The carriage creaked as it went down the road. To take his mind off of the noise Faldrid tried to concentrate on the land that they passed by.

It seemed that they had gotten far enough away from the border, that farmers were no longer afraid of tenebrage raids. On his way to Lucel Faldrid could count on his fingers how many farms he saw, but out here he didn't even bother.

The farm hands waved at the passing procession. The farmers most likely thought they were another caravan heading to Sangai. Faldrid couldn't blame them with all the merchant wagons following them.

Apparently, General Amian had wanted to stop some sort of tenebrage attack in Sangai. Honestly Faldrid wasn't sure what Mortis planned to do in Sangai. The disciple hadn't trusted him with any information, especially something like that for years. Though if he did plan to attack the city and the general stopped that from happening, then Faldrid feared what lay in store for him after this.

Who would kill him? Mortis or the general in front of him.

Faldrid had woken up just moments before and the sight that greeted him was General Amian staring intently at him with a broad grin. In response he had just given a long sigh and looked away from the man.

The general hadn't said a word since then. He just kept on staring. Faldrid tried to think about anything else but him.

Apart from being worn the inside of the carriage they were in was average. The floor was carpeted with a red fabric, which looked to have many stains on it. The benches that the two men sat on were dull and had many carvings on them, likely a result from some lovers' tryst.

General Amian really did leave in a rush if he didn't give whoever took care of the carriage time to properly get it ready for someone of his caliber.

The first thing Faldrid noticed when he woke-other than the general's creepy stare-was the fact that his green cloak was gone.

He didn't know who took it. He doubted it was the general, he had no reason to take it, and besides Faldrid still had the clothes he had on under the thing. It might have been the mayor of Lucel. He had mentioned framing it or something like that. Faldrid hoped that wasn't the case because he doubted he could get the thing back if he wanted to, and Mortis would never give him another one.

Inevitably Faldrid gave in to the man's stare across from him, "Do you have anything you want to say or are you just going to keep grinning stupidly like that."

The general looked as if he was eyeing an exotic animal, "Can you blame me? Do you know how dreadfully bored I've been!? It's taken you forever to wake up. I had a whole day where all I could do was just look at you."

Faldrid suddenly became more uncomfortable, "Well I'm sorry to disappoint"

General Amian waved his hands frantically in the air, "Oh! no you're far from a...well actually you are compared to who I could've sat across from, but I can't really complain about you being across from me. That bastard Mortis's right hand man himself!"

Faldrid couldn't help but smile to himself. He hadn't come in contact with a luxcian soldier, no less a general, since Mortis had put him under Yorburn. Because of that he had no way of knowing what they thought of him as. He couldn't blame General Amian for thinking that. It was close to the truth when he went to Fotos with Morta and Mortis before, all those years ago. Now however, it probably couldn't be further from the truth.

Still he couldn't help but resist the urge to laugh when those words came out of the general’s mouth, especially how confident he was in them.

The general took a swig from a goblet that Faldrid hadn't noticed before, "You waking up before reaching the city actually makes things easier. I have some questions I want to ask you. Even a beast like you should know it would be in your best interest to answer them, don'cha think?

"If you know who I am, then you really can't believe that I'll answer any of those questions..."

"Who's the Hand of Morta?" The general suddenly became more serious than usual, but he still had a bit of his playful tone.

"The Hand?" Faldrid was honestly not expecting that question. He was expecting something more personal related to Mortis, or future Black Crescent plans, but not that.

Thestra's face flew through his mind as Faldrid flew into a fit of laughter.

The general took another sip from his goblet, but when he took it away from his lips, Faldrid's bodies tensed up and was locked in place.

It was as if an immeasurable force was bearing down on him. Faldrid continued to laugh despite this because of the general's reaction. Though shortly after he found that his airway had been slammed shut by the force.

Faldrid's head rang out in pain. Not from the general's direct influence, but a side effect. It is expected to happen when the mind is forced into subjugation and the body is made to do things the owner does not wish to do.

Faldrid himself had never experienced the severe pain before. This kind of use of Luxcian's blessing of life was incredibly uncommon because of the sheer amount of effort it took to do so compared to other ways the blessing could be utilized.

The pain became so extreme that Faldrid’s vision blurred and he became overcome with nausea. The only thing he found himself focusing on besides the pain was the general's cruel smile.

Faldrid's vision began to darken as his lungs begged for air that he couldn't give them.

Just when he was on the edge of losing consciousness. His whole body relaxed as he collapsed onto the bench gasping for air and clutching his head at the same time.

General Amian's smile never faded, "Know your place beast. You're the one that is in chains not me. Now let me ask you again, who was that Hand?"

Faldrid did not know how many times the general must have had to do that to someone, to appear not to be affected at all by the effort it required. Faldrid's impressions of the general only went lower, which was not something he believed was possible. The chains that were holding his hands together almost felt colder somehow.

Faldrid leaned back on the bench regaining his composure, "Why do you think I'll tell you anything? Especially about the Hand that you must be infatuated with."

"Infatuated...yes, you could say it is something like that. So why don't you answer me? It is just a simple question. I'm just asking for someone's name."

"No matter how simple the question I won't answer. I still have my pride even if I am in shackles."

The general peered at Faldrid darkly as if through a lens that only he could see, "Are you really who you say you are? From the stories I heard I believed you would answer that question in a heartbeat after what I did to you."

Faldrid leaned forward meeting the general's stare with his own, "Why might you think that general?"

"You already know the answer to that beast. How many Nocturnals did you throw at us? From what I heard from my seniors, you were relentless. Some even said that they knew it was you attacking when a hundred men seemed like thousands. Tell me beast, how might you have accomplished this? I came to my own conclusion of course. You kept attacking without rest. You must have driven your men to nearly the point of death," General Amian smirked, "How cruel. I saw something similar when you tried to overwhelm me with all those Nocturnals, and look where they all are now! How cruel indeed."

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Faldrid smiled back at the general, "None of that matters. I still won't tell you anything."

Frankly, General Amian's words brought relief to Faldrid. He didn't know why he didn't want to give up her name. It most likely wouldn't hurt anymore, especially Thestra herself. If anything, it would actually help Faldrid a little in this situation. Though the slightest risk to the young Hands' safety held Faldrid back. He smiled at the thought. Maybe there was still hope for him yet.

"So are you going to use that trick from before to force me to tell you?" Faldrid continued.

General Amian studied him for a moment then took another sip from the goblet, "No, I don't believe I will," The insane grin returned to his face, "Besides the anticipation is the best part, wouldn't you say? Once we reach Sangai I'll make sure to have fun with you.

Faldrid grimaced, "Thanks."

The two rode in silence. Eventually, Faldrid could see that the man in front of him was starting to get restless as his foot started tapping the floor of the carriage.

The tapping steadily increased until it stopped altogether as General Amian threw his head back and groaned, "Well aren't you going to say anything!"

Faldrid tilted his head, "Didn't I just say that I wouldn't?"

The general waved his arms widely, "I thought you must have been exaggerating! This trip has been so boring so isn't it your job to entertain me, beast!?"

Faldrid looked at the general blankly, and after a moment turned to look out the window at the vivid green scenery passing by them.

General Amian appeared to become more irritated, but also more desperate at Faldrid's reaction, "Don't be like that! You can't tell me that just looking out the window will entertain you until we reach Sangai!"

Faldrid didn't look away from the window, "I won't tell you. Also I don't get to see this much luscious nature back at home, so I think I’ll be plenty entertained."

The general ran a hand through his hair frustrated, "You have to be able to talk about something! What about...the Hound! Yes, him. Who exactly is he?" General Amian put up his hands defensively, "Don't look at me like that beast, you don't have to say his name. I'm just asking because the last time I saw him he was wearing a blue cloak! What's up with that!"

"Mortis gave it to him." Faldrid said curtly

"Why!? For what!? Failing!?"

Faldrid shrugged, "The lord works in mysterious ways. I've given up on trying to make sense out of his actions."

Faldrid lied a bit. He knew better than anyone else, apart from Morta, that Mortis was no god. He was just a person. Faldrid had always tried to make sense of his lord’s actions, but there were many times when he couldn't figure them out for the life of him. Now might be one of those times.

General Amian spoke bitterly, "Mortis...he is lower than any beast."

Faldrid eyed the general out of the corner of his eye, it seemed as if something had possessed him.

"You don't sound like you have very good opinions of him."

General Amian's trance broke as he looked back at Faldrid with his usual devilish smile, "Can you blame me? Anyone who follows him deserves to die. Especially what happened at Fotos. I dream that I'll be the one to bring an end to his wretched existence!"

Faldrid shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "I understand if what he did all those years ago is the reason you want him dead, but that is a dream that can never be brought to fruition."

"Do not be mistaken, Faldrid, I will be the one that kills him."

The carriage suddenly took on an icy atmosphere. Faldrid found himself wanting to change the subject of their conversation. Not just because of the change in mood, but also due to how uncomfortable he got when the general uttered his name.

Faldrid coughed to try and recover his composure, "That is all well and good, but how does that Hand fit into all of that," Faldrid gave a wry smile, "Or are you obsessed with anyone that is able to stab you?"

General Amian peered into his cup at his own reflection, "She did much more than stab me," The general frowned, "She completely and utterly embarrassed me, and I would just like to return the favor."

"And how, may I ask, would you even attempt to do that."

The general grinned, "At first I was just going to take my time killing her but now..." General Amian's grin deepened, "I want to make her submit to me."

Faldrid clutched the edge of the bench until his knuckles went pale, "You don't mean..."

The general nodded his head madly, "That is exactly what I mean! You know it's refreshing to have someone to talk to as understanding as you," The general once again started waving his arms, this time the contents of the goblet flew everywhere, but he didn't seem to care, "She is my ideal! She is what I strive for in my daughters! I can't imagine how you lowly beast produces someone like her!"

Faldrid flinched and started to chuckle uneasily, "How would you even go about that?"

General Amian's expression changed so that he looked as if he had a dark little secret, "I have my ways. Besides what do they say? That the chase is the most fun?"

"You're despicable."

"That's flattery coming from someone like you."

Thankfully General Amian appeared to be appeased by their conversation, but Faldrid had no idea how long that would last.

In the end though he didn't have to wait very long.

Soon the spaces between small farms lessened until they were all that could be seen in the distance. Faldrid really couldn't make out a spot of any uncultivated land anywhere.

As for the farmers themselves they seemed to be quite busy rushing back and forth on their farms, as if preparing for something.

The walls came into sight soon afterwards.

Faldrid could make out huge wooden walls with guards patrolling the ramparts. Apart from that, patrolling Loinir Attoka in the skies became more frequent. He couldn't help but wonder to himself how the citizens felt about being watched like that, if they even cared at all.

"Sangai," Faldrid mumbled, "How long was I asleep for?"

General Amian got up from his bench and closed the curtains to either side of them, "Too long Faldrid, too long."

No matter what Faldrid did the general never failed to unsettle him whenever he spoke his name.

Faldrid started to hear sounds of protest and anger outside the carriage. Then the carriage itself came to a complete stop.

General Amian banged on the wall behind the driver in annoyance, "Go around them you fool. We have no time to waste."

The carriage lurched forward once again without hesitation. Though not a moment later even more protests were being raised, at them Faldrid had no doubt.

The general sighed, "If you'll excuse me," General Amian opened the carriage door and hung out of it, "Is there a problem?" His voice sounded harsh and challenged anyone to say something.

Suddenly all the protests faded, and were replaced with murmurs.

Faldrid looked up at the general and almost laughed to himself. He looked almost noble with the sun reflecting off his long golden hair. No doubt someone would mistake him for being that at first glance.

What Faldrid currently couldn't see was the long line of merchant wagons lined up to get into Sangai. And the officers blocked them from doing so.

One of the officers bowed in apology to General Amian, no doubt recognizing his silver coat, "My apologies general but..."

"But?" General Amian said, challenging the man to go on.

The officer who wore an orange vest with a hand holding out the sun on his chest, seemed almost afraid to keep going, "I'm sorry general...we can accommodate such a large group. The city’s full as is. Though we'll be able to make an exception for you."

General Amian spread his hands wide, "Oh! Don't worry. All those merchants that followed me aren't actually with me. I could care less what they do"

A sudden outcry could be heard from behind him.

The officer gave a sigh of relief, "If that's the case..."

"The guards are with me though, and I expect them to be taken care of."

The officer noticeably flinched, "Sir I'm sorry, but I don't know if I can promise you that."

The generals look darkened, "I don't care how many merchants you have to kick out of that city, but you will meet my request. Sangai is at risk of attack..."

General Amian noticed the officer's eyes dart behind him, "What are you looking..." The general turned to see what the guard was looking at and smiled in jubilation, "I see. Oh, I see. Your lord does really work in mysterious ways, doesn't he, green cloak?"

What Faldrid couldn't see was the tenebrage camp that was perched upon a hill in the distance, that caught General Amian's interest.

After taking the sight in Amian slowly turned back to the officer, "Now you see why I have brought guards. Not for me but to protect the city from that," he jabbed his thumb behind him.

The officer put a fist to the insignia on his chest and bowed, "If that's the case sir I'm sure you'll be able to come to an understanding with my superiors."

The murmurs grow to almost be sounds of protest again, but General Amian was able to silence them with a harsh glare.

Still hanging out of the carriage the general looked back at Faldrid, "Faldrid, I'm getting so close to getting the answers I want. I can barely contain myself."

This time Faldrid wasn't just disturbed by the use of his name, but also the man's brevity when he spoke of torturing him.

General Amian gave a toothy grin, "Don't be like that. It's Galaris."