Kingdom of Loradel, The Coast of Beswind, Present day.
Seagulls squawked just outside of the stone bastion.
Rebecca leaned on the windowsill; her eyes focused on the beach.
The dark water foamed white as it stretched across the sand with every pull of the tide. In the distance was the pier, a large collection of docks spread across the rocky coast. Soldiers patrolled the beach, walking stiffly and armed with long elegant spears. Their armor was shined to resemble nacre, a fitting attribute considering the nation's wealth.
The bastion must have been a form of barrack for the men of the coast. A small room large enough to fit ten men at most. Old beds were lined up against the wall, only one of which was occupied by the injured King's Shield.
A minor grunt came from him as his chest heaved slowly.
After the battle on the water, Rebecca was cared for and given a day's rest to recover. Even though her shoulder still throbbed from her wound, she wished she could walk along the sands of the coast. But she was commanded to remain within the bastion until she recovered. It had been a day since she wrote a letter to the commander. I hope you're well, Commander. She walked over to her unconscious companion. She reached for his revolver which was on the sideboard. It had a surprising weight to it despite its thin design. She ran her hand across the barrel, it was apparent that it was well taken care of.
"It's an elven; Ydra model."
Rebecca jumped lightly before meeting with the King's Shield's groggy eyes.
He groaned as he tried moving. "Where's King Ered. Is he safe?"
"Don't move," she exclaimed as she quickly put a hand on his chest. "He's safe."
The man coughed lightly. "Bless the goddess." His voice was raspy. "How long have I been asleep?"
"Three days now," she said as she returned the revolver to its place. "S-sorry, sir."
"Don't be—and no need for formalities in here. You seem to know your way with a magicarm, what is your name?"
"Lieutenant Rebecca Orvein, Direwolf Demon-Hunt."
"Demon-Hunt, huh? We were fortunate to have you there to protect the king. I've heard the stories of the Loradel demon hunters, they were hard to believe. But now…people returning from the dead, new enemies with obscene abilities. We need more soldiers like you." His voice was serene as he met here eye to eye.
Rebecca's cheeks flushed. "Thank you, sir—Uh I—"
"Cerlaus, Cerlaus Hykoa." He slowly sat up, groaning as the linens slid off his chest.
"You shouldn't try moving."
Cerlaus put up an opposing hand. "I'll be fine." He looked at her bandaged arm. "What of you?"
"This? It's nothing. I was fortunate to keep my life."
He brushed his hand across his orange-colored stubble. "Nothing for someone like you." He kept his gaze low before returning his focus to her. "So, Rebecca, can you tell me more about what attacked us? I have to be prepared if I'm to protect his majesty."
Rebecca sat on the bed across from him. "I wish I knew." She felt a pressure around her throat, making it hard to swallow. "Though the stories you've heard are true. People coming back to life, a heightening of demon attacks." She sighed. "We think it could be the work of a forbidden aura."
Cerlaus raised an eyebrow.
"I know how it must sound."
"No—with what I've seen, nothing seems out of the realm of possibility. The king received General Taloz' message. Word that Zuland was behind an attack in the south?"
"It would seem so, though I don't know how or why. But I can't avoid the thought that Zuland wasn't involved in the attack on the water."
"Why's that?"
"I can't say, I was in Hansel when they attacked my commanders. It simply feels out of place. Almost erratic."
"Then a third party may be involved."
"Say there was, we still don't know who it may be." She leaned into her hand.
"I think are best option is to focus on the enemy we can see. Zuland. Our kingdom is no position to start a civil war. Let us hope that what you experienced in Hansel was the act of men out of acting out of their volition."
"The Commander would know what to do."
"The Commander?" asked Cerlaus.
"Yes, Commander Xeto Alcazar. He's been my commander for most of my time at the outpost."
"Where is he now?"
"He pursued a demon deeper into Zuland territory, it was like nothing we've seen before. I haven't got any word of his whereabouts and I just hope he's safe."
Cerlaus smiled. "Well, if he's anything like his lieutenant, then I'm sure he's beyond safe."
Rebecca chuckled. "Thank you. Though you we're very skilled in battle too. You deserve the rank of King's Shield."
"That is until everyone hears about how my duties are being overtaken by a maiden." He chuckled
Rebecca felt her chest lighten as she grinned. "Oh, we can't have your reputation marred now can we…suppose we better keep it quiet then."
Their laughter was cut short as the door to the barracks creaked open.
King Ered walked into the sun-lit room with two guards at his rear, they took positions at his side, standing as straight as columns.
Rebecca swallowed stiffly as she knelt down with her knuckle on the dusty floor. "Your majesty."
"There's no need for that. Stand, knightess," said Ered.
Rebecca stood upright; her eyes locked on the king.
"I told my men to inform me of when you were both awake so that I may share my gratitude with my saviors. My advisors kept me from seeing you both, argued it was too dangerous, and for that I apologize."
Cerlaus put a closed fist over his heart. "We preformed our duties, lord king, nothing more."
"Nonsense," said Ered. "Knightess, what is your name?"
"Rebecca Orvein, majesty." She spoke in short breaths. "Lieutenant and scout for Direwolf."
"Well, no longer," he replied.
"S-sir?"
"I appoint you the rank of captain. I would also like to offer you a position at my side as a King's Shield."
Rebecca froze, it felt as if the waves outside came to a halt, as if also waiting for her response. "I—I'm honored, sir."
"But," predicted Ered.
"But I'm a proud member of the Demon-Hunt, I take pride in protecting others from the dangers in the dark."
"May I speak, sir," asked Cerlaus as he put up a hand.
Ered gave him a nod.
"Captain Orvein showed uncanny valor when in danger and faced the odds. I would like to say that I approve of your acceptance of her into the ranks."
Rebecca looked back at him. "But I—" she stammered. "I can't, my commander needs me."
Ered smiled. "Then it will be temporary. Until you find your way back under his command. Do you approve? I would really like to have someone with your skills at my side."
The newfound option filled her with glee. "Then, yes. I would be honored. Thank you, your majesty."
Ered walked over to Cerlaus and put a hand on his shoulder. "I owe you my life as well, Commander Cerlaus. I will personally watch over your recovery until you are ready to take your position by my side once more."
"Thank you, my lord," he said, gratified.
Ered looked over to her once more. "Now then, will you join me, Captain Orvein?"
"Where are we going?"
"First to discuss matters of which I believe you'd be able to provide insight on. After that, we'll make our way to Beswind, where you can rejoin your commander."
Rebecca nodded as she followed him out of the barracks.
"Good fortune, Captain," said Cerlaus behind her.
Rebecca felt an unenjoyment at the chance to know if the commander was safe. Once they were together, they could finally find the answers they wanted, and better yet, to finalize their goal in protecting the people from this new threat of demons.