The soldier guided the squad through the mountains and treacherous paths. They moved on the slippery slopes and dodged falling rocks from above. The wind was fast as well. They calmly controlled their horses and moved down the mountains. As they travelled, they had to go over an icy passageway.
"Move slowly…The ice is extremely slippery." The soldier said, slowly guiding his horse.
The squad followed his instructions and slowly moved their horses on the passageway. Cautiously moving, they crossed the hurdle, and soon, they were on a safe path. As they reached the plains, the soldier stopped.
"The path is straight here to the border. You shouldn't have any problem."
"Fine…We will cover the rest ourselves. Thanks for your help," Felmer replied.
"It's my pleasure and duty…" The soldier said and returned.
They watched him leave and disappear into the mountains. They continued their journey, and after riding for some time, they crossed the border.
The seven-person squad now stood in a new territory. They were in the Kingdom of Germaiyin, an old kingdom famous for its military discipline and victories over the Falvarians. They had never lost a battle against Falvaria. 123 years ago, they made a deal with Falvaria. They agreed to end hostilities in exchange for the second jewel. After many talks, Falvaria agreed. And now Felmer, the actual inheritor of the jewels, was here to take back what was once theirs.
The squad ventured into the new territory and picked up the pace. Their destination was the capital, Bernis. The sun was above them, and they rushed towards the old capital. By evening, they had arrived.
The city of Bernis was surrounded by three layers of thick walls. Six gates led into the city. The third layer comprised numerous towers, each mounting catapults and ballistae. Two soldiers stood beside each catapult and ballista. The second wall had roofed towers, each with five archers. The first wall had the same defence.
The squad entered from the southern gate. Three guards stood still on the gate and watched them enter. They observed them and let them pass. The squad walked into the city and looked at it in awe. Far away, in the centre, the grand palace of Germaiyin was visible.
They travelled through the busy roads and stopped at an inn. After tying their horses, they entered and sat around a table. They ordered water and filled their thirst.
Two men nearby were talking loudly about the conditions of the kingdom. The squad became attentive towards them and began to hear.
"The king should accept their deal…" One man said.
"Yeah…The princess is not the correct heir. She had no sense of governance." The other man agreed with his friend.
"The governor of Falvaria's northern province wants the princess. He thinks that, like always, we will win against the Falvarians. They have nearly 500 thousand troops…"
"Yeah…He is even ready to sell the jewel to save his daughter."
Melfer got closer to Felmer and whispered.
"Isn't that a problem?"
"Yep…It is…" Felmer replied. "We need to meet the king somehow."
Melfer nodded in response.
"The king has said that the jewel will be given to its real master." The man spoke.
"Yeah…There is a word that the Cerfisian heir and their king are fighting over. A civil war has broken out as well." The other said.
"This is not right as well…" Melfer whispered again.
Felmer nodded and drank water.
'So the whole world knows by now?' Felmer thought.
Soon, the door of the inn opened with a bash, and a high-ranking commander of the Germaiyinian government stood. There were three royal guards behind him. He wore a long silk robe, and a golden sword was at his waist. He was serious and seemed powerful. He walked inside and stood near the squad's table.
Felmer understood that he had come for them. Felmer drank the remaining water and looked at the man. The man was staring at him, too.
"Felmer Grobin, I presume?" The man asked sternly.
The whole inn began to look at them as they heard the question.
"Ugh…Yes?" Felmer asked, looking around.
"I am Holtif Rasfer, the chancellor of the Germaiyinian high command. And the second-hand man of the king. The king would like to meet you." He stopped. "All of you should follow us. The noble guests live in the palace." He said and pointed for them to follow.
The squad picked up their things and went outside the inn. Everyone in the inn was looking at them. They were stunned to see a prince in a small inn.
Holtif got on his horse, and so did the squad.
"You can hand your rifles to the soldiers. They will keep them safe, don't worry." Holtif said.
They followed his advice and then followed Holtif to the palace.
They moved through the busy roads and markets of the city and headed towards the palace. It wasn't just a city; it was a metropolitan city. Steam trains and carts ran inside the city. After the capital of Falvaria, Faskerlis, Bernis was the biggest and most advanced city in the world.
"Our soldiers saw you and your party enter the kingdom at the border. Hence, we were ready for your arrival." Holtif said as they walked through the corridors of the palace.
Soon, they arrived at the residential rooms.
"Lord Felmer…Your companions can rest. Only you will meet the king." Holtif said.
"Fine…" Felmer replied.
The maid guided the rest to the rooms, and Felmer followed Holtif to the king's hall.
Felmer stared at Holtif and thought why he call him lord.
'My rank is more than his?' Felmer thought.
"Are you thinking why I used Lord?" Holtif asked over his shoulder.
'Huh? He can read minds?' Felmer thought.
"Well, yes…"
"Our intelligence says that your country's current leader acted against you with the idea and assistance of Falvaria."
"What?" Felmer was shocked.
If that was true, Raftin was to be executed immediately. This was the law of Cerfis.
"Yes, it is quite shocking. But our spies say it's true. So, our government and ministers are labelling and addressing you as the king of Cerfis. Diplomacy and politics against Falvaria."
"Currently, I am not the king. Whether he is fake or not. I haven't taken control…" Felmer replied with seriousness.
"True…" Holtif said and stopped in front of a big door. "Cerfis has no history with us. So you can become our ally. We both have a common enemy." He said and then opened the door.
The guards inside held the door and opened it. The two of them entered the hall and stood in the centre. Holtif walked ahead and stood near the throne.
The king of Germaiyin, King Salter, got up from his throne and moved towards Felmer.
"Nice to meet you…Lord Felmer…" Salter said.
"It's nice to meet you as well, King Salter…" Felmer replied and shook his hand.
"I was informed of your arrival. I am happy that you came to our country. I have heard about your country's situation."
"It seems everyone around the world knows about it by now…" Felmer said.
"Yes…And also about the Badge of Ascension and the first jewel." Salter paused. "You are here for the second. Am I right?" Salter's smile faded.
Felmer sighed and looked at the king. "Yes…You are correct. I am here to take what was ours."
"And you think that I will give it to you?" Salter said and sat on his throne. "That lustful governor is at our doors. And now you come here to take what you had?"
"Then what are you going to do? Remain stubborn and lose everything?" Felmer shot back.
"You are saying that after you ran away from your country. Like always, we would win again." Salter smirked.
"Charms don't work all the time. I never had a charm on my side. Nor I would pray for one…" Felmer gave his absolute answer.
Salter stared at Felmer. He knew he couldn't argue with him. But he wasn't ready to give the jewel.
"You came from a long journey. You should rest. We can talk later." Holtif said and gestured for Felmer to follow him outside. "You should rest as well, your majesty. I will take Lord Felmer to his room."
Felmer looked at Salter and left with Holtif.
"You are right on your point. But he is very emotional about his daughter. You need other methods." Holtif said as they walked back.
"You are supporting your king?" Felmer asked.
"I am loyal to him. But the jewel is useless to us. For us, it is just a decorative piece. A thing to give nostalgia to the old. We have people who can use it. But the world is advancing technologically. Rifles and trains are good examples."
"Correct…" Felmer said, and he suddenly stopped. His head began to pain.
Flashes of magical creatures and beasts appeared in his mind. His magic began to react. He could feel an intense magical presence in the area calling him. The badge in his pocket began to react and vibrate.
"Are you alright, Lord Felmer?" Holtif asked, worried.
Felmer stood straight and calmed his magic. He looked around and at Holtif.
"Yes…I am fine."
'What is it? The jewel?' Felmer thought.
Felmer, then, followed Holtif to his room and then went inside.
"The maids are at your service. Ask for anything." Holtif said and left.
The room was a big one. A big king-sized bed. A fancy dressing table on the left and a wardrobe on the right. There was a big window to the left of the bed. Felmer took off his coat and lay on the bed. He stared at the ceiling and went to sleep. The pictures were still flashing in his mind.