Four Falvarian commanders stood around the table and looked at the king. The table had maps and other papers. They had found out the success of the Cerfisian prince and the arrival of the Devil's Master. And the failure of Deris.
"Deris and the Morl Riders failed in killing the prince and taking the badge. We gave them everything. Funds, Weapons, Lelix, and even one of the best mages. They still failed." One of the commanders said.
"They always had the upper hand. Only if the Devil's Master hadn't arrived." Another commander said with tension.
"We need to devise other strategies…" Commander of the cavalry spoke.
They turned and looked at their king. Larnet was looking and hearing his commander talk. He was thinking of something. He got up from his throne and walked ahead. He stood near them and looked at the map.
"Raftin was successful in taking out the order and driving out the prince. They are currently in Russin-Solvo. And if they somehow find out the location of the second jewel…" Derif Kohler stopped speaking
"They will go to Germaiyin," Larnet completed the sentence.
Larnet began to think again and then ordered a call to the mage, Golfiz—the same mage who was sent with Deris and who generated the forest in the lawless plains.
Soon, the mage came and kneeled before the king.
"You called for me, your majesty…"
Larnet walked up to his throne and signalled to him to come closer. Golfiz hesitated, but followed the order and got closer.
"Closer…" Larnet ordered.
Golfiz hesitated again.
'Is he going to kill me for failing in the mission?' Golfiz thought.
He walked closer. Larnet grabbed him from the shoulder and pulled him closer. He got his face close to Golfiz's ears and began to whisper.
After speaking for some time, Larnet pulled back and sat on his throne.
"Follow the orders…Come back only if you succeed," Larnet ordered.
"Yes, sir!" Golfiz said with obedience and then hurriedly left the hall.
The commanders looked at the king and thought about what he would have said to the mage. But they couldn't question the king. They were afraid.
Felmer and the rest packed up and got ready for the new journey. They had bought food and resources for the journey this morning. Lelis came down from her room. She wore green clothes. The quiver and the bow were on her back. She wore gloves, which only covered her index fingers and thumbs and the palms. She was prepared as well.
"Why are you prepared?" Felmer asked as he looked at his blade to make sure it was sharp.
"I am coming with you guys…"
"Huh? Why?" He asked.
"Is there a problem?" Lelis asked as she adjusted her waist belt. "I told your uncle, aunt and sister Elna as well."
"We aren't going for tourism. We are going for a potential and unavoidable war. Can you fight?"
"I had five years of archery training. I am a sniper. I can use guns as well." She said, flexing her skills. "By the way…Why are you objecting?"
Felmer stared at Lelis.
"He is the leader…" Elna said as she came down from Lelis's room.
"He?" Lelis asked, shockingly.
"Yes, me…" Felmer replied
"The runaway prince is the leader…" She said.
Felmer's brothers chuckled and looked at him. "That's a good nickname…"
Felmer got closer to her. "Do you want that hairpin or not?"
"Yes, I do…" She replied.
"Then don't call me that…" Felmer said and walked away.
"So? Would you let me come?"
Felmer sighed. He had no reason not let her come. But he didn't want to babysit everyone.
"Fine…" He agreed.
Felmer picked up his cloak and met his aunt and uncle. He shook hands with Asfal, and then he opened the door. He walked out and looked at the horses. There were six horses, and there were now seven people. He thought for a second.
"Lelis, you will take Benny's horse. Benny, you and Flexin will be together on one horse." Felmer ordered and then got up on his horse.
Suddenly, he heard someone call Felmer's name. Felmer turned. Three soldiers and a military officer were walking towards them. The soldiers were carrying bags.
"The king sends his regards. He sent some gifts as well." The officer said and signalled the three soldiers to put down the bags. "Six rifles…"
"These weapons are becoming a lot more common…" Melfer said.
"Actually, these new weapons are our product. You will either find them here or in the black market." The officer replied. "There are two long-range rifles. And if you are going to Germaiyin, let one of our soldiers guide you out. After what you did at the border of Qaeristisk and Cerfis, the Qaeristiskian authorities would be looking for you. The other path is dangerous. So…"
Felmer thought and nodded. "Fine…I would like a guide."
The officer signalled one of the soldiers, and he ran off. Soon, he came on a horse and stopped near Felmer.
"Send my thanks to the king…" Felmer said.
The officer nodded and left. Felmer got down from his horse and picked up the rifles.
"These are improved versions. Unlike older models, you wouldn't need to reload after every fire. Load five bullets and just cock after every fire." The soldier gave them information.
He got down from his horse, grabbed his own rifle and gave them a tutorial. The squad seemed to understand.
"The archers will take the long-range. Benny, you will take none." Felmer said as he grabbed a rifle and placed it behind his back.
Then they got on their horses, and the soldier began to guide them to the path out of Russin-Solvo.