Vanieza: The Captured Kingdom

Territorial Threats

The king was in deep contemplation in the council meeting. In the past three months, the roving guards reported the werewolves are breeding faster. The number of encounters have increased. Referring to the the numbers, if this does not go down they will be overthrown in the new blood moon war.

Lord Xielon suggested that it is now the time to find the breeding nest of the enemy. The other scholars argued that it is too risky and dangerous. Doing such an expedition can lead to losing more seasoned knights. Will it be worth the gamble? Can it assure the monsters count go down?

A midst the chaos crowned Princess Luvelia kept her demeanor and focused on the data gathered. It seems the denser population is in the west. The coincidence made royal’s mind spin. Like one hundred years ago, a huge amount of the beasts appeared in that area. Could it be the den being sought has been in that place for years? But there are usual patrols how come it is not noticed? Does it mean the nest is not with the range of the rounds conducted?

“I would like to see the full map of all the sightings in the last five years.” The crowned princess announced. It was necessary to trace the enemy movement. “A pattern might be hidden in their motions.

“Your majesty once it is defined what would be our next move?” Max the first knight inquired.

“Two things can be done. Increase the scope of the defense by adding more night duty personnel. Or send a small special team to inspect the area during day time.” The female monarch explained. “The second option has less risk but the swiftest warriors should be sent on the mission.”

The king rebutted. “Considering the distance needs to be covered, that way of travelling is futile. ” The king argued.  All eyes were redirected to the lone female council member. Anticipating her counter argument.

“It is a risk we must take in order to derive some clues .” The heiress defended. “From the data gathered, it concentration is at the west. This coincidence solidifies multiple possibilities. We need to take this chance.”  

Pointing at the evidence laid  on the table. “The maps of all the sightings in the last five years shows this path.” The crowned princess announced and marked the key points of enemy movement. “The pattern suggests we move west, the farther the better.”

“Luvelia, that is too ideal. We are talking about a possible secret sanctuary. It has been elusive for the longest time.” The king reasoned. “Even the quickest and experienced fighter with the best steed, cannot by himself cover the perimeter we need.” The ruler rubbed his temple, if there could be a way to travel faster. “We should find a quicker way to do this.”

The crowned princess eyebrows furrowed. An idea came to her head, but would the person in question agree? Eyes shifted to the adviser behind her. It would be unfair to volunteer someone out suddenly. Specially without consent. They may be subjects but they are their own individual who deserves freedom. Looking away the maiden’s hands clenched.

The flamed prodigy caught the female royal’s action. He took into account every argument thrown about exploring the dominion. It is true stallions maybe efficient, but their speed will not be enough for the distance required. There is only way to make the journey faster. However, there is another way to do it. That is if he willing plus a help or two when things get a bit out of control.

Barely a year home and here he goes plunging himself on another adventure. All for Vanieza and Luvelia’s success, he will throw the gauntlet. The golden orb genius lifted his hand to which the king granted permission. “You may speak Lord Kaema.”

Clearing his throat, with a soothing voice the flamed prodigy declared the female council member’s thoughts. “Your majesty, I believe her ladyship has concurred this concept.” The genius continued on with a blank expression. “Such expedition requiring long distance and detailed observation will be highly efficient if be done by flight.” The king smirked at where the spiel is leading too. “I am willing to join the cause together with Griffin. However if I maybe bold to request, it is necessary that I be accompanied by at least two knights.”

“What purpose would these duo partake?” A knight council inquired. “Flying would mean less enemy engagement. Why seek the assistance?”

“If there is something peculiar, it is but right to investigate the area.” The queen to be answered. “Lord Kaema may have experience fighting werewolves. But when a stronghold is located, skilled fighters are necessary. In dire situations, two can strategically watch each other’s backs.”

“My liege would one team of three be enough?” A scholar questioned. “We have limited resources for flight. Maybe we should send also a land team to assist them too.?”

“The undertaking will be purely investigating. No engagements so in my opinion only one team is needed. “ the king stated. “However the count should only be one warrior. “ The council was surprised with the advise. “ He must be an experienced traveler. It is needed for quick judgement of an area. If a threat is proven, a larger team will be sent if it is essential to the advancement of the cause.”

“Milord, that will be taken into account.” Lord Max agreed. “At this moment, I would like to inquire, what would the qualifications of the assigned should be?"

The king eyed the flamed prodigy. “Kaema, I believe you have a preference?”

The scholar bowed his head in reverence to the king. “Your majesty,it would best to travel with someone that has an affinity for magic. Since we only have each other to depend on. I am not confident of my fighting skills. It is best if he can self heal.”

“A knight who can do magic what joke is this?” Lord Xielon burst out. “Does such a person exist?”

Hearing the description, the princess knew there is only one person fitting to take the job . If the king asked him he would agree. The lady sighed, it seems the kingdom is asking too much of him. Despite how shabbily some nobles treated him.

“Actually I have thought a promising knight to wield aura spheres. When ignited it can be used as light in dark tunnels. And also basic self healing techniques, just in case something poisonous is encountered.”  Who could this man be? The council wondered.

“Only Irvald Koane fits the description.” The male sovereign announced completely aware of the training the future first knight is doing. “Max inform him of the new task.” The current first knight nodded. “Kaema, I assume he knows enough? The journey can commence immediately?”

“My liege, I have yet to test Sir Irvald. Upon assessment then I can confirm.” The mystic genius confirmed. “But there is a high chance the heir of Koane is ready. The gentleman is very diligent and smart.”

“Very well it is settled. Using your feathered beast, you shall do this expedition with only one knight. As I explained, no fighting, strictly investigation only.” The king reiterated. “By chance if engagements are met, run. Do not battle.” The adviser nodded. “Tomorrow, Irvald shall report to me in my study with Kaema to finalize the plans.”

The council members bowed showing their agreement to the king’s plan. “Aside from that, Lord Rattel how are the preparations for the branding going?” The ruler asked out of the blue.

“My liege, the altars are set and the rod has been fully charged.” The senior scholar confirmed. “All that is left to do is her highness to infuse aura. Then the ladyship can purge it to chosen.”

“Are you ready Luvelia?” The ruler queried. The female royal closed her eyes, this ritual is barbaric and unnecessary. Why must she do this to the two men loyally working for the kingdom? Even though the two have already consented, it was her who is not convinced. “Luvelia, I just asked you a question.”

There was no escaping it. It needs to be done everyone is expecting even the involved. “Yes father, since the is rod ready I don’t mind commencing the act.” Blues eyes looked away from the council table and locked with golden ones.

The bearer smiled genuinely and knelt in reverence. “To be branded by her majesty, princess Luvelia is an honor. I pledge my life to live for the royal house of Vanieza. Cor Lever!”

                                                                                       -o-

After the meeting was adjourned, Max Koane immediately sent a hawk to find Irvald. He is most likely training the younger heiress in a forest nearby. The messenger found the duo in the outskirts of the east side. It is the safest part based on statistics, making it the ideal place for beginners.

The knight’s stern expression while reading the scroll caught the heiress attention. “Is father ordering you to go somewhere urgent?” The female royal curiously inquired. The male just grunted as a response. “So no training for me for a few days?”

“It is more of indefinite.” The warrior corrected. “I don’t know how much time it will consume. I shall suggest to the king you get another fitting teacher.”

It seems like the assignment is really big. “How many people are coming with you?” The maiden was itching to know. Is this some sort of big expedition?

“As of now that is classified information princess.” The fighter replied. “It is not my place to reveal. You may ask the king for details.” The younger joked that he is a boring and serious person. If he continues to be like that no one would want to marry him. “ I don’t mind that.”

“Are you crazy? Family is important.” The heiress argued. “What’s with your loner attitude? There are lots of ways to find happiness.”

“Not until the kingdom is safe. I will choose to stand guard to it as long as I am able.” The warrior declared with bravado.

Having significant time together the second daughter has become attached to the knight. It saddens her that this wonderful human being is too hard on himself. Or is he just being loyally caught up with someone? Maybe the opportunity to confess has not yet come? “I don’t think you have no one special. Everybody has someone. Why don’t you tell me?” The monarch offered. “I can put in a good word for you. Like a royal seal of approval.” The female further encouraged.

The man in question turned around and walked towards the brunette beauty. Once close enough he took a deep breath. Those crystal blue orbs have always managed to capture him. He towered over her, an indication they are of the same face but a different person. Part of him hoped to be assigned to be by that lady’s side. But instead he was tasked to another. Who is cruelly the likeness of the only woman he has ever desired.  Sighing in defeat the seasoned knight muttered. “I can never have her.”

                                                                               -o-

The next day before the sun rose Kaema and Irvald reported to the king’s study. The two men stood elegantly as any man of valor would. One exuding immense manly charms that is rough but sincere. While the other appears very gentle and meek but beneath possesses cunning wit.

“Both of you are aware of the special assignment to journey into the west.”The ruler explained. “Together with Luvelia last night we reviewed the maps of the kingdom. And we found something interesting from the drafted maps from a century ago.” The ruler revealed. “Luvelia is on her way to see my father to further investigate.”

The previous king is conveniently retired in the northern part of the kingdom. It is where the abdicated royals stay once their fighting days are over. “For the time being both of you must travel to the occidental of the kingdom. Search for the mountainous regions and find the district of Alpulus.”

“Milord Alpulus is taught as an mythical place the Vaniezan and Koane’s ancestors originated.”The scholar divulged. “No one has discovered it ever you majesty. But you mean to say there is a map affirming it’s location?” The royal nodded.

“I have no idea why they were written off. However if the people there still exist, they may have a different set of knowledge. It would be helpful on what we are dealing with.” The male sovereign reiterated. “Your mission is confirm whether they are related to the huge congestion of werewolves in the area.” Both men bowed in reverence. “Make sure to make it out alive. We still have a war to win.”

“As you wish our king.” The flamed prodigy announced. And in unison with the heir of Koane declared. “Cor lever!”