Life in a new Kingdom

When morning arrived, we set out to ride toward Saiana. My arm was still heavily wounded. Syphine thankfully woke up in the middle of the night. Eriie was relieved that she quickly passed out from exhaustion. Uzel was recovering from his wounds while everyone saw to each other, making sure everyone was doing well. On the road, I sat on the same horse with Lukia. The trip continued on quietly. Lukia leaned near my ear and whispered.

"I won't tell anyone about you. I promise." Her words made me realize that she, in fact, knew about my magic. I held my breath before nodding slowly.

"I appreciate it," I softly whisper and keep my eyes focused on the road. I nearly forgot about the whole incident because I passed out soon afterward. Memories of the events felt distant, but recalling them was natural. Nana was still suffering from her wounds, but she toughed it out the whole ride to Saiana.

After half a day's ride, we saw the giant walls of Saiana village in the distance. A flow of smiles appeared on our faces. The survivors of this incident held their heads high as we entered the gates, a looming crowd of people eager to see the return of the parties.

"Is this everyone...?" Julia asks, approaching me.

"This is everyone." Julia sees my bandaged arm and stares briefly.

"You're hurt."

"I'll be fine. Rest will do me wonders. Uzel is far worse. I need to report with Eckhart."

"I'm right here, my Lord." Eckhart, along with Mei, accompanies him.

"Good, I need to write a letter to Father; it is urgent."

"That may be difficult." Eckhart's face grows dark, along with Mei's.

"What happened?" I ask, a tightness in my chest strangles my heart.

"It will be best to talk in private. If you need to attend to your affairs here, we will wait for you."

"Fine. Return home, I'll be there shortly."

"As you wish." Eckhart bows along with Mei and turns back. I get off the horse with Lukia, who tugs at my sleeve.

"Are you going to be okay?"

"I have a feeling my day is going to be stressful. You should take it easy. You're trembling, you know." Her face shifts as she realizes that the hand on my sleeve is shaking. I gently rub it and look up at her; into her eyes, I can see the tears of grief. She needs to mourn her mother; I look to Julia, who approaches. "Take care of Lukia. She needs to wind down after this; don't leave her side."

"Of course. Gale filled me in on mostly what happened. The bodies you recovered...are ready for burial if you wish to attend."

"We can take care of that for tonight. Everyone needs to rest a bit. I have got matters to attend to so look after things for me here. The Guild Master is hurt more than she is showing, so please have a cleric or priest look after her."

"Will she be alright?"

"She will tell you she will, but she suffered a nasty attack with dark magic. Just keep a good eye on her and tend to her when possible."

"Understood. I am going to arrange everything; leave it to me."

"Right. Gale?" I call out for him. His head perks up from talking with some guards, and he approaches.

"What is it?"

"Round up everyone in the Guild when you are well rested. Help Julia when necessary. I will be back to discuss how we should proceed as a town and Guild."

"You got it; leave it to me. I'll get everyone to settle down."

"Good, knew I could count on you. I'll see you soon." Turn from Gale and Julia, I look over to Nana who is holding her side. She looks my way before adjusting her gaze.

"You saved our lives, Caleb. I underestimated the Hobgoblin and had to resort to drastic measures. I can already tell you have questions."

"I'll save it for later. I got other business."

"When you are ready, I'll tell you." Leaving with a nod, I give one look over the mass of people aiding the survivors. Hinnia approaches Uzel and embraces him with tears. He comforts her and speaks to her. Syphine walks with Eriie and Yorn into the Guild Hall to rest. The last few days and nights have been a fight for survival and longer for some. I let out a breath before walking into town.

Holding my arm as I walk, I can't help but think about the past events. When he saw my magic, Shaar gave me such a distinctive look that it left me with many questions. Ever since the strange events with the Shadow Hunter, finding the corpse of a Demon, Shaar possessing such ancient and dark magic... Things were looking quite dire as well as a mystery. I reached the mansion and entered inside, Eckhart and Mei were sat at the main dining table with a couple letters and paper sat on it. Celia stood off the side, her posture straight and her face stern.

"Ah, there you are," Eckhart speaks, motioning me to sit.

"What happened with my father?"

"I'll get to that. For now, are you in need of rest?"

"I rest quite enough on my way here. Give me the news straight."

"My Lord, you know of your father planning on taking me and the army with him to join the war."

"I do."

"Well, he sent word of your brother; it seems he has been split off the main army. His whereabouts unknown."

"Dunick is missing?"

"More or less. They were in a massive skirmish when the Empire's mages caused the land to shift and split, forcing them to retreat on two different fronts. Dunick retreated southwest, near where Saiana is."

"I think I see where you are going with this."

"Nothing escapes you, does it? Right, your father has asked me to be sent out and search for your brother and his army. Hopefully, they are alive and well, but I assume their supplies are running low."

"Thankfully, Saiana is perfect for being a resupply town for our armies."

"My intentions exactly. If I leave with most of the men, will you handle any threats with what is left?"

"Do you need to ask? Go and help my brother. Carlo and a handful of knights should be enough to defend the village from attacks."

"When I find your brother, we will need to reroute to your father, so it might take the better part of half a year if we can find him quickly before we return."

"In the meantime, I'll continue to train and assist with the Guild in supporting the village."

"Very well. Mei and Celia are able if you wish to aid."

"We can do our part to assist you with any matters you wish." Mei speaks softly. Celia remains silent.

"Right. I feel like you have something else you must say to me, Eckhart." A grim look appears on his face as I ask.

"Forgive me for speaking, but your father has requested our elven allies for assistance in this war. Which would me Soldia and Tia would be put into this conflict."

"What!?" I raise my voice and stand up, knocking my chair down with a loud thud.

"Please, remain calm, my Lord. I only wish to explain."

"I will not have her, or her father dragged into this war. This isn't something they should be placed in!"

"I understand. But your father's army and his commanders have been fighting with all their might, but the Empire vastly has a much bigger force and a surprisingly large number of mages. The casualties are staggering, and every battle we win is at a cost. The militia your father has funded can only produce so many soldiers at a given time. Asking for military aid from the elves would allow him to reach the Empire's border without the high number of losses. Elves are known for their superior healing and nature magic."

"Our allies are limited with Soldia and Tia. Elves wouldn't join a war they don't need to be in. They won't get any support."

"Unless your marriage with Tia is public, they might be more inclined to aid Soldia since his bloodline's future generation is tied to you."

"But...that would make them direct targets for the Empire!"

"Indeed. But it would secure the elf's assistance in aiding one of their noble daughter's husband. Your marriage with her will place you straight into the noble status of the elves alone."

"I won't do it. Father can do it without risking them."

"He will ask for their aid regardless. It is up to you to if you want Soldia to face the Empire alone or force the elven kingdom to join against the Empire with you as one of their lords."

"If Tia knew of this, she wouldn't-"

"Tia is not here! Caleb... This war is going to last longer and far more dangerous if we can't keep up with the Empire. They have the Church to aid them with priests and templars."

"Damn it!" I slam my fist onto the table. A jolt of pain flows through my arm. A heavy sigh escapes my lips. I take a moment to collect my thoughts, allowing all other possibilities to formulate. A solution soon enters my mind, and I quickly ponder it; a bright glow emits from my face.

"Caleb?"

"I'm thinking, please let me." I pace around the room, speaking to myself. Looking at every piece of information and knowledge I have gained in my years. Using my brain to generate the most tactful plan to move forward with. Moment's pass, everyone stays silent and respects my time. I stop for a moment and let my thoughts out. "What if we force the elves to close all their exports with the Empire."

"I'm sorry?"

"A lot of the Empire's materials for weapons, armor, horses, and even food came from us and the elves. If we convince the elves to not support the Empire and only give us supplies, we can starve and weaken them. They wouldn't need to be dragged into war, and it won't expose them to danger."

"Even so, they must still have years of supplies. They have a massive army."

"The elves can supply us with everything we need to hire troops, mercenary companies. The Empire already employs several themselves. Why can't we if we gain the resources to do so? That will make up our numbers and military strength as well as give us the strength to push forward. The Empire would be too focused on stopping us that they will lose any advantage they have." I look at Eckhart, who is impressed by my proposition. After a moment of consideration and realization, Eckhart speaks.

"That...could work. It wouldn't be ideal, but it does protect the elves from going to our war while still supporting us. Did you really think of this now?"

"It wasn't too difficult. Knowledge is the strongest weapon in warfare, and I used it."

"You would make a great commander, Caleb. Honestly, I didn't know you had such a mind for war."

"I...I've been reading a lot of history on wars and the kingdoms over the years. The knowledge from them helped."

"Then shall I write to your father before I depart?"

"I'll write the letter; you must find my brother quickly. I assume you will."

"Yes, my Lord. It will be done. Till we meet again." Eckhart salutes proudly before heading out toward the barracks. Celia and Mei look at each other."

"Are you feeling alright, Caleb?" Celia finally speaks.

"Not exactly. I've had a rough couple of days, and I am glad I handled this the way I did."

"Shall I prepare something to eat?"

"I don't have an appetite."

"You should eat something." Mei places her arm on my hand as I reach for a quill and paper.

"I got to write this letter and attend a funeral tonight. I'll eat later."

"As you wish."

Celia and Mei leave me alone as I quickly write out the letter for Father. Detailing the plan and stating why I am proposing this. After finishing it, I hand it to Mei, who quickly prepares a raven to carry the letter. With that out of the way, I barely have time to breathe before I prepare for the event later...