On the 25th of Janea, 1990 W.C., morning at the Kuno mansion began with a blinding fog. It slipped through Minas Kuno Town from the forest to collide with the gentle wind from the Senronia Gulf. The mist began to fade as light shone upon the town from the rising sun appearing over the sea on the east side of the gulf. It was a peaceful moment where the people felt they were witnessing a dawn of miraculous beauty of an ageless moment, like watching a shiny gold pearl raised from the ocean by an ancient clam holding a rough diamond in the deepest sea.
This sight had not only amazed generations of townspeople and the Chief's family but also the Siharki Lords visiting Minas Kuno. Known for millennia by its nickname, "The City Harbor of Dawn and Dusk," the town had played host to the four Siharkis since the 22th of Janea, and they had not grown tired of being amazed by these dawns.
As the four Siharkis, the Daevos family, and others finished their breakfast at the dining table, Chief Daevos, Lady Eiwa, and Lady Syeira remained in conversation with the Siharki of Northia, Southia, Westernia, and Eastia. Meanwhile, Arkara, who had finished early, took a walk in the Kuno mansion garden. He looked out at the Senronia Gulf, viewing its great beauty, though his head felt heavy with the weight of his uncle's words from the night before. As he tried to figure out what he could actually endure, he felt a sudden tap on his shoulder from behind.
Chief Daevos: "My son, it looks as though you are in deep thought while seeking an answer in this miracle of beauty, are you not?" He smiled, trying to comfort Arkara, whom he had been watching for a while.
Arkara: "I just... as you know, Father, being a warrior with an oath hasn't put me in a situation like this before. I don't know the right way to describe it." Arkara smiled, attempting to hide his true thoughts.
Chief Daevos: "Is this about Lord Kaora's wishes from last night? Listen, Arkara. As a father, I can only give you words; the decisions are always yours to make. I trust you to decide what is good for your path. I say this not only as a father, but as a Chief who is proud of one of his best Chivalry Captains." He tapped his son's arm with a gentle, proud tone.
Arkara: "If I refuse the proposal, what might Lord Kaora say? I have taken a vow to protect Lady Syeira, and I know she loves me, but..."
Chief Daevos: "But you are in love with her as well, aren't you? My son, being a warrior is not just about strength and glory for our land; it is about what we choose to protect and how our actions mirror our words. A warrior without purpose is like a mindless beast, capable only of destruction rather than building." His tone was deep as he held his son's shoulder.
Arkara: "Thank you, Father. I will always try to be the warrior you taught me to be. I understand now that your advice is a key to a lock most men rarely find." Arkara's face showed visible relief.
Chief Daevos: "That is why I am always proud of you. I have a feeling your destiny is to be a better Chief than I ever was,perhaps even beyond what was foretold a decade ago. Today, I witness a piece of that destiny without a doubt." He hugged his son tightly.
Suddenly, as they looked toward the gulf, a Kuno Captain arrived and handed a golden scroll to Chief Daevos.
Captain Faego: "News for the Siharkis, Chief Daevos." He bowed slightly while handing over the scroll.
Chief Daevos took the scroll and immediately headed toward the four Siharkis, leaving the garden. Captain Faego walked near Arkara, receiving a nod from the Chief before the two were left alone.
Captain Faego: "Sir, your prisoner is safely held at the Hibiska Hill secret hideout as commanded. We started the interrogation last night, but he hasn't spilled a word." He whispered the information in a low tone.
Arkara: "Sooner or later, he will yield. That prisoner is the only clue we have. Keep the interrogation going; make him talk as long as you can without him losing his breath. He shall learn what it feels like to regret living long enough to mess with the Kuno family. Does anyone else know where he is being kept?"
Captain Faego: "No, Sir!"
Arkara: "Good. Keep it that way between us until we find something." Arkara gave a fierce glance.
Captain Faego: "Hup! Consider it clear, Sir." He bowed and left.
As Captain Faego rode his horse out of the mansion gates, Lady Syeira approached Arkara.
Lady Syeira: "My father said that he and two other Champions of the Siharkis of Northia and Eastia will arrive later this evening." Her face blushed as she stepped closer to him.
Arkara: "Is that so, My Lady? This will be the first time I witness a gathering of the most powerful Witch Knights from across the Senronia continent in one place." His tone was excited, but his face remained calm as he bowed.
Lady Syeira: "Yes. I remember witnessing this myself at Gapura Highland City on the 30th of Marchea, 1980. It was one of the most exciting moments of my life. But now, I realize there is something even more exciting than that, Arkara. You'll see soon enough, my dear..." She whispered the last words softly, smiling as she walked back inside. Her sharp, intimidating eyes lingered on him before she faded into the mansion.
Arkara: "My Lady?" He bowed, looking puzzled, left alone in a maze of riddles.
Later that evening, Arkara stood at the gate with his guards. Suddenly, they saw an approaching horde of black-armored riders. Three lead horses wore the seals of the Witch Lord crests of Northia, Eastia, and Westernia. As they dismounted at the Kuno Mansion gates, one of the Witch Knights demanded an audience.
Witch Knight: "We are here representing the Champions of the Siharkis of Northia, Westernia, and Eastia. We demand an audience with Chief Daevos! Inform the Siharki Lords of our arrival!"
Arkara: "Welcome, honorable Champions of the Unions. I am Captain Arkara, son of the Chief " He was cut off.
Witch Knight: "Should you not be leading us to your Chief, Captain? Are you the Chief we demanded? Stop wasting our time and inform him immediately, or I shall teach you to learn your place! Is this how the Vassal of Southia treats guests? Making us wait outside like peasants?!"
Arkara: "Pardon us, Sir. Open the gate!" At his command, the gates opened. Arkara told one of his mounted guards to lead the horde to the arrival hall.
Guard: "Right this way, Sir."
As the riders passed Arkara, the three Champions exchanged fierce glances with him. Arkara remained calm, but his eyes reflected the clashing tension of the atmosphere as they passed through.
To be continued...