The battlefield is littered with carnage and destruction. Red, silver, and brown were the new colors of the once winter wonderland field. It has instantly become the stage of a devastating war with no sign of victory nor defeat. For both sides would rather proceed to sacrifice the lives of their people than give up.
The gentle wind, which would normally be chilly, yet delicate and quiet are now thick with the scent of death and rotting body. It was every person's nightmare…
Two armies fight, without recognizing the truth of the war. But, due to their kingdom's leader and as faithful servants of their nation, they step into the battlefield fighting without a cause. The expressions of the fighters are hopeful with weapons clenched in their hands and gritting teeth, they courageously fight on. Nonetheless, some were already showing signs of defeat as they could no longer keep fighting.
Despite some lacking confidence, they continue as they desperately fight their enemies without knowing which side is stronger. Some couldn't handle the pressure as they hid, or run away from the fight, while others seemed to be barely unaffected by the terrors around them.
"Commander, we're outnumbered." A soldier shouted as he notices the enemy's numbers have suddenly double unexpectedly.
"Commander, what should we do?"
"Commander, most of our healers are worn out and wounded."
"Half of the mages are dead."
The man didn't know whom to listen to first, it was as if from every side he could hear his men reporting terrible news of their situation. Despite all the reports he was hearing, he only needed an answer for one important matter.
"Where is Noct?"
"Commander, we have to retreat."
"We have not seen him."
Out of the blue, arrows started flying their way. They weren't ordinary arrows for some were coated in poison, whilst the rest was enhanced with magic that once it hits something, it will either explode or electrify you.
"Everyone, fall back!" The man commanded as he saw no hope and was in despair to ensure his men were alive.
Those who were able hurriedly to help those who weren't as they all followed the commander's order and returned to their base camp. As they all were running for their lives, they couldn't help but stop from time to time, checking back on the commander who was reluctant to leave.
He looked back at the endless terror behind him for the last time, with great regrets and burdens by his decision. "Forgive me, boys. God, please protect them."
As they were running for their lives, their enemies did not hold back as they continued to throw all sorts of attacks at them.
…
Meanwhile
Near the outskirts of Thirian Kingdom, Athena and Lirius continue to venture to their destination.
"Lirius, how far are we from Thirian Kingdom?" The girl asked whilst gazing at the gloomy blue sky.
Lirius smiled as he felt he was hearing the same question a hundred times. Before he answered her, he sighs as he answered, "We're almost there, just hold on for a bit." The smile on his face didn't fade as he recalled the same question has been asked for the past two days. Yet, it seems the girl was quite impatient.
Thirian Kingdom is part of the Northern Region. The kingdom is large with a high population of people, despite how terrible the climate is. It is situated between large mountains to the North, gigantic woodlands to the East and West, whilst a vast empty field and small woodlands to the South.
Thirian itself is mainly covered in tall mountains and has a polar climate throughout the year. However, they do get somewhat warmer during summer, however, for those living in the Empire or warmer climate, it would only feel like autumn for them.
"Lirius, if I recall correctly, isn't the Empire currently at war with Thirian Kingdom?" Athena asked, recalling her brother has once mentioned the different wars the EMpire is currently fighting.
"That's right, the war between them has been going on for months now. And surprisingly, it seems both sides are quite stubborn." Lirius explained yet the girl was already in her own little world, in deep thought of something.
'Strange, how does Lirius know all of this?'
...It has been a bother to me lately how Lirius knows more about what's happening around the world than me. I have always thought he only busy himself with his study, but surprisingly he knows quite a lot of the affairs in different countries. As to how he knows, I have yet to ask. But, it still bothers me how he knows all of this. Just like the first time we met, he knew right away of who I am. I mean, Serfred to know, since he used to live in the Empire and have served in many wars.
I really should not bother myself with such thoughts. I mean, what I need to focus on right now is collecting the different herbs and plants. With this, I'll be able to hopefully cure myself.
'I wonder if the Empire is winning?' The girl thought whilst they quietly continued ahead.
Time passed so fast, especially since the girl has so much question about the kingdom they were currently visiting. She did read about it, but it seems Lirius was a walking encyclopedia and seems to know more facts and information than the books she has read.
As they reached one of the villages... It brought such distress to the girl.
"This-"
...The village situation was worse than the village. The people looked barely human at all since they were skinny and covered in dirt. It was understandable that their situation would be at the worst since they are located near the war, yet, why haven't they sent in any help at all? I don't understand why such a situation could be tolerated. The people are dying and not just the people of this village, but the wounded soldiers of the Empire as well were dying in the streets.
Athena looked horrified by what she was witnessing. It was something taken out of a horror film… Streams of blood flow like a river running from those who are wounded and dying. There is this rotting smell in the air, for heaven knows where it's coming from. Children screaming and crying lost and frightened by everything that's happening around them. The villagers who have not only lost their homes, have also lost hope.
Lirius notices how horrified the girl looked and how upset she was with the situation. She went closer to her, slightly tap her on the shoulder and asked, "Are you alright?"
Athena looked at Lirius, it was obvious she was not alright, but she couldn't just say that.
"If you want, we can go back?"
The girl shook her head from side to side, she held tightly to the rail and replied, "I'm fine, let's go."
As they went deeper into the village area, the situation was even worse. However, this time, fear was written on their face as they trembled at the sight of the beast walking past them.
"A Twilight Wolf."
"It's a Twilight Wolf, what is it doing here?"
"What should we do?"
Hearing the people whisphers caught the girl's attention. She has almost forgotten that Fuji was a creature most people would normally be fearful of. She halted and got down from her horse and passed the rail to Lirius and said, "Lirius, take this… I'll be walking with Fuji to ease everyone's worries.
Whilst Athena and Fuji stayed a distance away from the village, Lirius went around and searched for the village chief. When he got information about his house, Athena returned and followed Lirius to the chief's house. However, when they arrived. They weren't welcome because fear was all over his face when he saw the beast step into his own home. He was well aware of the creature that just walked in, it may still be a pup, but still, it can kill him if its owner commanded.
Their conversation was shortened for the chief didn't really want to be in the presence of a Twilight Wolf. He gave them permission to gather some herbs and plants they can find useful in the area. Athena did compensate her by giving him some food and money to help with the village problem. It brought tears to the man as he couldn't thank them enough for their generosity.