Two weeks had passed since the Banner of the Claw captured Fort Sugan. Arlan had continued to interdict all of the Sworan supply lines with Fort Sugan as his base of operation. The Banner of the Claw never had to resupply themselves as they were able to use the ones they looted.

The Sworan map that Roderic had found was copied over and sent to Duke Louis who was leading the Midland Northern Army. This map was crucial as well in turning the tides. The Sworan Main Army was now on its final leg as the Midland Northern Army wiped out all the known Sworan positions leading up to Rinhaven where the Sworan Main Army retreated to.

The Banner of the Claw's achievements and presence could be felt by both the enemy and allies. The young lion was able to act independently as a King's Blade. Arlan led his banner into skirmishes that other Midland Banners were struggling to maintain. This relieved a large amount of pressure across the frontlines. This also opened many routes to and from Fort Sugan back down to Galdo City.

While returning from a skirmish, the young lion noticed that they had received an enormous resupply. It was from the Eastvale Trade Company. Arlan had requested that Jovann send them upgraded weapons and armor for the entirety of his banner. He knew that they were going to be assisting in the siege of Rinhaven. So Arlan requested brand new steel full plate for his vanguard and steel cuirass for his hatchets. Everyone's weapons were beginning to dull so he figured it was time to replenish them with brand new weapons.

There were crates with fresh food from Galdo City, letters from loved ones, and a crate filled with red cloaks. Arlan had figured it was time that they returned to wearing red cloaks since they didn't need to hide themselves as much.

That night, Arlan held a feast for his men in the courtyard of Fort Sugan. It was a much needed night of celebration before their next move. The young lion had deemed the area safe enough since the frontlines had shifted far beyond their fort. An enemy attack was next to impossible without Arlan knowing.

Arlan stood on a large crate and spoke to the rest of his Banner, "I'd like to thank all of you for your hard work these past two weeks. You've all done a great job. This night is for you all."

JD added, "And thank you, Captain. For leading us through such heavy fighting while minimizing our losses."

Roderic raised a toast and yelled, "To Arlan and the Banner of the Claw!"

Everyone raised their glasses and cheered. There were cheers, laughs, and even some tears shed throughout the night. Arlan had created an atmosphere that was both fun and lighthearted. It was a rare occasion that Arlan was able to relax with his friends and feel comfortable around them. It was a table with his officers, his retainers, Fiala, Yanie, and Mahari.

The young lion sat down with his friends and said, "We earned this."

"It feels good to be appreciated," acknowledged Marie.

Dimitri added, "We've always appreciated you Marie. You just don't notice it."

"I'll burn you to a crisp," responded Marie with a smile as a fireball manifested in her palm.

"Marie!" cried Dimitri as he stumbled from his chair, "I jest, I jest!"

Everyone let out a laugh as they haven't had a chance to relax since their incursion into Sworan territory.

Roderic added, "I'm surprised you all work so well together for being so young. Everytime youngin's try to prove themselves, they end up either killed or transferred."

"I'm surprised you accepted us as comrades," replied Lem, "With your experience and age, you took Arlan."

"Aye," stated Roderic as he got up and put his arm around Arlan, "Our Captain isn't like the pretty boys from the capital. He's a pretty boy that can kill, is competent with war and is fucking strong."

The young lion smiled and answered, "Thanks Roderic, but I'm still young by your standards. It's not easy being young and being an officer but I will continue to push us to our limits."

"You won't," said Roderic, "Now let's drink! I've been waiting for this moment."

The young lion and his friends raised their tankards to each other as they drank to their success.

As Roderic returned to his seat, Yanie took the seat next to Arlan and bombarded him with questions. She was curious about his marriage to Princess Emmeline. The elf wanted to see if she could shoot her shot. Her interest in him had always been present since the day they met and it was the first time she had been around the young lion with alcohol. Arlan knew what she was up to.

“How do you know about me marrying the princess?" asked Arlan.

"The whole kingdom was talking about it," answered Yanie, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I didn't want to talk about it until a date has been set in stone," replied Arlan.

"So you mean... you may not be married yet?" inquired Yanie.

"Yes, that's right," answered Arlan.

The young lion noticed that there was a lot of tension between them that he hadn't seen before. Arlan's eyes widened when he realized that she may have feelings for him.

He asked, "Are you okay?"

Yanie turned red and answered, "Yeah... Yeah, I'm fine."

The young lion didn't feel the same way toward the elf but he didn't know how to shut her down.

Yanie turned her red face back and asked, "So if you're not married yet... Will you share a bed with me tonight?"

Everyone gasped and a few spit their drink out. It was an incredibly forward question. The young lion couldn't reciprocate but his mind thought of the scene for a few seconds but quickly pushed it out with thoughts of Princess Emmeline. While it was normal for nobility and kings to accept concubines or take on second wives. Arlan hailed from Terra where it wasn't the norm.

"I don't I should," answered Arlan as he pulled away from Yanie. She continued to press her face closer. It was clear she was already drunk.

"Why not?" asked Yanie, "Is it because I'm an ugly elf?"

Arlan quickly answered, "No, you're quite the beautiful woman. I just don't feel the same way,"

Before Yanie could lean in further into Arlan's personal space, She was quickly jerked back by Fiala who had decided Yanie had enough.

"Come on Yanie," exclaimed Fiala as she put her friend over her shoulder, "I think it's time for you to go to bed."

Fiala winked at Arlan like a "I got you" type of gesture while she took her friend to the keep. The young lion continued on and shared his drink with Lem, Dimitri, and Erin. He praised them for their ability to quickly grow into his expectations. Marie was laughing and shouting with Mahari and Roderic as they started an arm wrestling contest. It was an interesting watch since Arlan was curious about the strength of a lizard beastmen versus a human.

There was something off though... Arlan finally realized JD and Chrysta weren't at the table anymore and the young lion uttered under his breath, "Well I figured it was anytime now."

Out on the southern rampart, Chrysta and JD were sitting on the battlements next to each other while laughing and talking about their glory days. While Chrysta had always thought of JD as a brother and at one point was crushing for Arlan, she realized that it wasn't what her heart felt. Her heart had always longed for JD. Except that JD was a bit more dense with the subject of romance. He wasn't as experienced as Arlan was.

"I thought you would just become another meathead," admitted Chrysta as she blushed, "But you've grown so much. You've really matured into someone that I can look up to."

JD was surprised and replied, "Chrysta..."

She leaned in close and whispered in his ear, "I've never felt so comfortable with anyone. Thank you for everything. Let's just stay like this."

The Tempest Knight simply accepted the Coldheart's feelings. He had always adored Chrysta from the orphanage days. He could feel those same feelings emerge as she leaned her head on his. "I've always liked you and I never really thought you’d ever look my way," stated JD, "I became a knight because I dreamed of one day becoming your knight-in-shining armor."

Chrysta’s heart was overjoyed to hear her feelings reciprocated, "I'm sorry I never noticed you. It was when you showed up to Galmora as a Knight that I realized how you've always been amazing. You kept us all positive and were always there for us, even before Arlan arrived. Jan Derva, I see you. Promise me that you'll be there when I need you?"

"I promise."

The two shared their first kiss and embraced each other. It was a quiet moment of bliss and intimacy for the two. They were both overwhelmed and embarrassed by the situation. But they were finally able to express themselves freely.

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As they parted, the two lovers looked towards the courtyard and saw their friends enjoying the celebration. It was then that they heard footsteps approaching them from behind. The two turned around to see Yanie and Fiala walking up the stairs. Yanie stopped and smiled, "Oh what's this? I've been waiting for this to finally happen."

"Yeah... I guess," replied JD as he blushed.

"I'm glad you two finally opened up to each other," admitted Yanie slyly.

Fiala added, "It's been hard watching you two steal glances at one another when the other isn’t looking."

"Okay! Let’s go back now!” blurted Chrysta as she grabbed JD by the arm and led him away. Yanie and Fiala giggled at the young couple.

Back down at the courtyard, the festivities continued. The entire Banner of the Claw was drinking, eating, and celebrating. Everyone was having a good time. It was their first real breather since their incursion into Sworan territory. Arlan thought it was much needed. They’ve been under heavy stress for the last three months with the constant skirmishes and harsh environments. Now that it was all over, the Banner of the Claw could finally enjoy themselves.

The young lion was making his rounds to check on his men. He made sure everyone was doing alright and that no one was getting too drunk. He felt content that his men were finally smiling once more.

As he walked through the courtyard, he saw a brown hooded figure leaning against the stonewall adjacent to the South Gate. It was an Umbra. The young lion walked up and uttered, “Nightingale, what is it?”

“Mi’lord, apologies for the unannounced visit,” reported Nightingale the Umbra, “I bring news of a Sworan movement that was not anticipated.”

“If you're delivering the news yourself then I assume it is grave,” stated Arlan. Nightingale was the appointed commander of the Umbras.

“They’ve reinforced Rinhaven with an additional three-thousand soldiers led by an Archmage.”

“Has my father dispatched a messenger with orders to rally?”

“Yes, the messenger will arrive in a few hours. The request is for the Banner of the Claw to join the Midland Northern Army in capturing Rinhaven.”

Arlan turned to look at his men celebrating the night away. He saw JD and Chrysta being awfully close together which made him smile. Roderic and Mahari were still exchanging punches to assert their strength. The young lion chuckled and looked over to see Lem and Dimitri forcing Erin to drink more beer. Something pierced his mood when he knew that this night would be cut shorter than he expected.

Nightingale walked by herself next to Arlan and asked, “Your orders?”

“Activate the Panthers. Get inside Rinhaven and sabotage all gates so they stay open when I arrive. Tell Jovann what you’ll need and to procure it immediately.”

“By your command,” answered Nightingale as she bowed and disappeared up and over Fort Sugan’s battlements.

The Umbra was surprised that her unit had finally been called upon since the formation of the Umbras. Nightingale and the three of the top Umbras formed a special unit called the Panthers. They were the best agents that the Eastvale Trade Company had ever produced.

They’ve accomplished numerous assignments by themselves. From recon deep in enemy lines to assassination and sabotage. They were all third-tier white-cores except Nightingale who was a fourth-tier red-core herself. This would be their first mission given to them by Arlan. She knew she couldn’t disappoint him.

The next morning, a small Midland Banner of two-hundred soldiers had arrived with a messenger. Duke Louis knew that if Arlan were to leave Fort Sugan, he would have to send a temporary garrison force. The Lion’s Claw knew how pivotal Arlan and his Banner of the Claw would be for the Rinhaven siege.

The young lion predicted that if they had taken over Rinhaven, then the Sworan General would have no choice but to surrender unconditionally. There would be no one to stop the Northern Midland Army from taking the Sworan capital if Rinhaven fell.

After a short breakfast, the Banner of the Claw was preparing to depart and meet with the Northern Midland Army in the plains south of Rinhaven. JD and Erin were directing logistics while the rest of the leadership prepped their men at the courtyard. Arlan took one good look at the command room and left for the same courtyard. It was a short stay but Fort Sugan had served its purpose. As the young lion arrived at the front of his banner, he simply shouted, “Banner of the Claw, move out!”

The southern gate opened and Arlan marched out along with the rest of his soldiers. The weather was kind to them that morning by blessing them with a warm cloudless sky.

Normally, Arlan would have them march in silence but the frontlines had been pushed beyond Fort Sugan. Umbras were also moving parallel with the Banner of the Claw as sentries and recon escorting their main unit. They were readied by Nightingale so the moment the Banner of the Claw left Fort Sugan, the Umbras would easily move along with them.

After three hours of marching, the Banner of the Claw arrived at the plains south of Rinhaven. It was just noon when they caught sight of the massive Midland Army Camp. As they got closer, a small unit of knights approached Arlan and his troops.

“M’lord, I must request that you identify yourself and your unit,” stated the senior Midland knight.

“Baron Arlan Reeve, King’s Blade and Captain of the Banner of the Claw,” answered the young lion.

The knights all immediately saluted and the senior knight apologized, “Excuse our ignorance, we were not expecting you. Please continue, Duke Louis is in the center council tent.”

The Banner of the Claw continued onward. It was practically a tent city. The Midland Northern Army was a combined force of both Midland’s Northwestern Corp and Northeastern Corp that numbered at fifty-thousand strong. But only thirty-five thousand had been gathered here as the other fifteen-thousand were spread across different areas and frontlines. Duke Louis naturally took command of the combined army.

A high-ranked noble approached Arlan with a quill and parchment. He was the Head Quartermaster of the Northern Army. He assigned the Banner of the Claw a section that they were able to stay at. Logistics regarding large armies is always an important task. After fifteen minutes of formalities, Arlan excused himself from his retinue and went to see his father.

The young lion finally approached a large tent in the center that served as both the council room and Duke Louis’ personal area. Outside were two familiar guards who recognized Arlan and his black steel armor. They naturally saluted and gave Arlan the approval to enter.

Right as Arlan stepped through, Duke Louis charged at his adopted son with joy and while still in his mithril armor. Two massive arms wrapped around the young lion as he was lifted up. “My boy! It’s so good to see you!”

“It is good to see you as well, father,” stated Arlan as he returned the affection, “I’ve come to assist in the attack on Rinhaven and I bring grave news.”

A concerned look appeared on Duke Louis as he let his son down and asked, “What is it my boy? We have the Sworan on the run, it is the hour of our victory, is it not?”

“It is still our hour of victory but if we’re not careful, the entire northern army can be routed.”

“I see, what have you come across that makes you so stiff?”

“Last night, my Umbras reported that they’ve reinforced Rinhaven with an additional three-thousand soldiers. They are led by an Archmage.”

Duke Louis' face went from joyous to serious. Right as he was about to speak, Count Emile and Count Daxton entered from behind Arlan. The young lion immediately saluted his two uncles. “Arlan!” yelled both uncles as they ran over to embrace their adopted nephew.

“It's been awhile, Uncle Emile and Uncle Daxton,” said Arlan as he received their arms as well, “I’m happy to see you’re both well.”

“Well if it weren’t for your efforts, we would be in a much worse position,” stated Count Daxton, “Your attacks on the Sworan supply lines have allowed us to take a much more passive attack on the enemy.”

Count Emile added, “He’s right, we’ve been able to avoid major battles by stalling the enemy until they’ve run out of supplies. They’d either retreat or surrender.”

“I’m extremely grateful you’ve been able to capitalize on my efforts. The preservation of our soldiers is important. Even after we’ve claimed victory against the Swora, we still have the rebels to the south to deal with,” replied Arlan as he walked over to the table that housed the map.

Duke Louis, Count Emile, and Count Daxton followed over as well.

“With the map you turned in,” said Count Daxton with folded arms, “My banner was able to eliminate all major forces along the east and Count Emile mopped up any enemy forces between Fort Sugan and here. Victory simply lies at Rinhaven.”

“Agreed,” stated Duke Louis, “But Arlan here has informed me that Rinhaven has been reinforced by an additional three-thousand soldiers and an Archmage-”

“Archmage?!” cried out both uncles.

Arlan reassured them, “Yes but we still hold the upper hand. We just need to tread carefully. I’ve also sent my own agents into Rinhaven to have all the gates opened when we arrive. We have a sure route in but the Archmage is dangerous. That’s not to assume that the Sworan Main Army likely has at least twenty other Aspirants with them. They will prove extremely difficult on all fronts.”

“Are you sure you’re only sixteen?” Asked Count Daxton who was still impressed at Arlan’s abilities.

Count Emile added, “Arlan, the gates will open tomorrow during our siege at the break of dawn?”

“Yes, I have sent my strongest Umbras. They’re reliable. They’ll get it done,” answered Arlan.

Before another word could be said, Lord Commander Jermaine entered with an entourage of other officers and nobles that made up the echelons of the Midland Northern Army.

“Let us begin our council regarding tomorrow’s siege. Everyone take your seat,” stated Duke Louis.

Lord Commander Jermaine nodded at Arlan and gave him a head-pat. Arlan had never really interacted much with his father’s right-hand man but with all of his accolades, the young lion definitely earned the respect of the stoic warrior.

After an hour, the council had adjourned. Arlan was leaving the tent when Count Emile asked him, “Arlan, how is Roderic?”

“Roderic is just as well as before and has shown that his age hasn’t slowed him down.”

“I knew he would be of use to you. He protested being transferred out of my banner until he found out it would be yours.”

“Is that so?”

“The Banner of the Claw’s name and achievements have rang throughout Midland. There aren't many soldiers who wouldn’t transfer to your banner. I’ve heard rumors that the Sworan have even placed bounties on you and your banner.“

A familiar voice rang out from the side, “Aye, I’ve seen the bounties personally.”

It was Commander Ragnar.

“It's been awhile, young lion. I hear you are now the King’s Blade,” said Commander Ragnar as he came from the tent.

“They let old farts walk around here freely?” Asked Arlan with sarcasm.

“That stings, King’s Blade. I thought you ran from the frontlines when I haven’t seen you around here,” stated Commander Ragnar back.

“It's natural that the elderly can’t see me move about so fast,” Arlan fired back with a smile.

A loud and hearty laugh echoed from the burly man and he shook Arlan’s hand.

Ragnar smiled and said, “It's always good to see the future King of Midland well and killing Sworan scum.”

Count Emile interjected, “Come Ragnar, we need to see the men. You can always catch up with Arlan after we’ve returned to Galdo City.”

Arlan bid them both farewell and felt nostalgic. He had seen so many familiar faces that he had missed from before. It was a warm feeling to know that they were all well and unhurt from battle. His heart still felt a bit empty as he yearned to see others who he hasn’t seen in awhile. He had hoped they were doing alright in Galmora.

Thoughts of Princess Emmeline took over on his short walk back toward his camp. Her scent, her warmth, her lips, and her eyes were all still so vivid.

As he arrived back, he was greeted by his retinue. They were all awaiting the news of the inevitable battle for the next day. The young lion pulled his retinue into his tent and closed the flaps behind him.