~Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap~

Andrew, Lucia, Javis and their men dashed through the secret passage, jogging as fast as they could for a bit before slowing down their pace once more.

They left as early as 5 A.M and had been moving till now.

It was only about 10:46 A.M when they finally arrived at the hidden city, a little tired but ecstatic.

The guards heard footsteps and quickly tensed up in a panic, preparing to launch a series of attacks.

But when they saw Princess Lucia's figure and ecstatic behaviour, they couldn't help crying as they knew that they had finally been saved.

"Princess Lucia is back!"

"Prince Javis is back!"

"Prince Andrew is back!"

Instantly, everyone was shocked silly as they froze in place.

What?

They were back?

The barefooted children and females washing the clothes along the streams, slowly got up amd dumped their belongings in joy.

But because they had been long used to living in silence, they didn't dare to make any noise even when celebrating.

They just hugged each other and smiled nonstop.

That's right.

For over a year, they had been either whispering or not talking at all.

They had also developed their own sign language too.

Who knew that a year and something in pure silence could stimulate the human mind to find ways of communicating out of the norm.

They made a rule that whispering and talking could only be done between 6~8 A.M.

After that, they just lived in silence, either talking with their hands or writing things down on the ground or on paper.

When one's life depended on it, they would be surprised just how much they could learn... especially in an era as chaotic as this one.

People learnt languages and things to survive!

Thus, they lived like this, making the best of their situation.

As for the hidden golden city they were in, it was located at the center of the most dangerous waterfalls in the empire.

The waterfall was also way high up, making it hard for anyone to get up there.

Its existence was too bizarre and couldn't be explained at all.

Why? Because the waterfall was more a volcano of water instead.

The land on which it rested was raised way up in the air. And all around the city, the water seemed to rush out of the ground and spew away in all corners, just like how lava blew out like a volcano in all regions.

So ships or boats couldnt in line themselves to go up the waterfalls, no matter what angle they stood at.

The Zalipnian ancestors, who had been trying to understand its phenomenon, had one day accidentally found dry land at the center of the waterfall.

It was like a hidden paradise.

But maybe the most amazing thing of all was that the entire land had ice vines (white vines) that created a sphere above the massive ground as if trying to hide its existence from the world.

Of course, the vines did leave streaks of sunlight into the place when needed, and also prevented the heavy snow and whatnot from flogging the entire place.

Of course, one of the ancient seers had instructed them on finding and building a path to this chosen land.

Thus, they now had a nautical city hidden between a volcano-like waterfall.

It wasn't normal, but they understood that it was probably a gift from the Gods.

Thus, they build the hidden city with pure gold and whatnot there.

The open spaces and building architecture would remind anyone of the ancient Egyptians.

Only, these structures here were just too breathtaking.

Everyone remained barefooted in this holy land, with simple baskets in their hands and tools for gardening and whatnot.

The ancients foretold that the land's time of use would come.

And it seemed that now was that time.

.

~Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap~

Several people rushed into the largest building within the hidden city with smiles on their faces.

And for the first time in the longest period, they yelled and spoke out loud.

"Your majesty! Your majesty!

They have returned!

The princes and the princess have returned!"

Queen Beverly's eyes turned red as she hastily held her Uther with trembling hands.

"They're back... My babies are back!"

Very quickly, she dashed through the palace speedily, leaving the dazed Uther behind.

It was only when he saw his wife run that she suddenly woke up from his stupor.

He couldn't hell looking up to the heavens with reddish eyes as well.

His children were alright.

He looked at the fading silhouette of his wife and laughed loudly like a fool before speeding up too.

Today was the happiest day of his life!

Like so, he stepped out, joining countless elders and others who dashed out as well with tears in their eyes.

They were saved!

Their beloved Zalipnia was saved!

At the same time, seeing the massive crowd in tears, Licia and the rest also broke down as well.

"Mother! Father! Uncles! Aunts! Everyone!

We are back!"

"Hooray!"

"Hooray!"

The crowd went wild!

And very soon, Andrew addressed them all, briefly highlighting the most important thing of all.

That's right.

The Saviour was here, and he had successfully driven the enemy to suicide!

.

Everyone's heart drummed uncontrollably as they quickly packed their things and headed down the hidden route with several emotions welled up within them.

They took one more look at the hidden city as if saying thanks to the Gods for protecting them.

Of course, they also made an oath never to mention this place, no matter what.

They respected and owed their lives to the Gods, and unlike other unbelievers in this world, their oaths were actually taken seriously by the heavens.

And they, more than anyone else, knew the consequences of going against such oaths.

Because just as the Gods could bless one, they could also curse one as well.

Everyone bowed in thanks to the Gods and calmly left the Holy city for good.

Finally, it was time to head back home.