It's been about a week since the army from Rumasil had begun their march and they had reached the Great City of Hutalaut, the main harbour-city of Rumasil on the coasts of the Provarian oceans. It was a city even older than the capital of Rumasil itself, founded as a mere fishing village during the time before the Halak exile over eight thousand years ago.

It's walls stood high and proud, glistening from the shine of the sun. The architecture and design of the city was typical of the Rumasilian style, though it clearly had a more Latinosi influence, being a center of trade with many different cultures.

However, what made the sight all the more grand were the tens of thousands of Rumasilian soldiers lined up in many ranks and files in front of the city gates. They stood there disciplined as their banners were flying in the winds. Red and yellow were the colours of Rumasil, and there the banners of the golden tiger were dancing in the wind.

The army made a path for King Valasaire and his troops to enter the gates of the city. As the King and his officers made their way to the gates to enter the city, music was played. Some soldiers from the army were playing traditional Rumasilian instruments, blowing trumpets and flutes and banging on drums called 'gondang'.

"This is quite the welcome we're receiving." Cassandra said to her husband who was riding his horse beside her “One would think this is another celebration of our wedding, hahaha…”

Valamar giggled as he caressed his wife’s cheek beside him "Olo. It's been years since the Rumasilian royal family has graced the city of Sunstaril with its presence. Not since the reparations from the Provarian invasion more than a decade ago."

The city of Hutalaut - or Sunstaril as it was called during the time of the Elven Empire - was invaded by the Provarians during the invasion of Sunstaril in 1575 AGW. It was unprecedented that a great power like Rumasil would be invaded by what most would call a minor nation like Provaria. It was the first time in over a millennia that the Almarian homeland was invaded and no one was prepared for it as a fleet of two hundred ships came clashing upon the shores of the city.

As the King passed through the gates and entered the city followed by his army, they were met with cheer, welcome, and song by the people of the city.

"You Rumasilians sure do like to sing." Cassandra said "I've heard sayings that 'when in Rumasil, song fills the air' but I never knew it was literally true."

"It's our culture." Valamar said as he chuckled a bit "We love to sing because it helps us pass the day. Back when we were only farmers and sailors, song is what gets us through our day... well besides drinking and gambling."

"I guess that is true."

"Besides, we sing because we can. There is no Halak under the sun that can not sing."

"I'm sure that's hyperbole."

"I assure you, Lady Cassandra, it is not." Valaron said as he overheard the conversation going on between his nephew and Cassandra "The worse you can get is average like my abang ( older brother ) but you can not call yourself Rumasilian if you are tone-deaf. The first thing a Rumasilian mother does when her child is born is to sing a hymn to it. The first voice a child hears is his mother's singing voice. It gives a calming feel..."

"Well, I'm glad I can sing..." Cassandra said "Now that you mention it, I was also tested for my singing voice before I was chosen as my lord's wife."

"Just to make sure. If you didn't know how, you would've been tutored."

"But come to think of it, my lord Valamar does have a very good voice..."

Valamar smiled at his wife's praise as he turned to her and started singing to her, but this time, he was singing in the Adventierri language. Cassandra was surprised as she heard the song Valamar was singing. It was a popular love song in Florentia about a man who can not stop admiring the beauty of his lover.

"La Mia Bella Signorina..." Cassandra said as she clapped in excitement "And your pronunciation was spot on, my lord! Where and when did you learn that song?"

"When we were marching through Florentia to crush the rebellion in Aerthil." Valamar said "Our Florentinian guide would sing that every once in a while and I liked the tone and rhythm of it so I asked him to teach me. He said, 'when you find that beautiful woman you love, make sure to sing this to her.' And so that's what I'm doing."

"My lord flatters me so much."

Valaron had to cough to break the two's attention to each other. "I would remind you too that we are on a campaign."

"That's no obstacle to our love." Valamar said in slightly teasing tone to his uncle

"We are about to reach the grand harbor soon. Best be ready." Valaron said before he rode off closer to his brother to which Valamar and Cassandra looked at each other and laughed.

After another half-hour of riding, they had reached the city's port. Valasaire rode at the front and next to him was a middle-aged looking man with graying hair, a slightly chubby physique and somewhat darker skin compared to the rest of the Rumasilians much like most of the people in the city of Hutalaut whose skin were more tanned than what was typical of other Rumasilians.

"The city looks as strong as ever, Amang (sir) Yesanius." King Valasaire said to the man "One could hardly believe this was the site of the greatest tragedy that has ever struck Rumasil... Though the rubble is gone and the fires have died, the gruesome memories are still with me."

"We have done our best to rebuild. Some areas near the port are still slightly damaged, but most of the buildings are as good as new. Some even are new." Lord Yesanius said

"Well, I'm sure it also has something to do with your ability as governor of this city. The Siyesayans are a blessing to us all."

"As are the rest of the Great Houses. I can not thank your father enough for entrusting me with the governorship of this city after my brother died during the invasion."

Valasaire nodded and smiled. As they reached the harbor, they could see a large statue of a fully armoured knight standing on a tall and large circular column about fifteen metres tall. The knight was depicted holding a sword and pointing it towards the sea.

On the columns were the inscriptions of many names as well as many small cross markings. The column itself was also very wide with many carvings of soldiers on its borders.

Valasaire got off his horse as he neared the column and put his hands on it while bowing his head followed by Valaron, Yesanius, as well as the rest of the senior Rumasilian officers while the soldiers bowed their heads.

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"What are they doing, my lord?" Cassandra asked her husband

"Such is to honour the fallen heroes who gave their lives to protect our precious nation." Valamar answered as he got off his horse and gave his hand to help Cassandra off of hers "Come, we must also give our respects to the fallen heroes."

When they all reached the column, Valasaire began with song,

"~Dung sonang rohangku dibahen Jesus i... (When peace like a river attendeth my way)" Valasaire started

"Porsuk pe hutaon dison! (When sorrows like sea billows roll)" everyone else followed along in song, in a solemn tune "Na pos do rohangku di Tuhanta i, dipasonang tongtong rohangkon! (Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul!)"

"~Sonang do ( It is well )..." Valasaire said alone in a long tune

"Sonang do!" Everyone else sang back in response as they then all sang together "Dipasonang tongtong rohangkon! (It is well, it is well with my soul!)"

Tears started to drop from Valasaire's eyes as well as on most of the senior soldiers and officers as their minds drifted back to the memories of the defense of the city. It was so unexpected as the bulk of the Rumasilian army were mostly in the colonies in Tanodao, Almar proper was not as prepared with its forces being spread out.

The Provarians had spent most of their wealth from their colonies in paying the fees of many mercenary fleets to aid in their invasion. With most of the able generals and military men being an ocean away, it was left to the many noblemen of the great Almarian houses to defend the homeland.

After the song, the king called for a moment of silence. Valamar looked up to the column and started reading the names he could see on it. Most were familiar to him. Valarian si Valamen, Valdemar si Valamen, Valian si Valamen, Valan si Valamen, Valarius si Valamen, Valanius si Valamen, and many more. The names of his father's dear uncles and cousins as well as a whole host of other names of Valamen.

Valamar looked at Valantine who was bowing his head and crying as well. Amara stood beside him and held his hand, albeit rather subtly. One of the names there was Valantine's own father, 'the Valiant Valian' as he was called. On that day, the Valamen family lost many sons. Even King Valasar V - Valamar's late-grandfather - was mortally wounded in the battle, only to succumb to his wounds a year later. It was said, on the coronation of King Valasaire XIX, the grieving king swore the complete and utter annihilation of the Provarian Kingdom. Those were the words of a hurt man who lost half his family.

And now it was the time for the Rumasilians to repay the badly owed debt to the Provarians and the House of Gissario.

When the moment of silence ended, Valasaire looked towards his troops as he wiped the tears from his reddened eyes and regained his composure. His expression became strong, stern, and fierce. The soldiers lifted up their heads and stood with the utmost of discipline. The king cleared his throat and prepared himself to give a speech to his soldiers. He said in a loud voice,

"My people! My noble people! My brothers in arms, my blood, and my kin! Blessed be the Lord Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit for we who stand here in this day and in this blessed city exactly fourteen years after the tragedy of the Provarian invasion and in memory of those fallen heroes who gave their lives in protection of the homeland!

We remember the day that shall forever live in our memories as the day God came and took our loved ones, yet in turn delivered to us a victory that sent the might of the Black Sails, the Red Krakens, and the Provarian Armada running with their tails between their legs!

We remember the day where thousands of our comrades have fallen, including your blood and mine! All the destruction in the name of the accursed House of Gissario and their wretched ilk!

They thought they could shatter our pride that day! They thought they could destroy our resolve! They thought they could increase their prestige by bringing the most powerful nation on the face of Terra to its knees! Well we proved them sorely mistaken, didn't we?! When they drew their swords and guns against us, they made an affront to Heaven itself as doubtless they plot against us in the darkness of their court and colluding with Si Bolis (the Devil) himself!

But with our victory, it is assured that Heaven's Divine will smiles upon us?! Molo Debata do donganta, ise do alonta?! ( If God is on our side, who can match us?! ).

And God has shown his providence to His faithful yet again. Weeks before, we had received a message from the Valamen of Provaria. It appears even amongst snakes and devils, God's children are struggling through to survive! The Rightful King of Provaria himself whose blood is of Vala's blood has called to the main house for aid!

It is truly the Gissario who plots to destroy us! Half the Valamen line of Provaria have been eradicated! Our blood eradicated! The gall of those bastards! Well I tell you now, WE DO NOT ABANDON OUR BLOOD! When innocent lives are lost, we must come in and save them!"

"Emma tutu! (Agreed!)" The soldiers responded with grunts and shield bangs of approval

Valasaire continued, "Today we shall prepare ourselves to answer the call for aid as we shall come and repay to the Provarians their long awaited bill! The blood of our people yells from the ground to God, calling for justice, and by God, THEY SHALL HAVE THEIR JUSTICE!!"

The Soldiers roared again in approval to Valasaire's words.

"We do the bidding of the Lord, men! We shall send the hypocrites, the blasphemers, and the fools of Provaria back to the abode of their master Si Bolis, as that is where their false prayers will take them! We shall act as God's hand and sword of justice to those poor souls! And at the last, strengthen your resolves, men, for we face either glory on this earth or glory in the hereafter! Mangolu ma halak hita! ( long live our people! )."

"Mangolu ma halak hita!!" the soldiers responded in great cheer. After the cheer died down, Valasaire led them all in the lord's prayer. After the prayers ceased, Valasaire gave the signal to his soldiers to prepare and board the ships that were already on the harbour.

A great fleet was already there, moored by the port. It was a grand fleet, made up of the bulk of the Rumasilian military fleet in the Provarian ocean and was further bolstered by the ships of the Kindom of Aerland, known as the greatest naval power in all of Terra.

A total of almost two hundred ships were there, with many equipped with the newest pieces of mobile artillery such as the mortar. Most of the ships were of the lightly armed transport kind. But there were still an impressive number of Galleons, Galleasses, as well as Man'O'Wars that acted as the main flagships, courtesy of the Aerlish Kingdom.

Such was the preparations made before the invasion of Provaria. A great armada ready for invasion with soldiers also numbering in the tens of thousands for the assault.

They were headed for the Provarian isles, though their first destination was for the city of Siesia to meet with King Esteban V and to resupply there. In an invasion of this scale, supplies, munitions, and rations are what would cause the most worry.

Valamar gulped in nervousness as he entered the Rumasilian flagship.

"Is something the matter, my lord?" Cassandra asked as she noticed her husband's worry "You don't seem too well. Are you perhaps worried about getting seasick?"

"No, I'm fine, dear..." Valamar said "Just a little worry. This will be the first time for me to engage in a naval invasion. I'm quite nervous."

"We'll be fine, my lord." Cassandra said to reassure her worried husband "The actual invasion is still weeks to come. You shouldn't be too worried about it. Besides, there are many senior generals and admirals here. We'll be fine. I'm more excited to feel the cool ocean breeze flowing through my hair."

"That would be a lovely sight, my dear... You always know how to calm me down."

"As any good wife would."

"This ship hasn’t even begun to move yet you two somehow already made me nauseous and sea sick." Vera said in an annoyed town "Get a cabin. This is a military campaign, not a leisure cruise."

"Nothing wrong with making the best of things, kakak." Valamar said with a slight laugh.

And so they all prepared for what was going to come upon them. After half a day of preparations, they were finally ready to sail off to the Provarian Isles. They were sailing off to war.