A week had passed and the youth progressed fairly well under his two teachers, who diligently gave their all in cultivating him thus far.
The town itself had recovered exceptionally well, leaving only a few more structures to be repaired.
Trade and merchants began to appear once more, somehow stabilizing the lost economy they had, which was plummeting due to the lack of funding, but much more of the fear in people's hearts.
Evelyn thought of a way to improve this by ordering half of the men she could spare into guarding caravans and the local highway, thus securing the peace there as much as she could.
The morning before that, Emilia had returned from the task her lord sent her to, resuming their studies with the youth under her lord's wing.
Though she had already forgiven him for what had happened before she left, there still lingered a sensation when he had done that; but still a small grudge remains in the back of her mind.
It was the start of the afternoon, and Emilia and the young man were at the palace study where most of the archives and books were stored, and where most of the studies under Emilia was held.
Emilia wore her casual clothing of a long brown gown, wearing a white long sleeved shirt, pairing it with her long, faded silver hair that was tied back with a red lace, showing her in a new light that the youth was surprised in seeing.
"Remember this, there are four countries surrounding ours namely Linnia, Ixium -- which is in turmoil and in danger of being split up, but that's another topic entirely -- Continuing, Rocheforte, and Austrum. Currently, we are at war with Linnia, and had been at war with them for two years. Needless to say that the neighboring countries have been eyeing us due to a special circumstance."
Emilia spoke strictly as she pointed to a map drawn out on old, but sturdy paper that she had placed flat on a large table, pointing to it with a stick.
"What reason does Barda have for being at war with Linnia? If I remember correctly, Barda is in the midst of a civil war, and the external conflict had already hurt the country badly."
The youth spoke, interested in more of the political area of the country, keen on listening and voicing his small opinions at times.
"It started with a small scale negotiation about trades that had failed, resorting in the feud of the two ambassadors of the country. Linnia claims that one of Barda's soldiers killed and started a fight which ended in a bloodbath. No one side was truly convicted, and thus war became imminent."
"T-that's kind of confusing. Couldn't they have just talked it out?"
The youth asked, perplexed as he thought that this conundrum could have been easily avoided.
"That may be the case, but the mistake is said to be due to both countries sending overly patriotic ambassadors to meet each other in the past. In truth, Linnia and Barda had ever really had the best relations. And that this negotiation was simply one of the many failed ones."
"I-I see. So wait, do both kings really approve of this?"
"No, but their people could not be persuaded. So their only resort was to follow the voices of their people, suppressing a rebellion and a civil war."
"Is there a chance for it to end?"
"There is, a miniscule chance for it to end is for one to reign above all, like Heinrich had done for the land, one rule that everyone agreed upon."
He pondered upon what Emilia had said, but nonetheless, just what kind of man was Heinrich, and how did he come to be respected as the man he is now, even though he had disappeared.
"For now, let's leave things like this. Too much information in one day will never benefit anyone, not unless they're willing, or reckless."
The young man agreed to her words, dismissing himself as Emilia proceeds to the lord's study, reminding the youth that he has free time on his hands now, and that he should use it wisely.
-
He went out of the palace, heading to the training grounds where the usual suspects were, and many others who’ve come to further hone their skills.
In the past few days that have passed, he had come to know much of the populace, who in turn accepted him despite having no name as to which to call him by, which was rather awkward for some encounters.
He helped out as much as he could during the hard period of restoration for Ryuviel, and many of the townspeople have been grateful for him in doing that.
Even the soldiery and the palace staff have come to know him as he always moved about, sparing no time at all with trying to find a reason for his life here, and possibly why he was sent here.
He remembered about that time when he helped Lucas with his interest in the inn keeper's waitress, and how they've been seen as a couple; he's also come to know the girl as an acquaintance in that time.
Incidentally, his friend showered him with thanks, treating him as much as he could.
He had learned a vast knowledge about the land's history, how much of the other countries are governed and their respective problems, but only to some extent.
When it came to practicing in battles with a variety of weapons, he excelled averagely, but rather proficiently due to him being able to use every weapon presented to him, similar to a jack who masters none, but is able to do everything he can.
That in itself was an amazement for the ranks of Evelyn's army, and the garrison of the town, ensuring them that they are in safe hands, or as they like to jest.
Even the one who trained the young man herself was amazed at his progress within three days, which was nothing short of a prodigious act.
"Well isn't this something else. You say that you haven't seen or touched some of these weapons, but when you're taught and put to the test, you really show something off!"
Evelyn praised her student, masking inside the confides of her brain about the details of his growth.
(If you gave him a month to train with each weapon known in existence, then he might have known how to use them all by that time. Give him a year to master all of them, then that might not just be impossible...)
Her thoughts trailed off, thinking of something more superhuman than she thought.
Neither she nor her partner, Emilia knew of this man's bounds, or even about his ability to learn and adapt quickly for that matter.
"I still have a long way to go. I've yet to even know who I am or what I'm doing here. But, I can't let that stop me."
Those were his words, some filled with determination that sought to never give in, yet it is true that he had still a ways to go.
His personality hadn't changed that much, and he was still considered to be rather soft and aloof with some things, staying quiet and on the side lines.
"I wonder just how much I've grown as a person..."
He asked himself this by the end of each day, seemingly rushing for some reason, but he himself failed to notice such a thing.
He had time on his hands, one that he's rather not waste.
Naturally, after having taken a stroll through the town, he had thought about returning to the palace for a bit more practice by himself, but before he could do such a thing, his gaze caught a cloaked figure -- whose pace seems to quicken with three steps each -- sneaking away from the palace.
The wind then lows strongly, indicating that it's saying something, but is trying to convey it the only way it can, by sending a small gust of wind towards the cloaked figure.
In an instant, the hood is blown away as there was nothing to support it.
"E-Evelyn? What are you doing?"
Her slightly arched back sprang forward as she heard her name, revealing her silky dark hair, proving that it was truly her.
She took a glance at him, then rushed the youth at an amazing speed, covering his mouth with hers, and abducting him to the side of the palace walls so that no one could see them.
"Shh! If you care about my well-being, then you'll stay quiet when I take my hands off of your mouth."
She seemed a bit high strung, as if she were trying to escape something, or someone.
Evelyn took her hand off my mouth as I nodded, still thinking as to what would drive her to act like this, uncomposed and on edge.
A sigh escapes from her, casting her gaze down, seemingly foiled.
"Since you're here, I can't let you go back in the palace if that's what you intend. You'll come with me then."
Making up her mind, she dons her hood ones more and pulls my wrist as she hurriedly walks off.
I had decided to keep my mouth shut and simply follow her, not really knowing her intentions.
In a few minutes, we had come to a marketplace that was bustling with trade, merchants and people.
Previously it had not been like this, but because of the new regulations and reintroduced trade, people got a hold of the merchandise they've vied for a long time after the battle.
It was well to say that they were well on their way to recovering as a fully-fledged town.
Once she settled down, another sigh of relief exits her.
"Finally, I won't let myself collapse under that amount of work. Time for some relaxation!"
She grinned to herself, eyeing the many luxuries that have entered the town, specifically their new businesses that have come in, seeking to sell good food.
She approached one stand, taking two bronze pieces and placing it on the wooden counter.
"Two or your best beef soups please!"
"Coming right up missy!"
The hearty middle aged owner who sported a great silver beard and mustache combo, served two bowls filled with piping hot soup that looked too appetizing for its own good.
Evelyn faced me, carrying the two bowls.
"Here, eat some, they look really good."
Her usual composed and mature face changed into a child's one who enjoyed playing and basking under the sun.
Deciding to give myself up, I take the bowl, feeling hungry myself.
"Woah, this is good! The broth is thick and tasty all by itself, the seasoning in it just blends perfectly with the beef, and the soup's heat makes the meat soft and easy to chew."
Amazed, I began gobbling the contents of the bowl greedily without hesitation, losing myself in the great myriad of flavors that I've never known to even exist.
"Haha, I knew you'd like it!"
After that comment, she began eating hers as well, but not with the same reaction as mine. Maybe she'd already tasted this before.
Having nothing to eat, I found myself looking at her, surprised to see this side of her which I expected, ut never saw.
"I might just be imagining this, but did you escape Emilia and the workload to play around?"
She nearly chokes at my remark, regaining her composure quickly.
"Why'd you have to go out and say it like that. Why not say that I’m simply taking a rest?"
"Well, it's the same either way."
She sighs.
"You've caught me red handed."
The previously mature girl of high position starts pouting, eating her soup in a more paced manner.
Looking at me after a few seconds, she begins to grow suspicious.
"What are you grinning at?"
"Oh, sorry. I didn't notice. It's just that this is the first I've seen you like this, though it's been only a week."
"It's not that special. Besides, if Emilia caught you with me, you'd receive the same amount of scolding."
Evelyn shivers as the words leave her mouth, saying a bad premonition as to what would happen if we were indeed caught.
Those emotions of hers were somehow transmitted to me, filling me with dread as I thought about how ruthless she could be at times.
"Hey, doesn't it bother you?"
The mood changes quite drastically as her words turn serious, looking at her empty bowl made it all the more compelling to listen to her.
"About what?"
"Not having a name, or anything to remember. Doesn't it make you sad?"
I found myself at a loss. I've already answered these questions as many times as I thought needed, but she asked me something that I had forgotten to do ever since I got slightly accustomed to this new life.
"Well, it's sad really, but there's nothing I can do about it. If you think hard enough, you'll realize that no matter what you do, you'll never get something labeled the impossible. So I decided to start anew..."
"Is that so? What a resolute man you are."
"That doesn't mean that I've given up searching for any way to know who I am."
I stared at the sky that is at its zenith, shining brightly, unimpeded by clouds drifting past it.
She stood up, taking the empty bowl from my hands and giving them to the shopkeeper.
"Come, there's no use being down all of a sudden. I'll show you something."
She pulled on my wrist one more, her speed is truly impeccable.
We seemed to be headed to the gates, those of which looked sturdy enough to survive a barrage of attacks.
Coming face to face with a dark entrance leading up the ramparts, she parted with me, heading up first.
Her voice echoed as she disappeared within the dark entrance.
"Hurry up, it'll be gone soon!"
I decided to quicken my pace, thinking of what she might have in store for me.
As I reached the very top, a bright flash of light enveloped me, blinding my eyes for a split second. The sun was indeed setting, and its gleam was turning a soft orange hue.
When my vision came back clearly, I looked left and right, seeing only the open fields beyond the gate, those of which the lush greenery is starting to recover as well.
I turned to my left, seeing Evelyn playfully waving with her slender arms against the light that bounces off from her somehow.
I sprint towards her, and she keeps running towards another section of the rampart, one that seems to go around, and behind the town itself.
As I turned the corner, I saw Evelyn who’s already stopped in her tracks, looking at the scenery in front of her.
Closing the gap between us, coming within inches of her, I stared at her face, looking tranquil and at peace.
At this sight you couldn't have even told that she was someone who held great power in her hands, yet she looked like an ordinary maiden, which she was in my eyes.
She felt my stare, turning to me with a frown, slightly blushing, or it might have been my imagination.
"Hey, I'm not the one you should be staring at that."
Pointing it out, I focused my gaze at the beautiful view that stood in front of us.
It was a mountain of wilderness that held an air of sanctity with it, and behind that was the setting sun, a view that instantly made my heart feel rather sad.
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"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
I couldn't help but nod, agreeing fully with her statement.
"I discovered this spot a few days from when I was a newly appointed Zalphion of Ryuviel. Admittedly, having this sight alone makes it worthwhile being here."
Her smile seemed lonely, sad, saying more emotions that I could identify.
"When I'm here. I'm at peace. Every worry that I have disappears, but when I leave, they all come crawling back. It's kind of frustrating, you know?"
I didn't reply, more like I couldn’t. It gave a feeling that the best thing to do here is listen.
"It's like I never want to leave, not like I haven't tried it. Disappointingly the view changes, and all that's left is the lonely darkness, and the moon in the solitary sky."
Evelyn began to laugh, but it seemed to be directed to herself.
"I've thought about it for a long time after I've began taking lives. What if I wasn't chosen to be a Zalphion, and I could have lived my life peacefully, not having to worry when there'll be someone out for my life. Never needing to worry whose life I'll be taking next, all for the peace of the country..."
"Evelyn..."
All that I could muster was saying her name.
I never thought she had to deal with something like this, nor did I anticipate her showing me this side of her.
"Oh, did I dampen the mood? Sorry about that, ahaha, there's just some times that I need to loosen up a bit. I'm sorry for dragging you in to this..."
"... No, that's alright. It was pretty worthwhile for me, plus I got to see this side of you, which I doubt you've shown anyone else. I think that it makes me special in a way because of this moment. When everything seems fleeting, all you have to do is hold on to what you have, and don't let go, I guess. Haha."
I thought optimistically, thinking that these moments are there, but they do come and go, that applies with Evelyn as well. Those were my most sincere words, and the only words that I could have thought of saying.
She smiles at my remark, then starts laughing, holding her stomach as if having heard something hilarious.
"I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself. Who knew you had a way with words. But, thank you. No one's ever told me what you've said."
Her eyes look downward, masking her face as her long dark hair covers it.
(You really are one of a kind.)
"Did you say something, Evelyn?"
"Ah, no, it might have been your imagination. Let's head back, shall we? I think our time of enjoyment is done for today."
"Yeah, let's go."
We started walking, our boots echo on the rampart's stone flooring.
Evelyn then halts, then faces me with a bright smile.
"I have an idea!"
"Oh, what's that?"
"Since you have no name, I'll give you one."
"Me? Are you sure? I don't mind if you will. Beats having no name at all."
"'I've thought about it a few days after you came, then thought about it some more as well trained. From now on, your name with be Heinrich!"
"... Heinrich? Me? I don't think that's suitable in any way. Plus, there's already another Heinrich, one that's far better than I am."
"That's for me to decide. Besides, who says that you can't accomplish as much. You've given me the privilege, now it's time for you to live up to it, right, Heinrich? I know that you'll be someone amazing, I can feel it!"
"I guess you're right. Very well then. I'll treasure this name forever. Thank you... Evelyn."
Brought about by the sincerity of her heart, my emotions spill forth, giving her a thank you that would top all the others.
-
As they began their walk back, the sun had faded, and the darkness accompanied by the moon, came.
The town itself had gone into silence, but the inns were an exception.
Most have already left for their homes, some of which are newly repaired.
With that done, the guards were in a normal state, doing their primary objective of focusing on guarding the town.
The two walked side by side, one brims with energy while the other is exhausted.
The clear silence is broken as a large bell rings from behind them, the golden signal bell that is hung on a rampart's tower, whose sole purpose is to alert those of an emergency, or an attack.
As one bell rang, so did the others, circulating an emergency that woke the town.
The garrison on the ramparts hurriedly readied their arms, igniting the torches that acted as a signal and a way to light their arrows.
As Evelyn heard this, her expression changed from the one she possessed earlier, turning serious with a snap of a finger.
"Head to the palace! There's no time to waste."
She runs, leaving Heinrich in the dust.
The youth followed along, but it seems that she told him beforehand because she was needed there, and her absence would only cause the atmosphere to turn worse.
In these kinds of emergencies, which were not often, the only thing he could do was follow his superior's directions.
He arrived to the site of the place where a messenger brought the news as to what this is all about.
various people were there, including Emilia and Evelyn, who stood on the forefront of the table.
The atmosphere was unbearable. They stood at odds with such an unusual enemy, one that came so suddenly.
They had just finished most of the repairs, but now there are more out there who will threaten the peace of this town.
"Report, what is the situation?"
She spoke in a stern voice, one that could have even rivaled Emilia's.
"There were bandits seen fast approaching the town. Some were on foot which some rode horses. They total to seven thousand in all!"
The messenger spoke with a distinguished voice, conveying the message completely. His report had caused a small uproar to take place within the ranks of captains, commanders, and other right hand men.
Evelyn then crossed her arms, looking at everyone present with a composed air.
"General Emilia, you are to act as the ground platoon commander. But before that, I want you to strengthen the rampart defenses and have archers stationed. Assign two captains and their platoons to divide and secure the townspeople. Tell them to wait for further orders after that. If you have finished, form your ranks and march on this line."
After pointing out the directions, Emilia scurried off, speaking with some men whom she deemed worthy to carry out the mission given.
Next, I want every platoon commander of my troops to be present and ready to move out. We'll hold our ground a few meters away from the town, then charge through them after they collide with us."
She points to a certain part of the map, which lies in front of them on a large table.
"Next, I want cavalry commanders on standby. And I need a fast messenger that will be able to relay the messages I have for each platoon."
One man raised his hand, wearing a leather armor, and a face that says 'I was born to do this'.
"I will command the five hundred cavalry troops. Meet me at the gates with an available horse, ready and waiting. General Emilia will lead the platoon of three thousand, and that they will hold their ground. The plan is simple. Dwindle their numbers after their first strike. Once they collide with the vanguard, we'll strike them on their flanks and hail them down with arrows. Dismissed!"
The various commanders ran to their respective duties, having no questions on their minds, or doubts. It had left only Heinrich, the messenger and Evelyn, who is readying her armaments, armors, and other necessities.
The new Heinrich was simply amazed at how she handled the situation with exemplary professionalism, showing that she truly is the Zalphion, in a mental perspective, but more so in a physical perspective.
"What about me, Evelyn? What do I do?"
"You stay with the city garrison. Your objective is to cooperate with any commanders of your choice, and follow their instructions."
He knew what to do, but something felt missing, and it was foolish not to go with it to battle.
"Do I get any weapons or armor?"
"Report to the barracks, they'll give you some. I know that you've become quite friendly with most of the men, so you'll be just fine. Just be careful in case."
"You too, Evelyn."
"Of course."
she said so with a smile, then returning to her original duties.
He left, hearing her instructions loud and clear.
In truth, he would have wanted to join Evelyn with the cavalry, but he knew nothing about riding horses.
He thought that with his current training, he'd be the most useful either with the garrison, or with the intercepting troops in the vanguard.
Well trained and proficient in any weapon, but he wasn't arrogant enough to do something that he couldn't all for the sake of pride.
He proceeded to the barracks thinking about how both of his teachers, and how they would fare against such odds.
He believed in them. That was no lie, but it's a whole other level to worry about them.
Knowing what their capabilities are, he still thought about them.
"I'll do my part so that their burdens will be lessened."
There was a strange glow in his eyes, one that could have done any role and succeeded, but not without repercussions.
The resolve within him to strive and do something for others was strong, and it continued to grow with each passing day.
"I see you're wearing some gear. Are you going with us?"
Lucas surprised him, riding on a brown steed, fitted with armor and weapons.
"No, unfortunately. I'll just get in the way. I figured I'll be much more useful inside the town. I do know it by know."
"You've got a point. Well, then wish me luck."
"I know you'll come back. I know you will. You're not the kind to go down easily."
"Against bandits? Of course. I still need to spend time with the one I love, so I won't just leave this place."
There were others who had mounted horses, and they began to leave in order.
"Well, that's my cue. I'll see you later!"
Lucas rode down the streets towards their position, towards where their Zalphion was positioned to charge and break their enemies' morale.
He decided to find himself someone to help out. A commander who seems capable and in need would be a start.
He knew that the people themselves were worried that what happened in the past might repeat, so his resolve was so that they would not have to worry about such a thing.
"With this training, I'm confident. I can't lose!"
-
Breathe in, breathe out. It's just another battle. And we'll win at all cost!
"Are you all ready?"
Her response was met with a cheerful roar of men who held their spears up high, setting of a spectacle that raised the morale of the people around them.
They stood under the arch where the ramparts are located above.
The forward intercepts were ready and waiting, and all that was left was to position herself strategically.
Before all that could start, she had to dismiss her worry for Emilia, who led the vanguard.
She was used to having her fighting alongside each other as they always have, but his vanguard general was occupied at the moment, and would take a while before he could return.
But, needless to say that each of her generals were proficient and capable in any position given to them.
"Alright, now's not the time for doubts."
She murmured to herself.
"Listen everyone. We will protect this town at the very cost of our lives no matter what it takes. Give it your all!"
They shouted in unison. With their Zalphion at the helm, they were not worries about losing, even if it is five hundred against seven thousand.
"Raise the banner of Ryuviel and the flag of Barda!"
The two flags are raised, one that had an image of a rose representing Ryuviel, and another that had an image reminiscent of a lion, representing Barda, their country.
She turned to face her men, wearing her battle gear of a blue light armor and a short skirt, giving her an edge when it came to agility in attacking, despite it being rather revealing.
Her dark hair rebounded the light the moon shined upon it, casting her beauty as a maiden in the battlefield.
"Follow me and you need not fear the outcome of this battle! Come!"
She pulls on the reigns of her horse as she raised her Zalheim of a sword -- the common name of their divine weapons -- bringing it up high as it makes a sound, then finally leading the charge of five hundred strong horsemen.
(Give me strength, Aryelle. We shall conquer this trial together!)
The battle is staged just a few miles from the town, a lush, flat, green field envelops the land, no obscurities whatsoever, but in range for archers to be able to make their mark.
On that very line the vanguard stood, and inspecting the front lines on a brown horse is Emilia, wearing a full set of blue armor and a helmet, her sword is sheathed by her waist.
The flag of the town and the country stands tall, but the visibility is terrible that they could not help but lose sight of it.
Everyone knew the consequences of fighting in the dark, but they could not bring themselves to let the enemy near the town, especially because of their vast numbers.
They were three thousand strong, and they had five hundred backing them up, totaling to three thousand five hundred. The rest remained as reserves or defense, but the odds were clearly stacked against them.
Her demeanor did not change however. She was confident not only in herself, but in her men, whom she has instilled a certain strength of morale with her words.
Much of her remaining faith lay in Evelyn, and her ability as a Zalphion.
The sound of an organized marching army caught them off guard.
They thought that a group of simple minded bandits would just come barging in an organized manner, but she saw wrong.
What the leader of the vanguard saw was that of an army marching with order and unison, not one that indicated that they were a band of misfits.
Her mind immediately took action.
"Messenger! I need a messenger!"
She called out loudly, but not hindering the focus of the men as they simply thought that there was nothing to be worried about.
One man galloped from behind, emerging to the general's side.
"Relay this message to the lord, quickly. Tell them that the army marches orderly, as if an organized army."
With that, the man went on his way.
Emilia thought of this as unusual.
If they were going to battle against someone who truly intends to defeat them, then their chances at a putting casualties at a minimum would be at risk.
To have a Zalphion in your army means a default victory, but that is not the same this time around.
If their strategists are exceptional, then there might be a problem that will pose a threat to the Zalphion, and the only way to counter that is to communicate and produce another plan that may rival theirs’s.
After a few more minutes of marching, the image of the advancing army can be seen from an opposite distance.
An armored knight wearing dark armor upon a dark horse rode back and forth, preparing his army.
"Is he the general?"
Emilia asked herself.
Indeed, it was the main army where seven thousand men lay; their cavalry leading the front while their footmen stood behind the initial chargers.
The dark knight unsheathed his sword, his horse faces front, indicating that the battle will start at any second from now.
"Men, at the ready! Raise your shields and prepare your spears. The enemy will advance soon! Platoon commanders be ready to take charge when I give the signal."
She commanded her army, in turn, they steeled themselves, firmly planting themselves in place.
They formed a standard, single line of defense, one that would protect their flanks as much as possible due to them being outnumbered when it came to cavalry troops.
The man in the center brought down his sword that gleamed under the moonlight, directing it towards the army.
They began to march.
Emilia initiated the plan as the cogs spun.
"Commanders, about face and march twenty paces, then reform the standard line, ten platoons across, the rest will serve as reserve, only five paces away from the main vanguard!"
At her behest, the army started marching.
They knew that this would be the plan, but to reform and suddenly stand firm against an army that had gained momentum in charging was simply reckless, but they had to put them in range, then all would be set.
There she stood, hidden at the darkness of night on a plain overlooking the advancing enemy army, seeing clearly due to the power bestowed upon her by Aryelle, her Zalheim.
"Oh, isn't this interesting."
As she surveyed some more, the messenger arrives with the word that Emilia had said, confirming her doubts.
The vanguard that Emilia commanded also began to move, meaning that everything had begun.
"Good work. Return to the general and inform her that the plan is in motion."
"Understood!"
Silence fell, but her mind had chaos inside of it.
Many of her thoughts were conflicted since she thought about using the town's walls as defense, and wear down the enemy with bows and arrows.
But, it wouldn't sit right with her, especially after the previous attack with garnered high casualties, including the civilians.
"Come, let us move. We'll strike em down at the right time."
Their hooves began to move silently through the night, being careful as to not take the attention of the occupied army.
The battle began, the army of Ryuviel had reformed its ranks and hurriedly, stood on the defense.
From the ramparts, there stood archers who were ready to fire.
They had extinguished the large torches, serving as a surprise attack.
Once they arrived well within striking distance, the garrison of soldiers lit the torches, revealing their position.
The advancing enemy army stood surprised as their army slowed their pace, seeing torches lit up.
"Fire at will!"
The command was given, and the arches burned the tip of their bows, firing at the distraught enemy, taking ranks of them down.
From the enemy's side, the general at the front was not alarmed, he seemed to know what to do, level headed and calm as his voice reached even the defending army's.
"Raise your shields, last out the enemy volley, then prepare for a charge!"
They did as they were told, raising their shields that took much of the damage.
"Ceasefire!"
The archers halted, and the rampart commander's voice was heard by the front line commander.
"Charge at the enemy!"
She drew her sword, pointing it at the enemy, leading to a counter charge.
The ground shook slightly as the multitudes of men began marching in unison, then shifting into a run with their spears lowering at the distance.
Their spears impaled the enemy cavalry, the first line of attack, skewering their horses and riders.
Without the momentum, the cavalry at the front had been devastated, and the wails of the men whose lives are being taken at every second could be heard within the walls of the town.
The people anxiously awaiting the results stood inside the rebuilt chapel, praying to their savior, Heinrich, to save them from this strife.
Words had gotten out about the overall state and numbers of the enemy, but their fears grew even more when they heard the loud shouting of the enemy near the walls of their town.
"What's happening outside, grandma?"
"I don't know, my child. Just sleep for now. I shall wake you when all of this has subsided. Have faith in our Zalphion, for she is one of a kind."
Those who could help each other, tried their best in keeping control of the atmosphere, trying to not make it as worse as it already is.
In and out of the chapel, and in many other parts of the town, there were soldiers positioned to maintain security, even if they are already stretched thin.
-
"I can't believe it's happening again. It hasn't been a month even."
I could not help but worry at the state of the people outside.
I didn't fear as much since I am confident in what I’ve been taught, but all around me are people who've huddled in fear, knowing full well how strife can change things, and people.
I could do nothing but comfort them with words.
As I thought to myself, I began to feel a tug on my arm.
I looked down to see a twin pair of brother and sister, who holds his brothers hand as she hides behind him. They seemed to be at the very least seven to eight years old?
The boy spoke with a stuttering voice.
"U-uhm, will we be okay? I, heard f-from the soldiers that there were a lot of them out there."
He felt terrified as he shivered, trying to remain strong in front of his sister, who also shivers in fear.
I knelt down, placing my hand on the boy and girls' head, ruffling them gently as I returned a smile to ease their uneasiness.
"Don't worry, if they ever come here, I'll protect you two."
"R-really? You mean it?"
"Of course I mean it. Everyone out there's fighting hard, so there's no reason for me not to."
They both seemed to regain their composure as they breathe a sigh of relief in unison.
Before I could rise to my feet, I could hear a voice behind me.
"Jonathan, Alice! Where are you?"
The two of them seemed to respond to the names, and I responded to the voice.
"Ah, it's big sis Layla!"
They both ran towards her, and I found myself looking at a familiar face, specifically the girlfriend of a friend of mine named Lucas.
"Oh, if it isn't Layla. What brings you here?"
She wore a smile and her casual dress, one of a brown long skirt, and a clean white frilled top.
"Oh well if it isn't... Uhmm, I seem to have not grown accustomed to it, but what should I call you? I don't think I can settle with saying you, or him."
"Is that so? You could have just told me, haha. I have a name now, or rather, I was given one. You can call me Heinrich."
I felt proud of the name I was given. Even though I did not share a relation with the old Heinrich himself, his name brought weight with it, and now, I carried that same name.
"My, what a grand name. You do look like Heinrich himself if he were a few years younger."
She giggled in a cutesy manner, comparing me with the golden image of old Heinrich on the chapel.
Layla continued with my previous question.
"I came here searching for these two. We were all at the chapel, but they disappeared when I took my eyes off them. I was really worried."
"I'm really sorry about that, big sis. I didn't mean to worry you."
The young boy whose name I heard to be Jonathan, replies with tears in his eyes, nearly bursting into tears.
She gently patted their hands with a touch of maternal love, calming them almost instantly, as if with magic.
"As long as you both understand."
The cries of war outside became louder and louder, meaning that the clash must have reached its climax.
"Layla, please head on back in the chapel. We'll do our best and keep you all safe."
She returns a curt nod with a hint of seriousness, meaning that she felt the same atmosphere, and heads back to the chapel.
But before they could disappear in the distance, Jonathan and Alice waves back with words of encouragement.
"Thank you! Please keep your promise, alright?"
I mimicked them, smiling to myself as joy fills my body.
It feels rather great to have someone depend on you.
"Charge!"
The Zalphion lead the charge from their right flank as the armies clashed.
Their plan of attack was to graze the flanks, then retreat, repeating the process until the enemy can reform their ranks, or even try to counter.
Evelyn, slightly covered in the blood of her enemies, surveys the area, trying to find and break the chain of command, however, the vast number of men still standing to fight made it difficult to pinpoint anyone.
She could have used her power, but it only warrants itself against those who deserve it, and cannot be used casually.
There was a limit, but one that could be surpassed with a certain requirement.
She decided not to dwell on it since her charge and army where holding quite well.
The archers have resumed their volleys, aiming for the back of the army, while the vanguard holds steady, clashing and dwindling the numbers of the bandits, some of which have experienced fighters in some cases.
"But still, the casualties are already high, and is still rising."
The seven thousand men became four thousand, and her three thousand became two thousand and five hundred, which was more than she could have ever hoped for.
They would not be able to hold on longer if this kept up.
"Keep fighting. Get ready for another charge!"
She readied her men, seemingly exhausted, but she was not, for Zalphions were given superhuman stamina in which they can fight longer than any warrior.
A distance away, an army of horsemen numbering to a thousand, passed by the riverbank, and onto the borders of Ryuviel, their town.
They could hear shouting, one which did not mean of a celebration, rather it was a war cry.
"Tch, just what happened while I was away?"
A large well build man wearing dark and gold armor came riding on a strong looking steed of a dark color.
His short dark hair hid itself in the darkness, masking his large frame, and his men that stood behind him, all men who have become veterans due to their great feats in their campaign.
They carried a banner that had an image of the shield of aegis woven on it, one that was colored gold and white.
"Hey, you fools! Ready your weapons and get ready to charge!"
His gruff voice echoed within his ranks, making it rather clear who's in charge.
His men replied in a distinguished manner, one that gave off an aura of great stability within his army.
"Do you hear that screaming in the distance? Be quiet and listen... Those are the shouts of our brethren fighting for their lives! Get ready to trample those who dare take over our town and threaten our brothers and sisters!"
Their voices echoed again, rivaling those of the four thousand men clashing with the defenders and Ryuviel.
He took a deep breath in, then exhaled, taking a large sword from his back, swinging it a few times before uttering the words of carnage and destruction.
"Charge!"