Chapter 20
The Start of A War
It was an early hot morning in the Umbridge Kingdom. The citizens woke up to the sound of marching. Those not up or outside saw through their windows as soldiers walked into the city. The soldiers wore light armor and had colorful masks. Other soldiers walked behind them. They wore a little bit more armor.
General Cortez had gone to the castle along with some soldiers. In the castle, he and the soldiers met with King John. General Cortez introduces them. The soldiers were captains of their divisions. One had light armor and a colorful mask. General Cortez told King John about some special troops trained by their city.
"These are called Luchadores. They are quick and agile. Some are fierce and tough. They will help control some of the masses."
King John was distracted by the mask. Cortez told King John they had been training for when needed. Cortez said they symbolized their bravery and love for their city. King John, thanks, Cortez.
King John told the captains about the war coming up. He told them they would need to practice for a bit of time before moving out. The soldiers were headed to the barracks. The captains were going to get brief when the rest of the troops arrived.
Cortez sees the captains leave. He then reminds King John about when they met. King John remembered that his father had sent him with some recruits. Cortez was among them. He saw Cortez dressed in fancy silk clothes. He looked out of place.
Cortez laughs and remembers it too. He remembers the troops laughing at him for saying he was the king's son, which no one believed. King John asks Cortez why he followed him. Cortez, smiling, told him that he saw he looked strong. They both laugh.
Cortez spoke a little about his family. He grew up with six brothers and was one of the youngest. His mother spoiled him, and he only knew how to live a comfortable life. He said his father didn't like it, so he sent him to the army to toughen him.
King John reminisces about the old days. He told Cortez that he and the rest of the group were his closest and most trusted friends. Cortez wanted to have drinks after hearing that, but they needed to prepare. After laughing, they headed to King John's study.
King John hands Cortez several letters to be delivered. Cortez leaves and calls for some messengers. He gave them a letter each and told them to hurry. The messengers go on horseback. They each reach a part of town to deliver the letter.
One went to the Adventurers Guild. The guild master received it and read it. He summoned his staff right away. The guild staff needed clarification. The guild master told them to write contracts and post them on the quest board. He said the requests came from King John.
The other letters reached several merchants. The merchants sold supplies that King John needed for his troops. The merchants read the letters and began to prepare his request. Each merchant hurried their staff. News about the war has spread in the city.
In the castle, King John waits for messages and updates on his troops. Cortez came back and talked to King John. King John told Cortez what he expected when everything was done. He said they would be marching with a total of Five to six thousand troops.
Cortez thought about it and figured it should be enough to take the fort. King John was worried that the enemy would have reinforcements. Cortez tells King John not to overthink his enemy and focus on his strategy. King John understood and told Cortez that Haddison was the last to arrive.
It was the afternoon, and everyone that needed to be there was there. King John asked Cortez to start the briefing. General Cortez began by greeting all captains. They were in the king's throne room. Cortez was the only general who faced the enemy.
Cortez began to talk about the demon and started with the armored soldiers. He said they were trained warriors who may rival royal knights. He also said that they attacked after scattering the forces. He then talked about the enemy mages.
In his battles, he notices they use spells similar to most known magic. He said that they hit hard and were as powerful as elf magic. Some captains had questions. Cortez answers them if he has information. He talked about the archers too. The captains talked and discussed their thoughts.
Cortez told them to quiet down. He gets serious and talks about the enemy's main force. He said that he didn't have much information. He began by saying that the enemy were monsters they had seen before, but that was it. One captain asked him to explain.
"These creatures are goblins and trolls, but they aren't like the ones we've faced. They look like mud and come from boulders. It is how the enemy gets around us. They throw them and land behind us. Once they land, the goblins run out and attack."
Cortez tells them they are easy to kill, but their numbers overwhelm them. The enemy confuses their troops, and they always retreat. He explains how they have lost their battles. King John was listening and thinking.
Cortez was done talking about the enemy. He spoke about their strategy. They were going to attack the fort the enemy was building. He said that they would be attacking in waves. The first group would be mainly spear and shield troops. Their job was to get close to the enemy.
Cortez told them they would be supported by mages attacking from a distance. They will also buff them. Once they reach the enemy and have them attack, the luchadores will push to open a path. Cortez said the royal knight would use the opening to get into the fort.
The captains thought about the plan. One asked about the condition of the battlefield. Cortez told them that it was a plain open area. They would form on a hill across from the fort. They asked about any traps. Cortez told them what the scouts had seen.
The captains understood what they were presented with. Cortez finally talks about how they would deal with the mud creatures. Haddison and her Amazonians will attack on horseback. The archers will provide support. The captain spoke and agreed to the plan.
The captains asked for more information on the enemy. King John asked them if they had any more questions. Cortez answered what he could. Once they were informed, King John dismissed them. He told them to get their platoons ready.
King John, Cortez, and Haddison were still in the throne room. Cortez and King John stayed and talked some more. King John told Haddison that Queen Annabeth wanted to speak with her. Haddison excuses herself and leaves.
"Phillipe, you scared?"
Cortez looks at King John. He told him he was. He said his family was mad because he didn't spend time with them. His wife was upset because he was going to war again. King John apologizes. Cortez laughs about it.
Haddison reached Queen Annabeth's room. She knocks and enters the room. Queen Annabeth was sitting by the window and looking outside. She looks over at Haddison. Haddison walks over to her. Queen Annabeth asked Haddison about the meeting.
Haddison told her their strategy. Queen Annabeth became worried. Haddison asked about the summon. Queen looked at Haddison and told her she was concerned King John would do something dumb. Haddison feared his death.
Haddison told Queen Annabeth that she would keep an eye out. She would stop King John from doing anything dangerous. Queen Annabeth thanked her and felt some relief. She then wanted to talk more about anything else. Haddison agreed until she had to leave.
Back in the fort, Fillan snapped out of his trance. He was hurting and stumbled out of the shack. He then released a solid electrical surge. General Musashi felt it and left his quarters. He ran to where Fillan was.
When he arrived, Fillan was lying on the ground. Barret and Shia were with him. He asked what had happened. Shia told General Musashi that they felt Fillan's Mana and ran to him. General Musashi told them to take him back to their room.
"He might have found what he was looking for."
Later that day, Fillan woke up. He was lying on his bed. He looked over to a shadowy figure. He then hears voices in his head. One belonged to a girl who was telling him it was all right. The other was a boy, and he told him they would be free. When his eyes adjusted, he saw Shia looking after him.
Shia sees that he woke up and got startled. He composes himself and asks how he is doing. Fillan asked him what had happened. Shai told him how they found him lying on the ground. Fillan then tries to remember what he saw.
At that moment, General Musashi walked in. Barret was behind him. General Musashi looked at him and asked him what he saw. Fillan could not answer him. General Musashi thought about it. Fillan thinks about it. He then tells Fillan that he needs to go back.
Shai asks General Musashi about Fillan's visions. General Musashi tells him about the candles and their aroma. He said that the scents help his mind tap into memories. He said that one of those memories might explain why he can't use magic.
Shia asks if there are any side effects. General Musashi told him that the only impact was forgetting what he saw. Shai followed up by asking if there were risks in using them. General Musashi gets serious, and it scares them.
"It's sometimes best not to remember painful memories."
Fillan says he will find out what happened. He agrees to go back. Shia looks at Fillan and says nothing. Barret nods at him. Outside, Fearty hears what is happening inside and is upset because everyone is helping Fillan.
General Musashi advised Fillan what to do when his mind wanted to keep secrets. He needs to push and say in the memory. Fillan took his advice and went to meditate. Shia told him that it was already late. General Musashi agreed to let him go.
Fillan walked to the shed. He opens it and lights the candles. He waits for the room to fill with the scent. He takes a deep breath and goes through it. He sits and breathes in. He thinks about what he wants, and his mind drifts. He hears voices.
Fillan opened his eyes, and he was outside the house. He was looking inside at the other children talking with the wolf girl. Rick was outside with him and told him to speak to her. Fillan felt strange being near her. Rick then smiled and asked if he liked her.
"It's not that I just…."
Adolpha looks outside and sees Fillan. Fillan gets scared and hides. Adolpha smiles, and the other children look outside. They see Rick, and he waves. Misaki tells Adolpha to ignore him. Fillan remembers what Father William said.
She was Sister Adolpha. The head priest called Father William, and they talked about her. She would help him while they looked for a church that needed more help. They were going to send her to the beast kingdom.
The girls instantly liked her. The older boys were shy around her. Fillan avoided her but stared at her. Misaki picked it up and was not too happy. She still likes to talk to her. Cloe wanted to know more about her.
Several days passed, and Adolpha settled in. Sister Adolpha was helping with cooking and cleaning. Sister Angie was helping in the chapel more. The children played outside while Sister Adolpha looked after the smaller children.
Fillan was in the shed cleaning his fishing pole. Cloe came over and asked if he wanted to play with them. Fillan said he was okay not playing. This worried Cloe. Fillan looks over and sees Sister Adolpha watching them.
Misaki was looking for Cloe. When she sees her, she sees Fillan with her. She becomes jealous and goes over. Misaki calls Cloe to play with her. Cloe turns around and sees Misaki. She goes over to her and tells her about Fillan.
Misaki thinks about it and goes over to Fillan. She then tells Fillan to get over it. Fillan didn't know what she meant. Misaki explained that he was growing up and experiencing something new. Fillan asked her again what she meant.
Misaki gets embarrassed and, under her breath, says love. Fillan didn't hear, so he asked her to repeat it. Misaki blushes and yells at Fillan to shut up. Cloe came over and asked what had happened. Misaki said that Fillan had a beast man problem.
Cloe and Fillan needed clarification. Sister Adolpha heard them and came over. She sees them and asks them what happened. Fillan looked at her and was speechless. Misaki told Sister Adolpha they were trying to get Fillan to play with them. She then apologizes for making a scene.
Misaki tells Fillan that he should act like always and that it would be fine. Fillan smiles and thanks her for the advice. Misaki blushes and tells Cloe to follow her. Sister Adolpha was confused about their conversation. She looks at Fillan, and tears begin to fall from her eyes.
She wipes them before Fillan sees them and returns to the smaller children. Sister Adolpha calls everyone back to the house for lunch. The weather was still cold. Inside, lunch was ready, and the children sat to eat. Sister Angie was waiting for them.
During lunch, the children talk to Sister Adolpha. Fillan listens to them ask her more questions. It was all fun until they saw her shed tears. The kids become worried. Sister Adolpha told them that it happens sometimes. The kids didn't know what to say.
Fillan was worried but didn't say anything. Sister Angie told the kids that they should finish eating and play. The kids stayed quiet and ate. They finished and left to play. Sister Angie stayed with Sister Adolpha, and they talked.
Sister Angie asked Sister Adolpha if she was all right. Sister Adolpha opened up to Sister Angie about her circumstance. Sister Adolpha could not remember her past. All she knew was her name and where she came from.
The church told Sister Adolpha that the wolf clans didn't want to take her in because they thought she was a nomad. She heard that nomad wolf clans were under suspicion of working with the enemy on a kidnapping that happened.
After hearing that, Sister Angie told her about the children. She said that they had no parents or relatives. Sister Angie told her that the children were from demon-occupied territories. Sister Angie also told her about Father William and how he came out of retirement.
She told Sister Adolpha that Fillan was the first child he got. Sister Angie said the rest came after some time in other orphanages. She said that they chose them because it would help relieve those orphanages. They were crowded.
They had enough sad talks and tried to talk about happy things. Sister Angie told Sister Adolpha about the children and their happy dreams. Fillan was listening and left after hearing some of their conversations.
Fillan woke up from his dream state. He was in the shack and was not too happy. He didn't find anything new. He left and went back to his room. The others were relaxing. Shia greeted him and asked him how it went. Fillan told him his frustration.
Shia gave him some advice. He told him to concentrate on an event he wanted to remember. Fillan said to her that he had trouble remembering after waking up. Shia offers to help. He tells Fillan to tell him what he can remember.
Fillan tells him about the children and the orphanage. He told Shia about Father William and Sister Angie. Fillan remembers them because he kept bringing them up. Shia asks if there is anything new. Fillan tells him about Sister Adolpha.
Fillan said to Shia that Sister Adolpha made him feel strange. Shia asked if he knew anything else about her. Fillan only remembered that she was a wolf beast woman. He could not remember what she looked like. Shia tells Fillan to focus on her the next time he meditates.
Fillan thinks about it and agrees to do so. They hear Fearty talking outside. He came in and saw them. He goes over to his bed and sits. He was muttering something about the demon boys. Shia and Fillan try to ignore him.
It was late, and they went to sleep. The following morning Fillan heads to the dining hall and eats breakfast. After eating, he goes to the shack and prepares to meditate. He remembers what Shia told him. He enters when ready and thinks about Sister Adolpha.
Back in the Umbridge kingdom, King John was in a large room. A steel door was in front of him. King John walks in. He places his hand on the door and pours Mana. A magic circle forms, and the door opens up.
The room was decorated in lavished colors. Weapons line the wall with armor: paintings and other valuable jewelry. This was a vault only accessible to King John. King John walks to a set of armor and a sword. He began to put on this silver-plated armor with a gold gloss. A phoenix design was engraved on the chest armor.
King John then puts on a smaller crown than the one he wore. The crown had a red crystal imbued in it. He finally pulls out the sword. It was a knight's long sword. King John wore armor resembling European knights. He left the room and headed up some stairs. He existed in his studies room. A wall behind him closes, and he leaves his study. King John goes to his room and meets with Queen Annabeth.
Queen Annabeth was sitting on her bed. She sees King John and gives him a sad look. She then smiled, and King John told her that he was leaving. Queen Annabeth told him to be safe. King John again promises to bring peace.
King John walks to her and hugs and kisses Queen Annabeth. He walked out and told the maids to take care of her. The servant's vow to serve her. King John, with a serious expression, walked to the front door. The doors open, and he walks out.
Outside, nobles and his generals wait for him. King John greets them and heads to a horse waiting for him. Haddison was wearing Athenian-inspired armor. It was gold with a bull design on the chest armor. It also had leather. Cortez had his leather armor that resembled Zorro.
As he departs, some citizens wave to him. The maids and butlers also wish him good luck. Out from the crowd, Princess Annalise runs to King John. She was crying and yelling for him to wait. King John hears her and waits.
Princess Annalise gets licked up by him. King John told her that he would be back. Princess Annalise said to him that she had something for him. She pulls out a flower crown and gives it to him. Princess Annalise told him that it was a good luck charm.
King John held his tears and excepted the flower crown. He then calls for a maid. He hands her to the maid. King John smiles at her and turns to leave. Princess Annalise waves goodbye to him. Cortez makes fun of him. Haddison slaps him on the back.
King John and some troops head down the main road in town. The townspeople cheer, and the army marches. Once they got to the main gate, a line of wagons was waiting for them. The king orders them to move.
It was a hot late summer. King John marches with an army of close to six thousand. Two generals accompany him. One was Erica Haddison, an Amazonian, and her troops from an island full of women. They wore armor similar to those of ancient Greece. Her forces consist of women on horseback.
King John's other general was Phillipe Cortez. A light brown man from the city of Hispaniam. An ally territory with an ethnicity of Hispanics. They lived like Mexico when the Spanish ruled them. Cortez wore his Zorro-inspired armor. It was light leather clothes in all black. He also wore a mask and cape.
Cortez's forces consist of some soldiers from the kingdom and others from his home city. The soldiers from his home city also wore light leather armor. They also have colorful masks. The soldiers were called luchadores.
King John led the main group of soldiers. His forces were the other half of the kingdom's soldiers. He also had adventures, and his group consisted of royal guards. It was going to take several days to reach the fort.
Fillan opened his eyes, and he was by the lake. He looked around and saw the other children playing. Adolpha was with the girls. He looks and sees himself holding his fishing pole. He felt something pulling. He felt a cold breeze.
Mid-spring 849, It's been some time, and the children have learned more about Sister Adolpha. She has told them about what she could remember. Fillan also learned that she was from the same town as him. This made him closer to her.
Fillan was not too shy around her anymore. He took what Misaki told him and acted normal. The children also learned about her habit of tearing up. They were told that bad memories were to blame. They help comfort Sister Adolpha when it happens.
As they enjoyed the nice weather playing by the lake, they were excited because the King's meeting was in a couple of days. The fighting lessened, and it was a chance to see all the world's rulers. The kids kept talking about it.
Sister Adolpha was talking with Cloe and noticed she was looking at a Fillan. She then asked her a question. She wondered if she had any interest in boys. Cloe blushed and could not answer. Misaki answered that she did.
Sister Adolpha changed her question and asked their thoughts on the other children. The girls answered. They said that Blake and Max were the big brothers. They both liked Amara and called her big sister. Misaki said she hated lecturing Rick.
Sister Adolpha then mentions Fillan. They both stay silent. Cloe looked over by the lake, and Fillan was gone. She then said that he was a wonderful person and blushed. Misaki also looked, and Fillan was coming back. She calls him an old man.
Sister Adolpha laughs, and Fillan hears it. He thinks she is laughing at him. Misaki felt terrible for saying that. She looks over and sees Fillan staring. She turned her head and was blushing. Cloe then asked Sister Adolpha if she had anyone.
Misaki got mad at Cloe and reminded her that she could not remember her past. Cloe apologizes to Sister Adolpha. Sister Adolpha smiled and thought about it. She then looks at Fillan. The sun passes over, and Sister Adolpha sees a shadow.
"Beowulf…"
Sister Adolpha's head began to hurt. She then began to cry. The girls get scared, and Fillan and the rest hear. They run to her and try to help. It scared all the children because it was the first time they had seen her like that. They rush to the house and call Sister Angie.
They were able to get home, and Sister Adolpha was lying in bed. Cloe apologized for what happened. Sister Adolpha didn't blame her for it and tried to make her feel better. It was silent for the rest of the day. At dinner, Sister Adolpha apologizes for her troubles, and it helps the mood. Things go back to how it was.
Fillan woke up, and it was time to go to town. The king's meeting was today. Rick was so excited that he was running around. Misaki was yelling at him to stop. Everyone was going except Father William. He got sick but told Sister Angie to take them.
After giving him some medicine, they left. It was a warm morning. Wagons and people were all heading to the city. They made it without any trouble. There were more guards this time around. It was like a festival. The kids didn't know where to look.
Sister Angie went to the central church to leave the cart they came on. All the children got off and were about to run when Sister Angie told them to stay close. She didn't want them to get hurt. The children agreed, and they headed into the crowd.
Outside the shack, General Musashi was training the children. He was having them work on formation when a messenger arrived. He was handed a letter. The letter said the new troops were on the way and would take longer than planned.
General Musashi looks at the fort walls that are already being finished. He didn't like the news at all. He told the children to take a break. General Musashi saw the boy who visited him and went to meet him. The boy greets him with a smile.
"What do you want?"
The boy laughs and tells General Musashi the news. General Musashi learned that the human king was on the move. He was heading his way with an army of close to six thousand. General Musashi gets serious.
"Inform the King."