~~
They rode their horses day and night in order to reach the nearest Kingdom Stizza and would only take minor breaks for eating, hunting, cooking and sleeping purposes.
Not because they couldn't afford to rest properly or take the time they want. But because they know every moment of leisure for them is the just another moment of torture for their citizens, which they can't afford.
Thus, after spending twelve nights and thirteen days, in the afternoon of spring, The Alpha Team reached the borders of Stizza Kingdom. The moment the army of Stizza found the little commotion in the far distance. The soldiers informed their superior, who informed their superior and ultimately the issue was brought into light of the General, who personally came to check the commotion.
The moment he saw the flag he felt the shiver running down his spine. It was the flag of the Ersia kingdom. The most terrific yet most revered flag of the world.
The flag which was differentiated into the backgrounds of two colours, yellow and red joined together with an iron blade. The legendary iron blade used by Master Harington Bluethron, which is supposed to have been bathed with the blood of The Dark Dragon of Ecliptus Forest.
The royal bengal tiger's face resides in the left side of the flag with yellow background. But what makes this tiger terrifying is its golden eyes, which sends chills of terror to its viewer, as if the tiger is staring straight into the onlooker's soul.
The golden dragon's face was imprinted on the ride side of the flag with a red background. Its eyes are blood red in colour as if craving for blood, the blood of the enemy. It's long moustache rising towards the sky.
As if Ersians are showcasing the power of their double-edged swords, whose one side is dragon and another is tiger, ready to shred their enemies into pieces from both the sides.
~~
The Golden Dragon which is considered the symbol of strength, power, wealth, harvest and prosperity. Whereas The Royal Bengal Tiger which signifies the terror, dominance yet protection and welfare of the family. The combination of these two in the flag of Ersia represent one message: 'Best for the family and friends but worst for the enemies'.
That's the reason why people leave the battlefield the moment they see these flags, even from a distance. Because the people carrying the privilege to carry these flags are none other than The Alpha Team. Best as friends, worst as enemies.
You know victory is promised if they are fighting for you and death is certain if they are fighting against you. Just like those two animals who rule their territory on the basis of sheer power, ruthlessness and dominance.
Ersia kingdom has been a peaceful nation since its establishment. It never wants someone's land nor let anyone take an inch of its land, as simple as that. They say Ersia and The Alpha Team had never ever lost a single war till the very date.
~~
So, staring at the flag of The Ersians in Stizza's borders was indeed a bit of a shock. After all, they have never done anything that would go against the friendship between Ersia and Stizza. The commander passed his message to the King of Stizza immediately to figure out what to do with the people of Ersia.
Because if he is right, then the flag holders are none other than the scary, undefeated Alpha Team. He had heard some legends about Ermaan, the latest one being about Quetha and its royal family. So, the last thing that he wants is to offend them.
The moment King Chandresh reads the letter, he immediately asks his guards to prepare The Royal Convoy as he himself will go to the borders to welcome The Alpha Team. Nevertheless, King Chandresh heard the legends too. While he sent a missive letting his general allow The Alpha Team inside Stizza's borders.
He even told General Bhavyesh to take proper care of The Alpha Team and give them everything they ask for. Food, alcohol, smoke,weeds, girls, everything.
The moment the Alpha Team reached the border, they didn't even have to utter a word. The huge gates opened and next to the doors was General Bhavyesh and his soldiers ready to greet and welcome the Alpha Team in their Kingdom.
Ermaan and The Fourteen were confused at first, but they decided to play along. After all, they can't just kick someone's hospitality just like that, right!
But the moment they find out they have to rest as the King of Stizza is coming himself to greet and welcome them, their jaws are left hanging in the air. Just what on the earth is wrong here!
They wonder whether they have ever irked anyone from Stizza or have any argument with these people. Weren't they on good terms or maybe not?
It was hard for them to analyse the situation. Yet in the end they decided to let the course of event unfold itself, with time and they directly went to the temporary guest houses where they clean themselves after days, changed into fresh pair of clothes, combed their hair properly, after applying oil to them, shaped their beards and moustaches properly with the scissor, comb and oil.
Then after looking like decent citizens they met each other in the temporarily made dining hall, fed themselves and went to rest in the strange environment. Since they would be meeting the king tomorrow anyways.
If they say they weren't alert throughout the time they were sleeping, then it would be a lie. But… but… but.. they for sure remove the tiredness of riding continuously for weeks by sleeping from the evening till the afternoon of the next morning.
After waking up, they tidied up, cleaned their rooms as part of the military regime and then gathered together for lunch. They had wide grins on their faces, the moment they saw the fourteen gathering together without even being told earlier. Ermaan was the last to reach and was clearly surprised by his team, who according to him are lazy as hell.
The team's eyes were on Ermaan the entire time, as they wanted to know just what is the next order. Well, what if it's all a trap. They can't just sit idle by and wait for the soldiers to butcher them. No, right!
However Ermaan was too busy savouring the food to care about the glances and stare he was getting. Besides they say peace comes with a price, now be it their trust on King Chandresh or with the blood of King Chandresh and his army on their swords.
It all depends on the other party,anyways. So, why bother.
~~
Soon, with a lot of pomp and show The King's convoy arrived making The Alpha Team's spine to straighten up completely. The fourteen followed Ermaan who went out of the temporary hall to meet the King, as the form of respect he had been taught.
To Ermaan's surprise, King Chandresh seems to be a free minded person, even hugging and shaking hands with Ermaan, which till date, no one has ever done, not even King THomas, at least not in front of people.
He bring Ermaan and the fourteen back to the makeshift hall and started talking about things Ermaan could hardly relate with. But since he was sitting in front of a king of a neighbouring country, he decided not to butt his sorry ass in the matter and let the king ramble on and on about the shit he was talking about. Unfortunately after some time The Fourteen seemed so done that they were wondering whether the heavens forgot to give the full stop button to this fellow and his conversation or not. While it was taking a high level of patience and perseverance from Ermaan to not to shut the fuckin king in front of him.
Fine, he got it.Like, seriously, he got it. King Chandresh has two daughters and both are the best in their fields, love to compete and love to give their best in everything. Now be it about performing in the rituals, participating in the competitions, be it about organising the functions or charity works, dance, sing, art, cooking, or anything.
He got it. They are the best. Now can they please move forward to any other topic or discussion. For god sake, his enemies would definitely be mocking him from the depths of hell, for being so calm.
"Wow, that's so great to hear about. However, I have come here to ask for help from you?" Ermaan, not being able to keep his temper in check, snapped at the old man, but immediately turned his tone into a pleasant,humble and sweet one.
Well, he was here to ask for help.It's already great that he wasn't pleading, why must he make the situation worse?
"Help! Since when did Ersians need help and that too from the people of Stizza?" Chandresh asked, making the fourteen to scrunch their noses hard at the remark, while Ermaan tolerated.