The young master was now 18. He has been serving the country in his new squad for two years now. He had improved a lot, and his magic was now stable. The squad spent most of their time getting rid of the terrorists and the bandits disturbing the trade routes. Due to Felmer's involvement in the country's politics, he had made some rivals. He was not liked by every village chief. But he had huge public support.
The political dynamics of the country had changed a lot in the past two years. Two years ago, Raftin replaced Marnis with the chief of the village district based at the foot of the mountain. The main family had to leave the capital and move to that district. The public didn't like it much. As the word spread that Raftin had accepted the deal with Falvaria, public discontent rose and took a serious turn, drastically shifting the internal politics. As Marnis didn't want any civil war, he resigned from the heirship, and it was transferred to Felmer, whose authority was only challenged by Elna. As she was Raftin's daughter.
Elna led the squad "Children of Gorbin". She didn't want discontent among his squad mates. So, she withdrew from the heirship. Now, there were two obstacles in Felmer's path to the throne. Raftin and the ceasefire deal with Falvaria.
Felmer gathered immense public support. The Eastern District sided with the branch family. The west and mountain foot district sided with Felmer. The northern district remained neutral. The country was on the brink of civil war, just as Falvaria had planned. But General Ednita used his authority and forbade every soldier from fighting. Raftin couldn't remove the general without ninety per cent approval of the council. The general was the thread holding the two falling towers.
But the two sides held their swords pointed at each other's necks, and the annihilation was just one breath away.
The four horses ran through the plains, and Elna's arrow pierced the neck of the bandit. The squad had arrived to save their villagers. Felmer's horse rushed through the chaos and slit open the enemy's throat. He got off his horse and sliced another enemy.
The Military code of Cerfis didn't allow any enemy to live.
Melfer got off his horse and kicked a bandit in the groin, and then stabbed his gut. The remaining were killed by Elna and Irnik.
The attacks on the convoys were increasing as the political discontent grew. The terrorists and bandits were becoming increasingly active.
"Is everyone fine?" Elna asked loudly.
"We were a bit late," Irnik said to her.
"Many are saved, but still half are dead. Maybe more." Felmer reported.
"We will help them until the soldiers arrive," Elna ordered.
Following her orders, the squad began to help the villagers and decided to travel with them to their destination. Some time had passed, and they had only gathered the bodies and belongings when the soldiers arrived.
Elna informed their captain of the situation, and the squad left. To prevent fighting, the general had ordered the squad to reside in the mountain foot district, in the head village, Nolos.
The Prince of Falvaria, Laminer Falva, walked through the chambers and corridors of the Falvarian palace. He was followed by his aide, Torkia Yifli. The two entered the throne hall and walked near the throne. There sat the infamous Larnet Falva, and stood beside him, his prime minister, Derif Korler.
The prince came forward and bowed to the king.
"Your Majesty, I have heard that despite the peace deal, our finances are being spent on funding the terrorists and bandits, to kill Cerfisians, while a large amount of our people are dying thanks to the shortage of food. As the prince of the kingdom, I would like to know why this is happening." The prince demanded an answer. He was angry.
Larnet looked at the young prince and didn't say anything. The prime minister stepped forward.
"Prince, this matter isn't something you should waste your time on. Our real enemies are Cerfis. The people can die and multiply again. This life cycle won't stop. As you are aware of the rumoured heir and the country's history with us, I think you should understand." The prime minister spoke arrogantly and with a smirk.
"Mr Derif, regarding that heir, I have only heard that he and his team have slain every terrorist and bandit that we have funded. Not an inch of damage has been inflicted on them. To me, this is all a waste of money."
"Not an inch of damage? They are on the brink of civil war. Any minute, they could start decapitating each other's heads. They are only being stopped by their supreme commander. No funds are being wasted." Derif paused. "Ignore these problems and focus on your fiancé." He smiled.
"Don't worry, Laminer, these problems won't harm the kingdom and its people. We have been at war with them for decades. We have the particles and the sword. There is nothing they can do. Killing some pesky little bandits and terrorists won't make one a leader. I have given you every luxury you need. You can ask for more if you want. Relax and watch our enemy perish." Larnet opened his mouth after a thought.
The prince sighed and left the hall. There was nothing he could do.
"These nobles…They have been controlling the kingdom, and we, the main family, have only been watching and dying. They have made us busy with women and other luxuries. We have only become weaker. The king knows he won't live forever." The prince said to Torkia.
"He isn't wrong, and you aren't either. They have done this for a century, so I don't think there would be any difference. He may not live forever, but he has lived for a century." Torkia said. He looked at the prince; he understood he wasn't satisfied. "You are correct that we have become too relaxed and comfortable. I can only say that you stay loyal to your fiancé and train to become a good soldier or commander."
The prince sighed. "Fine…"
Laminer was slightly satisfied. Torkia wasn't wrong, though.