Erythro: The Prophecy Unveiled

Thomas's hands were tightly bound behind his back as he was forcefully dragged by the guards. He struggled to keep his footing, nearly falling several times, but the guards showed no mercy, continuing to pull him along with relentless force. Each stumble caused him to hit the ground, further soiling his already worn-out pants with mud and dirt. Frustrated and in pain, Thomas shouted, "Let me go! You're hurting me! Idiots!" He fought against his captors, his anger and desperation fueling his resistance.

The guards, irritated by the boy's outbursts and struggles kicked the boy in the guts. "Shut up!" one of them roared, his voice echoing with authority. The sudden pain silenced Thomas, who glared at the guards but ceased his vocal protests. Despite his silence, the defiance in his eyes remained, hinting at the rebellious spirit that refused to be easily subdued.

After an agonizing minute of being dragged along, Thomas finally managed to ask, "Where are you taking me?" His question was met with silence as the guards ignored him, their focus unwavering. In the distance, he caught sight of the formidable structure of the Perstone City jail, a stark reminder of the city's stringent justice system. The jail, built from sturdy, weathered stone, loomed over the surrounding buildings like a grim sentinel. Its iron-barred windows offered glimpses of the shadows and darkness within, a foreboding sight that sent a chill down Thomas's spine making him gulp. As they approached, one of the guards pushed open the heavy oak door, reinforced with metal and creaking ominously in the silence of the night.

Inside, the jail was even more oppressive. Narrow hallways lined with dimly lit torches cast flickering shadows that danced eerily along the stone walls. Rows of cramped cells, each secured with rusted iron bars and thick padlocked chains, lined the corridors. The air was thick with the scent of dampness and decay, and the distant sounds of chains clinking, and prisoners' murmurs created an unsettling atmosphere that spoke of despair and hopelessness. Despite its grim interior, the jail was meticulously maintained, reflecting the city's commitment to order and discipline. At one side, the office of the head guard came into view. A man in a guard uniform sat behind a desk, engrossed in his paperwork and paying no attention to the commotion. Thomas felt a sense of dread as he realized the severity of his situation, the reality of his imprisonment slowly sinking in.

"We've caught the thief," one of the guards announced, roughly placing Thomas at the front of the desk in the guard office. The office guard, without even glancing up from his work, simply ordered, "Place him in the cell." Obeying the command, the guard who had captured Thomas dragged him once more, hauling him to a cell located at the very end of the dark, narrow corridor. With a harsh shove, Thomas was thrown inside, and the guard secured the door with a heavy key, the lock clicking ominously.

The cell was a grim, claustrophobic space, devoid of windows and almost entirely dark. The only light seeped in faintly from the torches in the hallway, casting eerie, flickering shadows on the stone walls. The air was cold and damp, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. On the floor lay a tattered mat, offering little comfort, and beside it, a small bowl of water, providing the bare minimum for survival. 

Thomas inspected the cell bars and noticed that, despite being shrouded in rust, they were remarkably sturdy. He sighed deeply, placing his hands on the cold metal, and peered down the empty hallway where no guards were present. In the adjacent cells, other prisoners stirred, some of them groaning for reasons he couldn't fathom, and frankly, didn't want to know. Desperation filled his voice as he pleaded, "Let me out of here, my siblings need me," his words echoing in the silence, hoping someone, anyone, would hear and help.

Surveying his surroundings, Thomas tried to devise an escape plan, but the daunting reality of his situation soon became clear. The iron bars were unyielding, and the layout of the jail offered no obvious means of escape. For a child like him, it was an impossible task. Defeated, he slumped to the floor, the cold stone pressing against his legs, and waited in the dim light, his thoughts drifting to his siblings and the outside world he longed to return to.

At the bustling city square, the prince and Madeline stood in front of a brightly decorated stall selling an array of colorful confectioneries. They patiently waited for their order amidst the cheerful chatter and laughter of the Helios Festival. Madeline's previous sullen mood had vanished, replaced by a radiant excitement as she took in the festive sights and sounds. The prince had assured her that everything back at the castle would be fine, and she trusted his comforting words. Little did she know that her earlier distress would transform into such a joyful experience.

The vendor, with a warm smile, handed them two pieces of fluffy cotton candy. Madeline eagerly accepted one, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Thank you," she murmured softly, barely able to contain her enthusiasm as she took her first bite. The moment the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth confection touched her tongue, her eyes widened in amazement at the delightful taste. It was unlike anything she had ever tasted before, and it filled her with a childlike glee.

"Thank you," Madeline extended her thanks to the prince who nods in return. He was also eating his cotton candy looking placid and calm. As they continued to explore the festival, the prince led Madeline through a maze of stalls, each offering unique treats and trinkets. Musicians played lively tunes, and performers entertained the crowd with their impressive acts. Madeline couldn't help but be enchanted by the vibrant atmosphere. They paused at a stall where a vendor was displaying different accessories and unique wares which came from different empires. Mesmerized, Madeline inspects each item.

The prince, noticing Madeline's fascination, decided to purchase a special gift for her: a music box adorned with a dancing doll on top. With a kind smile, he handed it to her, saying, "A little memento from today." The vendor, eager to share the item's lore, explained, "This is from the empire of Verdantia. It's said that the music from this small box can fill your heart with delight, even when shrouded in grief. Moreover, if you make a wish before playing the music, it will surely come true."

Madeline's eyes widened with excitement as she exclaimed, "Really?" The vendor nodded, adding, "Yes, but you must let the song finish for your wish to be granted." Overcome with amazement, Madeline turned to Sebastian, who stood beside her, and relayed the enchanting details, "Seb, it's a wishing music box!"

"That's good then, maybe you can try it out when we go home," the prince commented. Madeline's heart swelled with gratitude as she accepted the gift. "I will wish that the money will be returned, and Betty and I will be alright," she said full of hope. "You should say that before playing the music box," Sebastian said slightly laughing. "And I also wish that the boy will be alright," she added while observing the gift in her hand. "Who's boy? The money thief? He's a thief though, why are you worried?" "And in fact, he makes you cry," Sebastian added. "Maybe he was in a dire need for money, that's why he does that," Madeline answered. She marveled at how a day that had started with such gloom could turn into one filled with so much wonder and happiness. The festival had a magical way of lifting her spirits, and she felt incredibly fortunate to share it with the prince.

The two then went on to sit on the fountain, at the center of the city. The prince recounted stories of past festivals, his voice filled with nostalgia and warmth. Madeline listened intently; her cotton candy long gone but the sweetness lingering in her heart. The bond between them had grown stronger throughout the day, and she realized that the prince's companionship was a source of great comfort and joy.

Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted, as a huge music was heard, and the crowd dissipated, making way for the street parade. Many people clad in colorful costumes are dancing and playing music, some are performing tricks and acrobats. The crowd delight is palpable especially the children. Madeline, excitedly, ran to watch the parade while Prince Sebastian ran after her, "Wait," he called.

"Faster, Your Highness, they're coming!" Madeline urged the prince, her voice brimming with excitement. As the parade passed by, she was filled with awe. She wished her friends at the castle—Emilie, Sarah, and her mother—were there with her. Clapping along with the crowd, she admired the wonderful performance. Some even showered the crowd with flower petals and bubbles. Madeline raised her hands to catch some, feeling the soft petals land on her small hands. "Seb, I caught one!" she exclaimed, showing the red petal to the prince, who smiled at her and mimicked her actions.

The night came alive with fireworks, painting the sky with brilliant colors and patterns. Madeline watched in awe, the spectacular display reflecting in her wide eyes. She felt a sense of belonging and happiness that she hadn't felt in a long time. The Helios Festival had not only brightened her day but had also rekindled her hope for brighter days ahead. As the final firework burst into a shower of stars, she silently thanked the prince for this unforgettable experience. 

Madeline noticed the crowd moving in a specific direction. "Where are they going?" she asked. She looked at the prince and saw he was already a step ahead. He extended his hand and said, "Let's go." "Where to?" she asked. "To the closing of the Helios Ceremony—the lantern lighting," he replied.