Below the Peak (Sola)(115)

“Father” Nara called voice filled with concern.

“I am fine” her father replied reassuringly without looking at her. Jae didn’t want her to see the pain on his face, showing her would only make her feel guilty even though she wasn’t the one responsible for his suffering. Nara shifted her gaze to the king’s hands. She grew rigid. King Lorenz toyed with a dagger in his hand.

“The prince will come soon with the army” Nara blurted. She was lying, but she had to do something, for she knew in her gut what the king was about to do.

“When?” the king cocked his head to the side, eyes watching her.

“Soon” she replied quickly, “Just please do not hurt him” she begged, intertwining her fingers together. The king pursed his mouth in contemplation.

Lorenz righted his head. “I am no fool girl, the half bastard told me everything. The prince wasn’t there when he found you, nor is the army coming.”

“Then why are you doing this to my family if you know?” Nara asked sincerely. Why was he torturing them when they have done nothing wrong? He was unfair and unreasonable.

“Because I can!” the king snapped, looking deranged. “because I am the king!”

He evidently lost his mind. Nara almost shook her head in pity for him, but she had none for him, for all she felt for him was hatred. She wanted to bury the dagger he held in his throat. The sound of hasting footsteps had her turning her head to see the commotion. General Tatu and Barra walked into the room, both wearing their armour. The two men stopped and saluted before approaching the king.

“Your Majesty may I speak” General Tatu requested.

King Lorenz nodded, his attention focused on him.

“Your Majesty, I have received word from one of my men that Kalil army has started to march. If we delay any further, I fear we won’t be able to stop the military from entering” The General spoke. “I request that we also begin to move” the General added.

The graveness of the reality hit Nara. Somehow hearing it from the General made it even more real and terrifying.

“Permission granted,” The king said his tone somber as if he too had recognized the seriousness of the situation. An alliance of two centuries has come to an end. Hope seemed to leave the king’s body. He turned to her. “I guess the only thing you can do is fight for your kingdom.”

“And my family?” Nara pensively asked. She wasn’t going to march if her family were still going to be captives. The king pressed two fingers to his forehead then looked at her. “I don’t care for them, whether they live or die, time will tell.”

***





Chapter Sixty-two


It was the fourth day since the army of thousand Muri started their dangerous course to the Kalil Kingdom under the lead of the king. Nara had been shocked seeing him but then remembered Lorenz was not one who’d want to lose face. Staying behind would have cost him his dignity as a king, and he’d rather die to protect it. He didn’t want to be branded a coward king. Although the king gave the command, the soldiers turned to General Tatu and his commanders for affirmation. The passive insubordination of the soldiers didn’t escape Lorenz nor didn’t fail to piss him. He forced himself to turn a blind eye, for the men were already in terrible moods. Lest he poked a wolf and get bitten.

Gloom surrounded them as they marched. Fear lurked in their shadows during the day and taunted them during the night. No different from the others, Nara stayed vigilant all hours for their enemy could be anywhere. Perched on her horse, Nara peered in the dark woods, scrutinizing the area as they trekked along. Silently she hoped her parents and sister were sailing safely to Amahle. Her family had begged her desperately to go with them, yet Nara had refused. She was going to stand and fight for her kingdom, alongside her comrades. Nara consoled herself with hope her family were going to be safe, and that was all that mattered. If she was to die in battle, she would die with honor and peace.

They were nearing lake Azum when the thunder of horses clapped in the late afternoon. Tension rolled through the army. Several soldiers drew their swords. Nara twisted on her horse and glanced back. She couldn’t see through the armed people behind her. Could it be? She crossed her fingers as she listened to the heavy fast approaching stomps of horses.

Several cheers erupted. Her pulse jumped, anticipation growing. Nara eagerly wanted to confirm her suspicions but managed to stay in course. She continued to ride forward. It didn’t take long for a messenger to approach her and inform her that her presence was required. Nara regarded the two elf princes and the army behind them when they came to sight. Her gaze locked unto her husband, impassive face, clad in the dark red armour, he looked formidable and ruthless, not one to cross. Seeing him, had her skin breaking a sweat of relief.

Calemir regarded her in the cerulean armour she wore as she made way to him with composed demeanor that he saw through it. He felt her relief from the sight of him, and his men brought her. When he had arrived home, Calemir had learnt of what occurred in his absence. About the half elf, and Nara having left with him. He had also heard of the imminent war between the two kingdoms was still on. He had sworn that he would aid them in the fight against Kalil and he intended to keep his promise by assembling three hundred elves including his brother and Leena and Finn to join him.

Nara ignored the eyes of his brother and other numerous ones looking at the two of them and said with the deepest gratitude. “Thank you.”