Chapter 503 - Sadness (1/2)

”This is the start of many losses for the Redwing kingdom!” Monk shouted as he went off and marched forward with his army.

Ray was tempted to walk forward and forget about the deal they had just made, but the others reminded him if he was to ignore the outcome of the battle, then they would lose respect for him as a leader and as a person. A true person kept their word, and a king was expected to do so more.

With nothing else to do, the group decided to camp there and then, they would not be moving for three days after all. They pitched their tents up, only having moved a few hundred meters from their last spot. This time it was on top of the tree root, up against the trunk of the tree.

After being in the giant forest for a few days, they realised that they hadn't run into many beasts. They were unsure if this was due to what happened at the fortress or perhaps something else altogether, but it made them more comfortable with camping out in the open like they were doing.

When night came, the soldiers did the only thing they could do, drink and eat. However, Kyle hadn't spoken to anyone. He had grabbed a large bottle of wine and headed off away from the others to sit on his own at the edge of the root, looking down.

The four young knights seeing this, went ahead to speak to him, wishing to comfort him.

”You did well in that fight, Master Kyle.” Flynn was the first to say as he bowed down.

Kyle took a big swig from the wine bottle, glanced in their direction, and carried on drinking. That was when Wendy noticed that there was another empty bottle by his side.

”I think it would be best if you were to take it easy on the drinking.” Wendy suggested. 'There might be a time where we need you to fight.”

This made Kyle chuckle.

”Need me, do you think this kingdom needs me? Look at me, I lost one fight and now I'm being ordered around by a young knight.”

”I think you fought very well in that fight.” Claire added. ”If you didn't take that initial blow in the beginning you would have been able to use your full strength, and would have won.”

”But I didn't win,” Kyle snapped back. ”And because of that, we are all here in this strange situation.”

”Don't worry, I'm sure there will be a chance where you can prove yourself in battle.” Flynn encouraged him. ”Maybe you might meet the giant man again, and beat him yourself.”

”Maybe,” Kyle mumbled.

The kids didn't know what to do. It was clear Kyle was depressed but none of their words were getting through to him. Then, unexpected footsteps were heard coming towards them, and when they looked at who it was, they could see it was Van.

In his hand, he had a ppuch and he was handing it over to Kyle.

”More wine?” Kyle asked.

”Take it, it's orange juice.” Van said.

”I think I will do just fine with the wine, young prince.”