Chapter 7 UNITED

Etrigon

It was the fifteenth hour of the day, the cloud stood gloomy and thick, the wind blew harshly in the willow forest at the top of a hill; coercing the catkin of the willow trees to flutter about. Adding to the bustle of the atmosphere was the uninterrupted resounding of clashing blades between Luna and Elroy, bringing out a thunderous effect.

Luna, attractive and beautiful as ever was now in her fourteenth year, possessing all features of a growing lady; on the other hand, good-looking Elroy was now in his sixteenth year, thriving in a noble physique.

Both struck at each other from several positions, none willing to back down at any moment. In an instance, an unpleasant clash sent them retreating backwards with a jump; breathing heavily both stared boldly into each other's eyes for a while then advanced towards each other. First strike from Elroy came as a mistake; discerning the fault, Luna swiftly counters Elroy's attack, disarms him then points her blade to his neck.

An average height middle aged man stepped out from beside a tree clapping, he was gorgeous in a devilish way, his smile vague and his steps were firm and precise. He combed his dark short hair backwards with his hand then applauded Luna once more. "Nicely done dear"

"As always father" lays down her sword

"Show off" Elroy mocked with a smirk

"No need to make a fuss about it Elroy" the man advised

"Cheer up El, your time shall come." Luna encouraged with a wink

"Don't trust too much in your growing skills Luna, I'm right behind you." Elroy warned jokingly.

In the bliss of the excitement a figure clothed in black veil rides into the scene then halts his horse. "A message for Orlanda Ramsey" the figure spoke with a valiant blunt tune.

"To whom do I owe" Orlanda, Luna's father asked in response to the figures question.

"The greater good that awaits us" the figure replied

"What's a black rider doing here?" Luna whispered to Elroy

"Maybe an assignment for father."

"I doubt that El, it's too soon, this has to do with something else."

From a medium size pouch on the side of the horse the figure brought out a scroll then hands it over to Orlanda, who received the scroll with a bow before the figure kicked at his horse, obliging it to move.

Orlanda immediately broke open the seal on the scroll then opens the scroll. Luna and Elroy stared at him as he read through the scroll, from looks of his expression his mood wasn't certain; he looked happy but at same time gloomy.

"What's wrong father?" Luna asked worriedly

"Lord..." signs "Lord Aaron is dead; I have been chosen to lead the Purifiers creed in its legacy."

"No, absolutely not." Luna disagreed instantly

"Luna" Elroy lightly called while trying to hold Luna's hand

"Shut up" Luna lashed at Elroy "you can't, think this through father."

"I have Luna, right from the time Lord Aaron fell ill."

"Decline the offer, we need you more."

"There's a lot of things at stake if I do that" walking up to Luna "try and understand."

"I refuse to accept that." Luna screamed out before running away

"Luna!" Orlanda calls out

"Don't worry sir I'll talk to her" Elroy assured then chased after Luna.

Somewhere in the willow forest, Luna sits on a fallen timber gazing up at the rumbling cloud, trying to pull herself together when Elroy joined her.

"You should know by now your father won't do anything to hurt you or your mom."

"Then he should reconsider his decision" turns to Elroy "why won't he reconsider it."

"For the greater good." Elroy said mimicking Orland's voice.

Luna chuckled, "You sound just like him."

"I may not have been born here Luna, but I've stayed long enough to know that your father does nothing unless it's for the good of his family and this town."

"It's amazing how you know more about my father than me El."

"What else can I say, he's a great teacher."

"Tell that to me beating you up-down in a sword fight." Both giggles for a while then stares intently at each other.

"Just have faith in him."

"What will I ever do without you El" embraces Elroy "thank you for coming after me."

Deep in the west-southwest plains flashes of lightning brightens up the dense cloud causing it to seem transparent. Out of a thick forest came Elroy and Mira; they continued on their walk through a marsh land, heading towards a town not too far from them.

"Finally, people." Elroy thanked

"Welcome to the Rune Clan."

"Huh!"

"That's what the town up ahead is called, it's the harbor point for the North gates of Ramenia; also our trade post for supply."

"Wait, what? We are still far from Ramenia?"

"No, you can literally see the Island of Ramenia just standing by the docks"

"Great, another journey by sea." In the mist of their discussion three figures, vested in green hooded salamander wool cloak rides their horses towards them.

"Please tell me those are friendlies and not bandits."

With a chuckle Mira points at the riders, "Those are my teammates El"

"Teammates? What am I missing here?"

"You'll know soon enough."

Halting the horses, the figures unveils their hood. Off the three were Lukas, a dark skinned brute young man with black curly hair; wearing an innocent look. Jake, a fair skinned slim boy in his early twenties, with brown shoulder length hair and Karin, a dazzling light skinned blond that kept Elroy staring. Karin's figure was naturally shaped in all aspect, not even the salamander cloak could conceal them; her sky blue eyes so matched her beauty as well as her long blond hair, making them soul piercing.

"It's good to see you again Mira" Karin spoke, with a sharp smooth voice and a smile.

"Always a pleasure Karin."

"Come on Mira" Lukas urged then dismounts his horse, walking towards Mira," don't be a stranger" gives her a bear hug, "I've missed you so much."

"Never forgot you Lukas." Slightly pats his back, gesturing him to let go. "What's up Jake?" opens her arms wide. "no welcome hugs."

"I think I'll pass on this one."

"No you didn't" drops her hands "Jake, refusing a hug from a lady, what did I miss."

"Karin" Lukas called out then turns to Karin, "do the honors."

With a smirk Karin winks at Jake, "Well Jake got his ass kicked by a pickpocket on our way back yesterday."

"That's not a big deal."

"She was twelve Mira." Karin added

"Woo!" Mira exclaimed then chuckled "Really? What size are we talking off here?"

"Up to Karin I must say" Lukas assured, turning Karin's attention to him.

"I'm still here you know." Elroy intruded

"Yes I noticed, since you couldn't get enough of me." Karin interrupted

"Don't get the wrong idea sweetheart, you only looked like some I thought I knew"

"That, was cold." Lukas spoke jokingly to lighten the tensed atmosphere

"I like this guy" Jake added

"Never imagined you had it in you El" places her hands on Elroy's shoulder "meet Elroy my childhood friend."

"Nice to meet you all." Elroy greeted

"Nice to meet you too El" Lukas offers his hand

"Sure" Elroy shook his hand "Its nice meeting you." Let's go off his hand.

"That name of yours looks daring and bold, but your looks say otherwise" Said Karin

"I'll say the same thing for Lucas' looks and brute nature."

Turning to Karin, Lucas smirks "You guys are talking of strength right."

"Lukas" Mira called out

"I'm only playing around, come on let's get to town."

"Lukas can join Karin..."

"Absolutely not Mira, I trust Elroy far more than Lukas right now."

"Interesting, I really did miss a lot"

"Karin is only being nice for the previous misunderstanding" said Lukas as he walks up to his horse.

"Come on El, pair up with Karin." Mira insisted "let's get off this area before it starts raining"

The Kingdom of Lance

Twentieth hour of the day

The gates of the Castle compound were wild open allowing Nobles, both men and women to walk in. From the gate down to the end of a junction before the Castle; Lancian warriors stood guard on each side in front of the hedgerow of Roses, wielding spears and steel kite shields with the painting of a star, the Lancian symbol. Adding to the blissful atmosphere were instrumentals playing dulcetly to the soul's content. Now that the compound was full and awaiting, King Eric Levia steps out of the elevated Castle, alongside Prince Richard and Princess Atari, they walked down the stairs influencing silence in the compound.

Raising up a silver chalice King Eric proclaimed, "To good life and well-being."

"To good life and well-being" the crowd chorused before lifting up their silver cups, then putting their hands down as King Eric did so.

"It is indeed a blessing to have such grace overflowing in the Levia household, my son" stretches his hands upwards so as to cross it over Richard's shoulder "Richard has made Lance proud, not only did he come out victorious against the Drokan invasion, he did it without a scratch or pinch on him."

In response to the praise given to Richard the crowd applauded him with clenched hands above their heads and shouts of joy, "and now" King Eric interrupted "I there by name Richard Levia" places his hand on Richard's head, who went on his kneels before his father "Crowned Prince to the Lancian throne."

Yet again but louder and joy filled than before, the crowd celebrated Richard with shouting and toasts. Richard straightened up then hugged his father who patted his back. "You deserve it my son" King Eric assured

Letting go off King Eric, Richard embraced his sister also then turns to the crowd in a position to address them, initiating them to settle down, contentment blazing out of his smile.

"I thank you all for being here, for your support and encouragements. May my Father in heaven continue to bless you all and reward you for your good deeds."

"Amen!" Everyone responded then cheered for Richard, the instrumentals continued from were they stopped.

From the mist of the crowd Thomas came out then approached King Eric, "Congratulations your highness" he greeted Prince Richard with a bow "My Lord" bows before King Eric "A word my Lord"

"Sure Thomas" King Eric agreed, following behind King Eric, Thomas fixed his gaze on Princess Atari staring heads down at the pale skin radiance endowed with jewels of extraordinary excellence and a crimson frock.

"I'll be back soon Richard" said Atari

"Sure, take your time"

Smiling cheerfully Atari lifts her frock a little as her walks towards the crowd.

The inner Castle

From the entrance down to the throne made of gold and Diamonds laid a purple runner, on each side were eight pillars in total, holding the upper floor of the Castle. On each side of the throne, some meters away were curved stairs leading up to the second floor of the Castle.

"Michael is dead my lord"

"Good, his wife and child?"

"Taken into my custody and care."

"Excellent, you have done well Thomas."

"Thank you my Lord"

"As from today your rank has been moved from Sri to right hand man of the crowned Prince."

"It's a pleasure my Lord" bows then turns around to take his leave

"You've had eyes on my daughter for quite a while now." Eric spoke, influencing Thomas to stop "She awaits you in the garden behind the Castle."

Turning to King Eric, Thomas brows furrowed "My Lord?"

"Hurry up Thomas, can't keep a lady waiting." Winks at Thomas, walks towards his throne. Without delay Thomas hurried out of the Castle pleased, knowing very well he had just been given a long desire he never hoped would ever be possible but had dreamed off. King Eric sat comfortably on his throne then sipped wine from his chalice, "Germen radicum eius dum vivet in Eric (Long live Eric the watcher.)"