The first rays of dawn filtered through the curtains of the modest cottage, casting a golden glow across the walls. In the quiet of the morning, Ahmes stood in his bedroom, fastening the last piece of his polished white armor. Each strap, buckle, and plate was secured with precision—a ritual he had performed countless times. His sword rested nearby, gleaming faintly in the light, its presence a constant reminder of his duty.
He paused for a moment, glancing at the small crib in the corner of the room where Alice and Noah usually slept. Though empty now, the faint scent of lavender lingered from the children's bedding, a comforting reminder of their peaceful nights. Taking a steadying breath, he picked up his sword and sheathed it at his side before stepping out of the room.
The warmth of the living room greeted him. Salome sat cross-legged on the woven mat in the center of the room, with Alice and Noah beside her. She wore a gentle smile, her chestnut hair catching the soft morning light as it spilled over her shoulders. The children giggled and squealed in delight as she playfully tickled them, their laughter filling the room with an infectious joy. Beside them, Flogal wagged her tail, the pink canine's ears perking up at the sound of their mirth.
Ahmes stopped in the doorway, a small smile softening his otherwise stoic expression. He stood there silently, watching the scene unfold. Salome's delicate fingers danced over Alice's tiny sides, making the little girl squeal and kick her legs in delight. Noah clung to Salome's arm, his laughter bubbling out uncontrollably as she tickled his belly. The sight warmed Ahmes's heart in a way few things could.
Salome glanced up and immediately noticed him standing there, already clad in his white armor. Her smile faltered slightly, replaced with a look of understanding and concern. "Are you leaving already?" she asked softly.
Ahmes nodded. "I'll be away for a while," he replied, his tone calm and reassuring. "There's much to do along the northern borders, but I'll return as soon as I can."
Salome gave a small nod of understanding, her expression softening. "I see." Without hesitation, she scooped up Alice and Noah into her arms and stood gracefully, the children settling comfortably against her. Walking toward Ahmes, she smiled and looked at the twins. "Say goodbye to your father, little ones."
The twins' bright eyes turned to Ahmes, their small faces lighting up as they reached for him. He chuckled softly and knelt to their level, his large, gauntleted hands gentle as he caressed their soft white hair one by one. "Take care of each other," he murmured, his voice tender. "And of Salome. Can you promise me that?"
Though they didn't fully understand his words, their giggles and playful attempts to grab his fingers told him they trusted him completely. Noah squirmed happily as Ahmes gave his head a light scratch, while Alice clutched at his cloak, babbling in her babyish voice. The knight's smile deepened, his love for his family evident in every movement.
Straightening, Ahmes turned to Salome, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. "Thank you for staying with them," he said quietly. "I know you wanted to join me, but they need you here."
Salome's expression softened, and she gave a small, knowing smile. "There's no place I'd rather be," she replied, shifting Noah slightly in her arms. "The children are my joy, and this is where I'm needed most."
Ahmes gave her a grateful nod, his heart swelling with admiration. As he moved toward the door, Flogal padded over to his side, wagging her tail as if to see him off. He reached down and gave her a light pat on the head. "Take care of them, Flogal."
The pink canine barked softly in acknowledgment, her tail wagging with determined enthusiasm.
Standing at the door, Ahmes looked back one last time. Salome stood in the center of the room with the twins in her arms, her gaze steady yet warm. "We'll be waiting for you," she said simply.
"And I'll return before nightfall," Ahmes promised, his voice firm with conviction.
With that, he stepped outside into the cool morning air, the mist rising around him as the kingdom's lands stretched before him. Salome watched from the doorway, her heart a mixture of pride and worry. Flogal stood beside her, her ears perked and her tail still wagging as the knight's silhouette disappeared into the distance.
Once the door closed, Salome turned back to the children, a determined yet gentle smile on her face. "Come now, little ones," she said softly, kissing each of their foreheads. "Let's make sure your father has a safe, happy home to return to."
Alice and Noah giggled, their innocent laughter echoing through the room, while Flogal settled back onto the foam mat, ever watchful and ready. Together, they awaited the White Knight's return, the warmth of their home a beacon of hope in uncertain times.
The morning mist clung to the stone-paved streets, wrapping the kingdom in a veil of cool dampness. Ahmes rode through the quiet city, his steed's hooves striking a steady rhythm against the ground. The journey from his home to the Royal Paladin castle was one he had taken countless times, yet today, an unfamiliar weight settled deep in his chest. Reports of mysterious attacks loomed in his mind, but just beneath that concern, he carried the warmth of the morning he had left behind—the gentle laughter of his children, the reassuring presence of Salome, the home that awaited his return.
As the towering castle walls came into view, he nudged his mount forward. The Royal Paladin stronghold stood tall and proud, its banners rippling in the morning breeze. It was a symbol of strength, of history, and of the duty that bound them all together. The guards at the gate straightened at his approach, their armor clinking softly as they stood at attention.
"Sir Ahmes," one of them greeted, offering a sharp salute before stepping aside. The massive doors groaned as they were pulled open, granting him passage.
The halls inside were alive with movement. Knights, squires, and messengers hurried about, their voices hushed yet urgent. The scent of parchment, oil, and steel lingered in the air. Ahmes strode forward with purpose, his white armor gleaming under the torchlight. Every step carried him deeper into the heart of the castle, where strategy and war preparations were well underway.
It wasn't long before he spotted two familiar figures waiting for him at the intersection of the corridor.
"Ahmes," Galatin called, his voice steady and composed. The knight of steel, ever-disciplined, approached with a firm stride, his broad frame imposing yet reassuring. Beside him, the sharp-eyed and ever-diligent Marron offered a polite nod, his expression calm yet edged with unease.
Ahmes returned the gesture before speaking. "Galatin. Marron. What's the situation?"
Marron was the first to answer. "King Alfred has ordered defensive formations across the kingdom. Troops have been stationed in key locations, and patrols have increased along the borders. He has also reached out to the other United Sanctuary clans for assistance."
Ahmes listened intently before asking, "Have any of them responded?"
Marron shook his head. "Not a single reply so far. Whether the messages have not yet reached them or they are deliberately choosing silence, we do not know."
Galatin let out a quiet scoff, crossing his arms over his chest. "It wouldn't be the first time others ignored a problem until it was at their doorstep. They may believe this is a localized issue and refuse to get involved." His voice carried a restrained frustration, though his posture remained composed.
Ahmes sighed, his mind already weighing the possibilities. "Whatever the reason, we cannot afford to wait. The enemy is already moving. Whether we face them alone or with allies, we must be prepared." His gaze shifted toward the grand doors at the end of the corridor. "King Alfred has gathered our warriors, then?"
Marron nodded. "Yes. He awaits us in the audience chamber."
Without hesitation, Ahmes strode forward, his comrades falling into step beside him. The corridor leading to the great hall was lined with Royal Paladin banners, their golden embroidery illuminated by the soft light filtering through narrow windows. The weight of duty pressed upon him with every step, but his resolve did not waver.
As they entered the grand hall, the sight before them was one of strength and unity. Rows of Royal Paladin warriors stood at attention, their armor reflecting the light that streamed in through the stained-glass windows. The air was thick with anticipation, an unspoken tension hanging over them like a storm waiting to break.
At the far end of the hall, seated upon his throne, King Alfred observed the gathered knights with a measured expression. His presence alone commanded respect, yet there was a contemplative sharpness in his gaze, a mind already at work forming the next course of action.
Ahmes exhaled, standing tall. The time for action was upon them.
The air in the room carried an unspoken tension.
The great hall fell silent as King Alfred rose from his throne, his steady gaze sweeping across the assembled warriors.
"The recent attacks on our borders have left us in uncertainty," Alfred began, his voice calm yet commanding. "We do not know our enemy, nor do we understand their true objectives. This makes them all the more dangerous. I ask of you, my knights, to remain diligent. Be careful, be wary, and above all, stand together."
Murmurs rippled through the gathered knights, some exchanging glances, others clenching their fists in determination.
The King's gaze then fell upon a single knight. "Blaster Blade Exceed," he called, his tone firm. "I am placing you in command. You will lead our forces in securing the kingdom and preparing for any further incursions."
A hushed stillness followed as all eyes turned to the White Knight. Ahmes bowed his head in acceptance of the responsibility. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will not fail."
Alfred gave a solemn nod before addressing the room once more. "All of you will follow his orders. Work as one, and protect our land." He took a brief pause, letting his words settle. "That is all. Dismissed."
The knights saluted, their voices a collective acknowledgment before the hall slowly began to clear. Some warriors left to return to their posts, while others gathered in smaller groups, discussing strategies or awaiting further commands.
As Ahmes turned to leave, a familiar presence approached.
"Sir Ahmes," a gentle yet strong voice called out. He turned to see a familiar figure—Pure Heart Jewel Knight, Ashlei. The leader of the Jewel Knights carried herself with her usual grace and strength, her armor reflecting the morning light.
"Lady Ashlei," Ahmes greeted with a small nod.
She returned the nod, a hint of warmth in her expression before speaking. "I wanted to ask… how is Salome?"
Ahmes's expression softened at the mention of her. "She is at my home," he answered. "Along with Flogal, helping care for my children."
Ashlei's lips curved slightly in approval. "That is good to hear. Salome is a capable warrior, but I am relieved that she is taking time to be a caretaker as well. She has always been one to dedicate herself fully, and this—" she glanced at him with an amused glint in her eyes "—perhaps this is her way of ensuring you allow yourself a moment of ease."
Ahmes let out a small chuckle, something rare but genuine. "Perhaps you are right. She insisted, and I cannot deny that knowing she is with them brings me peace."
Ashlei nodded, her expression turning thoughtful. "She has always been my most trusted knight and companion. I know that she will care for your children as if they were her own. You deserve this, Ahmes. Even a warrior should have something to return to."
He met her gaze, appreciating her words. "Thank you, Ashlei. I trust her completely."
A quiet understanding settled between them before a sudden disturbance shattered the moment.
A knight hurried toward the throne, his breath short from urgency. "Your Majesty! A sighting of an unknown trespasser has been reported near the local district!"
The announcement sent a ripple of alertness through the remaining knights. Ahmes's eyes sharpened, his instincts immediately switching to command.
He turned to the gathered knights. "A group will be dispatched immediately. We cannot allow this trespasser to escape." Without hesitation, he faced Ashlei. "Lady Ashlei, I want you to lead the response team."
The Jewel Knight's expression hardened with determination. "Understood." Several knights stepped forward to join her as she turned toward them. "We move now."
With swift efficiency, Ashlei and her team departed from the great hall, their armored boots echoing through the corridors as they made their way toward the district.
Ahmes watched them go, his mind already calculating the possible scenarios. His grip tightened on the hilt of his sword. If this trespasser was connected to the recent attacks, then today might bring them closer to the answers they sought.
And if they were a threat to the kingdom…
They would not escape.
That's a wrap!
Bye bye