Darticus goes to the large grounds, where the soldiers are undergoing training. The uncle is watching over the session. Darticus walks and stands alongside the uncle. "Have you heard from Rylo?" he asked Darticus "No Uncle, I have not heard from him" replied Darticus. "Hope the situation is favorable to us. We need as many people as we can to join our forces" said the uncle. "And their oak would make great shields" Hinted the uncle as his cunning side was beginning to show. "Their oak is theirs, Darticus hesitated. The people we train," he spoke as he often did when he was provoked by words of lesser morality. "So be it," agreed the Uncle. "The soldiers, they need a lot of training. Before combat. He continued. A lot of them seem a bit rusty and tame" said the uncle who too chose to use his words carefully. "Yes, uncle, there needs to be a lot of training done," "I would not mind sparring myself. Good to keep oneself combat ready" said Darticus. "Anytime Darticus, the field is yours," said the uncle trying his hardest to hide the dismay of the King's words. The incoming sound of the cavalry alerted the men. "They must be here, "said Darticus optimistically. Darticus and the uncle turned away from the grounds and walked toward the incoming cavalry Rylo races in, much more tempered than he left! The horses raced in led by Rylo. They head towards the stable and mount the horses. Rylo takes his time to mount his horse. "Welcome Rylo," his uncle greets him. "Hello uncle," replied Rylo. "The good news?" enquired Darticus. "Yes chief, they have signed the treaty, We have their army at our disposal," said Rylo But... "But what?" asked Darticus "The north, those barbarians. Their actions are intolerable. remarked Rylo. They barged into Algreid last night. They ransacked their oak and left. And they have been doing this for a very long time," he said with hatred pouring out of him! "Those Barbarians are always trouble," said Darticus with a rare touch of diplomacy. "I ride north as soon as I can" he futher added. "And I intend to accompany you," said Rylo. "The journey may be personal for you, I'am afraid" said Darticus. "It's nothing personal," lied Rylo. The uncle smirked at his nephew. "It's always personal with you Rylo," he said Both men looked at the uncle to truly understand the meaning behind his words! They both did not trust him. "No uncle, not this time," said Rylo. "Their army, the barbarians. Do they look strong?" Darticus asked Rylo. "Very strong, but they could be defeated by the stronger armies. They are not invincible," said Rylo of the barbarians. "And Chief Wilmo seems content with our proposal," asked Darticus again of the army of Wilmo. He needed them and they knew it. "Not particularly" replied Rylo. Istrong-handed him. And the threat of the North had compromised him. 'They are cowards, but they are smart," said Rylo and Darticus knew exactly what he meant. "Let's plan the next steps later," said the king. "Ok General," said Rylo and left the scene. Rylo was the only one who called Darticus, a General. Perhaps, he does not truly see me as a king, he had often wondered. But the approval of Rylo did not matter to him now, nor did it concern his people. There were more important things to look into now. Rylo walks over to his home and entered his house. As he enters his house, his young son comes and hugs him barely reaching his fathers hip. Rylo holds his son and carries him. They both laugh. "Where is your mother," he asks his son. "Outside," he replied still brimming with joy upon seeing his father. "Ok son," said Rylo and puts him down. "Carry on, Rylo said still laughing. But hiding his dismay over his family life to his son