Monarch's Rebirth: Chapter 11

ARTORIUS' POV

A cool midnight breeze blew past as I stepped outside. It was oddly cold during the night, though it was spring. 

The moon was drowned out by clouds in the midnight sky. No stars or constellations are to be seen as the clouds cover the entire sky.

I walked to the stables to pick up Blizzard from the stables. The night was the perfect time to gather some extra information about this world and my kingdom especially. I could understand the layout of this palace and memorise it so I don't get lost without Felix.

Blizzard was wide awake in his stable as I walked to him. Perhaps he heard my footsteps or was already awake. I opened the lock and entered the stable before reaching out his head.

I gave a few soft scratches on his neck and patted his head, running my hair along his soft, silk-like mane.

I took his reign in my hands and looked into his eyes with a soft smile. "Let's take a walk, shall we?" I talked to him as if he could understand my words.

He let out a strange grunt as if he understood. I walked to his side and swiftly hopped aboard. He felt my weight and began to walk out of the shed, nearly making me hit my head on the low-hanging roof.

I managed to duck in time and made a mental note to not ride him out of the stables next time.

Blizzard slowly trotted through the palace's path before we came to the gate. Two guards were standing parallel to each other on their night duty–guarding the entrance. As I approached the gate, they opened the gate in time for me to not stop for them.

We walked outside and saw the populous city being completely deserted for the night. There was not a soul in sight, just the barks and cries of animals that roamed the streets at night.

There was an ominous feeling of being alone at midnight. I looked around to see many faults of the city, each jabbing me in the heart as if it were my fault. Partially, it was my fault but, I was only in the body of who caused such devastation.

Vines and grass grew and overruled the stone paths that paved the city. Shops and stores were unmaintained as if no one cared about how all of it looked. It was... a depressing sight.

It was only heightened by the fact that there were many homeless around, sleeping in the streets with only a light blanket to cover them. Each corner I turned, I only saw hints of hopelessness and pain. During the day, the city seemed to sprawl with life but now...

I turned the corner into a street that led to somewhere I had no clue of. It was quaint and peaceful but a sudden thud broke that peace.

A loud grunt sounded as footsteps ran the opposite direction of me. I manoeuvred Blizzard and turned around before racing towards the sound of the footsteps.

There was a figure that was dashing through the streets, wearing a cloak that hid his head. Though, it didn't take long for me to catch up to whoever it was.

"K-King Artorius!?" The cloaked thief shrieked in horror as I cut him off. He let go of the items he had hoarded and dropped them to the ground.

The sound of them hitting the pavement echoed through the streets as his cry echoed as well.

"Are you trying to steal?" I asked him as I got off Blizzard. I took a few steps towards him as my eyebrows knitted in anger.

"I-I'm sorry! I will return it all!" He cried out as he put his arms around his head. His voice trembled with his entire body. "P-please, spare my life..."

As I got closer, I conjured a fire in my hand and illuminated the surrounding area. I saw a glimpse of his face–A young, blonde boy who barely seemed to reach the age of adolescent.

"A... boy...?" I muttered. "You're doing theft at such a young age? Why?"

"M-my family is poor... We cannot afford enough food to feed ourselves..." His voice shook as he slowly began kneeling on the ground. He had accepted defeat and wanted to serve his punishment.

"You can make up a nice story," I scoffed and grabbed his arm. "Tell me more about it later."

I took the artifact from the ground and gave it to him before taking him away. I forced him on top of Blizzard and began looking around the city.

A few minutes of searching later, I found a guard patrolling the city. Most soldiers who were on guard duty were given a day off to spend time with their families before the war. He was one of the unlucky, or rather lucky ones to stay behind on the shortlist of guards.

"Guard! Come here this instant!" I called out to him as I hopped off from Blizzard.

The guard was stunned to hear my voice but rushed over. He stood up straight and had a terrified look in his eyes.

"W-what may I assist you with, Your Majesty?"

I took the artifact from the boy and pulled him off Blizzard. "Now, tell me what you did," I told the boy as he looked down at the ground.

The boy let out a soft cry before clearing his throat. "I-I was trying to steal this... artifact of some sort. B-but, King Artorius c-caught me..." He said as he quivered in his feet.

Hearing his confession, the guard was unsurprisingly angered. "Is that so, you little thief!?" He spoke out with anger. "What shall we do with him, Sire?" The guard looked at me and asked.

I knitted my eyebrows together and looked at him "You tell me. What would you do, guard?"

He was taken aback and was suddenly jolted awake. "W-well, I'd take him to prison and give the stolen property back, Sire." The guard said nervously.

I let out a scoff and looked away from him. "Do what is necessary," I told him simply.

The guard took a step forward and took the boy's arm, grabbing it tightly before stepping away. The boy looked as though his soul was extracted from him by the angel of death the very moment the guard took him away.

"That's what I would say if there was no justification," I said, halting the guard before he went too far from me.

I smirked and took a good look at the guard "W-what do you mean, Sire?" The guard, who I had noticed looked older and had experience, asked with a perplexed look to his face.

"Do you not think a trial is necessary?" I rebuttal the question to him.

"W-we were taught this during our classes and training, Sire," The guard answered back. It looked as though he was the one in trouble this time.

"I hereby state that no criminal is to be taken to prison without a trial, no matter their age, race or gender. Once this war is over, I'll come back and I'll make sure the laws of this kingdom are completely overhauled. Let the guards know of this and let this news spread."

The guard was bewildered to hear my declaration "I understand, Sire!" He said before he tried to bolt away.

"Oi!" I called out to him. "Where are you running to?" 

He stopped in his tracks and shrieked, nervously turning around to face me and walk back the steps he took away from me without my consent. "I-I apologise, Your Majesty..." 

"Take this artifact back to its rightful owner," I said as I handed him the golden-coloured sphere that had strange markings and carvings on it. It looked more like a showpiece than an artifact.

The guard took the artifact from my hands and nodded vigorously. "I understand, Your Majesty." He said before taking the boy's arm.

I looked at him with a more pleased gaze and nodded. "You, boy," I said to grab his attention. "Listen well, okay?"

He let out a silent shriek before looking at me with widened eyes. "Y-yes, Sire!?"

"Never steal again, understood?" I said as I began walking to Blizzard. "You're a young boy, and boys like you should not be stealing. I can tell your circumstances are dire and you are not in the right environment to play and spend your time being a child."

I looked into my pocket and found a pouch of coins. I dug my hand inside and grabbed a handful of coins before holding it out to him.

"Take this. I hope it feeds your family for a week or two. I promise that nothing will happen in the war. Be at peace knowing you are safe as long as you are inside the city walls,"

I hopped on top of Blizzard and looked at him before delivering my final piece of advice.

"You're a young lad, you have a life ahead of you. Don't go down this route, find work and give it your all. If you can't find any work, try finding work for free and earning some experience till you can start getting paid for it, got it?"

The boy took the handful of coins and nodded. He looked at me with sweet eyes, one that I had not seen since we met. All I've seen is fear and horror in his eyes as if I were to end his life for petty theft.

"T-thank you, Your Majesty..." The boy said as he looked at the handful of coins, most of which were gold. "I'll never forget this... You're my hero..."

I felt an icky feeling inside my chest when he said I was a hero. Truthfully, I never liked titles such as heroes or saviour. I'd rather work behind the spotlight and give back. Unfortunately, I just so happen to be a king, the one person that works in broad daylight.

The guard left with the boy so he could find out which house he stole from. I went away and began to take my pleasure ride around the city to get to know it better and hoped there I was not caught up in another thief's escapade.

An idea came into my mind as I walked down a broad street, I hadn't seen my parents' graves–or King Theo and Queen Rosalyn's Graves.

I knew where the church was as I had seen it from afar. I could still see it as the church was a landmark in most cities. Luckily I was close by as well.

It didn't take long before I arrived at the church. The graveyard was a fenced-off area right beside the church–with high walls and an arched entrance.

I stopped in front of the entrance and put a leash on Blizzard, though I knew he wouldn't walk off. It was a rule to keep your horses leashed if you left it unattended. 

The path that led to the graveyard led straight to their graves. I entered the graveyard and took slow steps towards their graves, marked by the willow tree and a unique tomb that was different from the rest.

With each step I took, my breath became heavier. There was something so strange about visiting this grave. Even though I never met them, I wanted to visit the graves of their son's body, hoping that they would not give me a bad omen for the war. 

I stood a few feet away from their graves before taking a few small steps forward. I took a deep breath and knelt on the ground.

Their tomb was well-kept, as expected. They were loved by many and always had fresh flowers from people visiting the grave. I could see a new set of flowers that looked a lot fresher than they should...

"King Theo. A king, a father, a husband and a true warrior. He was a man with a golden heart. May he rest in peace and his legacy echoes through time."

That is what was written on the headstone, each word that described him was true and written by the people's choice.

There was a sense of melancholy as if I was looking upon my true parents' graves. My parents in my past life were well, meaning I never had to visit a grave like this.

"Queen Rosalyn. A mother, a wife and a people person. She made thousands smile in the darkest times. Truly tragic for her to pass early, may she rest in peace and have her legacy continue for generations."

Reading her headstone, I couldn't bear myself anymore. This strange feeling of sadness took me over the edge and made me shed a tear, rolling down my left cheek. I could only try and suppress the intense feeling of sorrow that overwhelmed me.

"I will win this war, mother... father..." I whispered. "Please... think of me as your own son now..."

I let out a deep sigh and wiped the tear's path away before standing back to my feet, fixing my clothes and brushing away at my knee before turning around.

As I began walking away, I spotted a person standing before a grave. She had laid out a set of fresh flowers coloured in blue. I tried my best to not mind the mourner who came to give flowers to her loved one.

"Ar- King..." She called out softly, her voice soft voice sent a shiver down my spine as I turned around. 

"King... Artorius..." She finished her sentence with a hint of sorrow in her voice.

I panicked and turned around with a made-up smile. "O-oh, you took notice," I said as I looked at her properly for once. "Good evening or... morning?"

The woman looked young, possibly as old as me or a little younger. She had brunette hair that came just below her shoulders. It was smooth and curled up at the end where her hair was a lighter shade of brown.

She smiled and chuckled, seeing me getting flustered. "I'm... not sure either," She said as she hid her smile behind her hand.

I sighed out in relief and tried to calm myself. "I'm... a little surprised seeing you out here this late. Is... everything okay?"

There was a hint of sadness in her eyes, which were coloured in a beautiful emerald green. Hardly noticeable but her cheeks were flushed and there were dark circles under her eyes. 

Her expression hid her true emotions well but they peeked through from her eyes that could not hold back that sorrow. 

"I'm... visiting my parents' graves," She said as her voice toned down to a more sorrowful tone. "Mother died a few months and father... passed away in an accident when I was quite young."

I looked at the graves where she stood, a strange sense of guilt making it harder for me to speak. There were flowers on both of the graves and a few wet marks. It was evident she was crying, not only from the marks but from her puffy cheeks and tear marks.

I built up my courage and swallowed before speaking "You... have my condolences. Your loss must cause you great grief. But, believe me when I say, you can get through this."

"It's okay..." She said as she turned away from me. "She said she didn't have much time left anyways..."

My lips curled into a frown as I looked at her beginning to tear up. "I'm... sure she's in a better place. Please, excuse me for asking you the question earlier. I apologise for causing you grief. But... to make you feel better, I can only say a few words of encouragement in these testing times."

Her eyes began to leak out tears as they rolled down her face. She tried to not look at me as she sobbed softly, wiping the tears as they came out. Her cheeks were already wet from crying before we met.

I couldn't help myself and stood there awkwardly. But, I had this feeling in me that knew I had to do something.

I got closer to her and got down on one knee before looking through my pocket to find my handkerchief. I held a hand out to her face and grasped it gently.

"It's okay. If the chalice overflows, let it drop a few. In the end, you have to stay strong. You will overcome this challenge and better times will come."

She looked at me as I wiped away at her tears "I trust you... I know... But, everything is so hard..." She said between her sobs.

"No need to cry anymore. You've shed enough tears."

She let out a few sniffles and coughs before looking at me. "H-how do you know that?" She asked curiously though her tears.

"Your eyes are red and dark, your cheeks are flushed and puffy," I gave her a slight smile. "Those are tear marks too, aren't they?"

A slight smile formed on her face as she nodded "Yes, they are... Maybe I made it too obvious..."

I chuckled a little and continued wiping off the last few tears off her face. "What's your name?" I asked curiously. "I never asked."

"Kathlyn," She said as she wiped away her own tears. "Kathlyn Watson. I'm a florist."

Seeing her composing herself, I get back up and put my handkerchief back into my pocket. 

"Kathlyn Watson..." I muttered softly. "Has a nice ring to it!"

She looked at me with a little disappointment at first but chuckled, a faint blushing painted on her cheeks as she looked at me.

"Artorius Dorman," I introduced as I held my hand out. "Pleasure to meet you, Kathlyn."

She broke out and laughed as she took my hand, giving it a light shake. "The pleasure and honour is mine, Your Majesty." She bent her knees a little as she greeted me.

We let go of each other's hands and I checked my pocket watch. It was almost becoming dawn and I had already spent a while outside.

"Ah, my time is running out..." I said under my breath. "I need to leave."

There was a lot that I needed to do. My time spent outside this night was well worth it but I had to return swiftly now.

"I understand," She voiced as I began walking away. "Please, stay safe on the battlefield. I'll be praying for your safe return."

I looked back at her as I walked away one last time. "I promise, I will not let war paint this kingdom anymore. Please, rest easy in the capital. I will return."

There was no time to waste as I said my final farewells to the stranger and left in haste. But, there was this strange feeling in me that made me feel as if she was familiar. Many strange occurrences are happening... 

The sky was turning lighter as I raced through the city. The clouds had cleared up long ago and the stars that brightly lit the sky were slowly being outshined by the sun's rays.

***

"Good morning, Young Master," Felix said as he saw me walking through the foyer.

I made it back just in time and left Blizzard in his stables. By the time I had returned to my palace, the sun was already rising and the sky was becoming light. 

"Good morning, Felix," I said as I entered the foyer. "Is it time?"

Felix looks at me with his uncanny smile and nods "Yes, Young Master."

I gave him a casual nod and walked away, heading towards the stairs to make my way to the meeting room. Felix followed behind me as I walked through the maze-like hallways of the palace which I had become accustomed to.

Felix and I made it to the meeting room first before anyone arrive. He went outside to fetch everyone to the meeting room, arriving five minutes later after informing everyone. Afterwards, five minutes later they all came as well one by one.

I stood up and greeted everyone before clearing my throat to speak. Felix laid out a map of the continent and for the first time, I could see how big my kingdom was. 

Felix also carefully dropped dozens of cubes that had carvings on them. They would be used to mark our armies on the map for everyone to have a key visual on.

"The latest update we have is that they were already halfway across their route. The armies would start to split up by now and spread throughout the kingdom for a multi-pronged attack."

I took a few pieces and placed them out evenly on the map, specifically on the cities and towns that were closest to the border.

"I want each army that we split up to fight with all their might to not let them advance. No matter how strong they are, I want everyone to give their life to it.

Everyone listened as I made my plans. There was a moment of silence as I marked the map with how each army would interact and what their task would be.

"Gentlemen, we are fighting a war that is very much on the losing end," I said as I looked down at the map. "We are outnumbered but we must not be outclassed. So, if there are any suggestions to add, let's go over this or get started.

As soon as I finished speaking, Wilhelm raised his hand. What ensued was half an hour of complex planning. Everyone present in the room–Felix, Alexander, Wilhlem and myself included, debated and planned out the war.

Once we finished, we left the room and went downstairs together. Everything was set and there was no going back. 

Our horses were brought outside to us, clad in their armour for protection. Though it's only been a few days since I met Blizzard, I have already become attached to him.

"I will lead a small army from here to meet where we would expect Lukas. I will entrust the rest to you, Your Majesty," Wilhelm told me as he got on his horse.

"Very well, stay safe," I told him as the rest of us got on our horses. "Stall as long as possible."

Wilhelm and Alexander would lead an army to where we are expecting Lukas. Our recent information showed he was headed towards one specific city which was vital to our line of defense. 

Before we could set out, two servants came up to me and stopped in front of us. One held a red pillow and on top rested a scabbard with my blade inside.

"We had it repaired for you, Your Majesty," The servant bowed his head and held it out to me as he stood beside me. "May this sword bring you as much glory and victory as it did to your father."

Hearing the servant's words, I felt the hair on my arm stand on its ends. "Much obliged. I will make sure to return with it."

I put the sword into my empty holster before setting off as hastily as possible with Felix.

***

Felix and I raced through the lands of my kingdom to arrive at our first major city where we were expecting a great battle to take place. This was one of Lukas' main armies which he had entrusted with one of his closest generals.

We reached the outskirts of the city where an army of footsoldiers, cavalry and archers all stood. A large number of mages were also available but I swapped out what would initially be a battalion of mages with half a battalion of healers.

We both trotted through the army's temporary camp which was being dismantled. The tents were being stashed away for the war that was to come.

A small podium was set for me as we still had time. The army was still a distance away and it would give me time for a pre-war speech. 

Felix and I stood behind the podium that hid us and allowed him to get dressed in a set of armour. He was helped by a few soldiers as he put on his armour and made sure he wore it well.

We both tried to walk up the podium but he struggled to move in his armour. He was quite inexperienced in the battlefield it seemed.

"Why be my knight in shining armour?" I turned and teased him as I stepped onto the podium. 

"I'm not so skilful as you," Felix snarked back. "I don't want to be one of the many casualties that would accumulate."

I held a hand out and helped him up "Next time, I'll be leaving you in the back as a commander. You don't need to be on-field,"

He gave me a snarky expression but didn't say anything. He put on his professional facade and became stoic as we walked closer to where I would deliver my speech from.

There was a small artifact that would amplify my voice to be louder. It was a sort of microphone–even looking like one. But, it was very powerful as you could easily amplify your voice too loudly.

"Men who are present at the moment... If you would allow, let me, your trusted general and king say a few words," I spoke out as I amplified my voice just enough.

They all looked at me, curious as they were but unable to hide their true emotions. Fear, anxiety and nervousness all filled the army.

"There are those who have fought this war before and returned home and there are those who have never fought a war of this magnitude. But, no matter your experience, there is one simple request to all of you.

Fight until you cannot. Fight until you are beaten to the ground, with a severed arm and a bleeding gut. If you die, die with honour. If you have a lover, they are waiting for your return, if you have children, they are right behind you. Every loved one you have thus far is with you. Your ancestors are all singing ballads of your name in the clouds above as the kingdom they fought for now weighs on your shoulders."

For once, I saw a glimmer of hope rise from the army that seemed to have lost its morale. They had a reason to fight, a reason to raise their swords and stand before their foes.

"This is my only request, as your king. Do not be afraid as I will fight alongside you, till my limits. I will give it my all and I hope that everyone here does the same. This kingdom is not mine alone but yours as well. You are the protectors of these lands and I am but a young king who has had to step up to his duty."

I paused and went quiet for a moment and looked down at the alter that I held on to. 

"That is all, please take my words to your heart and invigorate yourself. Know that I am not going to stand idle and command orders but fight in the midst of all the chaos. I am a brother at arms to you, soldier."

The soldiers let out a roar as if we had already won the battle. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard the shouts of all the soldiers as they gained a fighting spirit.

Felix and I exited the stage as the roars continued before quieting down. We both hopped atop our horses and came out from behind the podium only to find a horrific sight.

An army slowly rose up from over the horizon. The distant sound of marching and horses as poles that had the banner of the Aberdeen Kingdom rose over my own kingdom's horizon.

Horses pulled heavy carts with supplies of plenty. They were ready for a war that could last months or even years.

I took a look at Felix and nodded "We should meet the general first," I muttered softly before walking away.

Felix didn't hesitate and followed behind me. A few of the cavalrymen followed suite as they saw us approaching the army. They had poles with our own banners–a red banner with a golden hawk as its symbol.

The cavalrymen stood in position behind us as we went ahead of them. They had a similar instance with their cavalry coming out with banners before a single horse, carrying a distinguished man came out.

We stopped a safe distance away before the general came out. His body was clad in iron as he pulled up his visor and took off his helmet which a had red plume on it. 

"King Artorius~" The general called out with a snarky smile on his face. "I am well impressed by your intuition to find me here.

General Idris of the Aberdeen Kingdom. He was nearing the last stages of his duties as a general. Though he may be old, he is wise, experienced and a seasoned warrior. There are stories of him when he was young and bold, not losing a single duel as a common soldier.

"General Idris," I greeted him with an emotionless face. "I know a general does not talk politics but, are you willing to talk to me as a general?"

He scoffed and looked down, shaking his head but looking up at me and nodding. "Fine, as you say," He said with an arrogant smile. "What do you wish to tell me?"

"A final warning. There is time to rethink this decision and call back your troops and take your king back to your land,"

"No."

His simple answer was full of arrogance. He was rightfully arrogant as he was one of the best generals who fought and won many battles. But, I would expect with age his arrogance to be less of a problem.

"Fine, when do we start?"

He took a moment to think about it. He checked his watch before looking back at me.

"Thirty minutes starting from the end of our discussion."

"Discussion finished."