The round-faced monk was interrupted by Donovan’s raised hand.
“No need for more words. Just go,” Donovan said.
“Yes.” The round-faced monk shot Dustin a glare and left in a hurry. “Edvan, take Mr. Rhys to the back of the mountain. Make sure to protect his safety,” Donovan added.
“Abbot, what about you?” The monk in the yellow robe furrowed his brow in concern. Before becoming a monk, he served as the commander of the Prince of Carsonne’s guards. He had never left the prince’s side. Now, he was reluctant to leave the abbot and escort a stranger down the mountain.
“With Fedrick and Clarick here, I won’t be in danger. You two, go quickly. Don’t delay,” Donovan instructed.
“Yes,” Edvan said nothing more, immediately leading Dustin out the door. Before leaving, Dustin glanced back at Donovan, who had once again entered a state of meditation, continuing his recitation.
“Mr. Rhys, this way, please,” Edvan led Dustin into the monastery’s backyard, opened a hidden door, and went in first.
The secret passage was pitch dark, making visibility nearly impossible. Edvan, however, knew his way around and lit two torches in the corner, illuminating a small area.
Upon closer inspection, Dustin noticed it was a narrow tunnel descending into the depths. The tunnel was long, with no visible end, and only wide enough for one person to pass through.
“Mr. Rhys, this tunnel leads directly to the foot of the mountain. It’s very discreet, unknown to outsiders. I’ll safely guide you out, but please don’t come back again,” Edvan said while leading the way.
“Thank you, Master. Today, I came to seek answers and have now unraveled the mysteries. I won’t disturb the peace of your lives again,” Dustin replied candidly.
“That’s good to hear.” Edvan’s tone softened. The two proceeded along the secret passage, heading downward. After nearly half an hour, they finally reached a stone door.
“Mr. Rhys, the exit is outside. Please,” Edvan said, pressing a switch. With a rumbling sound, the heavy stone door slowly opened. Warm sunlight filled the cold, dim tunnel.
Accustomed to the darkness, Dustin squinted until he adapted to the light. When he could finally see, he stepped out of the door.
Outside, overgrown weeds and a lack of footprints indicated the area’s desolation. No buildings were in sight, and the direction was unclear. But the only certainty was that they had reached the foot of the mountain.
“Hahaha… Logan Rhys, you finally came out. We’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”
Suddenly, a burst of laughter echoed, and a group of masked assassins emerged from the bushes on both sides, quickly surrounding Dustin. The speed at which they closed in suggested a well-prepared ambush.
“Hmm?” Dustin furrowed his brows slightly and instinctively looked back at Edvan. Wasn’t it supposed to be secretive and unknown to others? Why were they ambushed?
“Mr. Rhys, I can’t let you jeopardize the prince. If you don’t die, the prince will be in big trouble. So, I’m sorry,” Edvan said coldly.
As he spoke, he pressed the switch again. The heavy stone door immediately descended, completely blocking Dustin’s retreat.
