325 ENEMIES OR ALLIES

Zoe gazed in horror as she fled back up to the Hous Residence. Villages were covered in smoke from the east to the west. Wails of mourners could be heard as high as up as where she was.

"This cannot be happening." She uttered in disbelief as she witnessed the effect of greed and wickedness taking over the once peaceful and prosperous land.

"Only a supernatural intervention could help us." One of the Xianghai men who accompanied her blurted out, making Zoe tilt her head towards him. 

"I know what to do. Take me to the rear side of the Castle." She instructed the coachman, who immediately obliged as he directed the horse to the direction of the Castle.

The Xianghai men who were with her seemed to look at her as if she had made a crazy decision but she didn't care.

As soon as she saw the Castle's structure, she asked that the carriage be stopped so she could go down as they are an eyecatcher to their enemies at that rate.

Assisted by a few men until the entrance to the Garden of Egdelwon, she found her way inside until she was in front of the mystical Tree.

Her hand unconsciously flew to her necklace as she beheld it. But unlike before, she didn't look at it in awe but in pity. It looks like it is now dying with no fruits and a few leaves left. 

"What have they done to you?" Zoe bit her lips after a gasp left it. Then she knelt down, closed her eyes and prayed.

"God, please help me restore this Tree and this land. Tell me what I need to do."

As she did so, she suddenly recalled some of the words that were inscribed on the book. 

"When the Three are united, Terra will be the most secure and prosperous land in the world."

Zoe's eyes opened wide. But her eyebrows scrunched afterwards. "But we are already united, Raigon, Azra and me. The Wangs, the Hous and the Lins…"

Just then a realization hits her. She knelt down again with her head to the ground in gratitude and excitement.

"Thank you!"

She then dashed off to the Hous Residence with an idea in mind.

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"What? I would never ask for their help. That is ridiculous." Raigon expressed his disapproval as he heard of Zoe's proposition. 

Zoe was glad that he had safely returned after encountering a vicious group of oppressors in the forest. But this is no time for romance. She knew that he would object. But she would still try.

"If what is written in the book is true, then all members of our clans should join force to stop death from eating up this land."

"The royal family and the Hou Clan would have no problem with your odd concept. My only worry is it would include Duke Andras and Lord Vigo as well. And they are conniving murderers!" 

Zoe could feel his blood boiling from within him as his face became red in anger. She drew in a deep breath and took courage to step forward and rubbed his arms with her hands.

"Still you must say that they loved this land. For all we know, it could be the reason why they thrived for the throne. They thought they could do better. But of course, they don't."

Raigon withdrew and paced back and forth as he contemplated. When he finally came to a conclusion, he walked back to Zoe and replied.

"Let's see what they can do. But after this ruckus, they will go back to prison where they truly belong. And if they tried to escape, we will hunt them down."

Zoe's face lit up as Raigon agreed with her. She knew how it would be so hard for him after what the two did to his family. And she felt grateful that he even considered it.

They both went to the dungeons, still being discreet with their actions since there were still roaming enemies everywhere. 

Fortunately, they safely reached the dungeons and the location of where Duke Andras and Lord Vigo was.

"Well, well. To whom would I pay homage for convincing the royal Crowned Prince of visiting his old uncle after he has put him behind bars?"

Duke Andras glared at them with a snigger. 

'It seemed that they have no idea what is going on outside of these cells.' 

Zoe thought to herself as she saw the father and son duo like prowling lions waiting for a chance to attack their prey in whatever way they can. 

"My dear cousin would never want to see us again. Unless… they need our help. Am I right, Prince Raigon?"

Lord Vigo smirked at him as if he was still proud of himself that he can do something even in his situation. 

Raigon glanced at Zoe which made her cross her fingers behind her back, hoping he would not back out from their intention.

After a few breathless seconds, Raigon finally blurted out. "Yes. This time I admit that Terra needs you at the moment."

"That's what I'm talking about. Will you set us free then, your Highness?" Lord Vigo bared all his teeth and bore his eyes into Raigon's.

"Only on one condition. You will go back after you serve your purpose." Raigon commanded with an air of authority, making Lord Vigo narrow his eyes on him.

"Well, I don't mind a lungful of fresh air." Duke Andras shrugged his shoulders as if encouraging his son to agree with him.

"I doubt it if you will be able to do so." Raigon sighed as he commanded the guards to open the doors of their cells and let them out. 

Duke Andras stretched his back and walked proud while Lord Vigo stretched his whole body. They were smiling from ear to ear as if they won the lottery. But that didn't go long after they had seen what happened to Terra as soon as they laid their eyes on it.

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When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion.