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Chapter 200 - Not all alone

After Sulten Lee finished speaking to Teng, he turned to Kin and Farouk.

"Forgive me, Your Highness, but if you don't mind, I would like to discuss further about this alliance you spoke about earlier," Sulten Lee said.

Farouk frowned. "Why the sudden change of heart?" he asked.

"Well... Spill it, Lord Lee, and don't think about trying to deceive us. It won't end well," Farouk said.

"Well, Teng brought news from Sworis and Amresh. Jai has defeated our forces," Sulten Lee said.

"I thought as much," Kin thought. He was about to speak when the Sulten spoke again.

"That's not all," he added. "It seems Jai's forces have also attacked Bintan and are almost through the city."

Kin widened his eyes in shock. "Where did he get the men to defend Amresh and Sworis and at the same time attack Bintan?" Kin asked.

"I don't know yet, but your uncle did control the largest chunk of the army, and he also has the support of Omi, so it's really no surprise. The real question is how he was able to get an army all the way to Bintan without us knowing," the Sulten explained.

"That is indeed a mystery," Farouk said.

"Is it really impossible?" Kin asked. "I mean, the desert is harsh and all, but an army can still be taken to Bintan. It will just be slower," Kin said. "I mean, I did make it to Bintan from Pshen. Somehow..."

Farouk looked at Kin and explained, "Well, it is simple, but in the case of passing through to Bintan with an army from Pshen, it's more troublesome than it looks. Taking an army from Lyokis is easier. Although scaling the Whispering Mountains is hard, it's still the least dangerous for an army. The reason is simple."

"Do you know why Bintan is said to be isolated in Wize despite the city sitting in the middle of Bintan?" Farouk asked, and Kin shook his head.

"Well, it's because it's surrounded by mostly dangerous and deadly terrains: the Whispering Mountains to the south, the Worms' Lair from the east all the way almost reaching Jubai in the north, and the sandstorms to the west.

It's not difficult for a small group of people to get there, but it's difficult for any army, particularly from the north. You can take a few men, but a large army will mean you draw too much attention, and they risk being attacked by the Worms. It's quite something, really."

"The Worms? Those are high-level beasts," Kin said.

"Yes, my prince," Sulten Lee replied hurriedly. "Even the wild Worms are nothing to be trifled with, let alone the ferocious species. And no one can survive a Worm that has evolved into a magical beast; it's just impossible," Sulten Lee explained.

"So, how did my uncle get an army over to Bintan under such dangerous circumstances?" Kin asked.

"I don't know," Farouk replied. "The only possible way I know of is to sneak an army past the lair gradually, allowing few men to pass at a time. But that won't go unnoticed. Other than that, I don't know of any other way," Farouk replied.

"Hmmm, so we don't know how he was able to sneak his army into Bintan?" Kin asked.

"It appears so, Your Highness," Farouk replied.

"Alright then, let's go, Farouk," Kin said and started walking away.

"Wait!" Sulten Lee called out when they started leaving.

"What?" Kin asked in annoyance.

"My- my prince," Sulten Lee stuttered. "We are yet to discuss the terms of our alliance," Sulten Lee said.

"Our alliance? Or your allegiance?" Kin said.

"Oh, I'm sorry, my prince, my allegiance."

"But I have no advantage in this war currently. There's no guarantee that placing your life and the lives of your people in my hands will save them. So why do you want to swear to me?" Kin asked.

"Because Your Highness possesses an advantage over them. You have a legitimate claim to the throne. Both nations will support you," Sulten Lee explained.

"Both nations have chosen who they want to support. One of them even tried to kill me," Kin said. "So, I don't think that's an advantage," Kin said.

"But it is, Your Highness. Your mother, she's from Eru. There's no way they won't side with you if they know you are alive."

"You mean try to control me?" Kin asked.

"That's why you need me by your side," Sulten Lee said. "If you can show them you have the support of some of the Sultens," Sulten Lee said.

"But I don't. All the Sultens have chosen a side," Kin said.

"Well, that's not entirely true. There are some factions in the provinces that oppose Jai as king. Some of them have even stated it openly. Sultens are not the only powerful people in Wize. There are important nobles that would like to see the prince claim his rightful place as king," Sulten Lee explained.

"Really? Do tell."

"Dura is an example. Although they are under Jai, there is unrest there. Sulten Garo had refused to bow to Jai, so with the help of his brother, who also wanted to be Sulten, Jai killed the entire family. Only their daughter, Ri, was able to survive. She has since gathered men loyal to her father and has been resisting her uncle, hence the unrest in Dura. Omi tried to help, but their first attempt to send reinforcements failed. Ri and her men knew the terrain better than anyone else. They ambushed the soldiers of Omi, killing most of them. Since then, they have not sent much help, especially now that there was an attempt on the princess and queen of Omi. They have been awfully quiet," Sulten Lee explained.

"You see, Your Highness, there are more in each province. People who will gladly see you as their king instead of Jai. People who will swear allegiance, and I can search for them if you want."

"And what do you want in return?" Kin asked.

"A place in your cabinet, my prince. I want the chance to serve you directly when you become king."

"Hmm," Kin said.

"Let's not count our eggs before they hatch," Farouk said, reminding both of them of their current inconvenient situation.

Kin faced the Sulten and spoke. "If you really want to help me, then there's something I need you to do."

"What is that?" the Sulten asked.

"Remain Burak's ally, and when my uncle wins the war, bow to him too. Can you do that?" Kin asked.

"Yes, Your Highness. I can do that," Sulten Lee replied.

"Alright then," Kin said. "Let's go, Farouk." Kin said, and they both left the barracks.

Once they left, Teng spoke. "Are you really going to help him?" he asked.

"Depends," Sulten Lee said. "Now that Burak seems to be heading towards destruction, why don't we help push him over the cliff? Assemble the men. We are going to Hadia," the Sulten said.

Once they were back in the city, Farouk turned to Kin and said, "I hope you don't plan on trusting him?" he asked.

"Definitely not," Kin said. "I just needed information, and I got what I needed."

Farouk smiled. It seemed the prince was indeed doing what he had thought he was doing in the first place—letting Sulten Lee slip information to them while acting ignorant and dumb. He had given a whole lecture about potential allies willingly.

"So, what are you going to do now?" Farouk asked.

"I'm going to meet with the resistance in Dura."

"And what about the lead on Sum in Jubai?

"We might not find anything in Jubai," Kin said.

"You were there before, and you didn't find anything. What makes you think we will now?" Kin asked.

"I'm optimistic they will find us instead. After all, someone from Jubai told us you were in Bintan and warned us about Jai coming."

"I still think it's a waste of time. But you can go; I'll go to Dura instead," Kin replied.

"All alone? That's not happening," Farouk replied.

"Alright," Kin sighed. "I'll go with Commander Lei. You can take the rest of your men to Jubai."

"Why? You need more men if you want to take Dura," Farouk said.

"I'm more than enough," Kin replied.

Farouk frowned at his response.

"I'm glad you are confident in your abilities and all, Your Highness. But sometimes, carelessness can be mistaken for confidence," Farouk said.

Kin stopped and turned to Farouk.

"Do you think I'm careless?" Kin asked, his voice low and cold. "I've survived in Bintan for months on my own without anyone lecturing me on carelessness," Kin snarled.

"And besides, No one said anything about taking Dura. I just need allies," Kin explained.

Farouk sighed and spoke.

"Very well, Your Highness. I'll take the men to Jubai. I'll ask Commander Lei and Lieutenant Sanjay to accompany you."

Kin looked at Farouk in annoyance.

"I'll feel better if two people are with you," Farouk said.

"Do as you please," Kin replied and walked away.