Chapter 353 - Chess Pieces (1) (1/2)

(Regaleon's POV)

Once day broke, my men and I prepared for our departure. Chris who was hurt in the fight yesterday was now in full vigor after I have healed him. Others who were also injured seriously was healed with the help of my white magic. I tried to persuade them to rest and leave the fight to those that are still in full capacity, but they were adamant and refused to be left out in the fight that could be the last battle with Patricia and her men.

”Good morning, your majesty.” Chris greeted me. ”Captain Dimitri had given me orders to send word to the lycan leader Belgor.” I bowed as a reply to his greeting.

”Yes.” I replied. ”I will need you to make a detour before returning to Veluria. Take some men with you and give this letter to the lycan leader Belgor. Tell them that I sent you.”

”I heed your orders.” Chris bowed.

”How are you feeling?” I asked in genuine worry.

”I am quite all right now, thanks to your white magic your majesty.” Chris replied.

”You know that I have excused you and the others that were injured from the upcoming battle.” I said. ”You do not need to push yourself. Even if I have healed your external injuries, your body is still recuperating from within.”

”I understand your majesty's worry, but me and the other men would like to stand and fight by your side in this upcoming battle.” Chris replied. ”We will need all the help we can get.” I sighed, knowing what he said was correct.

”Then at least promise me that you will do everything in your power to stay alive.” I patted his shoulder. ”Losing my men is also hard for me, as a leader.” My words hit Chris, as if he was in the brink of tears but held back.

”We will try our best, your majesty!” Chris said with a burst of emotions. ”We are happy to serve you, and plan to until the day we die.”

”I am happy to hear that. But I would prefer you fight to stay alive as well.” I smiled.

”Your majesty, all the preparations to depart are done.” Dimitri walked towards us.

”Hmm, then let us depart.” I ordered.

The plan was to journey back to Veluria. My men will be traveling in horseback while me, Dimitri and William will ride Tempest back to the city. Chris will take three men with him to make a detour to the lycan's lair.

With this arrangement, my group will arrive first in Veluria with the group of men arriving after a day in horseback. Chris' men will be the last to arrive. I have planned to get back first to prepare Alvannia's forces, once a reply to my request from Richard came. Using messenger falcons, I am sure that a reply would arrive before the afternoon.

”Tempest!” I called.

Not long, I saw Tempest's falcon form hovering from above. In a blink of an eye, he transformed into his phoenix form and landed smoothly in a clearing near me.

”Long time no see, master.” Tempest said while bowing his head low for me to reach.

”It really has been a while.” I carefully rubbed his head. ”Have you rested well?”

”Yes, I have.” Tempest replied.

”I am sorry to overwork you like this.” I smiled apologetically.

”If you my master is restless, I probably will not rest easily as well.” Tempest replied. ”I am also worried for the mistress.”

”Thank you, as always.” I replied. ”I will need you by my side.”

”And I will be here to help you, like always, my master.” Tempest replied.

”We are ready your majesty.” William said and Dimitri nodded.

”Then let us go.” I said.

The three of us mounted Tempest. And in no time, we were airborne.

**

We arrived in the port city of Veluria at noon. Once we landed, Duke Destia greeted me.

”Your majesty, welcome back.” Duke Destia said. ”I am happy to see you unharmed.”

”Thank you for your concern, Duke Destia.” I replied to the old man. ”Has a letter from the capital of Alvannia came?” I asked.

”A letter?” Duke Destia asked in puzzlement. ”None so far has arrived, your majesty.”