A building half as big as the wall was now blocking their path; only the giant wooden doors, creaking as they opened, allowed them to move forward.

Luke and Angela were staring, jaws hanging. Sulvey, brushing his hair back, arched his mouth from one side of his face to the other, a glimpse of his teeth seen between his lips.

"So, how do you guys like it here? Sure, it might not be the warmest place, yet it’s better than nothing.", his hands now up and spread wide, presenting the place soldiers call their second home. The two could only look at his back, hardened from years of training. The empty hallway, dead silent, was the only one to welcome them.

"The soldiers must be training now. I’ll have you meet them and have a small drill with the other regiments. You could call it a warm-up and also a demonstration of your skills."

Luke showed one of his classic smirks, boasting about his confidence in a silent manner. Angela glanced at him, hoping that their heads would still remain on after this facade.

"So, how about we go meet with my friend, Gerard? He’s not one to like bets like I do, yet he does enjoy a good training session for his soldiers."

They walked into the hallway, only to leave through another door. A place paved with stone, used as a small training field. A huge man stood there, fiercely clashing swords with a well-known figure. Luke and Angela were more than glad to see Mark in one piece, at least for now.

"Mark! What are you doing here?", asked Angela, almost bolting in his direction.

Mark glanced at her between strikes, only to be noticed by Gerard.

"Never look away from your enemy!", bang, Mark was down. Sweat was raining down his face, his breath heavy.

"Well, I’m training, that’s what I’m doing here."

Gerard’s gaze pierced the two newcomers, only to clash with that of Sulvey, who met him with a wide smile.

"Well, if it isn’t my friend Gerard. How have you been?"

Gerard’s eyes froze, "State your business, Sulvey."

"Well, that’s one cold way to greet a friend.", Sulvey’s smile now inverted. "Well, I have a ‘friend’ over here who said he knew how to lead an army, so I made a little bet with him. I came here to request a wargame. Your soldiers against my soldiers, yet our little Luke over here will lead them in my stead."

Gerard’s gaze met Luke’s, trying to read something about each other. A man forged by endless war and pain, fighting against a cocky ‘child’ who can barely take care of himself.

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"Sulvey, I don’t know who you take me for...", arms crossed, eyes closed and head lowered, yet Angela could see a faint grin, "Fine, I accept. Training is still training, and knowing how to react in unexpected situations is indeed useful."

Mark and Angela kept exchanging looks, trying to figure out what the other had to go through. Dusty clothes, sweat pouring down his face, slight scrapes all over, while Mark saw the distress in Angela’s eyes.

Silence fell, only to be shattered by Mark. "Wait, on whose side will I be in this war-game?"

Sulvey and Luke opened their mouths, yet someone else reacted faster. "I am the one training you, so it’s only natural that you follow my lead."

"I have known him for far longer than you, so it’s my side he’ll join!" protested Luke, waving his fist.

Gerard’s facial muscles strained. "Wait, when did you two meet?"

Mark turned pale, awaiting the consequences of his lie, looking as Luke babbled on. "It’s been around a year since we met."

Gerard, now facing Mark, gritted his teeth. "Soldier, explain!", yelled out the general, his aura almost choking the ones present.

"Sir, yes sir!" responded Mark while switching to a salute."I tried telling the others, yet no one listened! I’m not actually a soldier, yet I was forced to act like one!"

Sulvey, now a bright red, burst out in laughter, Angela and Luke nodding in approval.

Things seemed to have calmed down for the moment, yet Mark still awaited his punishment. His heart came to a standstill when he felt a hand lay on his shoulder. "So, I guess I can’t call you a soldier anymore, yet you still have to receive punishment."

Mark forced his eyes shut and his breath came to a halt.

"You have to keep training with me until you can defeat me. I believe this is more than enough punishment."

Both Luke and Angela were silent, drowned in a sea of confusion, filtering questions, yet it was enough for Luke to yell out "Fuck this, I’m tired!" to wash them all away. Sulvey, on the other hand, couldn’t move his eyes away from Mark. "Who is this child?" and "Why is Gerard willing to train him?" were the thoughts of someone who thought he knew Gerard better than anyone else.His choice was nothing but a mystery covered in thick fog, and Mark’s identity was even more of an enigma.

Having mustered the courage, Angela decided to talk. "Well, now that everything is sorted out, how about we take Mark and go, you know..."

The generals nodded, signalling Mark to go.

"You know where to find me. Come here tomorrow as well."

Mark turned towards his mentor, approving with a silent movement of his head. The group was now together, again, having lost a member for the second time.

Outside, Mark gave up on trying to contain himself, "Now it’s Angela’s turn to disappear into thin air."

Angela, bothered by his remark, punched him hard enough to tickle him, "Hey, don’t jinx it!"

Luke, scoffing, went on the same wave as Mark. "Looking at it logically, it IS your turn to disappear."

She could only borrow her chin in her chest and fall silent. Mark put his hand on her head, "Don’t worry, we’ll find you if something like that happens. After all, it’s fun to work as a trio."

She slowly looked up, only to find a wide smile on Mark’s face. As weird as it looked, she knew it was genuine.