I am the flame that binds the world.
Those words resonated inside his head while he contemplated the pile of corpses on the floor. He could no longer hold the golden spear that had previously pierced hordes of enemies. Among broken swords and shields laid a mangled flag, he recognized the golden flame resting on top of a stone tower in a crimson red background. ‘We are the flame that binds the world’, he repeated to himself as he fell to the ground. His captors forced him to walk despite the bloody arrow wound in his thigh. His wrists were bloodied and burdened by rusty iron chains. Even like this, he couldn’t look away from the bodies of the bodyguards that were lying a couple meters away…just a few hours ago they were talking about the things they would do after the war, for all that warmth, now only a cold memory remained.
1 DAY AGO
The sun was being gently covered by a shy cloud, a soft breeze rattled the leaves of a thick forest with ancient trees that seemed to reach the sky. In the middle of this forest was a clearing full of tents and armed men. The smell of iron and burning wood was intoxicating, only contended by the sounds of feasting and cheering. A small hill protruded raised in the center, at the top, 2 crimson tents with golden touches were surrounded by the royal guard. In the smaller tent was a boy eager for his first real battle, or so he said. From a young age he had been trained in the art of war and his proficiency with a Spear was known throughout the kingdom. The boy was the heir to the principality of Magna, brother realm to Kanem, together they constituted the twin kingdom Kanem Magna, the greatest realm in the Eastern Continent, ruled fairly by the Two Warrior Kings. It would have been his 14th birthday in less than 20 days. He was participating in the battle campaign to defend his kingdom from the invading forces of Northia, considered by many the largest military in the world. This was confirmed after their successful capture of the Northern Realms and their further expansion to the continent, their origin is unknown, what is known is that they came from a continent in the far west.
Lombard:
It has been 2 years already…Once this is over, it would be nice to take the prince to meet the golden girls, don’t you think Ronald?
Ronald:
I think that would be a great idea, that way I would have a decent partner, someone that wouldn’t scare half of the girls
Prince:
Who are the Golden Girls?
Lombard:
Well…hmmm…can you picture the most beautiful women in the world? Done? Okay now picture them without -
Mattheus (Entering the Tent):
Stop saying unnecessary stuff Lombard. (As he hit Lombard in the back) Your majesty, you should focus on training the spear, as I have mentioned to you before, you have a gift for it.
Ronald:
That’s true Sir! I have never seen anything like that, I think you are already better than Lombard my Prince!
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Lombard (With a hand on the place Mattheus hit):
Hey, watch it Rono!..Your grace…I mean, you are good but experience is key!
Prince:
I know Lombard, there is still a lot left to learn, afterall I haven’t been able to beat my father yet
Ronald:
From what I saw last time, you are very close, you only need to watch your footwork a bit
Lombard:
Yes, and you should also stop taking advice from someone that favors a curved sword, I mean…a curved sword, really Ronald?
All of them were laughing inside the Prince's cozy tent, a leathered construction with white interior walls and small torches on the sides. The tent was spacious enough to include a bed and table with chairs, something invaluable in the middle of war.
Mattheus was a tall and slender man. His red hair shone like a ruby by the torch's light. He had the air of an older brother, always knowing what to do and remaining calm under any circumstance. An exceptional warrior with very high morals.
Lombard and Ronald were like brothers, they spent most time together and funny enough couldn't be more different from each other, Lombard was a blonde man with happy blue eyes, while Ronal had jet black hair with dark brown eyes. They liked to joke which was why one could think they were jesters in the battlefield, but that couldn't be further apart from reality, they were called Magna's demon brothers and after many years of service were granted the privilege of being the Prince's bodyguards.
The boy held them in high esteem and enjoyed not only training with them, but also spending time doing menial tasks such as maintaining weapons and armor, or simply watching them fool around.
Out of nowhere the deafening sound of a war horn broke into the forest. It was a signal used to alert of an enemy attack. This was impossible! He thought, just a day ago, they had crushed the White Gull of Northia, the general in charge of the Northian invasion. How could they attack this fast? Who else could it be?
Mattheus left as fast as lightning, while the prince dotted his armor. Everyone in the camp moved fast to prepare, warriors running for their armor and weapons, peasants packing and lighting torches, horses going from side to side. Everyone had a clear role. The prince came out of the tent only to find his father holding a crumpled letter in his hand. The king had an unusual worried look, while a group of soldiers marched at his side dotting the blue armor used by Magna's army.
King:
Son, I want you in the rear, Mattheus is waiting
Prince:
But Father! I-
King:
No buts, I’ve received reports of the spies, we are not only fighting Northia’s Legion, but Bradavia’s Crimson Blades. I have heard rumors of an alliance, but this fast?...It couldn’t be…
Prince:
The more reason father, I can lead! help you send these invaders back! I know these woods!
King:
Precisely! I don’t want you to hide in the rear. I want you to deliver a message to the West army, this is important, without my brother’s army things look grim. We depend on you, son. Remember, we are the flame that binds the world.
He knew that face, there was nothing he could say or do to change his father’s mind. And his uncle's army has been playing a big part in this campaign against Northia. If Northia formed an alliance with Bradavia, then it was time for Kanem and Magna to unite once more.
Prince:
I will do it father, wait for me. I’ll get this message to my uncle!
King:
I know you will, now go!