"After such a long journey, it's safe to say that this beer really hits the spot," Caerwyn said contentedly, slamming his mug on the table.
"Ha ha ha, what did I tell you," Nuro replied, drinking his beer and striking his mug against the table. "Boss, can I get two more here?" The evening was approaching, and the tavern was filling up.
"Hey, hey, we've already had two each, and in two hours we have an important meeting," Caerwyn said as the bartender placed two mugs of beer on the table.
"Come on," Nuro insisted, "one more each; in two hours I could handle twice that. And you don't look like lightweights either, Captain." He concluded this based on his build. "Besides," Nuro raised his mug, "if you didn't want another, you should've told me before I ordered."
"Ha ha, looks like you figured me out," Caerwyn replied with a smile, raising his mug. "Cheers, my friend."
After the mission, all four young knights headed to their homes, except for Ujiyoshi, who stayed in the tavern.
"Desimir, you finally made it," his mother said, hugging him.
"It's good to see you, mother," he replied, returning the firm embrace.
"I'm sure you're hungry; there's nothing cooked, but there are still sausages in the shed, and fresh cucumbers – I got them at the flea market today." Desimir's eyes began to well up, but he quickly wiped them away and composed himself.
"What is wrong, son? Are you all right?" she asked worriedly.
"Yes," he forced a smile onto his face, "never better."
Ervin entered his house. "Grandpa, I'm home!" he shouted from the doorway.
"Ah, Ervin," his grandfather responded. Ervin entered the kitchen, where a short, elderly man with a thick head of hair sat reading a book by candlelight, on a wooden, somewhat uncomfortable chair.
"What are you reading?" the grandson asked.
"Oh," he said, removing his glasses from his head, "just a story about a knight from long ago. Reminded me of myself, ha ha ha." He replied with a laugh.
"Come on, you're not that old," Ervin flattered him.
"I'm glad you think so, but in a few years, I'll be seventy."
"And then," Ervin encouraged him while standing and going to fetch water for bathing from the well, "what is that for a legend of a warrior like you?" He left him alone in the room with his thoughts. "Yes....what is it to me?" he thought, then remembered, "I didn't even ask how the mission went. Well, I'll ask him later," he concluded.
Elstan and Osgar were practically greeted at the door by Atala. When she saw them, her eyes welled up, and she ran into their embrace.
"I'm so glad," she said through sniffles, "that both of you are okay."
They both hugged her tightly.
"Finally, we can sit a little, Osgar," Elstan said as they entered the house.
"At least you can. I have a meeting in about an hour, and I'd like to take a bath before that."
"I'll just lie down; I'm exhausted," Osgar replied, entering the room, stripping off his armor, and throwing himself onto the bed.
"I don't remember it being this comfortable," he thought before falling asleep.
"Judging by that reaction, I believe the mission was tough," Atala said, rubbing her husband's back.
"It was....sixteen dead. The worst expedition since we've known peace, if you can even call it that," he said grimly, but didn't let it show on his face.
"I know it's hard," she hugged him from behind, "but don't let it break you, it never did."
He held her hands which were hanging over his shoulders. "Thank you, Atala."
An hour before the meeting, Anir was in his chambers signing papers. Beside him was a shorter man, in his late thirties, dressed in a silver shirt and pants with ordinary black shoes, indicating he didn't go out much. The golden trim on his shirt marked him as a finance master. His short, sharp black hair framed a triangular face, and his thick black mustache was perfectly groomed, as always.
"How's it going with the papers, Edric?" the king asked, annoyed.
"Just this last one, Your Majesty," he replied, placing the last document on the table for signing.
"I know you're tired, but recently trade with the Kaharu Empire has slowed, and this year the weather wasn't favorable, and the farmers weren't very successful. Therefore, the demand for supplies, and prices, need adjustment. Not to mention the money going to acquire other resources like iron, silver, wood, and more." He could go on, but the king's tired glance stopped him.
"Still," he added, "soon you'll need to call a larger meeting with the other masters to reach a better solution."
"Yes, yes, I know that very well. The Master of Trade has been looming over me for a month," King Anir said, stretching in his chair. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and both men turned.
"Enter," the king called, and only one messenger in court attire came in and knelt. "I apologize for disturbing you, Your Majesty. Master Alvin asked me to inform you that the meeting starts in an hour."
"Thank you, you are dismissed."
"Yes." he replied and left.
"Meeting?" Edric asked curiously.
"Nothing you need to worry about, Master of Finance. You're free," Anir said, sending him out.
"Interesting," Edric thought as he walked through the silent filled hallways, only the clicks of his heels against dark gray marble echoing, "ever since their majesties arrived, the king has been acting strange. Also, the guests have stayed much longer than expected. What are you hiding from us, King Anir?"
Some time later, the sun had completely set, clouds covering the moon so it didn't cast its celestial light. The streets of Tlum were lit by lanterns, helping drunk people find spots to relieve themselves. When night falls, the streets are only filled with guards patrolling and nightlife lovers. Through the corridors, King Anir and Master Alvis walked toward the meeting hall when Kjaran approached, slightly out of breath.
"Oh, Kjaran," the two stopped, "what's the rush?" the king asked, confused.
"Captain Hino and Slanei," he panted, "I can't find them anywhere."
"And before an important meeting, terrible. And these are some captains," the king said, somewhat angrily.
"Don't worry, Kjaran," Alvis jumped in, "I think I know where they are." Both looked at the master, puzzled. In the city, the taverns were already bustling. And one in particular was especially lively.
"Come on, come on," Nuro said, rubbing his hands. The tavern smelled of smoke from pipes and various plants people smoked, and alcohol was everywhere,either in mugs or spilled. Naturally, it wasn't lacking at the main table, where Captain Nuro Hino sat gambling. Everyone watched him, including Captain Slanei, who just watched the wooden dice roll. For a moment, everyone fell silent, then sighed in relief.
"Let's go!!" Nuro shouted, and everyone cheered around him as the dice landed on an even number, which he had bet on.
"Next round's on me," he yelled, everyone celebrating. Suddenly, the tavern doors opened, and Captain Kjaran Brin entered. Silence fell over the room, even the smoke seemed to retreat. It didn't take him long to spot the two captains, hastily drinking their beer when they saw him. He looked at them, not angrily or harshly, but with expected disappointment.
"Let's go," Kjaran said in a gloomy tone, "we're going to be late." The two got up quietly, somewhat embarrassed, at least in Caerwyn's case.
"The next round is still on me, boss," Nuro said as they left, all banging their mugs in a sign of camaraderie.
Kjaran and Caerwyn walked ahead, Nuro stumbling slightly on the way to the castle.
"What a night we had, right, Captain Caerwyn," Nuro continued cheerfully.
"Yes, Captain Hino, indeed," Caerwyn replied, a little ashamed after the look Kjaran gave him.
"I just didn't think we'd be there for so long," Caerwyn added as the wind slowly blew away the unpleasant smells they had picked up. At the castle, all others were already present: Kings Anir, Jin, and Ailred, as well as Emperor Toshimizu. There were also Captain Elstan and Captain Gerde, two members of the Kaharu Imperial Guard, and another member of the Tolan royal division. Naturally, strategy masters Alvis Elvin, and Landan Grey would lead the meeting.
"My apologies for the delay, gentlemen," Anir said, taking a cup of water.
"It's not on you to apologize; I'm fairly sure Captain Hino is to blame," Jin eased him.
"This isn't like Captain Slanei; I'll have a word with him on the way home," Ailred added sharply, but remained calm, showing his usual cold temperament. Toshimizu sat with arms crossed, looking uninterested, which he was, as it didn't concern his kingdom, but he needed to know what would happen to plan his future moves. He knew his captains would never allow themselves to be late. In that moment, Kjaran, Nuro, and Caerwyn entered. All eyes turned to the latter two, but not in anger, only mild disappointment. Silence was broken by Master Alvis.
"Good evening, gentlemen," he said, approaching the map. "Let's begin." Everyone gathered around the map, the fire crackled in the fireplace, and the strategic meeting could finally start. The sky was cloudy, stars barely visible. The citizens of Tlum didn't let it ruin their mood. Master of Strategy Alvis Elvin explained the route to Ganalor.
"So," he said, running a finger across the map, "you'll depart from Tlum, as it is one of the closest cities to the western port Qricho. With your group, you should arrive in a day's ride."
Landan added, "That means if you leave early in the morning, you'll reach there by evening."
"The weather should cooperate for the next few days, without rain and mud; I believe you won't have any problems." Everyone quietly listened and observed the map, sipping water now and then. But the masters had overlooked one crucial detail, and Nuro couldn't help but notice.
"Excuse me," he interjected, "before you continue explaining the plan, could we know who all is going to Ganalor?" Silence fell, but not for long.
"Of course, good captains," Alvis replied, taking a sip of water before continuing. "After consulting with Kings Jin and Anir, we've decided the mission will naturally include Captains Brin, Nualami, Hino, and Gerde, as well as four young knights who have trained with you the entire time." He paused to catch his breath, sitting down to rest, then continued. "In addition to the eight of you, the rest of the guard accompanying King Jin will join, including King Jin himself."
"What?" Elstan thought, looking at Kjaran without letting intrigue show on his face.
"Yes," Kjaran stared at the map but felt Elstan's gaze. "Why would the king come with us?" He shared Elstan's opinion. Then King Jin spoke.
"I-I know this seems strange," he said nervously, "but I am a warrior like you. Perhaps not as skilled, but still a warrior. And before that, I am a king, and as king, it's my duty to give everything to reclaim my kingdom." Everyone in the room looked at him, some surprised, some curious, most confused, but understanding his determination, said nothing.
"In any case," Alvis broke the uncomfortable silence, "this is an infiltration mission, so more than this number isn't necessary. We're sending one commander from the first and second divisions with you. You choose who goes, captains. You have a week before departure."
Elstan and Kjaran only nodded in understanding. Landan continued, noticing his teacher was tired.
"When the fifteen of you reach the Qricho port at the kingdom's edge, you'll board a trading ship that will carry you across the Silver Sea to Kelio port in Ganalor, where trade occurs. If all goes well, the ship should get you there in about two days. Ganalor is a little over two hundred kilometers across the Silver Sea so it shouldn't be a problem."
"Whoa," Kjaran interjected, "don't you think customs will be an issue? They probably set precautions for something this important, expecting us eventually. I expect that our enemy over the sea is a formidable one." He concluded.
"We know very well, captain," Landan continued. "That's why we'll smuggle you in barrels in a specially fenced section. If complications arise, I leave it to you experienced warriors to handle." Kjaran just looked annoyed. Alvis smiled, then slowly concluded his explanation.
"After that, gentlemen," he said standing, "you're on your own." For a moment, everyone was silent, feeling the gravity of the situation. When you step on Ganalor's soil, you'll be hundreds of kilometers from your kingdom, alone, with limited resources, equipment, and men. The meeting ended, leaving only the four kings at the table.
"I'm heading back to Tolan tomorrow," King Ailred said.
"And I am traveling to Kaharu," Emperor Toshimizu added. King Anir sat in his chair.
"I know this visit was full of inconveniences, dear friends. I hope when we resolve this issue, we'll meet under better circumstances. Until then, I wish you a safe journey."
The meeting ended, and outside it had begun to rain – not heavily, but enough to annoy as it tapped everywhere.
The next morning was cold and wet, the ground full of puddles, and everyone passing through the streets kicked mud. The wind blew through the streets as merchants pulled carts full of goods, scattering sludge with each wheel turn, blacksmiths hammered metal, iron, and various raw materials, creating noise and sparks, bakers kneaded and baked bread, and tavern keepers cleaning after yesterday's customers. For Tlum's residents, there was no quiet, even early in the morning. The only place of silence was outside the walls, on a hill about a kilometer from Tlum's southern wall. On that hill was held a funeral for fallen soldiers from Ogrvol. Only close relatives of the deceased attended and members of the royal divisions burying their comrades.The custom in Luganor was that the survivors bury their fallen comrades. Elstan, as the mission leader, was there to pay his respects. Captain Caerwyn Slanei accompanied him but stayed at the foot of the hill.
"This is a funeral for Luganor soldiers; I won't intrude," he thought. The sky was gloomy, and the only thing gloomier was the silence that was only broken by the sobbing and cries of those trying to hold back their grief. Elstan visited each grave, leaving a white flower on every one. The more he walked, the more graves surrounded him. This hill was one of Luganor's mass graves for soldiers. He reached Captain Leoma's grave, where he lay, peaceful and calm. Standing before it, the wind carried Elstan's blue hair away from his cheeks and eyes. From his tired eyes, more was spoken than a thousand words could. Andor's wife was there but did not cry, only placing a ball of yarn on his body. Then they slowly buried him; with every shovelful of earth, he slowly disappeared.
"You know," she said to Elstan, looking at her husband, "no one blames you, Elstan."
Elstan looked at her confused and frustrated, but holding his composure, and she continued.
"He knew what he was doing, always aware of the dangers of this job." She paused, listening to the wind and the sound of shovels. "Anyone who gives their life for the kingdom knows what's expected from them. Andor always saw you as a younger brother. When I was told he gave his life to protect you, I knew he wouldn't have chosen any other way to go." She then looked at him and smiled. "So don't blame yourself; stand tall and move forward. I'm sure he would have wanted it that way." Then she left, leaving Elstan alone on the hill with the breeze and the tears he carried.
As he descended the hill, Captain Slanei was waiting in his uniform, ready to leave.
"Already leaving, Captain Slanei?" Elstan approached, extending his hand. "And we didn't even have time for a rematch, did we?" he added with a smile.
"You're right, Captain Nualami." He shook Elstan's hand. "But I'm sure there will be time for a rematch eventually. Until then, I wish you all the best."
"Likewise," Elstan replied, "don't die before our next meeting." He said jokingly, and the other simply smiled.