Chương 90: Chapter XXIII Verse IV — The Family's Escape

Now back in the memory, Aurelia's sight had shifted into becoming one with Siolen, back when she was making her way through the quiet hallway toward the kitchen. She turned left near the double doors. then burst into the garden. The fragrance of blooming flowers and the silver spill of the moons' light mocked the horrors behind her, for this was the maze where her daughter had once run freely, a sacred sanctuary that remained untouched by devastation.

She reached the hidden trapdoor, its surface sewn with artificial grass to blend with the wild greenery. She knelt, her voice a ragged, desperate whisper.

"It's me. Open the door." A moment of frantic shuffling followed, and then the door opened. She slipped inside the tunnel, the cold, damp air of the earth swallowing her whole. The maids rushed forward, cheering in relief, but the sounds died in their throats the moment the light hit her. Yenmei gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Long's face hardened into a mask of cold fury. They didn't need to ask what had happened in the hall. The truth was written in her torn robes and the bruised hollows beneath her eyes.

"Madam, we're so glad you are safe," Yenmei said, her voice soft. Siolen forced a smile.

"I'm happy to see you all fine too."

"Are the bad people gone, Mama?" little Cu asked.

"Yes, sweetie. Now we must wait for Papa." She looked down at her torn robes.

"Mama must bathe first." The maids led Siolen deeper into the tunnel to a private corner. With soft cloths and cold water from their pouches, they helped her clean up after the ordeal. Near the entrance, some of the maids tightened their fists, their eyes burning with a desire for vengeance. Others wept quietly, turning away to hide their faces. The cold air of the tunnel seemed to hit Siolen, and the awful memories resurfaced. She squatted down, and a sob ripped through her, loud and raw in the narrow passage.

Aurelia's real body trembled in her sleep.

"Auntie Yenmei," Cu asked, her voice small.

"Why is Mama crying?"

"Sometimes, sweetie… bad people put a deep sadness inside a person's heart, like a poison." Ling explained gently.

"Your mama is very brave, and she's crying now to wash all of that sadness out."

"Will she be okay?"

"Of course. We'll make her happy together, okay?" Little Cu cheered up instantly, putting her fist up in front of her as she spoke with full confidence.

"Okay!" This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Eventually, Siolen's sobs subsided. After she put on her clothes, she returned to Yenmei, her eyes red, and took little Cu into her arms.

"Mama, where's Papa?" Cu asked, her face full of concern.

"Just be patient, sweetie. He'll be here," Siolen whispered.

"I hope you're right, Madam," Long said grimly.

"Time is running out. Master told us to leave if he doesn't return in ten minutes."

"He'll be here," Siolen said, her heart aching with uncertainty. A moment later, a breathless whisper came from the door.

"Hey, it's us." Long unbarred the entrance, and Siféng, Jien, and Wei stumbled in, slick with sweat.

"Papa!" Cu cried.

"Siféng!" Siolen lunged, embracing her husband.

"Are you two okay?" he asked, pulling them both into a tight hug. He took Cu into his arms, kissing the top of her head.

"It's going to be okay. Papa will always be with you." He turned to the maids, his expression stern.

"Everyone, we're going to the Andre estate. I know some of the gods there. They will help us."

"Yes, Master!" they replied in unison. Siféng secured the heavy wooden latch on the door with a resounding thud and took a lantern from Long.

"Let's go." They followed him into the narrow, damp tunnel. The air was thick and hot, the roughly carved passage fortified with massive wooden beams. Their breaths came in shallow rasps, their legs burning with tension. After a while, Ling began to sob, leaning against the wall.

"I… I can't do this."

"Breathe, Ling," Siféng said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You've done well. The exit is nearby." The others gathered around, offering words of encouragement.

"Every step we take is a step they can't follow," Long said, exhausted.

"Every echo of your foot is a victory!"

"And think of the cold night air, Ling, with all the stars!" Meilan also encouraged with spent breaths.

"We're so close to seeing them again. Just a little further."

"Thank you… Master, Lin, Yenmei…" Ling said with renewed conviction.

"And everyone… I am ready." After they helped her stand up, the entourage pressed on, and soon, a slight breeze cut through the oppressive air.

"I can smell it… the outside," Ling gasped.

"The exit's right there," Siféng said, unbarring the final door.

"We've made it. My father built this passage for times like these. He always knew danger would come." He opened a crate near the exit.

"Alright, men. Help me. I'm going to use the explosives to destroy the exit."

"Explosives?" Long asked, surprised.

"Mining charges," Siféng confirmed.

"We can't have them follow us." He pointed to pre-carved slots in the walls.

"Put the bags of powder in these crevices. Make sure they're secure." As the men worked, the female maids exited the tunnel. Siféng and Siolen shared a final, profound kiss, Aurelia's vision becoming one with his as they parted. After the small charges were set, Siféng turned to the men.

"Good. Now I'll light the big one. The rest of you can get out of here." The men nodded.

"Understood!" they said in unison. A while after they leave, Siféng set the main primer charge and lit the long fuse.

"Everyone, close your ears!" he roared, sprinting away. The flame raced down the fuse, and the tunnel erupted. The ground quaked, and the mound above collapsed in a cloud of dust and debris. Aurelia's body jolted violently in her sleep, but Galan's mindcast power kept her unconscious. Siféng was thrown to the ground, a loud ringing disorienting him. The others were in a similar state, little Cu wailing in terror.

"Mama! I can't hear!"

"The ringing will stop soon!" Siféng shouted as he approached, pulling his family into a tight embrace.

"We need to run to the Andre estate, to the southeast! Let's go!" He ran ahead, the others following him into the thick forest, leaving the paved path behind. Each step echoed with grim determination as they traveled the final part of their journey.