Chapter 2: The Calm Before the Storm

Daniel Cavelier, Grand Crusader of the White Crusade, watched as a coffin was respectfully carried onto a ship called the Raven Wings: being escorted by mourners in the Royal Harbour just behind of Canaleodon. From a distance, he could see Lia and Robin were leading the mourners but although they were not mourning loudly, Daniel knew that among all of them: Lia and Robin were grieving over the loss of their mentor.

Besides him were Argus Ward, Commander of the 2nd Company, and Kara, Daniel's younger sister and the Commander of the 5th company, who was comforting Eric Hodenc, 4th Brigadier General of the Canaleodon Forces. Eric, despite his size and fearsome appearance was sobbing for the death of Aaron Wentworth: being the gentle giant he was. Standing closed by was Johann the Hero of Light, Battle Commander of the Canaleodon Forces, who had his head bowed in respect for Aaron. The 1st Brigadier General of the Canaleodon Forces, Matthias Alston, was nowhere to be seen.

Argus was the first one to mention his friend's absence. 'Where's Matthias? Shouldn't he be here?'

Before Johann could answer him, Eric blubbered out first. 'He… Well… After the funeral… He… He thought he should drink in… In memory of Master Aaron.'

Kara looked at him in disbelief. 'What? It has been a week since Master Aaron's… Passing away and he's still drinking?'

'That's Matthias for you.' Argus muttered and Kara shook her head in wonder. 'I better get him before Lia set off for Doves Haven.'

Daniel turned to his friend and for the first time in the week after Aaron's death, Daniel gave a small smile. 'Have you ever try waking up a giant who been sleeping for thousand of years after drinking kegs of ale? With Matthias drinking for an entire week, I think he will be impossible to wake up now. Also, I think it's best if Lia doesn't know about it: she might get even more upset over Matthias not being here when she leaves.'

Argus slowly nodded his head as Daniel turned back to the ship: noticing that the sun was out and the sky was blue. Daniel sighed that a beautiful day should come for funeral. Under normal circumstances, the funeral rites should be performed by Commander Owen the Steadfast, of the 3rd Company and head of the Paladin order, but because both Daniel and his grandfather were considered friends to Aaron, Daniel thought it would be appropriate to perform the funeral rites: himself. It was a grim affair but it was considered an honour to the deceased to have the Grand Crusader of the White Crusade to perform the rites. Also, Owen was one of the majority of the White Crusade who were still uncomfortable with dealing with mages, dead or alive. Therefore Daniel volunteered to spare Owen the indignity of performing funeral rites to someone who was against his belief of the Light.

Once the coffin was safely stored in the ship's cabin, Lia came back to the docks and walked towards her friends: everybody gathered around her. Lia looked solemnly at them before she spoke.

'The ship is ready to set sail.' She told them. 'Once the tides comes in, we can set sail to Doves Haven where we can… Proceed with the burial. It may take some time when everything is sorted out.'

'Lia…' Eric began but could not say anything.

Kara came forward and hugged Lia tightly. 'Take care of yourself okay. Don't take Aaron's death deeply. I'm sure that he is with us right now.'

Lia nodded and smiled weakly at Kara. 'Thanks, Kara.' Then she turned to Daniel. 'Daniel, thank you for performing the funeral rites.'

Daniel nodded and smiled gently, placing his hands on Lia's shoulders. 'Anytime. Aaron was a good man. I both respected and admired despite our differences. The least I can is to give him a proper farewell. Have a safe trip, Lia.'

Lia nodded and hugged Daniel before getting picked up in a hug by a sobbing Eric. Despite herself, Lia patted him on his back and after babbling a safe voyage for her: he put her back down. Argus offered his condolences and hugged Lia: wishing her a safe journey. Lia then turned to Johann but Johann stood with a small bag next to him.

'Lia, let me accompany you to Doves Haven. I… I want to be there for you… In your times of… Needs.'

Lia, despite her grief, blushed as the others turned away: not wanting to spoil the moment. 'Johann… Thank you… I… Could do with someone's company but you're the Battle Commander of Canaleodon. You have responsibilities here.'

Before Johann could argue back, Daniel felt he should intervene. 'Lia, there's nothing wrong with Johann coming with you on this trip. Leave Canaleodon to us. You will need somebody to talk to with during the long voyage.'

Lia looked at both Daniel and Johann before nodding. 'You're right.' She started walking towards the ship. 'We better get going, Johann.'

Lia walked towards Raven Wings and Johann clasped hands with Daniel, smiling gratefully. 'Thanks.'

Daniel nodded as they let go. 'Take care of yourself… And Lia.'

Johann nodded and hurried after Lia. Before they could embark, Lia turned back and smiled sadly at her friends. 'Guys!' she called. 'When Matthias wake up, please tell him that Master Aaron will recognize his sorrows and he doesn't have to drink so much! I don't want to lose another friend!'

Her friends gaped at her, now knowing how she knew where Matthias was. Lia and Johann got onto the Raven Wings and standing at the starboard, waved as the sails were set and the ship slowly drifted away from the docks. Argus scratched his chin and whispered.

'Well… This is awkward.'

Kara shrugged. 'At least Lia isn't thinking badly of Matthias, but I'm going to give him a piece of my mind when he wakes up.'

Daniel nodded and watched as the Raven Wings sailed south, disappearing in the horizon.

______________________________________________________________________________

Inside the White Crusade's garrison, the White Crusaders were drilling in battle formations with uses of infantry and cavalry units: under command of their commanders. The white banners of each company were raised with pride, the wind whipping them and showing the companies' insignia. The cries of men-at-arms in training rang throughout the garrison. Just a normal day in the White Crusade garrison.

Inside the command tent, Daniel was behind his desk and lifted a mug of cider into his mouth: drinking in gulps. None other than Owen brewed the cider. Despite being a man of religion, Owen will spend his free time brewing cider from the apples he harvested from his orchards that were located in his domain. Owen had no problems brewing the sweet alcohol for his Grand Crusader and for anyone who loves his homemade beverage. Normally Daniel would find the cider sweet but today, it was bittersweet for him: not because of the brewing.

Daniel downed the mug and tipping the keg that contained more cider, he poured himself another mug: filling it to the brim. He drank the first mug in memory for Aaron, now the second was for drown his sorrows.

As Daniel gulped down the cider, he thought back of his conversation with Lia on the night of Aaron's passing. Hearing that Lia could not decide who to give her love to tore Daniel's heart in two. For the past seven years, Daniel had grown to have feelings for Lia. She was strong, determined, easy to talk to, know what she wanted to do and witty. There are many times that Daniel wanted to blurt out and confessed his love for Lia but he knew that with the war with Avencus was still on going and the uncertainty they will be alive after the war, it was not the right time to confess his feelings. Furthermore, his brethren from the White Crusaders, especially the paladins, may disapprove his relationship with a magic user. Then there was that other reason Lia mentioned to him…

Daniel gulped down more cider and leaned his arms onto his desk: boring his eyes into the mug. Johann, Eric and Matthias were his closest friends, his brothers in everything but blood and in arms. They had fought their enemies together, celebrated and feasted together and did everything together. The last thing he wanted to do was to create an animosity between all of them and that could happen if one of them entered into a relationship with Lia: the girl in their hearts.

Daniel finished his cider and tried to think of a solution of this dilemma but with the alcohol already affecting his brain: he struggled to think of a solution, to no avail. Daniel sighed and slumped on his chair as he looked at his mug, shrugging and reaching for the keg: pouring himself a third mug of cider. Maybe Lia was right, he thought. Maybe it was better to wait for the war to be over before…

Before he could put the mug to his lips, he heard footsteps in his tent. Just as Daniel could stand up, Argus Ward came in: wearing that annoying grin of his.

'I never expected the Grand Crusader to be skiving off duties and drinking cider in his tent.'

Daniel gave a soft growl and mustered as much dignity as he could. 'As the Grand Crusader, I have every right to be in my tent, drinking cider if I want to. What business is it of yours?'

Argus' grin widened. 'Normally you don't drink in solitude. Being the charitable soul you always are, you will invite all of us to drink with you: no matter how much you love the stuff.'

Daniel wanted to continue being irritated with Argus but found he could not after hearing Argus' words and smiled in acceptance. 'You know me too well. Don't just stand there. Take a seat and poured a mug for yourself. Today's batch is quite sweet.'

Argus smiled and took a seat in front of Daniel's desk and lifting the keg, poured cider into his mug and took a big gulp. Smacking his lips, Argus placed the mug down onto the desk and grinned at Daniel.

'That's the stuff! Owen's ciders always put anyone in a good mood. However, I can't help noticing that its magic is not working on you today.'

Daniel looked at Argus, marvelling at his friend's observation skills but tried to bluff it out. 'Of course it's not, one of Canaleodon's leading figures and Archmage had passed away. So I'm still grieving about it.'

'Daniel.' Argus smiled gently. 'I know you and Master Aaron are best buds but I'm sure that something like the death of a mage would not put you in a state. There's must be something else. Come on, spill the beans.'

Daniel sighed in an aggravated way but finally gave in. 'It's Lia. We… Talked about feelings and relationships.'

Argus raised an eyebrow. 'Go on.'

'I'll give you three guesses who are the first three to confess their feelings to Lia.'

Argus screwed his face in mock thoughtfulness before replying. 'Matthias, Eric and Johann.'

Daniel gave Argus a look. 'Why on earth was I not in your list?'

Argus shrugged. 'Being the oh-so-responsible and diligent Grand Crusader of the White Crusade, I figured that you didn't put too much thought in the whole relationship thing. Also, being the loyal of friends, you didn't want to turn Matthias, Eric or Johann against you.' Argus grinned as Daniel nodded his head. 'So what was her reply to all three?'

Daniel swallowed some cider before answering. 'She replied nay. She told them it's not a good time when we're at war with Avencus: on grounds on your second analysis on me.'

'That means you and Lia shares the same thoughts. That's some promise! Did you throw yourself on her list?'

'Why bother?' Daniel asked. 'It's only going to put more pressure on her. Argus.' Daniel turned serious. 'This war with Avencus have been going on for six decades. If we're going to win this, we need to be at our top level at all times. We have no time to think of relationship or marriage. If Lia think like that then who am I to disagree?'

Argus looked at Daniel and now turned serious. 'Daniel, that's especially why you should confess.' Daniel looked at him curiously. 'In this war against Avencus, it be better if we tell the person we love our true feelings in case if anything happens to us, we let that person knows about how we feel about them and we can die happily with that knowledge. Also, with your feelings confirmed with each other, it will strengthen the will to live and fight harder in batle. Heck, if more people just stop being so shy and confess their loves to their loves ones: we can win this war with love!'

'I'm not too sure whether you're a very honest person or a calculative snake.' Daniel commented.

Argus waved his hands defensively. 'More like making the world a better place and using a brilliant strategy.'

'Uh-huh… So I'm guessing you already let my sister know about your own feelings towards her?' Daniel smirked as Argus spluttered his cider back into his mug and started choking.

Once he stopped choking, he protested. 'What gave you that idea?'

Daniel rolled his eyes. 'Oh puh-leeze. You two are flashier on your advances like two wizards blasting fireworks everywhere. The entire city knows about it. Don't tell me you can't tell when people are gossiping whenever you or Kara walked passed them or when Commander Gavarin cast disapproving looks when you two are literally snogging each other on the battlements.'

Instead of trying to defend his and Kara's relationship, Argus started getting annoyed. 'That old grouch! What business does Gavarin have in poking his nose into what Kara or me do? It's… What young people do… I mean… It's freedom of relationship! That's right!' Then he turned worried. 'You're okay with this, aren't you?'

'Oh come on.' Daniel said. 'That's a really stupid question. Instead of being here drinking cider with me, you would be getting fifty lashes and Kara will be forced to leave the White Crusade.' Argus gulped and Daniel continued. 'Argus, you're my best friend and I can't think of anyone who deserved to be Kara's life partner but you. You two seems happy together and I have no right to take that happiness away.'

Argus smiled in gratitude. 'Wow… Daniel… I don't know what to say but… Thanks.'

Daniel smiled and raised his mug. 'No, thank you for the advise. When Lia returns from Doves Haven, which will be in another two days time, I will tell her my true feelings. To the end of the war and a bright future.'

Argus smiled and clinked his mug with Daniel's. 'To the end of the war and a bright future.'

Both Daniel and Argus finished their cider but before any of them could say anything else, they were interrupted by a loud voice.

'REPORT!'

Daniel and Argus turned to the entrance of the tent where a young White Crusader wearing light armour barged into the tent: dusty from travelling. The messenger saluted to his Grand Crusader, panting heavily. Daniel quickly grabbed a clean mug and filled it with cider. He stood up from his seat and walked to the messenger: offering the cider.

'Have your fill soldier.' Daniel told him gently. 'Then deliver your report.'

The soldier gratefully took the mug from Daniel's hands and downed the cider quickly. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. 'My thanks Grand Crusader. I came from Moonweaver Castle. The Night Wolves, they're launching an attack on the 6th Company.'

Argus quickly stood up as Daniel took in the news. During the White Crusade's campaign against the Black Scythes in Uberon, Avencus had seized the opportunity to channel three more passes through the mountain between Tanelic and the rest of Morte Mountain: thinking that with the White Crusade in another continent, Tanelic was an easy picking. Unknown to Avencus, the late Grand Crusader Davin Christiansen left three companies in Tanelic so when the Night Wolves managed to break through the mountains, the White Crusaders were ready to engage them into battle: leaving what was now known as North Point Keep to the Royal Army.

The Royal Army was led by acting Battle Commander Charles de Burg and he brought along some of the final years students from the War Academy to allow them to experience the horrors of war: among them were Eric Hodenc and Johann. During the battle, Charles was charred by a warlock's fire spell and was burned to death: leaving the Royal Army leaderless and demoralised. Then just as the Night Wolves were on the verge of victory, Johann took it upon himself to lead the counterattack and dived into the battle against the Night Wolves. Seeing Johann fighting at the frontline with no regard for his life, Eric and the other soldiers rallied behind Johann and in a desperate attempt, pushed the Night Wolves out of Tanelic and back to Morte Mountains. The defending forces at the other three passes also pushed back the Night Wolves.

Recognising his bravery in the tide of war, Johann was recommended to position of Battle Commander of the Royal Army while Daniel kept his position as Grand Crusader of the White Crusade: both of them working together in military affairs. Johann was even given a new name: Hero of Light. Once the White Crusaders returned from the campaign, they made every effort in increasing the defence on each pass by building keeps to create a more defensive position the next time the Night Wolves strikes again.

Now hearing that the Night Wolves were attacking Moonweaver's Castle, named after Hugo and Lana Moonweaver and stationed north of Dallen Moor, Daniel becomes alarmed. 'Unbelievable! It's have been one week after their last attack and they're already attacking. Avencus is relentless.'

'We better get up there now.' Argus said urgently.

Before Daniel could even nod in agreement, another messenger came into the tent. 'Report! The Night Wolves are attacking the 8th Company at North Point Keep! Commander Barrick is requesting reinforcement immediately!'

Then just after the second messenger finished his report, a third messenger barged into the tent. 'Grand Crusader! An army of Night Wolves is attacking Eagle Hold! Commander Lora is keeping them at bay but she had been injured and the troops are losing morale!'

Daniel looked at each messenger in disbelief before turning to Argus. 'Where in the hell is Avencus getting all this troops? No matter how much gold he have, there's no way he could recruit enough men to attack three passes in a week!'

'It's possible.' Argus said slowly. 'Morte Mountain is a famous hideout for bandits and mercenaries and on the eastern side is the sea so I'm sure that Avencus have a steady supply of pirates, mercenaries and supplies.' Argus frowned. 'If I recall correctly, there's a desert way north of Morte Mountains and it's crawling with desert tribes and nomadic riders to compete with our own cavalry. So even if Avencus couldn't pay them at the beginning or provide them with weapons and armour, he still have an army at his side.'

Daniel nodded in agreement with Argus' words and asked the messengers. 'Is Avencus among any of the attacking forces?'

When they shook their head, Daniel turned his attention to the first and the second messenger. 'I need you two to go to every commanders of both of the White Crusaders and the Royal Army in Canaleodon. Tell them everything what had happened and to prepare their troops for battle and to meet me in the king's war chamber in an hour's time.' Then he turned to the third messenger. 'You, go to the wizard school and find any mages that knows how to teleport. Tell him everything that had happened and ask him or her to teleport to Doves Haven Isles to alert Battle Commander Johann and Archmage Lia. Then have them teleport back to Canaleodon to join us in the fight against Avencus. Now go!'

They all saluted and went to do their duties as Daniel turned to Argus. 'Argus, have your company ready and tell Sir William to do the same with the First Company. I need to inform this news to the king right away.'

Argus saluted. 'Yes sir!'

Both Daniel and Argus left the tent as the news of war spread throughout the city.

______________________________________________________________________________

An hour later when the entire city was filled with activities for the upcoming war, Daniel, Argus, Kara, King Arald and the other commanders were crowded around a round table with the map of Tanelic on it in Lion's Heart Castle's war chamber. The chamber had shelves with manuals and tomes on military tactics, battle formations and manoeuvres. In one of the corners was another map with pieces on them as well as a variety of spears and axes on a rack. The floor was covered in a bear rug and the chambers was lighted with torches: making the room quite hot as it was in the middle of the castle where no windows were installed into it but impossible for spies to hear what was being said in the chambers.

Daniel looked around the gathered commanders and noticed someone was missing. He sighed as he turned to Eric Hodenc. 'Matthias is still drunk isn't he?'

Eric lowered his eyes and Daniel nodded grimly and called in two guards who were waiting nearby. 'You two go to his chambers and try to wake him up. You have my permission to use whatever methods it take to wake him up. Once he sobered up, informed him of what had transpired and send him to Davin's Stronghold to await further orders.'

The guards nodded and left the chambers to find Matthias. Davin's Stronghold was in the middle of Tanelic between Canaleodon and the Frontlines. It was there where two battalions of the Royal Army will be stationed to act as a last defence for Canaleodon as well as act for any internal affairs within Tanelic.

Daniel first addressed King Arald before the others. 'Your majesty, gentlemen and ladies, as you all know, Avencus and the Night Wolves are attacking Moonweaver Castle, Eagle Hold and North Point Keep. I do not know how Avencus managed to amassed such a great army in a short period of time but I do know this: if Avencus managed to break through any of those passes, Tanelic will be taken by Avencus. We need to send troops to the Frontline before it's too late.'

The other commanders voiced in their agreements. Mora de Burg, Vice Battle Commander of the Royal Army and daughter to the late Charles de Burg, came forward. 'Grand Crusader Daniel, I've already sent runners to Davin's Stronghold to inform Brigadier General Rowan of the 4th Battalion to march to Moonweaver Castle and Brigadier General Luther of the 3rd Battalion to march to Eagle Hold at once.' She then bowed. 'Forgive me if I overstepped my authority.'

Daniel turned to Arald who shook his head. 'You did well Vice Battle Commander Mora. If you hadn't, both of these defensive holds would had fallen to enemy's hands a long time ago.'

Daniel nodded in agreement with Arald as Mora bowed to Arald. 'That leaves North Point Keep. Among all the passes that lead into Morte Mountain, North Point Keep has the widest gap, which can allows a large army to attack the keep. We…'

The messenger who delivered the report on the attack on North Point Keep interrupted him by stepping into the room and getting Daniel's notice. Daniel looked up. 'Did you manage to find any mages who can teleport to Doves Haven?'

The messenger's face was forlorn. 'Forgive me Grand Crusader but none of the mages know the teleportation spell. They all claimed that all the mages who did left for Doves Haven to attend Aaron Wentworth's burial.'

Daniel looked in disbelief. 'Are you telling me that one hundred mages in the wizard school doesn't know how to teleport?' The messenger nodded. 'It can't be help then: get some food and drink and take the fastest ship to Doves Haven. It will take you a day to reach there. Find the Battle Commander and the Archmage and tell them to teleport to Davin's Stronghold along with the other mages.'

The messenger saluted and ran off as Daniel turned back to the others. 'As I was saying, we need to send two forces to help Commander Barrick at North Point Keep. Commander Argus, Commander Kara.' His friend and sister straighten up. 'Take the 2nd and the 5th Companies to North Point Keep and reinforce the 8th Company.' Argus and Kara saluted. 'Sir Owen, Lady Mora, General Eric and I will be stationed in Davin's Stronghold to act as reserves if you need any aid.'

Kara raised her hand. 'Grand Crusader, may I add something?' Daniel nodded. 'Doesn't it strike anyone odd that Avencus himself is not leading the attack?'

Mora dismissed her with a snort. 'Avencus is a coward. I doubt he will lead any attack personally and will hide comfortably in his castle while his henchmen fight.'

'Lady Kara has a point.' William Loreton defended Kara. William was one of the founders of the White Crusade and was in his late seventies. He served as a seneschal in the White Crusade. 'Avencus somehow knew that both the Battle Commander and the Archmage will be absent and will try to conquer the whole of Tanelic before they could get back. So why is he not personally leading any of the attacks?'

All the commanders murmured agreement and Mora frowned. 'If he knew then that must mean that there must be a traitor among us!'

'Let's not jump to conclusions.' Argus pointed out. 'For all we know, Avencus may had found out using magic and if I understands about wards, they need to be renewed with spells to strengthen its defences: which had not since Aaron's death.'

The gathered commanders looked at each other and talked about information leak when Daniel spoke. 'Whether we have traitors or not in our ranks are not important right now: we need to predict where will Avencus strike.' He frowned at the map before turning to Gavarin the Gallant, Commander of the 10th Company of the White Crusade. 'Sir Gavarin, if I recall correctly, I appointed you on increasing defences on the Frontline, am I right?'

Gavarin, a man in his forties with hair and beard peppered in black and white, known for his stern and law-abiding attitude, nodded. 'Yes Grand Crusader.'

'Can you tell me about the defences of Narrow Path?' Narrow Path was way East of the Frontline and the path was so narrow that only a platoon can march through it.

Gavarin nodded. 'As per your orders, we have built two forts: the Northern fort is called Wolf's Claw Keep and the second one is called Falcon's Hover. Both forts are commandeered by Commander Silencio of the 7th Company with a total of six hundred men.'

Daniel bit his lips. 'And I'm guessing that these six hundred men are new recruits?' At Gavarin's nod, Daniel continued. 'That's where Avencus will be planning to enter Tanelic from. Sir Owen and Vice-commander Mora will be stationed in Davin's Stronghold while General Eric and I will reinforce the Narrow Paths.'

Daniel was greeted with protests from his commanders.

'Sir.' Owen spoke out. 'Surely you do not need to go there yourself. Send me instead.'

'You're the Grand Crusader of the White Crusade.' Gavarin told him. 'If you… If something were to happen to you, who will lead the White Crusaders.'

'That's right!' Argus agreed with him. 'You're one of Canaleodon's pillars. You can't recklessly risk your life!'

Daniel waited for the protests to die down before speaking. 'As Grand Crusader, it is my duty to lead our troops on the Frontline and not hide behind our soldiers. If I don't go, how will the soldiers fight, especially if these soldiers are new and inexperienced? Let alone, how will the rest of the men fight if they're risking their lives in battle while their Grand Crusader sit comfortably behind them? If I'm there defending both Wolf's Claw Keep and Falcon's Hover, I can raised the troops' morale and then we can prevail against even Avencus himself. Besides, Eric will be with me and he is the strongest spearman in the whole of Tanelic. Are we clear?'

The war chamber fell silent as the commanders shifted their feet uncomfortably. The silence was broken as King Arald stood up from the chair he was sitting the whole time and everybody straightened up. 'Very well, we will follow Daniel's plans. It just struck me that Avencus may launch a surprise attack by sea.' He turned to Mora. 'Vice-Commander Mora, tell Harbourmaster Darell to send a galleon to the East and West to prevent any unauthorised ships from reaching the Royal Harbour.'

Mora saluted. 'Yes, your majesty.'

Arald turned back to the other commanders. 'Commanders, on behalf of Canaleodon and the whole of Tanelic, I wished all of you a quick victory and that you all will return after driving the Night Wolves back. May the Light bless us all.'

'Thank you your majesty!' all the commanders chorused together.

Daniel turned to Gavarin. 'Sir Gavarin, I'm trusting you to defend Canaleodon with the 10th Company.' Gavarin saluted and Daniel addressed the other commanders. 'Gentlemen, prepare your troops for war. We will march at once!'

The commanders nodded their agreements but before they could leave the room, William spoke up. 'Grand Crusader, permission to accompany you to the battlefield?'

Daniel blinked at William before answering gently. 'Sir William, you're already seventy-eight years old and past your prime. You're one of the founders of the White Crusaders alongside Sir Owen, the late Sir Iasser Campion and the late Grand Crusader Davin. The White Crusade and I cannot bear to lose you. You have already won all the glory and honour in your youth so please, stay and defend Canaleodon with Sir Gavarin instead.'

William's words were full with emotions. 'Grand Crusader… No, Young Master, I have been fighting for my entire life, with no regards to my life, to pay the debts to Grand Crusader Davin, the Light rest his soul, for saving my village and the innocents who dwell there. Now that he is in Heaven, I've the honour to serve and fight alongside his grandson. Young Master, please… Allow this old man to fight alongside you before his days of living ends.'

Daniel was touched at William's words and he looked to the others for help. Argus, Eric and Kara looked troubled. Owen, who was William's closest friend, wanted to protest but saw that he could not deny his friend's wish. Gavarin's face was impassive but he too was uncomfortable while Mora gave William a new look of respect. Arald who knew William along with Davin nodded his head to Daniel.

Daniel closed his eyes and took a deep breath before speaking. 'Sir William Loreton.' William, despite his age, stood attention as his name was spoken. 'I'm appointing you as vice-commander of the 1st Company as well as military adviser. Sharpened your sword and get the men ready to march in half-an-hour time. We will leave as soon as possible.'

William saluted and spoke with conviction. 'Yes sir!'

Daniel nodded and along with the others, they bowed to Arald before leaving the chambers: getting ready for war.