The soft, bluish glow of the communication crystal filled the dimly lit tent. Derek had been lost in thought, contemplating the weight of the task Princess Angelis had entrusted to him, when her image appeared before him. The sight of her, strong and resolute as always, struck him with a mix of admiration and sorrow.
"Princess Angelis," he greeted, his voice formal and respectful. She was his sister, his family, and yet, in moments like these, she was also the grand Marshal, the commander of our forces.
"Derek," she began, her words carrying a tone of command that echoed her authority. The instructions she relayed were clear, the details of the audacious plan carefully laid out. He listened attentively, his brow furrowing slightly as he absorbed the enormity of the task.
"Engage the general?" he repeated, seeking clarification, though he already understood the mission she had set before him. Her response confirmed it.
As she explained the plan and the role Derek was to play, a profound sense of sadness welled up within him. It was a familiar feeling, one that had haunted him since the royal massacre that had torn thier family apart. Just as she had been burdened with an impossible choice that day, now the weight of this plan rested solely on her shoulders.
The helplessness he felt was palpable, an overwhelming sensation that tugged at his heart. He longed to protect her, to share the burden, but he knew that this was a path she had to walk alone. She was the grand Marshal, the one who had to make the hard decisions for the sake of our kingdom.
As the communication ended, he found himself on the verge of saying something more, something personal. But the grand Marshal had spoken, and the distance she had assumed was unyielding. His emotions, a blend of sadness and helplessness, lay just beneath the surface, concealed by the façade of professionalism.
He stepped out of the tent, the weight of his sister's words heavy on his shoulders. The soldiers nearby went about their duties, unaware of the turmoil within him. Princess Angelis, too, seemed focused on the mission at hand. He watched her from a distance, his heart heavy with the knowledge that, once again, he could do nothing to alleviate the burden she bore.
The moon cast a silvery glow over the camp as he made his way through the labyrinth of tents and soldiers at the Frontlines. The message from Princess Angelis weighed heavily on his mind, and he knew that he had to gather the two generals who would play a pivotal role in executing her command.
General Ephraim, a grizzled veteran who had led the battlefield from the very start, was the first on his list. His reputation as one of our kingdom's finest military minds preceded him, and his loyalty was unquestionable. Despite his prowess, he remained politically neutral, a fact that had earned him respect across the ranks.
The second general, Clyde, had arrived with Derek as a reinforcement. He was a rising star in the military hierarchy, known for his tactical brilliance and unwavering support of the noble factions that favored his claim to the throne. His presence had added a new layer of complexity to the dynamics within the camp.
Approaching General Ephraim's tent, he could hear the subdued voices of soldiers discussing the impending battle. Derek pushed aside the tent flap and entered.
Ephraim was poring over maps, his weathered face illuminated by the soft glow of a lantern.
"Marshal Derek," he acknowledged, his tone both respectful and tinged with the weariness of command.
Derek wasted no time in explaining the gravity of the situation. "Princess Angelis has issued a command, and it's one we must execute flawlessly for the success of our mission." He proceeded to lay out the details of her audacious plan, and how crucial his experience and leadership would be in its execution.
Ephraim listened intently, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he absorbed every detail.
"A bold strategy," he finally remarked, his voice deep with gravitas. "But I've seen enough in my years to know that boldness is often what wins battles. We'll be ready."
With his assurance, Derek left his tent and moved on to General Clyde's. Inside, Clyde was bent over a table, studying reports and charts. He looked up as Derek entered, his eyes sharp and calculating.
"Marshal Derek," he greeted, nodding in respect.
Derek returned the nod and quickly briefed him on Princess Angelis's command.
General Clyde, upon hearing the details of Princess Angelis's audacious strategy, sat back in his chair, his expression one of deep concern. He fixed his gaze on Derek, and the weight of his words matched the gravity of the situation.
"Marshal Derek," he began, choosing his words carefully, "I can't help but feel that this plan places an immense burden on your shoulders. The success or failure of this strategy seems to hinge entirely on you, and the risks involved, especially to your own safety, are significant."
General Clyde, while expressing his concerns about the plan to Princess Angelis, couldn't shake the weight of his own inner thoughts. As he spoke, his mind raced with the complexities of his true motivations.
Marshal Derek, he thought, you are the chosen candidate for the noble faction's puppet king. Your safety is paramount not only for the sake of this mission but for our larger political goals.
While his loyalty to Derek was genuine, it was entwined with the political machinations of the nobles who supported him. Clyde knew that if Derek were to fall in the upcoming risky mission, their carefully crafted plan for his ascent to the throne would crumble. Derek would never sit on the throne as a puppet if he didn't survive.
We can't afford to lose you, Clyde thought, his mind filled with the vision of Derek crowned as king under the control of the nobles. It was a vision that conflicted with his duty as a soldier and his loyalty to his friend.
His words mirrored the concerns that had been lingering in Derek's own mind. Derek met his gaze, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "I share your concerns, General Clyde," he admitted, his voice steady. "But this is a plan devised by Princess Angelis herself. She has calculated the risks and believes it to be our best chance. It is my duty to carry out her orders."
Clyde's expression remained troubled, his loyalty to Derek and their cause evident. "I understand that, Marshal. But you are not just a leader; you are also my friend and comrade. I can't help but worry about your safety."
He appreciated his honesty and concern, but he also knew that there were times in war when risks had to be taken. "I appreciate your concern, Clyde," he said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "But remember that we are all soldiers in service of our kingdom. Sometimes, the burden falls on one, but it is a burden we bear together. We will do everything in our power to ensure the plan's success and my safety."
Yet, as Derek reassured him, Clyde knew that they were all soldiers in service of their kingdom. The burden of leadership often fell on one, but it was a burden they bore together.
General Clyde nodded, his expression still conflicted, but there was a determined glint in his eyes. "Very well, Marshal. I will stand by your side, as always, and we will execute this plan to the best of our abilities."
For now, Clyde concluded in his mind, I'll support Derek and the plan. But when the time comes, and if he survives, we must tread carefully to ensure his reign isn't manipulated by those who seek to control him.