Monarch's Rebirth: Chapter 9

As I close the gap between me and the capital, I swerve and dodge the many carts and carriages coming in and out of the city. It was as the city had been bustling for the past few days

I halted right outside the gate and found the guards. They were startled to see me, all beaten and covered in dirt.

"Prepare all soldiers immediately! Strengthen security and check every cart that comes in and out of the city! Especially those coming from the Aberdeen Kingdom!"

I commanded the soldiers at the gate. They were shaken by my sudden commands and shouting and stood with perfect posture.

"W-what happened, Your Majesty!? A soldier spoke up after finding the courage.

"War will break out soon. I need every soldier to prepare their weapons and might!"

"W-war!?" He gasped in shock. "So suddenly? With whom, Your Majesty!?"

"I cannot explain much," I shake my head, distraught by my lack of options. "I'll explain everything soon. For now, I need the soldiers to prepare to march to the front lines by tomorrow."

The soldier looked at me with a confident smirk. "If it means we fight for the kingdom, many will fight to their last breath with a smile on their face, Your Majesty. You will not need to fear the number of enemies. One man will fight a hundred if needed."

I was taken aback by his words. They were rather motivating and helpful in such a moment. I knew that I had loyal and trustworthy soldiers by my side, even though the actions of the one who lived before me were not worthy of a king.

***

I burst through the doors of the palace and frantically looked around. "Where is Wilhelm!? I need to speak with him at once!"

A maid came running into the foyer, looking at me with a frightened gaze. "H-his at the training grounds, Your Majesty!"

"Notify every guard in the palace to come down to the barracks next to the palace! I need to speak with all of them!"

Before I wasted more time, I ran outside and continued to the barracks. It was right next to my palace, a military building that held a couple hundred soldiers and all my generals.

It was the first time I visited the barracks but I couldn't admire the architecture and beauty of it. I was running out of time.

Wilhelm was inside the training ground, as I was told. He was warming up a squad for their training when I came running to him, looking like an absolute mess.

"Heavens! What has happened to you, Young Master!?" Wilhelm saw me running to him.

I caught my breath and stopped before breathing raggedly. "Wilhelm... I need you to come with me to your office... It's an emergency, a discussion of life and death..."

He looked at me with fear in his eyes. "W-what are you talking about, Young Master? Come, tell me everything!"

The two of us walked to his office inside the building. I began to relax as I caught my breath from running around the kingdom.

We walked into his office and he closed the door behind him.

"Keep it unlocked, Felix and Alexander will be coming soon I'm sure." I let Wilhelm know in advance.

"Alexander? The son of Arnold Damian?"

"Yes," I sat down at his table and sighed deeply. "To his quick actions, we might be surviving a war."

Wilhelm looked at me with raised eyebrows. He was an old general who had fought alongside my father in the past. He was key to my father's victory in the civil war and keeping peace between the two kingdoms. 

This will be his final battle, alongside me.

"War? With whom, young master?" He took a seat at his desk and fiddled with his thumb on the desk. He was anxious as well.

"Lukas Meyer. The Aberdeen Kingdom plans to march 70 thousand troops to the borders and launch an attack by tomorrow. We need to prepare quickly, Wilhelm."

He fell back on his chair as he heard the number, the same reaction I had. "S-seventy thousand!? An attack on an international holiday as well? This is outrageous!"

"Well-planned, is the word you're looking for," I corrected him to lighten my mind. "How many troops do we have?

He thought carefully. "An estimated 35 thousand in a hundred kilometers radius around the capital, spread between towns, villages and cities. The other 15 thousand are scattered across a wider range."

"Declare a nationwide lockdown in this instance. I'll make a speech to notify the capital. Write letters to major cities and send them as quickly as you can. Mobilise troops from every corner and have them march to the borders as soon as possible."

Wilhelm listened to my plan and agreed with what I said. "Those are great actions, young master. I'll begin work right now."

"I want this war over quick, okay? We cannot drag it on for more than a week. I plan to finish this feud with me and bring peace, understood?"

Wilhelm nodded and gave his approval. "That's the same thing you're father said to me, young master. But, I don't doubt your abilities."

"Unlike what my father did, I'll end it. I'll kill Lukas myself so that the war cannot be stretched too long."

His eyes widened at me mentioning my ultimate goal. "K-kill Lukas? Young master, with all due respect. Killing a king as a monarch yourself will be frowned upon."

"Wilhelm, you're a wise man," I sighed and looked at him with dreary eyes. You fought alongside my father and fought Lukas yourself. You know the only way to stop him is to kill him."

He nodded reluctantly. Though he was wise, he could not find another alternative. "As much as I hate this idea, I must admit, it's the only way."

Felix and Alexander entered the room. Our attention turned to them as they walked in.

"Felix, Alexander, follow me," I said, standing up from my seat.

Felix walked up to me swiftly and pushed me back. "Artorius, you are not going to move another foot. You will take a rest for the day and then you can take action. I cannot have you fall ill or be fatally injured."

I looked at Felix and knitted my eyebrows. "Felix, you can threaten me as much as you want. But, you and I both know that if I do not take action and work, this war will have severe consequences for both kingdoms and the empire together. Do you wish for that?

"My priority is to protect you, Artorius," He tried to hold me back by my shoulder. "Everything else comes second."

"And my priority as king and general is to lead this kingdom. I'd rather lead than boss people around from my office."

***

Alexander hopped onto his horse and turned to me. He saw I was curious about how he was on a completely different horse when he came to inform me.

"This one is mine. Darkheart is his name. The other horse was one I borrowed from the stables as I needed to get to you fast."

I chuckled and decided to tease him. "Why? Your horse can't travel across the continent in a day without getting tired?"

Alexander smiles and faces me. "I would think of a witty comeback but I would have to admit, your horses are something else."

I was startled by his comment. I thought that all the horses were the same around the continent but it seems that I have better ones in my arsenal.

The three of us set off on an expedition. We would have to split into two groups–I would go alone while Alexander and Felix would go together. They would travel to the north and west while I would go in a more south-eastern direction. 

This way we can convey the message as soon as possible.

I weaved through the streets, threading the needle through traffic and people. They all moved out of the way when they saw me, intimidated by my speed and appearance.

Before leaving, I stood and waited for Felix and Alexander to catch up to me. The two caught up after a few minutes, driving more carefully than I was.

"You're too reckless, Artorius!" Felix shouted at me, angered by my reckless handling of the horse.

I disregard his concern and turn around. "Split and be done with notifying the kingdom by sunset. I want every captain, lieutenant and commander to know of the war so they can move their forces early."

Without wasting another minute, I set off, heading out into the vast plains of my kingdom to notify it of war.

LUKAS' POV

"Ah... Finally... It's done,"

I sigh and slowly rise from my chair. Vincent advised I write my will if anything were to go wrong. It would ensure safety for my family when I would not be with them.

Suddenly, Vincent enters my room with a letter in hand. He bowed down and put the letter on the table.

"Sire, you might want to read this letter we received from a spy. It seems that King Artorius has killed an unidentified monster in his kingdom."

His quick summary of the letter interested me. "Hm? An unidentified monster? That seems... interesting."

He cleared his throat before speaking on it further. "It has been rumoured to have magical abilities. It has hints of having a flame ability–seen from its body having scars that glowed a firey glow."

I listened to him explain what the letter had already written. As I read, I could only think of how much he has fit into his father's shoes.

"He really is an outstanding man, just like his father," I sigh and a small smile comes on my lips.

Vincent looked around the room before looking at me with concerned eyes. "He may not know war is coming but... he seems prepared for the worst outcomes in his life.*

I felt irritated by his lack of courage and confidence when it came to the war. It was the final act, the ending. I wanted it to be ending on my accord.

"So? That does not change the outcome of the battle. We have numerical superiority," I told Vincent with knitted eyebrows.

Vincent urged on, looking back with fear in his eyes. "We have estimated that he has an army of 50 thousand strong. I am not trying to question your power, your majesty. I am just stating some facts that will help us."

No matter how many times he reassured me of what he really meant, I felt irritated. "I can see what you mean, Vincent. You don't have to hide what you truly mean from me. You want me to pull out of the war and send 80 thousand men home, is it?"

Vincent sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "All I am telling you, Your Majesty, is that it is a bad idea. He might have caught on from his own reconnaissance."

I walked around my table and closer to him with my hands held behind my back. "Listen, Vincent. I know you are more of a family-oriented man. I know this war has a chance of your death too. But, if you wish to cower and not serve me, you may desert now before you face consequences."

Vincent looked at me with fear in his eyes. He was intimidated easily. "I-I really do not mean any offense, your majesty..."

He left my room after I confronted him up close. I looked around my room, seeing my will written on my table. Before I leave, I place it in an envelope to keep it safe, sealing it and taking it with me.

The sun was still setting but I wanted to go to sleep early. I slowly trot to my room, looking around my palace walls and seeing the show pieces, artifacts and paintings I decorated it with.

I heard footsteps approaching from behind. I turned around to see who it was and it was Siena.

"Are you going to sleep already?" She asked me in a shaky voice, looking at me with gloomy eyes. "You haven't eaten dinner though."

"I'm not that hungry. I'll be going to bed early as I need to wake up early to set off." I said while continuing to walk.

"Whatever you say," Siena said, sighing in displeasure.

Before I walked too far, I turned back around to face her again. "Could you... tell Alyssa to visit me in my room?"

She shook her head and curled her lips. "I'm afraid not. She does not want to see you. She's locked herself in her room again."

It was not unusual for her to do this. It's quite common. "Could you just tell her, please? It's important."

Siena shrugs at me before turning around. "I'll see what I can do."

I entered my room and sat down at the edge of my bed. I take off my coat and take a deep breath. 

Before she would come, I thought to myself. It gave me time to self-reflect.

There is so much I had done, but as much regret as well. I feel a sense of regret, not being able to live my life to my fullest. There is a lot that I had sacrificed for this war that would possibly be the death of me

My door crept open and Alyssa's eyes peeked through. "You... wanted to see me?" Her voice sounded timid and trembling.

A smile appeared on my face as I saw her. "Oh, yes. Come in, take a seat, my dear."

She walked in and slowly came to me, taking a seat next to me and avoiding eye contact. Her silky dark hair covered her eyes as they ran down to her back.

I fiddled with the envelope in my hand. "You know where I'm going tomorrow, right?"

She nodded her head, looking down at her lap with her hands tangled.

"You know it's dangerous and I may not return?"

She nodded again.

I slowly handed the envelope to her. "If I may not return, and something bad happens... I want you to open this."

She turned around, tears forming in her eyes. "W-why...?"

"To keep you safe, my dear. I want to keep you safe, even if I'm not here physically."

She slowly grabbed the envelope from my hands. I smiled at her but I could feel my heart be overwhelmed, seeing her be so distant and so cold towards me. It was my biggest regret.

"Pr-promise me you will r-return after tomorrow…" She stuttered as her voice cracked.

I shook my head, knowing I should not make promises I cannot guarantee. "I'm sorry I cannot do that, my dear... There's no guarantee."

Tears rolled down her eyes as she gritted her teeth. "W-what will I do without you? W-who will keep mother and I safe..?"

I pulled her closer to me and hugged her gently. "You're my daughter. You're strong and smart. I'll leave it to you to keep her safe alongside you."

Alyssa wiped the tears off her face and stood up. "G-goodnight, father..."

I looked up at her with a smile, as sweet as I could make one. "Goodnight, my sweetheart. I'll keep you safe, in spirit."

She left my room and closed the door behind her. I slowly fell onto my bed and crawled to my pillow, resting my head on it and sighing.

I looked out of my balcony and saw the sunset. The golden sun covers the clouds and sky in its light. It was a beautiful sight, one I might not see after tomorrow.

ARTORIUS' POV

I see the border in reach. Lukas would not dare bring his army near the capital of the empire where King Alaric sits with his army. Even if he could stand a chance his main goal is my kingdom, not the entire empire.

I reached the first town, the town of Salaros. It was heavily protected and I would suspect he would get through this town first with his overwhelming army. This town stands no chance.

I entered the town and found the streets quite empty. Since the sun was setting I suppose this would be expected.

"K-king Artorius! What brings you here!?" exclaimed a middle-aged man.

"I bring news to this town. There will be a war tomorrow against the Aberdeen kingdom. They are planning to attack tomorrow." I let the stranger know.

His face went pale as I told him that. "W-what!? War? How can this be?"

I wasted no time in gathering a crowd. "Everyone here listen up! This is a call for war! Heed my calls and prepared yourselves! Every soldier gets ready to defend! Tomorrow a war will begin!"

The townsfolk start to panic. They quickly run back to their homes and I begin to leave. Suddenly I was stopped by a few guards.

"Out of my way! I need to inform other villages around this area!" I commanded

"Not without this horn. Take this, sire. Just blow into it and villages nearby will be notified. It reaches twenty kilometres of distance." The guard said as he handed me an extremely large horn.

I took it and quickly wrapped my arms around it to keep it safe. "Thank you. Notify every village and town around here. We cannot waste any time. Every town in the front lines will also have backup coming soon."

"Understood!" exclaimed the guards.

I left at once and headed towards the other villages. I had no map but I could tell from the roads where the villages were. The next would be a city, the city of Boneforest. It was five kilometres from here and I could make it in time.

Alexander and Felix split up to make the process more efficient. They would cover the west side of the kingdom while I cover the east. The sun was setting and I had to make haste.

Blizzard was getting tired but I could stop for rest. He must push himself beyond his usual capabilities.

***

The sun began to set over the horizon of the world. I wished to watch the horizon and take a breather but I was running out of time. Blizzard and I went from one end of the kingdom to the other, trying to warn as many cities as I could. 

I had covered a vast majority of cities and towns, and the war horn dealt with most of the surrounding areas, meaning I didn't have to go to each place one by one, repeating the process and wasting precious minutes that I needed.

We slowly trot through a road that was surrounded by forests on either side. The road was bumpy and had overgrown roots, making it difficult to traverse. The orange sunlight barely shone through the leaves, illuminating the dark forest.

Suddenly, a faint cry came from nearby. I was shot into a fight-or-flight response and looked around, trying to figure out where the voice came from.

"Help! Save me!" The voice cried out.

I figured out where it was and turned, rushing towards the voice and trying to find out who it was. They must be in serious danger.

"Where are you?" I shouted out. "Speak to me!" 

"Over here! Save me!" The voice came from my right.

I weaved and dodged through the trees and found the source of the voice. A woman, dressed in dirty and ragged clothing, curled up with a tree behind her back. A pack of rabid wolves surrounded her.

Without missing a beat, I jumped off Blizzard and dashed to get in between the wolves and the woman. I pulled out my Warrior's Ballad and took my stance.

This was quite a predicament. I've already thrown myself into the situation. If I didn't save her, she would die. But if I do try to save her, I'll be wasting precious minutes.

I covered my body in a layer of mana, a layer of protection. It won't help much but some is better than none.

Before the wolves could attack, I decided to dash in and finish them before it wasted my time. 

I sliced through them with ease, with swift slashes and attacks, I dealt with them with ease. The rest, seeing their comrades being torn to shreds, ran off into the darkness of the forest.

I took a sigh of relief and threw the blood off my sword before sheathing it back inside. I turned to the woman and bent lower, holding my hand out to her.

"You're safe, miss. Open your eyes." I spoke to her, trying to calm her down. I spoke in a soft voice, trying to reassure her and help her.

She opened her eyes and peeked through the gaps of her fingers. She recognized me and gasped.

"K-king Artorius!" Her voice echoed through the empty forest. She took my hand and got up, cleaning her dress off. Yet, her dress was too dishevelled and ruined. Hints of blood tainted her dress, growing my concern for what happened.

"Listen, I don't have time to listen to your explanation right now. We must make haste back to the capital," I told her as I pulled her away, hasting towards Blizzard.

"That's okay, I live in the capital," She reassured me. "But, where are we?"

I hopped onto Blizzard and held my hand out for her. "We're in Vallarin, quite far from the capital. How did you end up here?"

She took my hand and sat behind me, holding my shoulder tightly. "I-I was kidnapped. They took me out here and were planning to sell me. But, before they could, the wolves came and scared them away."

I heard her story. I knew crime was rampant but to kidnap and sell off? My shock and horror was clearly visible.

We began our journey back to the capital again. It was still far but we would make it back before it took too long.

"I see, so how did you manage to escape?" I asked her out of curiosity. I needed to figure out the culprits and try to find them once I had the free time.

She rested her head on my back and sighed deeply. "I wasn't tied up or chained, they kept me quiet by threatening to harm me. There were too many, some on horseback. If I tried to escape, it would be futile."

"And how many were they?" 

"A big group, I couldn't count. At least a dozen."

A group of bandits don't usually kidnap. This is organized crime, not just a bunch of ragtag groups.

"I'll see to it that they're found and punished. Rest assured." I told her as words of encouragement and reassurance. 

She wrapped her arms around me tightly. "Thank you, Your Majesty."