Chapter 4: The New General; first mission to Daath

A young man sat up in bed and yawned. "Another beautiful day…" He got off his bed and went to his back porch. He heard the tranquil rushing of the waterfalls, and the peaceful songs of the birds. "Absolute tranquility… the birds are singing again this morning." He could hear the chatter of people outside, and the ticking sounded reminded him to look at his clock. "Only seven, huh? The cheerful voices of the towns early birds…" He walked out of his room and saw a note on the bedroom door across from his.

He took it off and began to read. "Dear Jeremy, I went out to get some more groceries. It's six-forty five right now, and I should be back within the hour. I hope you haven't left by the time I get back. Sincerely, Cynthia."

Jeremy chuckled. "I see, I'll wait for her then." He went outside to where a laundry line resided. He picked off a pair of white pants that were a little baggy, and a blue shirt with white Lily silhouettes. He went inside and changed, and once he finished, he sat on the steps to the house. The humid air of the crowded city blew slightly. His cream colored hair blew in the breeze. Jeremy took a deep breath. "Ah, the air isn't as salty today. The change is virtually impossible to notice, but it's there. Of all the days, it's on the day my new life begins, perfect." He watched as people went on their ways.

"Hey, watch it!"

Jeremy sighed and got off the steps. "This early, really?" He walked over to a small crowd. In the center, two men were yelling at each other. He pushed his way through the crowd, and stood in between the two. "Enough of this!"

They stopped, but one stepped forward. "This jerk rammed into me!"

"I didn't, you weren't paying attention to where you were going!"

Jeremy clenched his teeth. "Calm yourselves, now!" His voice was loud and stern.

A young woman heard the voice and walked to the crowd. She worked her way through and gasped a bit when she saw the scene. "Jeremy? I've never heard him yell like that before."

Jeremy glared at the man who spoke first. "Tell me, are you one who wakes up early?"

He shook his head. "I'm never up this early."

Jeremy rubbed his temple. "Why were you up then?"

"Why does that matter?! What about him?!"

Jeremy turned to the other man. "Then why were you rushing?"

He stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I had to go help out a friend. I'm always up early, so I'm not at fault."

Jeremy nodded. "Alright," He turned to leave the crowd, but turned to the first man. "Let me guess, you promised a woman that you'd meet her somewhere early, correct?" The man cringed. "I knew it. Apologize. No woman is worth waking up earlier than you're used to, she can wait."

He left the crowd, and the young woman followed. "Jeremy!"

"Good morning, Cynthia. You finished early."

She ran ahead of him. "I know I did."

"How about we put away the groceries then get going?"

Cynthia nodded. "That sounds like a good idea."

Skit: Today's the day

Jeremy: This is it!

Cynthia: Are you sure this is a good idea?

Jeremy: Of course I'm sure.

Cynthia: B-but…

Jeremy: I know you worry, but I'll be fine.

Cynthia: How are you so sure you won't die like he did?

Jeremy: My brother may have been killed during his time, but he was still amazing.

Cynthia: …If you're so sure, okay. But please, be careful alright? I don't know what I'd do without you.

Jeremy: Heh heh, yeah, I'll be careful. I'll make sure you don't have to pay rent by yourself.

Cynthia: That's not what I meant…

Jeremy: Huh?

Cynthia: Nothing!

Jeremy and Cynthia rushed to the palace. A large crowd was surrounded the front of the palace. At the head of the steps, Emperor Peony stood with Guy and Natalia. Jeremy and Cynthia made their way through the crowd. Jeremy ran up the steps, leaving Cynthia at the bottom. She was in front of the other people.

"Sorry for being late, your majesty!"

Peony shook his head. "It's alright." Jeremy stood next to Peony and faced the audience. He stood straight and put his hands at his sides. Peony cleared his throat. "I'd like to welcome everyone you this joyous occasion!" He gestured to Jeremy. "This young man recently moved to Grand Chokmah. He is the younger brother of our late general Aslan Frings. His swordmanship and leadership skills are on par if not superior to his brother's. This boy is the new general of our forces. You promise to serve only your control, correct?" Jeremy was a bit surprised by the sudden question. "O-of course, sire!"

Peony laughed. "Very well, you are hereby the certified general of the Malkuth imperial forces."

"My first assignment? Already?"

Peony nodded. "Correct. Fon Master Florian found a very interesting fonstone. We are unsure if it is one of this new breed our enemy desires. You are to defend it until Celia can secure it."

Jeremy nodded. "Very well; I will not fail you."

Cynthia stepped forward. "Um, can I go with him, your majesty?"

Peony raised a brow. "Why would you do that?"

"Well…"

Jeremy cleared his throat. "Your majesty, Cynthia might prove useful on this mission."

Peony scratched his chin. "She could be… very well; you can accompany him."

Cynthia smiled and bowed. "Thank you your majesty. I won't make you regret your decision!"

Guy and Natalia walked to the door. "We'll be waiting at the manor, when you're ready to go." Guy told them.

Jeremy and Cynthia bid Peony farewell and went on their way. Cynthia strolled back to the house while Jeremy followed. "Your cousin, Celia?"

Cynthia nodded. "True, she is."

Jeremy chuckled. "Very well, I can't wait to meet her."