~Every right implies a responsibility; Every opportunity an obligation, Every possession, a duty~
-John D. Rockefeller
I woke up to the sound of my bath being prepared, I yawned tiredly.
"minu kaitsja, what is the time?" I asked in a sleepy voice, the doors opened and Ryuu and Annia came into the room.
"An hour to noon armuke." He replied and I frowned.
"So late already...we should leave soon, my bath is ready, yes?" I asked Annia and she bowed.
"Of course, armuke." She replied, I hummed in gratitude.
"Many thanks, Üks armastav." I said gratefully, rising to my feet and heading to the bath hall, rolling my eyes at her way too bright smile, I always made it a point to appreciate my subordinates, life wouldn't be this smooth for me without them, it was amusing how much loyalty a simple thank you could win you.
I didn't waste time in the bath hall like I usually did back at home, I preferred my Carnelian bath pool and floors to this one made completely of milky quartz, as was practically everything else in the maple courtyard, it was obvious Jalan preferred this to other types of quartz, quartz was precious yes, but was one of the most abundant gem stone in Dalagh.
It was why many kingdoms conveted our lands, we had an overflowing abundance of precious stones and metals, thus our coffers were always filled, our economy was the best and throughout the whole of Dalagh the flow of resources were well managed ensuring even the lowest classed people were well to do and could adequately provide for themselves and their family.
However the mining of the gems were controlled specifically by the royal family, to prevent misuse and excessive mining of the material, quartz was the most abundant and as such most of the palace was made from different kinds of it, even the pathways, it annoyed any kingdom that came visiting, believing we were wasting materials just to show off.
I didn't understand them, it wasn't our fault that our quartz was as abundant as the ordinary stones in their kingdoms, besides it wasn't like the palace was constructed in our generation, it had stood for hundreds of years, only being renovated once in a while, we couldn't account for why our predecessors decided to make use of the precious quartz for building the palace, neither could we be faulted for their extravagance but then again even our Majeir mansion was made from quartz, my courtyard primarily being made from carneline for my bath hall, rutilated quartz for the outer part of the courtyard, and citrine quartz with the precious indigolite as decoration was the appearance of my personal chambers.
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I frowned at the distraction, taking my hand off the strings of my zither and turning to glare at Aquila.
"Minu usaldus, I clearly asked not to be disturbed, are my words now so trivial to you?" I asked her in a dangerous tone, as Reo who lounged besides me felt my anger and began letting out low growls, she fell to her knees instantly, head bowed in apology, I sighed, mentally reprimanding myself for lashing out, I had been grumpy since I left the maple courtyard two days ago, not because I didn't want to leave but because I couldn't get the activities of that night out of my head, due to this I had been unable to face any of the four men, purposely avoiding them.
"Rise minu usaldus, it is quite alright, what is your report?" I asked her as I stroked Reo's fur, calming him, she stood to her feet.
"His Royal Majesty has summoned all the Generals to the palace, a soldier just arrived with the summons, it seems urgent, the Great General awaits you at the mansion gates." She informed me, I frowned in concern, rising to my feet immediately and pulling on my embroidered coat, my veil was already in place so I made my way to the mansions gate, Reo at my side and my personal guards behind me.
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"There is severe unrest at the southern borders, bandits I hear, border patrol speaks of their vast numbers, the presiding General of the south Argon fortress has requested for back up, three border settlements have been conquered by the bandits and the rest suffer from constant pillaging, they may not be people of Dalagh but as long as they live even close to our borders, they are under our protection and I am intensely displeased with this news, I summoned you all here to deliberate on the next course of action, what unit should be dispatched to quell this nuisance?" Royal uncle asked in his booming and authoritative voice as we all stood in the audience hall, I frowned slightly at the news exchanging a look with father and Daerev as the Generals
present began discussing on the next course of action, a middle aged General moved forward to speak.
"I believe the best course of action would be to ignore the happenings beyond our borders, they would not bother with unimportant settlements and would have attacked our Argon fortress directly if they dared, it is obvious they do not dare cross us as such I believe we should stay out of the business of the outland tribes, despite asking for our help, they will show us no gratitude in the end." He stated, I frowned again at his words but couldn't deny the truth in them, the outland tribes lived by their own rules, we tended not to interfere in each others business, they wouldn't show us any appreciation at the end of our efforts, I knew that...but still, leaving them to certain death was a bit too cruel of a fate, not when the armed forces of the great Dalagh were the fiercest in all the continent, besides, I truly didn't believe lawless bandits would be sensible enough to know not to attack Argon, letting them run free so close to our own borders was disgraceful, if only to show our might, they should be crushed for even daring to come so close, father stepped forward and spoke my mind, receiving instant nods of agreement from royal uncle and majority of the Generals.
As the deliberations continued, a soldier ran into the hall panting.
"What is the meaning of this, is this a place you can just barge into?" A general reprimanded him and he apologized, explaining his report was urgent.
"Speak." Royal uncle commanded him and he did as told.
"Report from the southern border... fortress Argon has been attacked, the bandits have crossed the border and set up camp somewhere in the Argonnite forest, the exact location is not yet known, their numbers were more than our expectations." He reported in a panicked tone, the Generals exchanged shocked glances as outraged shouts echoed through the hall.
A raised hand from royal uncle silenced the hall.
"What is the status report of the attack on Argon?" Jalan questioned the soldier and the soldier winced.
"The attack was unexpected, they took us unawares and retreated before we even realized what was happening, of the 3000 presiding soldiers of Argon, the casualties numbered at a hundred men and over a thousand are severely injured." He replied and I frowned even as Royal uncle slammed a hand down on the armrest of his throne.
"How dare they...mere bandits, harm my people, this is more serious than we thought...they wish to see the wrath of Dalagh, by all means we will show it to them. I want the head of their leader delivered at my feet... which of my Generals will fulfill my wish?" Royal uncle asked, his eyes scanning through the room, the hall was quiet for a while, not for fear but everyone was considering their options, the southern borders were well known for their excruciatingly cold and bitter winters...all year round, it wasn't an atmosphere for just anyone, I grabbed Father's hand as he made to move forward, he turned to give me a questioning look as everyone stared at us quietly.
"They're not worthy enough for the presence of the Great General of Dalagh." I said to him , I moved past him to stand before royal uncle and lowered myself to a knee, my right fist on my chest.
"Your Majesty...let the azure elite have this honor... the cold winters of Argon do not faze my warriors, it is an atmosphere we are used to... with your permission this General and the azure elite will depart for fortress Argon as soon as preparations are concluded, the might of the azure elite is known throughout the continent, we will bring you victory without fail... just as we always do." I stated solemnly, royal uncle looked a bit hesitant, probably due to my recent engagement, the other generals serving under me stepped forward, Aquila and Ryuu as well, showing that the azure elite were all in agreement with my words.
"Nika...you were engaged only but two days ago, It doesn't sit well with this King to send you out to the battlefield so soon, even knowing that you and the azure elite only just arrived from the east a month ago after destroying the bandit organization, I had promised the azure elite three months of relieve from their duties, more importantly how would your father and your engaged take this?" Royal uncle said, expressing his unwillingness.
"Your Majesty, this General's duty to the people and Dalagh must always come first, this is what my honored Father taught me... I believe he is in agreement with me... my kihlatu as well, being a warrior as I am understands the necessity of my actions. Duty calls my King, with your permission this General shall answer."
After a while, he nodded his permission.
"You have my permission...let the world know once again why the kingdom of Dalagh is not to be trifled with." Royal uncle commanded.
"We will not fail you, your majesty." We said in unison before rising to our feet and departing the hall instantly, we needed to begin preparations for the long trip to Argon.
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I was lost in thoughts as I watched Annia pack up my personal belongings, we did not know how long we'd be staying but the trip alone would take two months due to the large army, it would have been three had it been an infantry, luckily for me, the azure elite was a calvary, the preparation for our departure had taken seven days, I had been completely busy making sure everything was in order so I was unable to personally inform my warriors of our departure, I had dispatched Ryuu and Aquila to handle that and ensure they were ready to leave as soon as I had finished preparing the necessities.
"General Nika, the rations and furs are ready to be moved by the supply team, they need your approval before departure." A voice sounded from outside my room, I rose to my feet and headed out with a nod of thanks to the guard who had brought the information.
I rode to the palace gates where the supply team awaited, the supply team was made up of volunteers from the people who had fighting skills no matter how limited and wanted to aid the warriors by taking on the job of transporting our needs, the people of Dalagh were truly honorable people, although there were still the select few who decided to take the criminal path, those few where properly handled by my brother and the Gold Crest Guards whose duty was keeping the palace as well as the royal capital of Dragra and it's environs safe.
"How long will this last?" I asked the captain of the supply team after quickly checking the high quality furs, weapons, winter clothings and dried foods.
"A year at least... maybe a year and a half." The middle aged man replied with a bow, I didn't have to see his power marking to know it was beyond the normal coloured wrist band, his aura showed he was an extremely gifted warrior, he could qualify as a third in command for any army if he wanted, however my guess from his slight limp was that he was retired but still giving his support to the army in his own way.
"And if we are to stay beyond that time limit?" I asked for caution sake and he gave me a reassuring smile.
"Rest assured General, my supply team makes the trip to Argon every few months to keep their storages stocked, we have supplied the three thousand soldiers of Argon without hitch for years and will do the same for the azure elite for the duration of their stay, you shall be seeing me regularly during my routine supply trips, at that time, whatever is lacking from your storage, you only have to give the order and I shall return with it on my next trip." He assured me, I gave a small smile of gratitude.
"The azure elite is grateful to have you on the team for this mission... how may I address you captain?"I asked respectfully and he gave me a full blown smile, his smile showed that he was once a dashing young man..he still retained a youthful aura, his boyish smile had me warming up to him instantly.
"This lowly one is called Faldan, General." He replied bowing again, I nodded.
"Many thanks Captain Faldan... this General is truly grateful... please do not be so polite with me... I would like it if you dropped the formalities and just called me Nika." I asked him honestly and his eyes widened.
"How can I address a high General and a royal princess by her name... this servant does not dare obey that order..." He replied in a panicked tone, bowing really low and I chuckled.
"Lift your head Captain, it is not an order... only a heart felt request...it will do my heart good if you would fulfill it." I replied in a sincere tone and he raised his head up, staring at me with surprise and awe before he replied.
"This lowly one is honored... Lady Nika" he compromised and I laughed freely, he did not want to completely forego formalities to ensure he was on the safe side, he was practically bargaining with me... what an interesting character, I nodded in understanding, accepting his compromise.
"I understand completely Captain, I shall take what I can get.. refer not to yourself as a lowly one...you are Faldan, General of the supply team of the azure elite, so you are now and so you shall be henceforth even after this mission... would the General be willing to accept this request of mine as well or must I surrender to another compromise?" I asked amused, his eyes widened again, understanding my words and the honored title, I had just conferred to him, he had just been appointed with the duty of supplying the rations for the azure elite in all battles they would fight henceforth, this made him an important and respected member of the azure elite and the United army of Dalagh as well, he was a fully fledged General and would now wear the armor of the azure elite and bear our sigil, he would be a presence to be respected wherever he went now as a slight to him was an insult to the azure elite, and to me the high General... and an insult to me was an insult to my honored father the great general and my royal uncle, our prestigious King....in short, no one would dare look at this man the wrong way again... not if they valued their lives.
"This servant is not worthy of such title."
He said falling to his knees and I frowned.
"You refuse?" I asked calmly and he immediately shook his head.
"If my lady considers this servant worthy then this servant will dedicate his life to my lady's service." He replied kowtowing in thanks, I frowned.
"Perhaps I was wrong about you...no General of mine calls himself a servant." I said in disappointment staring at his position, his eyes widened realizing his mistake and he corrected his posture to the bow of a general, only on one knee with his right fist over his heart.
"This subordinate shall obey my lady's orders." He adjusted and I hummed in approval, gesturing for him to rise, he stood to his feet and turned to beckon on a young man who had been watching with the rest of the supply team from afar.
"My lady, this is my Son Arthur." He introduced and the young man fell to his knees bowing low to me, I frowned staring at his father who immediately corrected his son's position, I nodded in approval.
"A dashing young man." I complimented honestly, he blushed while his father laughed.
"Rise General Arthur, you shall assist your father as his second in command and ensure he smoothly carries out his duty." I said, he bowed his thanks.
"This subordinate accepts my lady's orders." He replied, getting up to his feet with a broad smile on his face.
"Then I shall leave my self and my warriors in your capable hands, please take care of us." I replied, they both bowed in acceptance of my orders and I smiled, Faldan laughed at his son's dazed look, I had forgotten to take my veil in my haste, it was no wonder everyone stopped and stared.
"Forgive my son my lady, it cannot be helped, your smile would brighten even the darkest of hearts, I have never gazed upon anything more beautiful, the smile, the heart and the person, it is no wonder our deadly second prince and the other famed Generals have been staring on with such spell bound gaze." Faldan spoke in an amused tone, I spun around, staring at the direction of his gaze and indeed there stood Jalan, looking down at me, my brother and Generals Arauth and Caius as well as my father, royal uncle, Jaran and Junar lady Ara's first son, I frowned at the fact that I hadn't noticed their presence, even as I bowed in acknowledgement of royalty, my honored father and fellow high Generals.
I turned back to face Faldan, nodding at him and his son to approve their departure ahead of us before I left to get myself ready, royal uncle would be sending us off at dawn.