded with the lichens, samples of the soil and minerals, as well as the pieces of shell-like material. At the moment, it was difficult to think about its possible use, but this work was for scientists in the capital. Cornelia put the signed agreement on the mutual trade route and research into a waterproof container with utmost caution and respect. The mission was now at its final stage - returning home.

  However, the plan had to be changed. Two days prior to departure, when another group went outside to prepare the carriages and take a break from the caves, they discovered the tunnel had suffered from the recent earthquake and its ceiling had collapsed. The Indivisible Caves were known to have several exits, so the situation was not drastic. And their hosts were willing to show them another way out. Even so, the delegation was forced to decrease the quantity of goods and fit everything into the horses’ saddlebags.

  Hearing this news, Dr. Winda was not thrilled. However, she still packed her notes and finalized them without complaints. The woman took a last look at the settlement: the adult Indivisibles and young males who came out to bid farewell to their guests, the cone-shaped houses, which reminded her of seashells and lichen plantations on cave walls. She tapped the tentacles of the Indivisibles, who guided them to the right tunnel before they left. All these actions delayed their departure in the eyes of the soldiers. When humans were finally alone, the group moved in silence for quite some time. Until Dr. Winda, riding in the center alongside with Sieg and the princess, got tired of their behavior.

  "How long are you both going to keep stealing glances at each other?" whispered the woman. "If you’re worried about something, just talk."

  "We already did," said Cornelia, trying to look straight ahead, but her gaze kept drifting down. "He said he’s fine, but is he really? I must inherit the throne and fix the Magic Snatchers’ situation. Only then will I be able to make up for him."

  "I’m not sure about that," Winda said, fidgeting in her saddle. Her mare took it as a sign to take a break and stopped. Annoyed, the woman urged her horse to move again. "I know we are bound by the NDA, but I was hoping to ask him some questions. Nothing too rude," she quickly assured the princess.

  "As long as he doesn’t mind," uttered Cornelia. A return of the scout caught her attention. She urged her horse into a trot, moving forward. The officer noticed her approach and reported, "The scout has spotted tracks of the night horrors ahead. We need to decide what to do next."

  "What about the nymphs?"

  "No signs of them, Your Highness," replied the lieutenant. "But the night horrors are rarely seen alone. There may be bark golems nearby as well."

  The princess glanced at Sieg. He noticed the return of the scout as well. Catching her glance, he shook his head, "It’s no use trying to spot nymphs here. There’s too much magic in the caves."

  "Then let’s find another way out. There are several side tunnels that should lead to the outside."

  The group didn’t question her decision, but she added, "I know everyone is tired of being underground. We’ll try to make this detour short. However, there is no need to risk lives."

  Her speech was met with nods. The officer commanded them to turn back and scout the nearest side tunnels. As they changed direction, the princess found herself at the rear.

  "What about you, Your Highness?" the low voice made her look up. Sieg was now riding beside her. His face was calm, but his hazel eyes were fixed on hers. "You haven’t left the caves even once since the negotiations started."

  'Is he worried?' This thought made the corners of her lips curve up. “I’m fine. Although, I suppose I did miss the sun, the result of the negotiations was worth it.”

  The guy averted his gaze. It felt like it had become his habit not to look at her for too long. The act that was expected of others caused Cornelia’s weak smile to fade. She was sure that Sieg would use this opportunity to retreat, but he continued asking questions.

  "Will the lichen satisfy the ministers and His Majesty?"

  "It’s hard to please the king with anything." A single mention of her father caused the girl to clench the reins. "Lichen and plants can be used as food or fodder. They also have medical uses, and we will need to check samples of minerals. And we can exchange technologies, not to mention that having a peaceful neighbor is always better than having a hostile one. With this, maybe Castro can withstand another term in the Western territory."

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  However, his first discovery puzzled the officer. It was decided to let the doctor have a look first before making a decision. Cornelia joined her, and with the scout and Sieg, they headed to the side tunnel. Another soldier was sent to find another way out.

  However, his first finding puzzled the officer. It was decided to let the doctor take a look first before deciding. Cornelia joined her, and thus with the scout and Sieg, women headed to the side tunnel. Another soldier was sent to find the next way out.

  The tunnel was much smaller than the main one that the humans rode in. But it only took less than ten minutes for them to reach their destination. There, the narrow way ended abruptly at a steep cliff. Just before the riders were a large and deep cave. With no Indivisibles around, humans could use flashlights. It was full of cloudy-colored eggs about knee-high. The distance between the eggs was uneven, making them look like peas scattered on the kitchen floor.

  "Looks like the aphis cows’ eggs," concluded Dr. Winda after a single glance. "They are not dangerous."

  "Aphis?" asked Cornelia. "You mean the ones the wolf ants keep? In that case, we better find another way."

  Clearly relieved by her decision, the scout exhaled. Running into local beasts made him nervous. Winda continued to gaze at the eggs as the other riders turned around.

  "They look a bit smaller," she muttered to herself. "I don’t think caves are part of the wolf ant’s habitat."

  She took a last glance at the area before catching up with others. Plants were her area of expertise, not animals. Moreover, when they returned to the main group, good news awaited them. Another scout had returned, finding a tunnel that led upwards, with no signs or traces of enemies.

  Inspired by his report, the group sped up. The princess was right - the members of the delegation had had enough of the underground. In no time, the tunnel became brighter. Talking and congratulating each other, people steadily approached the exit. Cornelia closed her eyes. Having been inside poorly lit caves for so long, even the subdued sunlight seemed too bright for her. She relied on her horse, allowing the animal to move freely.

  "We are almost there," the soldier riding in the front joyfully announced. "It’s cloudy..."

  He paused, turning all ears. Cornelia opened her eyes, only to spot two shadows falling from the ceiling. Before anyone could move or raise their voice, the shadows landed between the soldiers at the front. The rumbling from the impact muffled the squishing sound as the stone arms crushed the human skulls. The princess stared at the headless bodies of the soldiers leading the group. Another one was thrown aside, smashed against the cave’s wall. Two machines higher than horses rushed toward other people. Simple-designed bodies with long arms that reached the floor were made from the rocky tree’s bark.

  "Golems!" someone screamed. His voice was drowned out by another rumbling. Now, three golems stood between the humans and the exit, with two more behind them. The clicking of rifles and horses’ neighing was interrupted by a shot. ricocheted off the golem’s bark and into the wall.

  "Keep your distance and use grenades!" shouted the officer, grabbing the doctor who was riding beside him. "Stay close."

  Usually, Winda would have shaken off the unwanted hand, but this time, she only nodded. The lieutenant looked at the rear and shouted, "Retreat!"

  His single command was enough. The princess turned her horse back to the tunnel they had come from. Two soldiers followed her.

  "We will break through. Keep right."

  Sieg’s voice sounded louder than usual. Cornelia glanced at him, then back at the golems in front of them. The machines’ three eyes glowed with ochre light. In unison, the golem raised their arms into fists. The perfectly round ball, which served as the golem’s legs, started to roll. They drove towards the humans, spreading their arms, trying to catch riders in a deadly game of tag.

  Throwing the grenades, humans dispersed. Cornelia turned right, remembering instructions. A water wall rose between her and an exploded golem. She turned back to confirm that others were also protected in the same way. As the giant jelly water took on the explosion wave and slowed down the shattered pieces of rocky tree bark. The golems’ remains fell on the cave floor.

  "We need to keep going!" shouted one of the soldiers. He urged his stallion again and again, even though the animal was already galloping. His reasons were understandable. Yet, the princess couldn’t help but look back at the rest of the group. A few more soldiers had already fallen under the golems rampage...

  She couldn’t take a good look. Something hit the horse beneath her. The animal shrieked and flew headfirst, throwing its rider. Cornelia crossed her arms and grouped before hitting the ground. The floor of the cave was far from the soft earth of the manege or even road. The stones and ledges grazed her skin, piercing her clothes. A sudden thought crossed her mind - a memory of countless horseback riding lessons with Dietrich. 'I hope he wasn’t too angry with me for leaving without telling him.'

  "Your Highness!" Sieg’s voice made the girl sit on the ground. He dismounted and rushed towards her.

  "I’m fine," said Cornelia.

  It wasn’t a lie - the bruises weren’t broken bones. The guy helped her up. She looked back. Her horse was sorrowfully wheezing, lying on the cave floor with its forelegs crushed by the stone fist. One of the soldiers was not lucky either. His mutilated corpse was lying on the other side of the tunnel. The shattered parts of the golem were slowly gathering together, with their arms acting independently.

  "The medium must be nearby," muttered Sieg.

  "Medium? You mean nymph?"

  The guy nodded. This was enough for her.

  "There is a side tunnel here," exclaimed the surviving soldier. While Sieg helped the princess, he dismounted and headed ahead, exploring the cave. "It’s narrow; I don’t think they will be able to follow us..."

  He flinched and became silent when the echo of gunshot pierced through the walls of the cave. The horse’s painful groaning stopped. Cornelia lowered her rifle.

  "Let’s hurry then."