A hundred Aldean soldiers sneak into the night. Their frontliners used grappling hooks in order to climb the walls defending the castle. Their leader, Adorjan, is patiently waiting with his men outside the gates.
But what the Aldeans did not expect is the guards from the top of the walls are ready for them. As soon as the climbers reach the top, swordsmen attack them.
Adorjan signals his archers to shoot arrows to the swordsmen. The Aldean archers are sharp shooters, they are able to kill most of the swordsmen guarding the top wall. The climbers are able to infiltrate the inner wall. Adorjan patiently waits as he knows the gate will open soon.
Adorjan gets excited as the gate starts to open. He feels the victory is about to be in his hands. But as soon as the gates open, Adorjan is surprised to see Armadonian soldiers, lead by Prince Merick, and his chief knight Ethan. They are on defensive mode.
Adorjan shouts, "Attack!!!"
"For Armadonia!" Prince Merick yells at the top of his lungs, singnalling the Armadonian soldiers to stride towards the incoming Aldeans.
A clash ensues between the two sides. Swords are colliding against each other. Arrows are flying through the air. Bodies of both Armadonian and Aldean soldiers start to pile up.
Ethan is fighting up with some Aldean soldiers. He dispatches most of his opponents because of his speed and relentless sword fighting skill. But one of the Aldeans is able to knock him off to the ground. The Aldean is about to finish him off but striking him with a sword, when suddenly an arrow pierces through its heart. The Aldean dies in front of him. Ethan looks at the direction where the arrow has come from. He sees Ulrich at the wall with his crossbow. Another Aldean is about to strike Ethan, but Ulrich is able to shoot an arrow on it. Ethan stands up and starts to fight again, perphaps more confident knowing that someone is saving him.
Meanwhile, Prince Merick is fighting with some Aldeans. Suddenly, he comes face to face with Adorjan. Prince Merick shivers as he sees how big Adorjan is. He has only heard him from stories and testimonials of soldiers, but he has never expect he's more intimidating in person. From what he has heard, the Aldeans have already attacked 13 kingdoms and successfully conquered 7 of them.
"Prince Merick, I'm glad to finally meet you," Adorjan says in a deep low voice.
"Who are you? How come you know my name?" Prince Merick asks.
"You are the voyager, aren't you? You have quite a reputation among the nomads," Adorjan says. "Someday, you'd learn who you really are. When that day comes, you must fully embrace it."
Prince Merick is still confused about what Adorjan is talking about. Prince Merick attacks Adorjan, but Adorjan is quite a skilled fighter, perhaps far more skilled than Prince Zidane. But for whatever reason, Adorjan is just taking defense, he is not attacking Prince Merick at all.
Adorjan, notices that his men are losing to the Armadonians. He gives one blow to Prince Merick on his head that knocks him out. As Prince Merick stumbles to the ground, Adorjan signals his men to retreat. The remaining Aldeans follow Adorjan's command.
"We will see each other again, when you are ready to accept your fate," Adorjan tells Prince Merick before leaving.
Prince Merick is puzzled.
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Princess Mizhka wakes up in the middle of the night. She feels something strange. She's worried for no reason. As if she feels the struggle of her twin brother.
Ever since they were young, the twin could already sense when one of them is in danger. One time, Princess Mizhka become ill due to food poisoning and fell in to comatose. It was Prince Merick who was able to identify what was wrong with her and they were able to save her. Meanwhile, Princess Mizhka always knew what Prince Merick was feeling. During his voyage, Princess Mizhka had always relied on her guts to know whether or not Prince Merick was on a bad situation or not. It was as if they have an invisible wire that connects them together. This was their twin effect.
Princess Mizhka leaves her bed and goes out of the house while the others are fast asleep. She looks at the sky. All she could hope for is that his brother would be safe. Tears drop from her eyes.always knewhat Prince Merick was feeling. During his voyage, Princess Mizhka had always relied on her guts to know whether Prince Merick was still fine or something bad was happening.
Princess Mizhka leaves the bed and goes out
What Princess Mizhka doesn't know is that Aryen is awake and has followed her outside. Aryen is doubtful of Princess Mizhka's real identity. She feels that this stranger is hiding something from them.
"I shall uncover your secrets," Aryen tells herself as she looks at Princess Mizhka from afar.
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In the castle, a celebration is being held. This is for the heroism exhibited by Prince Merick and some soldiers. The King is talking to his people.
"Last night, we were attacked by the Aldeans," he begins. "We could have all been dead by now. However, we owe our lives to my son, Prince Merick for saving us from what could have been our greatest nightmare."
Prince Merick is deeply touched by his father's speech. For thanking him. For calling him a hero. And most of all, for calling him son. The people are cheering out loud and calling Prince Merick's name.
"My son, do you like to say something?" King Silas says.
Prince Merick steps in and speaks, "My fellow Armadonians. I am deeply humbled by all your applause and cheers. I couldn't be more grateful with all your kind words. But I was not alone in my fight last night. We also have to acknowledge the bravery of my most trusted chief knight, Ethan."
Prince Merick points at Ethan who is closely standing by his side.
"And let us not forget, the Armadonian soldiers who heeded my call for defense. May we also be thankful to these soldiers standing in front of you for they have risked their lives, and may we keep in our memories those who died in order to save the castle. Long live Armadonia!"
The crowd cheers louder. Prince Merick sees how proud his father is with him.
Prince Zidane is somewhere near. He looks at Prince Merick with contempt. He does't like this whole idea of Prince Merick being celebrated.
On his side is Ulrich, who seems to be nonchalant, but catches eye contact with Ethan from time to time. They seem to be having a mutual understanding.
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Prince Zidane is inside his room. He is drinking his wine. After finishing it up, he throws his cup away. It breaks into pieces.
"I can't let anyone ruin my plan! I have to be the next king of Armadonia no matter what," he tells himself.
"If I can't find Princess Mizhka soon, then I have to destroy Prince Merick," he continues.
"I won't lose to my brothers. I, too, shall rule my own kingdom."
END OF CHAPTER 8