The battlefield, once alive with clashes and courage, now lay in ruin and desolation. The young warriors, who had fought with all their might, stood there, their faces etched with sorrow and exhaustion. But aside from the grim scene that they are seeing, their hearts ached most for the settlers they were supposed to protect.
Bennet surveyed the area, his heart heavy with regret. The settlement was in shambles, and the bodies of the fallen were scattered across the ground. The once-thriving community had been devastated by the assault of the orcs.
Hugo, standing beside him, couldn't his sadness. "We failed them," he whispered, his voice trembling.
Bennet nodded, unable to find words to comfort him. The warriors had been so focused on the battle that they hadn't noticed the orcs sneaking past their lines and wreaking havoc among the settlers. It was a painful realization that weighed heavily on their hearts.
Captain Igor approached, his face grim. "We need to help the survivors and tend to the wounded," he said, his voice heavy with responsibility.
Bennet nodded, the survivors needed their help now more than ever, and they couldn't afford to dwell on their failures.
In the midst of the chaos, Vice-Captain Kai and his crew of pirates, who had arrived to reinforce them, pitched in with their efforts. The settlers looked to them with gratitude.
Kai approached Captain Igor, his expression serious. "We'll help you with the wounded and the reconstruction," he said, his voice devoid of its usual playful tone. "But I need the young warriors to be prepared to move out in an hour."
Captain Igor nodded in agreement. He understood the urgency of the situation and the direct command from the top. It was clear to him that only those with the highest authority could command someone of Kai's stature, and the fact that Kai had brought his formidable pirate crew along just added more urgency to it.
The young warriors, despite a heavy heart, began to pack their bags. They gathered near the settlement's entrance, ready to follow Captain Igor back to the city.
The journey back was a quiet one, each warrior lost in their thoughts, reflecting on the events that had transpired.
Bennet, walking alongside Zaira, felt that the moment was right to delve into a topic that had been gnawing at his curiosity. He turned to her and cautiously broached the subject.
"I've been meaning to ask you about your connection with Vice-Captain Kai."
Zaira glanced at Bennet, and after a brief pause, she decided to open up to her friend. "Bennet, you've proven yourself trustworthy time and again, and I believe it's time I shared a bit of the truth with you. My uncle is the king, however, the line of succession in our kingdom is unlike many others. It's not a straightforward matter of inheritance or birthright."
Bennet's curiosity deepened as he listened intently. "What do you mean?"
Zaira continued, "You see, in our kingdom, the next king isn't chosen by bloodline or birthright alone. It's a unique process. All members of the royal family, including myself, have a vote in determining the next king. It eventually narrows down to the closest relative of the current king, and that individual is crowned as the next ruler."
Bennet's eyes widened in surprise. "So, it's a democratic system within the royal family?"
Zaira nodded. "Exactly. It's a way to ensure that the next king is chosen based on qualities and capabilities, not just heritage. And yes, it's something that I've been a part of, though I don't often talk about it. A few close relatives, as one of the possible heirs, are vying for the throne, and that's why my uncle has been keeping a close eye on me."
"I understand that some information is too sensitive to share, especially given the stakes involved. But why does the king trust Vice-Captain Kai so implicitly? It might help me grasp the bigger picture."
Zaira sighed, contemplating how much she could reveal without compromising her own safety or the safety of Bennet. Finally, she decided to provide a bit more context.
"The trust the king places in Kai is a matter of both his loyalty and his unique position within our family's complex dynamics. I can't tell you the exact details or you might be killed for it but all I can say is, he is the only one committed to protecting each royal family member".
"So, Vice-Captain Kai remains neutral in the conflicts and rivalries within the royal family?" Bennet asked.
Zaira nodded. "Exactly. He's made it a point to stay out of our internal power struggles and refuses to participate in any task or job that could harm a member of the royal family. This neutrality has earned him a unique position of trust, allowing him to serve as a reliable envoy and mediator between our family and the outside world."
"I also noticed that the Orc Chieftain seems to know Vice-Captain Kai, what's their history?" asked Bennet.
"Years ago," Zaira began, "Vice-Captain Kai was tasked with a mission to clear an area plagued by orcs. He assembled his crew, along with dozens of skilled warriors, and they fought against the orcs that lived there".
Bennet listened intently, his curiosity piqued. "And what happened?" he asked.
A small smile graced Zaira's lips as she continued. "For reasons only known to him, Vice-Captain Kai decided to challenge the Orc Chieftain to a duel, right in the midst of that chaotic battle."
Bennet couldn't help but be impressed. "And Vice-Captain Kai won?"
Zaira nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of respect and awe. "Yes, he did. It was a fierce fight, but Kai emerged victorious. His victory sent a clear message to the orcs that they were no match for his might. As a result, the orcs retreated deeper into the forest, leaving the area they had plagued for years."
"The orcs have the right to live too, you know?" Bennet remarked, his voice thoughtful.
Zaira considered his perspective before responding. "Maybe," she began, "but they are undeniably barbaric and often harmful to other creatures around them. We've seen the destruction they can cause, and it's not something we can easily coexist with. Allowing them to expand unchecked would only lead to more conflicts and suffering."
Bennet nodded in agreement, acknowledging the challenges of dealing with the orc population. "You're right; it's a difficult situation. We must protect our settlements and our people. But perhaps there's a way to find a balance, to avoid unnecessary bloodshed."
Zaira's gaze softened, and she regarded Bennet with a hint of understanding. "I hope so, Bennet. It's important to consider all options and find peaceful solutions when possible. We can't let hatred or fear dictate our actions."
Bennet couldn't help but sense that their conversation was growing rather deep and serious. Wanting to lighten the mood, he decided to inject a touch of humor.
"So you are indeed a princess, your highness," Bennet quipped, his eyes dancing with mischief.
Zaira laughed, a musical sound that broke through the tension of their discussion. She playfully rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Stop it," she said with a grin, appreciating Bennet's attempt to bring a smile to her face.
They continued their journey back to the city and even though a few questions were answered, Bennet couldn't help but wonder how a pirate like Vice-Captain Kai had come to be the protector of the royal family. The mystery surrounding Kai's background intrigued him and he is looking forward to learning more about it, perhaps not today, but in the future.