At the Adelard residence...
"Bluehead. You taking Chaol with you?"
Canute nodded avoiding eye contact.
Raymond sighed heavily.
He picked up his mug of hot coffee and sipped some.
"Here."
Canute who held his mug tightly looked up.
"Communicator?"
It was a small round communication device that used mana stone as it's the source of energy. The speaker can see the other person's hologram as they communicate with each other.
"Why give this?"
"I'm not giving it to you. I'm asking you to communicate with the mages of the towers and tell that bit of your plan."
Canute quietly took the communicator and inspected it.
"It's multifunctional. Unlike other communicators. It's costly so don't break it."
"Stop nagging like a granny hot head." Canute frowned.
"Hothead?Granny?" Raymond was about to burst with anger.
Too late. The archmage was already discussing his plan.
They could see the entire room filled with holographic mana.
The head mages all agreed to his plan.
"Tomorrow, morning the one's assigned will leave with me."
"We trust you."All declared in unison.
The next day before sunrise...
The mages gathered at the City Square.
Canute sorted them into two groups. Raymond remained quiet until a knight came and delivered a letter that Canute assumed would be from the Headquarters of the Elysian Knights.
" The troops are ready."He assured them.
"Ready to depart?"
All nodded looking as if they are about to enter the death's gate.
The cries of the citizens filled the air wishing them a safe journey. There were families and loved ones connected to each of these warriors. Canute was somewhat sympathetic.
They reached the borders of the city.
Johannes spoke aloud while sitting on his steed.
"It's time to avenge the deceased. Our dear ones from this evil.March my men!"
"AUPSEN!"
Raymond who stood with other knights on the City walls smiled faintly.
"He can even lead them without me. I'm counting on you...Johannes."
"Alright, men! Let's do our bit here."
"Yes Sir!"
———————
The world outside the city was totally different. The plain was covered with thick sheets of freshly fallen snow. The hooves of the horses sank halfway down as they whined reacting to cold.
The condensed white fog came out as Canute exhaled.
He drew out the holographic magic observing their current location. All of them stopped. There were almost a hundred and above men on their horses.
They rode for about two consecutive hours. The sun finally displayed its early morning ray of light still greeting them from behind those dull gray clouds.
Though it was disappointing for them since it snowed heavily last night. The clouds wouldn't spare their place for the bright sun.
In front of them appeared a wide mirror between the snow-covered plain which seemed endless from either side.
Canute was on the horse beside Johannes.
"...."
"Now what?"