On this morning, the sky was clear and the day seemed to be good to start traveling. In fact, the whole city, the villages and towns near were preparing troops for the upcoming departure for the dukedom of Horaldir the traitor. On the main public square, thousands of soldiers were mobolising, the other public square were also ground to the massive mobilisation. Every troops were supervised by captains, officers and lieutenants. On the ground of the palace's courtyard, many soldiers were waiting for the nobles to finally give the order for the departure.
Inside the luxurious castle, on the first floor, two of the Stars of Aurora from last night were talking. One of them, the tallest, had short black hair, a bit pointy but also smooth. His eyes was brown and he was almost as serious as Régidal. He was giving off an aura of calmness, intelligence and confidence, like raging waters covered by ice.
-The mobilisation is faster than we expected it seems. He said to his friend.
-You are right Diésir. It looks like our new method of mobilisation is quite efficient.
The other man was a bit smaller, he had brown hair, falling and stoping to his neck just before his shoulders. It was wavy and he sported a short beard along his jawline. Nothing more. Even thought he was less stoic than Régidal and Diésir, he still was not the type to crack jokes or be caught fooling around. Nonetheless it was not a rare sight to see him smile and laugh in contrary to Diésir and Régidal.
-Tell me Crécio, do you think our meeting with the duke will be interpreted as an act of war ? Asked Diésir on this new topic.
-It is a good question my friend. I say it's a fifty fifty situations, either there will be war or not. However it is certain that the tensions between our side and the reformist side will increase.
-The truce was for both side an opportunity to recover from the first act of the civil war. Remarked Diésir while testing his sword by doing some slashing movements.
-May we be blessed with more competent and loyal commander on the battlefield because if it's like the past 6 years, we will stand not chance against our enemy this time.
-You haven't heard the news ? Interrupted a feminine voice.
It was Aesta, while advancing towards them. She was in a good mood. she had long braided brown and slightly blond hair.
-What news ? Asked Diésir, curious.
-We have promoted to the rank of commander. Which means that now we have the right and the duty to command troops on the battlefield. We are not just secret guards anymore but soldiers too.
-All of us ? Demanded Crécio.
-Yes, all the members of the Varapren family.
-Good. Commented Diésir. Now we will be able to properly fight.
-Where are the others ?
Aesta waited for the answer and Crécio gave it to her.
-I think Osmadrey and Sarika are in the living room. Léol must be either with the troops in the courtyard or in his librairy. And for Régidal he must be in his office or his chamber, i am also sure that Belda and Luzalé are with him.
-Ah yes, the we-are-not-in-love-but-in-love-companions.
-Yes, retorted Crécio with a smile.
Diésir made a remark on that.
-Do you really believe they are in love ?
-Yes, the way they look at each other and behave says it all. But i must admit, it is really subtle to see that in their interactions. Claimed Aesta.
-If you say so.
Osmadrey and Sarika were in fact in the living room, they were tidying there stuffs before leaving this huge manor like castle.
-We should have made Belda's toys two days ago like we wanted to from the begining. Complained Osmadrey.
He was at a respectable height, his black hair was separated in the middle and not too short or too long. He had blue eyes and an joyful aura.
-Too bad we didn't because of you. It's your fault. Accused Sarika.
He was also in a respectable height, he had large shoulders and a beautifully trimmed moustache. He also had chestnut and curly hair.
-My fault ? Protested Osmadrey.
-Yes, you were too busy trying to be playing the hero in the city. Hopefully, Belda was there to remind you of your promise.
-Playing th hero of the city.
Osmadrey mocked it while shacking his head from right to left.
-Anyway, stop talking and be faster or we will be the last.
-Yes captain. At your order captain.
-You can act like a child sometime. He said with a little criticism.
Meanwhile, the solitary Léol was, indeed, in his library.
In a medium size bedroom, all quiet and cozy with pretty flowers, drawings and a soft subtle smell of perfum. Luzalé was combing the hair of the little Belda who was looking at the hands of her protector and her own hair.
-There, i have finish. So, what do you think ? Asked Luzalé with enthusiasm.
-This so pretty ! Thank you mama Luzalé, you are the best !
-Thank you, sweetie.
She hugged belda and did some balancing movements. Then entered in the room the one and only Régidal.
-Are you ready to leave ?
-Yes, look at our pretty little princess. Isn't she cute ?
Belda faced the man that has been by her side since her first memory. She was beaming.
-There is no one and nothing more cute than you. He declared with a little more life his words. Just a little.
A very little smile in the corner of his lips could be seen to the most observant people. Luzalé and Belda were part of them.
-You should smile more often.
-I would smile more often if there was more reasons for it. Let's go. The troops are almost ready.
-Are you going to do the inspection ? Questioned the kid.
-Yes.
-Can i do it with you ?
He looked at her and pondered the questions.
-Yes, why not, you must start to learn a little about the army.
-Don't show her too much, please. Requested Luzalé to her chief.
-I promise, you can even come with us.
He extended his hands towards Belda, she willingly took his and followed him next to her beloved Luzalé.
Once outside, in the courtyard, Régidal, Luzalé and Belda walked toward some kind of wooden podium quickly made for the speech of the lord and regent of this land. Régidal walked up the stairs while still holding thightly the hand of the little unknown princess. He put himself in front of his men, let go of her hand and spoke with that same resonating tone from last night.
-Gentlemen, you are gather today to go on the path of a possible war. Today you are leaving the comfort of your home, the comfort of your family, you are leaving father, mother, brother, sister, wife, son and daughter for a greater plan. Our nation is threatened once again by the poison of traitors and the reformist side ! You don't fight for us, nobles, not even me, you fight for the destiny of our kingdom, of our brethens ! For peace and prosperity we must fight the flames of destruction ! Soldiers, today we march against our enemy and we will destroy them or they will destroy us but we will fight until our last breath for everything that is sacred and for a better world ! March for the glory of Elda ! He proclaimed with confidence as he put his hand on his heart. He was a flame of ice.
His cold and transpercing voice was still the same. He didn't yelled, he hated that.
-Glory to Elda ! Shouted the soldiers with one powerful voice.
-March ! He ordered.
Then immediately, all the soldiers turned towards the main entrance of the courtyard. They held their lances on their left shoulders, turned their face to look at the three people on the podium. In the meantime a military band started playing the music for the departure. They marched singing the song of their proudness, strenght and discipline. Régidal and all the stars of Aurora were watching the troops advancing in unison. He said to Belda while watching that particular parade.
-Look at them carefully. Everylast one of them is a soldier going in battles. They do it because they have faith in us, in our beliefs, ideals and respect for them.
-Aren't they scared to die ?
-Yes there are, we all are but that is were courage is important. Sometimes we need to things that scares us because it is the only way to find happiness and peace. One day you will lead armies, that day you will have to be strong, powerful, wise, smart and respectful of those that serve you. You will have be feared and respected, hated and loved but always just.
-It seems difficult and i can't understand everything you are saying. She said a little be confused.
-Don't worry, Belda. One day you will understand, until that day arrive we will be by your side until the end. You can trust me, you can trust Luzalé and the Varapren family because in return we trust you.
-I trust you and i love all of you. She retorted with such innoncence.
-We love you too. Added Luzalé while taking her hand.
-Everyone here love you. Stated Osmadrey.
Then, the travel started.