As the team finally reached the hideout after their arduous ascent up the mountain, everyone but Nosil made their way to the dining hall for a much-needed meal.
Nosil, however, stayed behind to tend to the wounds of the stallion, carefully cleaning and patching them.
At the dining table, laughter and conversation mingled with the aroma of food as everyone enjoyed the meals prepared by the maids.
"Isn't he coming yet?" Vika asked Aya, referring to Nosil. Aya, unaware of whether Nosil would come or not, merely shrugged and continued eating.
After a while, Aya decided to bring Nosil some food. She gathered a portion of meat and some bread and headed towards the animal barn.
She found Nosil still diligently caring for the horse. The stallion, now cleaned and resting on a makeshift bed of grass fodder, looked much better.
"Can't believe it… you, of all people, taking care of him… how odd," Aya remarked, her astonishment clear.
"Eclipse needs me… I will make sure he gets back on his feet soon," Nosil replied without looking up.
"Eclipse!... You named him Eclipse?" Aya asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Nosil didn't seem to notice the surprise in her tone. "Yeah… why not? He's a black horse with a white mark on his head… just like an eclipse… Don't you see?"
"Stallion sounds better," Aya countered, her tone firm.
"I asked you before… you didn't answer me back then," Nosil said, a hint of hurt in his voice.
"Fine, here… I brought you something to eat," Aya said, handing over the meat and bread. Nosil took the food, set it aside, and began eating while Aya stood in front of the stallion.
Now that he was clean, she could see a certain cuteness she had overlooked when they first found him in such a bad state.
But the stallion remained wary of her. "Wild as ever… I don't think he'll ever let me ride him," Aya murmured.
"Just give it some time… I'm sure he'll like you more than he likes me," Nosil reassured her.
Over the next two weeks, Nosil and Aya would learn how to ride from Vika. After that, they would set off for their next target: Kylian Land.
During these two weeks, Vika took on the duty of training Nosil and Aya not to fall from horseback. In the meantime, she did everything she could to make the stallion rideable.
Although he was attracted to Nosil, riding him was still a challenge as he had grown up in the wild.
Unintentionally, Vika's men began helping Aya and Nosil with their training. They soon discovered the hidden childlike spirits within them and quickly accepted them.
Day after day, the laughter of the men and Nosil's frequent tumbles from the horse created a lively atmosphere in the hideout, which felt more vibrant than ever.
Despite the stallion's refusal to be ridden by humans, Vika put a leash and saddle on him to help him acclimate. Over time, she added weights close to Nosil's to further accustom the stallion. The stallion remained like this for days, gradually getting used to the setup.
Once Nosil and Aya successfully mastered horseback riding, it was time to attempt riding the stallion.
"Are you ready to give it a try?... Remember no guarantees," Vika addressed them, her words not exactly boosting their confidence. Time was running out, and they needed to head to Kylian territory soon.
"I will... I hope he doesn't crush me," Nosil smiled nervously.
Nosil approached the stallion. "Here we go, Eclipse... don't embarrass me," he muttered, mounting him. Eclipse did not react to Nosil's presence, allowing him to ride but ignoring all commands when Nosil used the leash. The stallion remained still.
Wild horses, lacking the training of those raised by humans, are often difficult to control.
"It's okay... let's give it some time," Vika ordered Nosil to dismount. Aya, watching, didn't dare to try.
After many days and countless tries, Nosil finally forged a deeper bond with the stallion, allowing him to communicate through the simple touch of his palms on the stallion's long neck. This method worked, enabling Nosil to ride all over the stronghold without using the leash.
Aya, with her cold hands, couldn't manage the same connection. She was only able to sit atop the stallion, and that was enough for her.
"Just let Nosil handle it and stay in the back," Vika advised.
"Alright," Aya responded, her face showing disappointment.
"Are you really leaving tomorrow?" one of the men who had helped Nosil train asked.
"Yeah... we've overstayed here...I'm sorry about that" Nosil replied with a smile.
"No, you don't have to apologize. You're welcome to stay longer if you want," another man said, flexing his arm muscles. "Vika's gang is the best, isn't it?"
"No doubt, guys... You are awesome," Nosil responded warmly.
"Hey, can I ask you a question? It must stay a secret between us, got it?" a man whispered in Nosil's ear after approaching him.
"Sure, what is it?" Nosil replied.
With a mischievous look, the man asked, "Have you been sleeping with the boss lately?"
Nosil's face turned bright red. "No... not!" He waved his hands emphatically to emphasize his denial.
"Really?" The man seemed surprised. "But you want to... don't you?" he added with a more eager look. Nosil backed away, uncomfortable with the direction of the questions.
"I don't want that... stop asking me these kinds of questions," Nosil said firmly.
"Just one last thing... it's advice, not a question," the man insisted.
"What's it this time?" Nosil replied, exasperated.
"Before you leave, make sure to kiss our boss, or she will hate you forever...Got that?" the man warned.
These words puzzled Nosil throughout the night. He imagined all kinds of bad scenarios, eventually grabbing his head with both hands, trying to stop the overwhelming thoughts.
Morning finally arrived, ushering in the promise of a new day. Everyone rose to welcome it, but for Nosil and Aya, it was a day of farewells and the beginning of a new chapter in their mission.
The stallion stood ready, having been fed and prepared for travel by the men. The maids had also packed some food for Nosil and Aya to take with them, the only thing left was to say their goodbyes.
Aya led the way toward the stronghold gate, while Nosil trailed a bit slower behind her. His steps mirrored his attachment to this place and its people, despite the brief time he had spent there. He had enjoyed it.
"Never forget our true mission, Nosil," Aya reminded him, hoping to encourage him to let go of his emotions.
"I know..." Nosil responded, quickly catching up with Aya. Then he added, "I will never forget our time here... it was the best." Aya nodded in agreement.
Just before they walked through the gate, they saw Vika leaning against the gate wall, waiting to say goodbye.
When they reached her, a strange silence fell over them. None of them knew who would break it first.
"Thank you, Vika... I don't know how to thank you enough. I sincerely appreciate what you've done for us," Aya said, expressing her gratitude.
Nosil watched Aya thanking Vika while his mind wandered to what the man had told him yesterday about the kiss.
Vika patted Aya on the shoulder. "Don't mention it, sweetheart," she said.
Nosil, still hesitating about what to do, looked down. Vika noticed his discomfort and sensed that it was harder for him than for Aya. She quickly grabbed them both and pulled them into a tight hug.
The two were surprised by Vika's behavior, especially Aya, who never let anyone touch her. Yet, in that moment, she accepted it and held Vika tightly, as if she desperately needed the embrace.
"Stay safe, you two... I wish you luck on your journey... Make sure to return here if you ever need a welcoming place... Do you hear me?" Vika said, tears streaming down her face.
Nosil and Aya nodded in gratitude, trying to savor the moment.
Nosil's heart began to beat faster as he turned his head towards Vika. Gently, he kissed her cheek.
Feeling the kiss, Vika's grip on Nosil tightened, making him think she might strangle him. But then she smiled and loosened her hold.
It felt like forgiveness to Nosil. He felt a surge of anger towards the man who had advised him to do it. "That bastard... I'll break his teeth," he thought.
Far away, the Kylian family was in a flurry of activity. A great event was on the horizon: the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Kylian family's establishment. Across their vast lands, everyone was preparing for the momentous occasion.
In the capital city of Lenine, a grand celebration was planned. Important figures and wealthy individuals arrived one after another to attend the grand ceremony—a renewed display of confidence in Victor, the leader of the Kylian family.
This would be the centerpiece of the festivities, featuring theatrical performances and parades glorifying the family.
Philip, Victor's chancellor, had overseen the event preparations as he had done for many years.
The city of Lenine buzzed like a beehive.
Victor, for his part, prepared to leverage his influence and charm to renew his people's confidence in him, particularly after past events had tested their faith.
Day by day, the preparations neared completion. The streets were decorated, supplies were stocked, and places for celebration were arranged. Fireworks were readied, and the palace square, which would host guests from all regions of the Kylian lands, was meticulously prepared. There, Victor's family would sit before the residents as Victor addressed them, renewing their support and loyalty.
Victor, his wife Margaret, their teenage daughter Sophy, and young son August were the central figures of this event.
Margaret, a stunning woman and the epitome of Kylian beauty, spent considerable time preparing herself to be the star of the ceremony. She tried on all manner of handmade dresses crafted just for her.
Sophy, however, had little interest in such events. Unlike her brother August, who aspired to follow in their father's footsteps, Sophy was different. Her spirit was wild and adventurous.
The royal dresses and gold held no allure for her. Instead, she admired swordsmanship and travel. She raised a falcon and spent hours watching it soar through the skies, often imagining herself flying with wings to see all that these lands hid from her eyes.