Castle Savoyar. Part 2.

Sebastian.

An hour later, I approached the castle, having resorted to a speed rune to save time. From the sound of the alarm signal, I knew it was the fifth level. My little Guardian was both excited and focused. When she opened her eyes, they shone turquoise. Involuntarily, I couldn't look away; she looked both fierce and fragile at the same time. My girl, at that moment, her whole demeanor spoke of the power coursing through her, seeking to burst out with the brightness of her eyes.

The fifth level demanded haste. She was an inexperienced Guardian, and we had to intervene. With such a breach, even seasoned adult men often faced difficulties. After such battles, they remained seriously injured. And yet, she seemed unafraid of getting hurt as she rushed towards the Rift. I couldn't allow her to get hurt.

I didn't even notice how I became attached to her. My game of seduction ceased to be just a game. I wanted to protect this incredibly vulnerable yet strong girl. Her character initially stirred rage within me; all my plans and calculations were thrown into chaos in her presence, and with them, my self-control. But after spending a few weeks in Foresti, I reconciled with it. Giving up the constant struggle with the desires she evoked, I decided to study her, her capabilities, reactions, and character. After our magical battle, I let go of the leash of constant control. I realized that the more I resisted, the more conflicting feelings and desires consumed me.

I dismounted the horse and walked confidently towards the palace. It was necessary to find my father and gather a squad. I didn't know how we could stop Crowley, considering that elementals were like walking sources of energy for them. But I couldn't leave the inexperienced Guardian alone and hope for a miracle. I was sure my father would agree with me.

In the corridor, Liss rushed towards me: "Bastian, we received an alarm signal. Something is happening at the Rift. Father is already preparing to leave with the squad. We don't have a proper Guardian. I'm scared," she said, trying to cling to me and hug me. But this time, her actions only irritated me.

"Not now, Liss. Don't be afraid and stay in the castle. We will sort this out. I'm going to the King," I replied, passing her, not slowing my pace, and headed towards my father's office. She tried to run after me.

"Stop Sebastian? You're not planning to go there!" she shouted, trying to get through to me. But I didn't have time for her tantrums now.

Without knocking, I burst into my father's office and gave a slight bow. "Your Majesty, there's been a breach, the highest level. The Guardian should already be at the Rift," I reported, approaching my father's desk. Lord Lindwood was already in the room; apparently, they were discussing the battle strategy.

Lindwood glanced at me and smirked, "The Guardian? I don't think, Your Highness, that we should rely on a little girl. Most likely, she's already dead," he said in a venomously mocking tone.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that. Roger de Savoyar trained his daughter, and he was one of the strongest Guardians. During his service, the borders were never attacked once. She's his daughter. Your Majesty, what about the squad? When are we setting out? I believe it's better to use portal transitions. The Guardian needs support," I addressed the king, ignoring the presence of the count, who stirred irritation and anger in me when recalling Alex's story. His snide tone and words made me crave retribution, but I'd deal with him later.

The king looked at me and said, "Lord Lindwood will command the squad. You shouldn't go, Sebastian; I won't risk you." Then he turned to the count, "Lindwood, the idea of using portal transitions is reasonable. I'll prepare the artifacts; gather the squad. We must hold the border at any cost."

I felt a surge of anger within me. "Your Majesty, I AM GOING. We don't have any battle mages of my level, and I won't sit in the castle like a frightened girl. The border is under threat, and while Count Lindwood is skilled at leading a squad, his magical abilities leave much to be desired," I said, not hiding my anger.

At that moment, Lindwood's eyes lit up. He knew he was lacking as a battle mage and tried to compensate for it with determination and ambition.

"When it comes to planning, the count has no equals. But in direct combat, he's practically useless. Your Majesty, I am the most powerful mage on the continent. Do you really think I should hide in the castle?" I persisted, using all available arguments. This conversation was starting to irritate me; we were wasting time. Allowing Lindwood, with his weak air element, to command battle mages in this situation was practically suicidal. Not only would he be of no help in the fight, but he'd also draw some mages away to protect him.

It seemed like the king also realized that. He sighed and addressed me, "You're right, Sebastian. But remember, you are the heir to the throne. Don't get deeply involved in the thick of the battle. Cover these two squads," - my father pointed to the battle plan. - "You will be the guiding force during the transition. Move to the edge of the forest's border and assess the situation. Lindwood, you are responsible for the safety of the heir. Don't let him risk himself unnecessarily. My son must return to the castle alive," - my father looked at me with concern and then turned his gaze to the count, waiting for his confirmation. Lindwood nodded.

"Prepare for the transition," - King Frederick signaled that we could depart.

As we reached the door, we were greeted by Lis, and from her expression, it was evident that she was in a state of hysteria, "Father, how can this be? Tell me what's happening. Sebastian, you're not going, right?" - she bombarded us with questions, trying to grab my hand, but I didn't allow her to do so.

"Lady Lindwood, I think it's better for you to go to your quarters and take a sedative. Count, prepare the squad," - I said, not paying attention to them, and went to change into my uniform. I heard the count attempting to calm his daughter down and her sobbing. There was neither time nor desire to listen to Alicia's futile complaints. Alex was alone near the Rift, in danger, and that was all I could think about.

Within fifteen minutes, the battle squad had assembled on the platform for portal transitions. Only the leaders of the battle squads and the count and I were allowed to have horses. The animals didn't handle transitions well, but we had a specially bred breed capable of dealing with such loads. We took out the charged transfer artifacts, and at my command, activated them in the form of circles.

The squad's transfer with the artifacts occurred sequentially: the main guide indicated his coordinates, and all other members of the squad were transferred in a wave, depending on the strength of each artifact. Such transitions were rare because artifacts were expensive, and it was believed that transfers negatively affected the magical balance. Therefore, the use of artifacts was limited only to royal families, and their use was strictly regulated.

After completing the transition, we assessed the situation around us. The Borderlands were eerily quiet, but only a hundred meters away from us, there was a monotonous hum coming from the Rift. It was too quiet, as if no breakthrough had occurred, even though only two hours had passed since our parting with Alex. This alarmed all of us, and the Count, who was leading the squad, signaled us to move towards the Rift. We slowly advanced and arrived at a clearing near the Rift, where the hum of the portal was emanating - indicating that the breach had occurred right there.

The scene that unfolded before us in the clearing made everyone freeze. Even the Count, who had participated in numerous battles, widened his eyes and seemed to stop breathing. The large meadow, stretching along the Rift for several hundred meters, was littered with torn bodies and covered in black blood. Usually covered in green grass and wildflowers, which were now nowhere to be seen, the meadow had turned into a gruesome sight. It was a battlefield, and it seemed even the Count, who had never witnessed so much blood and mangled bodies, stared in stunned silence at this horrifying panorama. These were the remains of the Crowleys.

In the middle of the clearing stood a motionless figure, facing us sideways. She almost blended into the surrounding landscape, also covered in black blood, which was still dripping from her swords. It was Alex. She stood motionless, facing the Rift. Her body was completely covered in blood, not a single patch of clean skin was visible. Her hair clung to her face and neck, soaked in the dark substance.

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"What happened here?" - I heard a quiet whisper from one of the commanders, but the Count gestured for him to be silent. He signaled three of the other commanders to slowly approach Alex while ordering the rest of us to stay in place.

The Count motioned, and they began to approach Alex slowly, but they hadn't even gone a dozen meters when squelching sounds of blood came from under their feet.

Alex, standing still and staring at the portal, turned her head upon hearing their approach and raised her hand with the sword. She swirled it as if shaking off the blood and pointed the blade in the direction of the Count, as if indicating her next target. The Count signaled them to halt, and they froze. Her eyes blazed turquoise, and she seemed to be scanning our squad and the surrounding environment. Then her eyes dimmed, and she tilted her head as if expressing surprise.

"I wouldn't advise that, Count Lindwood," her distant voice echoed.

Lindwood's voice came with determination, though his posture betrayed his confusion at what he was witnessing, both Alex's appearance and the scene before him. "Lady de Savoyar, we came here under His Majesty's orders to secure the border due to the fifth-level breach," the Count said, attempting to sound confident.

Alex let out a bitter laugh. "Hasn't the prince told you?" She shifted her gaze to me, as if piercing me with a knife. "Forget about the fifth-level. It was a sixth-level breach, and judging by what I've seen, it's not the limit. You need to update your information," she said, gesturing with her sword, outlining the battlefield and confirming the truth of her statement.

Typically, during a fifth-level breach, a maximum of five Crowleys could pass through, but judging by the amount of blood on the field, there were many more, far more.

"I will relay your words to the king," the Count continued, trying to maintain control of the situation. "While my men assess the situation, I'll accompany you to Savoyar. I assume the portal is already inactive." He started moving towards Alex again.

"NO!!!" Alex turned to the Count, her eyes blazing. Both swords were directed towards him. "You are on MY land, Count, and I will decide who accompanies me and where. As you can see, I don't need any help," she said, kicking the decapitated monster's head with her foot. "The situation has changed. You won't dictate terms to me, or else..." She thrust her sword into the carcass beneath her feet. "The next breach, you will be the one closing it, COUNT, and I'll stand and watch as you and your people turn into Crowleys' dessert," the Guardian spoke directly to the Count, her words quiet, precise, and confident. It was evident that she knew something, something that gave her unwavering assurance, leaving no room for anyone to question her words.

"My Lady," the Count's voice trembled with rage, "You seem to forget about your agreement with King Frederick," he decided to use his last card. The Duchess had clearly humiliated him in front of our people.

Alex laughed again and began to approach the Count, emanating a threatening aura. The commanders and warriors tensed, ready to defend the Count.

"Oh no, Count, I REMEEEMBEEER everything and I'm ready to discuss with the king the NEW CONDITIONS OF OUR COOPERATION. MY CONDITIONS, Count," she got closer. I realized it was time for me to intervene.

I spurred my horse and quickly rode forward, coming to a stop only when I positioned myself between Alex and the Count. She halted and looked at me.

I had never seen such a piercing, cold, and emotionless look in Alex's eyes before. Gone was the sweet, bewildered girl, and in her place stood a warrior. Her eyes expressed determination and toughness, as if all traces of her tenderness and vulnerability had vanished. The battle had left its mark on her, yet she remained composed and ready to fend off any attack or strike without hesitation.

I understood the need to pull her out of this state and steer her away from the Count before she did something she would regret. Even seasoned warriors needed time to recover after a battle and reconnect with reality. For her, it was her first serious fight. Lindwood's provocations were fueling her, and I could see it. He realized it too, but his wounded pride prevented him from assessing the situation accurately.

"Lady de Savoyar," I raised my hands, showing that I meant no harm, "You are right, we are on your land, but I IMPLORE you to allow us to inspect the area after the battle and collect samples for research." I purposely emphasized that it was my request, hoping to convey to Alex that attacking and threatening was unnecessary.

She remained silent for a moment, studying me with her eyes, contemplating whether to agree. Then she nodded.

"Inspect, but after that, your people must leave my lands until we come to an agreement with His Majesty," she said, looking at the Count over my shoulder. The Count clenched his lips and fists, restraining his anger. "Your Highness, you can follow me to Savoyar. I'll acquaint you with my conditions, and you can convey them to the King. This time, we'll put it in writing. I've learned from my father's mistakes," she continued, shifting her gaze from the Count to me and concealing her weapons, signaling that a fragile truce had been established.

"Of course, Your Grace," I nodded slightly in agreement, keeping my gaze fixed on Alex.

"This is unacceptable!!!" Count Lindwood shouted simultaneously with me.

"I beg your pardon?" I turned to the Count, surprised by his reaction.

The Count approached me, burning with anger. "You are the heir to the throne, it is my duty to conduct negotiations. Besides, you should return to the castle; it was the King's order," he said.

"As you may have noticed, Count, I am the heir to the throne, and I believe I have all the necessary authority to conduct negotiations. As for the King's order, circumstances have changed a bit. I will explain myself to my father," I spoke firmly and persistently. It seemed the Count had forgotten my status for some reason, and it was time to remind him. He had started to take too many liberties.

"Follow the inspection of the territory. When you finish, return to de Forest. Send a messenger to the castle and report the situation to the King. I will return as soon as I am done in Savoyar," I looked at the Count and gave clear, concise, and loud orders for my squad commanders to hear.

The Count attempted to interrupt me: "But, Sebastian..."

I stopped him with a gesture: "Enough, Count Lindwood. I hope you are not planning to dispute my orders," I looked at him challengingly.

Let him dare to argue in front of witnesses; then he will not only lose his position but also his head right here. I clearly understood one thing: the authority of the crown had to be unquestionable. If the Count, despite all his merits, dared to question my orders on the battlefield, I had every right to execute him as a traitor to the royal family. A clear hierarchy, and there was no other option. Moreover, after his threats to my girl, I would be more than happy to behead this bastard if he gave me the slightest reason.

Lindwood's hands trembled with anger. I had never allowed myself to give him orders so directly, respecting his experience. But today, I had no intention of being familiar, and I firmly put him in his place.

He tried to calm his emotions and bowed, saying, "As you wish, Your Highness."

I waved my hand as my father used to do, saying, "Carry on." Without looking back at the Count, I turned around and headed towards Alex.

"Where is your horse, milady? We can depart," I looked around, trying to find the horse on which Alex had left de Forest. In response, she lowered her gaze and nodded towards a direction.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, but I'm afraid she's no longer here," she shrugged.

I looked in the direction she indicated, where the torn-apart animal lay. "Well... wait a moment," I turned to one of the commanders. "Commander, Lady de Savoyar needs a horse."

After a few minutes, Alex and I set off towards Savoyar Castle.

__________________________________________________________________

The castle was about half an hour's ride away. I didn't waste time waiting. As soon as we were out of sight, I approached Alex and signaled her to slow down.

"Are you wounded?" I had tried to inspect her for injuries back in the clearing, but the blood made it difficult to see.

"Not badly," Alex looked at me with more awareness, seeming to come to her senses. She pointed to her thigh and abdomen. "I need to clean off the blood, but the pain is almost gone."

I glanced at the injured areas, but it was only evident that the fabric was torn by claws, just like in many other places. "Then let's hurry," I urged, urging the horse to a gallop, with Alex keeping up.

It was hard for me to believe that my girl had managed to handle such a large number of enemies. When I arrived and saw the field drenched in blood, my heart skipped a beat. Thanks to the family artifact, I knew that Alex was alive and hadn't suffered fatal wounds. Nevertheless, the horrifying sight overwhelmed me. Seeing her, covered in blood and standing in the middle of the field, evoked mixed emotions. The relief of seeing her safe was mingled with the shock of the battle's aftermath.

As we approached Savoyar Castle, a sense of relief washed over me. She was safe now. My little princess had deftly and boldly put the arrogant Count in his place and made it clear to everyone that they should not underestimate her. Her invitation to the castle sounded more like an order, and I was ready to comply with it. The changes that had occurred in the situation would undoubtedly be brought to the King's attention in vivid detail, and I believed we could use this to our advantage. Protect Alex from any attacks from my father and the Count.