A story of loyalty
What would Prince Arslan's legendary campaign to take back Pars be like with the help of the Will Treaty, an Araluen ranger?
Chapter 1-Araluen
Will POV
Within the Baron's office at Castle Redmont there was a state of heightened tension. Many important people within the fief and the king had assembled after receiving notice from Pars, an important ally despite the substantial distance from the two countries. The message wrote "Pars has been taken over by the Lusitanians with the assistance of a general who we currently are researching. It would be extremely heartening for us to have one of our greatest allies provide assistance during this troubled times, written by Narsus on behalf of Prince Arslan."
King Duncan said "As we all know, Pars is one of our greatest allies, and the stability of their capital in vital to our most important overland trade routes. Therefore, I have decided that we would send in the assistance of a ranger and some of our cavalry under your blessing."
Answered Halt "I have no objections, but I recommend we send our ranger to scout out Pars and use pigeon messages before sending any cavalry, my lord. But who should we send? Crowley, Gilan, Will and I are probably the only rangers with experience outside Araluen."
"My lord, perhaps we should send Will," suggested Crowley. "He has experience with interacting with Parsians and knows Prince Arslan and his close retainers quite well, although they are more like friends and comrades."
"Will?" the king prompted. "This is your decision as much as my order."
I carefully considered the situation. I really wanted to help Prince Arslan because of our close relationship but this mission had an indeterminable timespan. "I accept, my lord. Should I prepare to leave for Peshawar or Ecbatana dawn tomorrow?"
"Yes, Will. I must beseech to you, this is an important mission regarding our future relationship with Pars. I trust you to do your best." King Duncan replied.
We were quickly dismissed and I left for the cabin. I systematically started packing all of my belongings for this mission, including extra bowstrings, arrows, my mandola and other accessories for going undercover. I slept peacefully and uneasily knowing that I would be leaving my homeland and family again.
Dawn arrived quickly and in good time. I rode to Castle Redmont to get last minutes instructions from Halt, Crowley and the King. I also farewelled everyone including Alyss, with both of us knowing that we could potentially be separated for an extended period of time.
I turned away and headed east towards Pars, towards my new mission.