Chapter 37 - War Approaches

"It's simple, at first all I wanted was power, all those people courting me; the false compliments, the backbiting from other ladies. I wanted it all to disappear and marrying into a duke's family seemed easiest to reach that goal. Somehow along the way, I fell in love with him, my l.u.s.t for power vanished. He showed me a side of him that no one else in the kingdom knew about; the caring and loving side. I thought I struck gold; I wanted to be a good wife.

One day after we were wedded, his true nature was revealed to me. He abused, tortured, and played with me as if I were a toy. All the sleepless nights, he would s.e.x.u.a.lly assault me for hours on end. I didn't want him to feel any pleasure in my suffering, so I remained silent. Luckily, being raised in a harsh environment; I adapted and survived. Though as time went on, I broke, both physically and mentally; my mind completely shut down.

Then on the day, I was sent into the forest as per his plot to instigate war. I was so frightened about being abused by men other than him; I tried reaching out but it fell on deaf ears. You see, I still harbor affection for that wicked man I call or used to, husband. Tied to a tree, I thought it was going to end for me, then your girl's swooped in to save me. I thought it was my chance to start over. Even though I still liked him, I wanted to just run away, I still do, but I guess I'm going to be used as a political tool now aren't I. A woman like me doesn't have the right to be happy, I guess it was just fate. "

"Millicent, you say you wanted power, is that still your dream or do you wish to get together with your husband again? I need an answer from you, it's purely coincidental, no strings attached; show me your truest feelings." Hearing her story, everyone got on edge; they felt pity for her, however, Staxius kept a stern expression. Trusting other people was something he did rarely.

"My truest feelings, I think; on the day I saw you fighting Fenrir there, my heart kind of started beating again. You fighting her was something breathtaking, it was like my life being played repeatedly; faced against a big obstacle, through the pain from each strike you took, that will to survive and fight kept you alive. I wanted to be like that; I don't wish to run away anymore but I'm powerless, I was thrown as if I was disposable. In the end, I'm just an aging whor…"

"Nonsense, you say you want to live but have alienated yourself from any hope – how can you find the will to surmount the hill in front of you if you're not going to take the first step. Your reasoning is like a child trying to break a mountain with only a pebble, its useless." He replied harshly. The words coming out of his mouth were stinging her deeply, he spoke the truth.

"How… in just one conversation, you knew about who I truly am. Here I was thinking I had layered my cowardice with lies. Guess you are out of my leagu…" Tears flowed, she sobbed.

Everyone except Staxius rushed to her side to comfort her.

"Undrar, what's your take on this?" He asked telepathically.

"She seems sincere. I'll admit the first time we took her in, something was off. I felt an aura of deception; you felt it too. "

"Yes, I knew she lied but for whatever reason, I wanted to try and help her. But later, when I found out about her identity; she may prove useful in the end."

"Are you going to use her as bargaining ch.i.p.s against Sten?"

"Even better, she said she wanted power, I'll give her power. All I want is someone who can be trusted, I'm obsessed with making allies. Also, I think that this move may give me the chance to give the silver guardians and I some space apart."

Her cries got quieter; *Cough, cough.* "Excuse me, ladies, I have an announcement." He spoke after clearing his throat. Confused, they all gaze at Staxius who stood up. The moon reappeared behind him, the clouds began to scatter, he looked majestic. "Ex-duchess Millicent Parcyvell, do you wish power? Do you have the desire to start over again? Do you wish for a new life? If so," – He bowed and put forward his right hand, "Will you trust me?" For a second, everyone thought it was a marriage proposal. A sigh of relief was heard, Staxius chose to ignore it. With tears still in her eyes, "Gladly," She took his hand while smiling for the first time ever.

Real identity discovered; Millicent spent the night recounting tales from childhood. Some were joyous while others were woeful. Meanwhile, tired, Staxius slept.

In a blink of an eye, the sun rose. Another day had passed, "Everyone, get in, we are headed to Krigi," The engine purred, and they were off after breakfast.

"Sire, excuse my insolence, but we've gotten countless rumors about a fake apostle hiding out in Krigi." A servant spoke while knelt to the ground. In front of him stood a giant statue of a god whose name was unknown to even the pope. During his morning prayer, he stopped and slowly glanced backward. "My child, haven't I said that I wish to not be disturbed while I'm speaking the gods." His tone was deep and soothing.

"I-I a-apologize, it was duke Hawkin who insisted to relay this message to you."

"Ahh – is that so, very well; please relay this to him that I shall head over to his mansion in a few moments." Silently, the servant left. "The time has come, my God; I shall purge Dorchester and rid the world of that filthy pseudo apostle." He sighed.

Dressed in a white and golden robe, the father left for the duke's mansion. The latter stood; the style was the same as Sophie's house. Same architecture but different corridors, with the exception that the layout isn't that confusing. "Father, this way please." Someone who appeared to be a maid stood near the front gate. "Lead the way," He smiled. His aura shined as brightly as the sun; white and noble. Deep inside the immense mansion, he waited inside the command room; the place where decision concerning bloodshed and war were made.

"I apologize for making wait this late," A middle-aged man walked inside. Wearing a monocle paired with long mustaches – alongside a stern expression as if wanting to annihilate the whole country, he spoke courteously. "No apologies needed my dear duke." The Father replied. Duke Hawkin was someone renowned for his vengeful nature, most of the nobles in Hidros don't like how he does things. Though he appears normal and innocent on the outside; he's a fiend. Even the righteous pope was someone to be feared. Together those two ruled Kreston; a country devoid of free will, the people are brainwashed by the sweet word of god.

"What is the matter, why have you called me so urgently today?" The pope asked, confused.

"Oh - father, this is awful; completely awful. My precious daughter has been slain by the man who harbors the fake apostle at his castle. The man Sten Parcyvell, he wishes for a war every year. I plea to you, help me conquer his state in the name of a holy war. Abducting and killing my daughter was the last drop of water that flooded my poor heart, I'm oozing with hatred and anger. Please, father, my daughter was good to you in more ways than one - please, avenge her." He got onto his knees and begged. Hawkin was in pain, losing a loved one, and his daughter for a matter of fact.

"Duke Hawkin, please, raise your head. May I ask where you got your information?"

"The Thunderstain,"

"The information brokers?"

"Yes, they've confirmed that Dorchester might launch an attack against us."

"But under what pretext? The king isn't going to abide by that sort of behavior."

"I agree, but father, it's too late. The conniving princess has put Dorchester as a hero and us as the villains. She herself has said that our God isn't to be trusted; and that the people of Kreston are but fools. She has blasphemed our lord's name."

"Very well," He sighed. The cool-headed personality was replaced by his true persona. "Do they DARE, speak badly about my god. This will not go UNPUNISHED. Gather your troupes," – He ripped off the robe, revealing a crimson red armor bearing the crest of the holy army. "We are marching to Dorchester; I hope you've done the necessary arrangements."

"But of course," This was common for both men, the moment Hawkin's daughter was abducted; Kreston and the holy army were getting ready for war. And now that the pseudo apostle was found out, even the pope had a reason to fight. They always do a council like that for the theatrics, but both of them knew deep inside that war is the only way to get something you want. Also, for the other nobles in the council ruling Kreston, well they all live peacefully near the beach. Their armies are directly controlled by Hawkin.

Three hours went by, the war was soon approaching. Kreston were requesting mages from Claireville academy and so was Dorchester.

"Sophie, I guess you're headed out today?" Josiah spoke from within the teacher's rest area. – "Yes uncle, today is the day all mages contracted to fight are headed out."

"But are you sure for fighting with Kreston? Aren't they a bit… insane?"

"Yes, they are, but I was given express orders from my husband; hence my decision."

"But why would he do something like that?" He inquired.

"Apparently, our family are close friends with duke Hawkin." She smiled.

"But what about your child…"

"Oh…" – she patted her belly, "Not to worry, I'm an S-rank mage after all." She smiled and left, a tear slipped and fell onto the floor while she opened the door.

Simultaneously, at the entrance, "Brother, are you sure you don't want me to come along with you?" Autumn spoke out concerned. "No need to worry dear sister, I may be a C-rank mage, but I'm also a Duke. It's my duty to fight when the time calls for it. Sten Parcyvell has helped me a numerous time before, I'm only but repaying the favor."

"Very well, good luck then, brother," She smiled. Split into two groups, more people than expected awaited the airsh.i.p.s. On one side, the mages fighting for Kreston and the other Dorchester. Amidst the group, familiar faces were spotted, classmates and enemies.

"Listen up everyone, today you are no longer friends, you've been contracted to a province. I expect no pity for if you betray your agreement with the said country, then the order will reprimand you. I wish you luck in your future battles, for some of you, this may be the chance to gain glory as well as money. Now then, long live mages." Josiah spoke.

Two airsh.i.p.s controlled by the Order arrived. Ladders were thrown down, one by one, it filled up and left. War was here, in the coming days, this kingdom was going to change, but no one predicted how it was to unfold.

It was now noon; the sh.i.p.s just took off and were headed to their individual destination. Armies were gathered around each castle and mansion; the sheer number of soldiers was unbelievable. From the first look, both armies looked equally balanced in terms of manpower. More than ten thousand men were called in, may they be mercenaries or just robbers and thieves; even adventurers joined the fray.

Oblivious to what was brewing behind them, Staxius rode forward. He knew a war was coming but the true extent was discovered when, "Staxius, I've just received that both sides have hired mages to fight. This is no longer a petty fight but a full-on assault. One side is fighting for justice while the other in the name of God, you better get out of Dorchester if you want to survive. From what I gathered; an S-rank mage has been spotted by Kreston; she bears a rose for an emblem." The transmission ended.

A small village came into view, "Sophie…" Staxius whispered.