Chapter 178: Twentieth Episode: Chapter 6 (2/2)

Marshal Lavendi was speechless. His King was right. He had thought about this question for a long time.

”I think the Guards were still arranging their forces according to our attacks. Marshal Alan of Titan's Army Division won't fight a war without confidence. This is the underlying reasons why we have not meet strong resistances before!”

”Yes! Yes!” Luth VII nodded, ”Silverfox Alan is hard to deal with! No one knows what he will do! So, we should listen to the explanation from the Intelligence Department!”

The King of Hoilland reached out his hand suddenly to a corner in the tent. The military officers only noticed the agent of Intelligence Department of the Faran Kingdom. According to the sayings, Pluto of Mythical Age had a magic mirror named ”Aragon”. This mirror could overcome space and time and reach the faraway unknown region. Currently, ”Aragon” had become the other name of the secret force of the Faran Kingdom.

”According to the information from Dulin, Titan's Guards could only begin effective retaliation at the beginning of the 7th month!”

”You are...” Marshal Lavendi looked over strangely. He had no impression of this officer who spoke out suddenly.

”Special agent of the Faran Royal Family and Investigation Bureau of Palace Inner Affairs--”

”Alright, alright!” Lavendi waved his hands impatiently. He did not like to deal with a spy, ”Say it! Is your source reliable? Don't you think this is what the Titan intentionally--”

”No!” Aragon's agent interrupted the words of the Hoilland Marshal rudely.

”Such things do not exist. This information is delivered to us by an agent whom Aragon has hidden in the Titan's Army Division with his life on the line. We analyzed this piece of information carefully. According to the arrangement of the armed forces near the defense line and the schedule of Dulin's Army Division, we believe Titan only has the chance to organize large-scale retaliation at the beginning of the 7th month. That is to say, Titan is still treating Jeblin Fortress as the core of defense!”

Lavendi still wanted to question him, but his King had already stood up. Luth VII called upon the officers present here.

”Everyone, give it your all! The information states clearly that Titan's Guards are not fully prepared yet! We will only face the great challenge once we cross Shawob River!”

Marshal Lavendi did not speak. He could only shake his head in his heart. What he wanted to say was that the Guards had strictly defended for three to four hundred years, the possibility of ”not fully prepared” did not exist at all. Such matter!

The night darkened. Thick clouds shrouded the starry sky. The old veterans began to complain again. They were saying it was about to rain and the resistance after this would be even harsher. However, General Bencil was rather happy. The visibility tonight was strangely low, just right for his children to retreat safely.

The warriors of Guards put on the fire on the wall as many as possible. Once the fire was lit at the northern tower, the fire would shine on the fort and reveal numerous shadows darting around busily. The warriors were digging holes for their dead comrades, but the empty space here was the only land that could be dug in the fort. The rest was filled with the bodies of the warriors.

The priest sang the hymn of the God in front of the small mountain made of bodies. He said to the faraway God, ”If we don't burn the bodies, we will die of sickness in three days!”

Always, their religion had forbidden the burning of bodies, but if the God could not forgive the actions of the soldiers, then He was not a God.

Therefore, after the prayer, the priest informed the highest commanding officer, ”Burn! The almighty God had forgiven us!”

General Bencil Donnis threw a fire torch towards the dead warriors. Until the mountain of bodies burst into flames, he only gave a military salutation slowly.

The soldiers in the fort were all noticing the huge flame that rose upwards. The thick smoke was accompanied by a stench. However, the guards of Caven Fort were already used to this smell. They took note of the flame in focus as if they were hypnotized. They wished to see that licking flames to turn into human shapes, into the comrades and brothers who fought in battle with them.

”Alright! You and your people must move now!” Commander turned to the little warriors who were chasing after his butt all this time.

Captain Panitigol bowed in respect quickly, ”Report, sir! Can we wait a bit longer? My people are strengthening the wall now!”

Bencil looked towards the direction of the wall. His children were carrying rocks and soil towards the ruined walls.

”Don't do such meaningless things!” the General turned away. He knew tomorrow, or maybe the day after, Caven Fort would become ruins.

Captain Panitigol came forward without giving up, ”Sir, you have barely two divisions here! I can complete my mission, but you must allow me to return. My people are your replacement unit!”

Bencil took hold of the person's collar with great force, but his anger disappeared as soon as he saw the determined gaze of the young man.

The General swung the young man away, ”Don't ever return! Not even one of you! Retreat to the other side of the river! Until the war has finished, complete your study properly. At that time, the Guards of the Empire needs you more than it needs you now!”

The young Captain gazed at the General. It seemed that his eyes were moist, so he took a few deep breaths.

At the northern wall of the fort, the soldier who went to check out the road had returned. The Guards then helped their comrades over the wall. The warrior who checked out the road reported to the Commander of the Twelfth Region, saying that the road towards the jetty was normal. Thus, General Bencil gave the retreating order. Without much useless talk, the young Reserve Paladin Captain Panitigol saluted to the veterans who sent them away with the most proper stance. Then, he first jumped off the northern wall and reached the ground safely after the rope was let down for more than 30 meters.

After that, it was the team of warriors who were responsible for staying alert to the enemy. Even though they were very young, their battle moves were passable. These young men formed a few small-scale defense formations at the deep trench by the northern wall until the sound of the whistle that indicated for them to march forward was heard.

The injured soldiers of the Twelfth Region were all carried to the northern wall. They were howling in tears and did not want to leave. Some even held tightly to their comrades' legs. They were as troublesome as women. General Bencil used his whip and boots to hit these troublesome men, then scolded them as usual. However, his soldiers did not do as he wished. After wasting half an hour, no one had gone down the wall yet. At last, General Bencil cried as well. He tied the rope to one of the badly injured ones himself.

He swore to God that he would definitely visit warriors at the hospital back there once the war had paused. The warriors seemed to have believed the General's words. They bid farewell reluctantly to their comrades and brought the letters from their comrades away.

Reserve Paladin Captain Panitigol led the group of students to light up the fire torches. The invader's army at the mountain nearby all saw this, but the cowardly foreigners did not dare to come over. This young knight organized the retreat of the unit that was out of strength. They only sighed a breath of relief when the light shone upon the river water.

The Chief Commander of the Twelfth Region General Bencil Donnis walked into his fort. This was his last time in his life to talk to his soldiers. The soldiers in the fort all stood up straight when the Chief Commander walked past them. They saluted to this brave commander as if they were saluting their King.

Bencil was a little touched. Life was truly unpredictable. A few years ago, he was still the Chief Commander of Army Group fighting against the Riel war. The way his subordinates walked was full of spirit and his army flag was able to cover even the sky and sun. But now, the general took a glance at his soldier. Even though the whole four corps of the Twelfth Region were here, there were only barely two divisions left.

The general took a blood-stained parchment out. That was the order given by the Army Division of the Empire.

”Soldiers! Attention! Our country did not order for you to attack or defense. It ordered you to your death!”

”F*ck this!” Bencil spat, ”How can Alan say this?! If he doesn't let all the dogs outside stay around this area, I won't let him go even if I go to hell.”

A melody suddenly rang in the fort. A bored soldier sang the army tune of the guards. The loud and husky voice was immediately reciprocated by many other voices. The general tore the order in his hands apart, then roared with his soldiers!

We are the young Guards. From the embrace of our mother Country, during the time when the flower bloomed, and feelings blossomed. We jumped onto our horse and left our home. On the battlefield, we are the young Guards. The young man blew at the horn of attack. During the time when the flower bloomed, and feelings blossomed, we threw our weapons at the enemy who invaded our country. Our mother Country, listen to our voices. Guards. Forward, the Guards. Forward! This d*mned army tune did not pause for one moment since morning until the night! The loud voices reached the sky and penetrated the high walls of the palace. Alanis woke from her dream and the voices seemed to disappear. This made her a bit relieved. Even if in her dream, she was not able to be at peace.

”Oh my god...” the Crowned Princess of the Empire suddenly saw a shadow by her bed.

”Sorry...” O'Neil Andrew Morisette touched his nose. He had been gazing at the beauty on the bed for a while. This lady was still as beautiful as ever, just that, she looked skinnier, more tired and more depressed.

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Alanis immediately stopped her intention of calling the guards. She stared at the man, then completely relaxed. However, she appeared nervous almost immediately. She knew that she should say something now, but the Crowned Princess who had gone through many difficult times found no words to speak.

”Sorry, I mean...everything!” O'Neil Andrew Morisette brushed the hair on his wife's forehead aside, then cupped her face in his palms.

Alanis wanted to avoid it, but she felt she should not do that. She moved her lips, but no sound came to her.

Oscar realized the awkwardness and rejection of his wife because his hand felt the stiffness of this beauty.

”You know, I don't have the right to ask for your forgiveness. I just...” Oscar thought about it. He also did not understand completely even if he had imagined so many times of today's meeting. However, in the end, he found that all his considerations were pale in front of the reality even he himself hated those.

The Prince took his hand back and saw his wife relaxed her furrowed eyebrows. This made him lonely, but he must admit that he was afraid of Alanis's love and, even more, hate.

”I arrived in the afternoon!” the man suddenly cheered up, ”At that time, you are actually sleeping! I heard that you have been this way lately. Busy until late at night and in low spirit during the day. You can't do this!”

Oscar looked at his wife, but he could not understand the eyes of Niz.

”Ola...let's change a topic! You must have had enough of these complaints!” the man pointed to the armor and military uniform on him, excitedly, ”I am sorry to say this, but I am bidding you goodbye! Marshal Alan has completed the preparation for the final war. He is commanding the largest cavalry army group at Jeblin Fortress. Urgh...you know of this right?”

Oscar pursed his lips. He tried his best to speak more.

”I only saw Marshal Robin at the Army Division. Ola...that old man is as stubborn as ever! Determined not to work with Alan. But leaving him here at Dulin also makes you more at rest. Urgh...you know of this too, right?”

The young Prince scratched his face while facing his unanimated wife, ”I...I accepted Army Division's war order. I will lead the Red Tiger and the main forces of the First and Second Region to aid Alan. I heard that the jetty is easy to defend, but hard to attack. I think there will be a tough war ahead. Then...” Oscar was suddenly hesitant. He stared into his wife's blue eyes, ”I went to our child's grave...”

Alanis turned her head away swiftly. She did not want to hear this. Her husband should not talk about this.

”I'm sorry! Alanis! I mean, for everything!”

”You already apologized!” Alanis finally spoke, but she laid back down on the bed and pulled the sheets tightly around her. She only left her back to her lover.

Oscar stared at his wife's back helplessly. His lip was a little dry and his back hurt from the long journey on the horse. However, his true pain came from his heart. He had never truly understood the meaning of grief, but Alanis' thin back gave him endless sorrow.

Could it be that he only understood the blessing of possessing after losing it forever? O'Neil Andrew Morisette leaned on the bed. He held his stiff wife tightly and pressed his lip on the skin of his wife's shoulder.

”Oh, Alanis! Can you trust me once more? Maybe, I will still cause you pain, but at that time I may already be in the heaven. Of course, I may be in hell! Because I lied to the church! In the near future, my Alanis will be crowned as an empress! In the near future, you will be the mother to many babies!”

”Oh, Alanis! Sleep. Close your eyes. What we experienced together is enough to write a legend, but there's nothing to worry about! Moreover, I understand your worries. For example, if four choices appear in front of me, then my Alanis will be the first choice! So, close your eyes, until the song rang at Titan Gate of Light. When you open your eyes, you will see me by your side.”

”Oh, Alanis! I am not used to putting my emotions into words or speaking my mind to others. I know that this cause those who love me in despair and lost! Are you asleep, Alanis? If you are asleep, then let me tell you! Alanis, I love you! Alanis!”

The warmth behind Alanis Alfa Morisette suddenly disappeared as her tears soaked into her pillow. Then, there was the light that fell in when the door of the bedroom was opened. Alanis' shoulder was shaking, but she did not move. She knew that man who said he loved her was still staring at her. It was not that her heart was as hard as stone, but her pride forced her to choose stubbornness over emotions. She chose that strange pride.

The door of the bedroom finally closed. Darkness shrouded the lonely Alanis once again! It should not be this way! She turned her body swiftly! Her lover had already left. She wanted to ask, ”Is this what she wants? An empty palace? A cold window? Teary eyes that were full of pain?”

The Princess turned over and pressed onto a bouquet of fresh flowers. Alanis held the bouquet in surprise. That was the Narcissus her husband gave her.

”Oscar...” Alanis let out a longing call. She held the bouquet and leaped off her bed. Then, she ran hurriedly to the palace gate.

”Oscar!” the Princess' calling echoed in the silent palace. Her feet were bare. She glanced carefully into every corridor in which her husband might be there.

”Has Oscar left?” Alanis was a little sad, but she did not give up. She ran in the palace until the summer night wind sent her to the palace gate.

The bare-footed Princess ran onto Road of Kings. Dulin just had a rain. The ground made of marble hinted the iciness of the rainwater.

”Oscar...Oscar...” Alanis was still calling, but the scenery before her made her lost all hope.

The soldiers lined up in an endless formation in front of the beautiful Crowned Princess. The soldiers who were about to go into war stuck their chest out and stepped neatly in formation. They walked to the faraway places along the Road of Kings.

The Princess stopped by the Road of Kings and glanced at every soldier who walked by her. Her soldiers wore the same style of armors. Even their faces looked the same!

”Oscar...Oscar...” the woman's yelling seemed sorrowful amidst the marching sounds of a thousand. The soldiers glanced at this woman with a curious look. They did not recognize this bare-footed, flower-bearing woman was the one they were fighting for, but the soldiers understood one thing – this woman must love the man named Oscar a lot. This man called Oscar was truly fortunate.

”Alanis!”

A yell came suddenly from the formation made by countless soldiers! Alanis looked over happily, but all she could see was an ocean of shields and armors. However, in the middle of the ocean, there was a whirlpool swirling and spreading outwards!

”Oscar!” Alanis shouted happily. She rushed into the formation of Guards towards the center of that whirlpool.

Oscar pushed the person in front of him and kicked the person beside him. He saw his wife. O God of Light above! He saw his Alanis!

”Oscar!”

”Alanis!”

After overcoming the waves of armors and seas of weapons, the loving couple hugged each other tightly! Alanis fell into a warm embrace. That was her husband's armor and burning heart. Oscar touched upon a gleaming body. That was his wife's passion and forgiveness gleaming at him.

Alanis cried. Even if her husband had four choices, so what? At least for now...

He said that she was his first choice! Oscar was so excited that he forgot about other things. Even if the love he had for her was from guilt and pity, so what? He loved her. This was the truth that even God of Light had to admit!

The oceans of soldiers were still flowing silently towards one direction, but the lovers who were in tight embrace had overcome the waves. The flow surrounded them, and the sound of the whole ocean seemed to sing for this young couple.