The ones fighting in the front line had no time to think about the back up that didn't come. They were too preoccupied, fighting that losing battle, somewhere in their mind the fact was set, that they would not leave that hell hole alive, they would all perish and die. 
Because the more they killed the more they helped the undead breed. Every limb they severed became an addition to their ranks and numbers, with independent thinking. 
The ones carrying the unconscious Ruby and Xie were not doing fine, as well. 
Their ships were being dragged down by the myriad creatures from the netherworld that creeped into the ocean. 
They kept shooting their arrows laced with their spirit energy and spells but it was useless. 
The ship was going to sink any moment because of the pilling weight that was building under water, trying to anchor them. 
" What do we do? We cannot move at this rate. The prince and the princess will drown along with the ship if we don't do anything about it. "
One Wolf observed. 
" I can apparate our way out of here, but not till the mainland and definitely not with everyone on board. "
The lone Fox present on the ship let them know. 
It was time for a decision. The wolves present on that ship didn't waste a moment to make up their minds. 
" Take the both of them and go as far from here as you can. We will try to hold them till our last breath. The princess should not have a problem in water. You can carry them forth from that spot you land on, one by one. "
The Fox nodded. He understood his assignment. He saluted the wolf in charge, gave them a hug and departed. It was a final goodbye. The wolves were going to sacrifice themselves but their was no time to mourne or feel sad. 
With Ruby and Xie gone, the wolves leapt in the water, ravaging through the creatures of the underworld in their beast forms, clawing and tearing their rotten sinews and veins. 
The Fox fell with a splash in the middle of the unadulterated ocean. The ocean that was connect with the Sountern Sea. 
He was gasping for air because apparating while carrying two unconscious beings was not something petty. Besides, they were in the middle of the ocean and he had to constantly swim while holding the two of them. 
The task was far from complete. He would still have to apparate back to the mainland but he couldn't find a spot to put Ruby on. 
At last his eyes fell on a small iceberg. 
" This has to do. Please princess. Hold on. I won't be long. "
He placed her body on top of that and apparated out of there with Xie over his shoulder. 
They were able to make it on the shore adjacent to the Fox's land. The fox placed Xie on the shore and darted back for Ruby because he was too worried he would loose her amongst the waves. 
And his fears did come alive. 
His eyes bulged out when he found the iceberg where he had put her, to be empty. 
He was already short of breath. But he dived deep in the water trying to trace the scent that she left. 
Luckily, he could spot her floating away in the near distance. He quickly grabbed her and made his way back on the shore with much difficulty. 
The scene that greeted him when he finally arrived on the shore was too confusing for him. 
He had water in his lungs as he threw Ruby aside. He was coughing to get the salty water out of his system before he could make out what actually was happening. 
There were fox soldier all around and they were surrounding Xie with pointed spears and swords. 
" What's happening? Why are you still here? Why did you not leave for the Western Waters? They are fighting for their lives there. They need immediate back up... "
" Shut up you traitor... "
One of them shoved him right at his chest which made him reel back in pain. He wasn't in a very good shape himself. Before he could understand the absurdity or complexity of the situation, his body gave way and his eyes were shrouded with darkness. 
He could feel his body being dragged all along and them being shoved inside a cramped space, that had a heavy smell of metal and iron, a possible cellar or lock up room. 
He had no idea how ling he was in that state. 
When he finally was able to open his eyes he found himself sitting in a long line, in front of them was the guillotine. 
The line comprised of the first fox prince, Akata, Xie, Ruby and some other loyal and senior, Fox officials. 
The fox could not belive what he was watching. Where was the fox king? What under the sun and moon was he witnessing. He was in the least worried about himself. 
And then the rogue third fox prince came in front. He was wearing his father's royal crown and cloak. 
He came and stood in front of them and delivered a boring and long speech about how he would be eliminating everyone of the conspirators. 
Slowly , the fox was able to understand that the old Fox King was slain and was what had caused all the mayhem. 
" We will begin with this little devil. "
The third Fox prince pointed at Akata. 
His words were met with immediate protests but it was as if he was prepared. At the first instance of protest, his loyal soldiers sliced the heads of the protestors, just like he had sliced the head of his father. 
Xie and Ruby hadn't yet come around. But the first fox prince continued his protest despite of the brutal manner in which the protestors were dealt with. 
" If you want more blood on your hands brother, start with me. Leave this little kid alone. What kind of a coward are you, to try and take out a small child while his parents are not around. Shame on you. Shame on the fact that we share the same blood. "
The third prince scoffed. 
" Don't worry elder brother. You will get to follow him soon after. Now save your breath. "