Chapter 2

Back at camp, the remaining soldiers mulled about peacefully. Quiet conversations were had, and the underlying tension of war was almost unnoticeable. Prince Marth, a handsome young man with striking features and ocean blue hair sat on a turned over log next to his right-hand man, the paladin Jagen. He was a wise old man, but his age did not affect his strength, and he was as strong as an ox even as his hair grayed. They had been holding a light conversation if only to pass the time, exchanging pleasantry words without any real meaning.

Marth's eyes wandered to the edge of the forest where two cavaliers had entered quite a while ago. "It's been some time since Cain and Abel left, hasn't it?" the young prince commented.

The elder man raised his gaze to see where the sun lay in the sky. It certainly was much later than when the two had left. "They have been late before," he murmured, with only a touch of uncertainty. "Perhaps Cain pulled Abel into a bit of mischief." Not wanting Marth to worry, he gave a possible explanation.

A smile spread across Marth's face. "It wouldn't be the first time, would it?" he said with a short laugh. The two cavaliers were known for getting into rather… adventurous situations.

Jagen murmured agreement, but didn't give a proper response. After a moment, Marth excused himself and rose from the log to answer the summons of another soldier, leaving Jagen alone in his thoughts. He couldn't quite shake the uncomfortable feeling brewing in his gut.