139 Flame (1/2)

Nearly a thousand hoof marks dotted the fair snow. It was a good thing that today was a windless day or else the horses would have been neighing nonstop due to cold.

After passing through the gate of Nirvana, they separated into three. One party was led by Erik. They will be further separated as half of them will go to Solon with Freya while half will go to Greenwater with Erik.

Another party was led by Leopold. The former King, with the assistance of Braun and Henry, will march to the East to solve the ongoing crisis with the rebellious nobles.

The last party was led by the King and the Queen. They were bound for Holm in the south to strengthen Lucia's rule and to levy more soldiers from the Vanadian populace.

Before going on their separate ways, Timothy, Erik and Leopold met in the middle of the three parties.

”Make sure that Greenwater is shining like a curved shield when I go there by the end of the season” He told Erik who now looked like a real Marquis. His clothes were truly that of the high nobility and his posture was gallant. The golden chain that dangled on his chest was well pronounced.

”Hah I'll make it so that General Marvin will compose another song about Greenwater's recovery”

”Cocky. I like it”

Timothy looked at his father.

”I've already given Rupert the medicine Lucia personally made. She said it'll help lessen the biting pain of cold nights and mornings. Just ask him for it. Lucia also prescribes for you to drink tea every sunrise. Calgarian would be preferable” Timothy said to his father. Seeing him shiver due to the weather was painful. He was old. He should be resting. But nobody could solve the problems in the east better than his father.

”Bah. It's just cold. The weather can't stop me from cracking some nobles' skulls”

”Just do me a favor and stop being stubborn”

”But I'm not old... Fine. I'll drink my medicine. Tell the Queen that I'm grateful. In return I'll really bash some nobles' skulls for you”

”I prefer you not” Timothy gave a flat chuckle ”So you know what to do?”

Leopold took a small note from the pocket of his coat. He held it in front of Timothy

”The list of friends and enemies you gave me. Don't worry I got this”

”Then may the Omniscient be with you father”

”May the Omniscient be with you son” Leopold smiled.

Timothy also made his farewell with Erik. He clucked his horse into motion and the three of them went to their separate ways. Timothy turned his head one more time and could only distinguish his father by his white hair at the distance.

After reaching Lucia's side he smiled bitterly towards her.

”Are you sure about this?” Lucia asked

”I am. Although it breaks my heart, I need him”

”I mean... about going with me rather than with him”

”Well I can't just let my wife solve her Kingdom's problems on her own right?”

Lucia lowered her head. ”Thank you Tim. For going with me”

”Think nothing of it. I'll miss you anyway. Besides...” Timothy looked towards the mass of soldiers going east.

”He's going to be alright. He is Leopold Castonia remember? Men tremble in fear just at the mention of his name. I trust the capability of my father”

”I see” She nodded a single nod ”Then shall we go? Holm is still days away”

”Yes” Timothy answered. His signaled for the party to advance. In just a short while hundreds of horses trotted in the snow.

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