Sides

Skylar accompanied Herana as they walked through the pavement, they eyed the mansion that stuck out on the central portion of the city. On their trails, ice statues of Zemur's men could be found, who glimmered under the sharp sunlight, they stood defenseless to their environment, sooner or later the guards would come to pick them up.

Skylar couldn't believe they would be attacked on broad day light, nonetheless they were fodder and easily taken care of. Herana then jolted Skylar's sleeve, taking his attention.

Her face looked fragile and shy, her eyes were flitting to and fro. "Umm Skylar, am I being a burden?"

Skylar rose her eyebrows, he then mustered a smile. "Of course not your highness, it's my obligation to serve a royalty."

"Then..." She tapped her pointing fingers together. "Why did you choose me and not any of my brothers?"

Skylar blinked, processing for an answer, he continued his gait as his lips paused. "Don't overthink it your highness, I chose to serve you because I wanted to."

Herana then sighed. "Then promise me, you won't abandon me? Promise me Skylar."

Skylar chuckled, he steered to her front, then bowed infront of her, he placed his arm on his chest. "As long as I'm alive, I the third Pillar Skylar will continue to serve you." His voice straight and sincere.

Herana's eyes lit up from the sunlight hitting her iris, it glimmered like a glowing dust, her eyes then turned watery and then she sniffled.

Skylar's face became distorted, he became worried. "You're higness, is something wrong? Did I say something bad?"

Herana shook her head, she forced a smile. "We need to continue to the mansion."

Skylar nodded with a warm smile, he continued to guide her as they were headed to the mansion.

***

The mansion was a stark white edifice, its sharp color contrasted against the colors of the other buildings, making it known through out the city. The structure was furnished with marbles, from its fine walls to its sleek roof, above the mansion was a wide shed with rocking chairs beneath it. The entire layout effused an affluent energy. There are porches affixed close to the top most building, however, it was mostly empty.

Celina went with Lord Helrick, the lord of this city, and his wife, Shekurya. They made their way on the pavements heading to the mansion doors. On their sides were a bed of blue flowers. The smooth scent of the flowered garden caused her to feel the serene beauty of the entire scenery.

When they reached the mansion's front, they faced its double doors, the maids slowly slid it open, the interior odor of the building washed over her, it was an artificial smell that reeked of wealth.

Celina was in a daze as she sifted her eyes across the lobby, waxed caramel floors shimmering from the filtered sunlight, chiseled patterned pillars were found supporting the ceiling, and marbled statue of a naked and curvy woman stood in the middle of the room.

They were then guided to sit on a chair, Shekurya was found to sit beside her, and Lord Helrick sat beside his wife. Thankfully Celina was invited to eat for free since her money was obviously running out, these past few days her pouch money became lighter. She sighed after she didn't know what to do, maybe she could solicit from the Lord of the city. But it would take a lot of guts, she thought when the time was right, she might do it.

Just in time, Skylar and Herana arrived, they have taken their seats as well. As they started their lunch, Skylar and Lord Helrick had a stiff discussion, Skylar barely even touched his plate.

"Lord Helrick if possible, I'd like to ask a quarter of your soldiers." Skylar said with his face frank and tense.

Celina's mouth turned agape as her eyes flit from Helrick to Skylar and back, she was stunned to see such a direct and shameless request.

Lord Helrick forced a chuckle. "I'm sorry but a quarter seems to much, besides I have a territory to defend. If Dersim would fight me seriously this city will definitely falter."

Skylar sighed, he closed his eyes for a moment. "I know, but Lord Helrick, we have to stop playing blind. It's obvious that at some point your city will fall."

Lord Helrick's mood fell down, his wife rubbed his back to support him. "But what choice do we have." His lips were weary.

Skylar narrowed his eyes. "If we march in to Redwaters and provide an army to Princess Herana, we might just be able to leave the country, and escape overseas."

"Why did something happen on the Redwaters?" Lord Helrick spoke.

Redwaters was the third largest city in the kingdom of Thesur, currently it was being ruled by Prince Herazin, who was also a duke. It was the only sea port which held several boat vessels, allowing an access to move throughout the Altheon seas.

Skylar nodded in dismay. "While Prince Herazin is in control of the massive port, he prohibited refugees to flee the country."

Helrick's grimaced. "Why?"

"He have his own reasons, but we also have our own reasons. There are many who supports Herana to flee from this country, but we are unable to enforce it. That's why we we need a strong military might." Skylar said.

Lord Helrick sweated a bit as he felt the air slightly tense. "Wait, are you sure about this? That might result in a bloodshed between the two royalties."

Skylar shook his head gently, his head slightly tilted. "No, I know Herazin, and he won't be stupid to fire first, if we have an army on our command we just might be able to make him submit."

Helrick sighed at last, he held out his hand to them, signifying his refusal. "I'm sorry but I have no plans to leave this city." His arm crawled to his wife and they grabbed each others hands tightly. "This city is all I have." He said with his tone cracking.

Skylar's lips was barred, he became silent. "Is that so, then it's a shame." He erected from his seat and turned away. "Anyway, thank you for the lunch I had my fill." He said politely but there was a hint of rage beneath his words.

When Skylar was about to cross the room, he halted for a moment. "Let's go your highness."

Princess Herana nodded, she left the seat and waved her goodbye to Celina. "See you later Celina."

"Hey Skylar wait." Celina called out to them, yet they never listened, they crossed the room and then left the mansion.

Celina sighed on the table. "These politics are wearing me out." She said.

Lord Helrick forced a smile. "No matter which side you stand there is always something wrong with it, that's why I'd rather just focus on my priority and not think too much about the methodology."

Celina chuckled. "I get what you mean but it's kinda confusing if you think about it."

"It will make sense once you are working on the top." Lord Helrick said.

As they held out their spoons to their mouth, she turned her eyes to her side, she noticed Shekurya consumed her food using sticks, it ignited her curiousity. It looked natural for Shekurya's fingers to manipulate the sticks, and had them grip the food, then only to be guided into her mouth. It was the first time she saw such custom, she tried to keep quiet yet her lips couldn't help it.

"How do you do it so well?" Celina said.

Shekrya chuckled. "I can teach you if you wanted."

"I don't think that would be necessary, but can you teach me with the sword technique you just did?" Celina leaned her engrossed look close to her.

When she was about to nod, a maid stepped in and asked for their attention. "Lord Helrick, there are people outside who wanted to see you."

With no time to waste, Helrick stood up and abandoned his meal, he then crossed the room as he wiped his palms and fingers with a piece of clothe.

Outside his door, five men with tattered leather clothes waited, most had a straw hat, they were ragged and dirty, which Helrick presumed were the farmers in his city. They were restless, their faces were written in desperation. While there was one who was well dressed, his skin was clear and there was grace in his motions.

They then bowed down gently, "Lord Helrick my crops were trampled by the demon army, I'm afraid we would need to purchase the next sets of seeds."

Another added in, who seemed to be a merchant. "Lord Helrick, our trading routes to other cities have been cut off, probably due to demon attacks."

"We want to ask you for your support in this matters."

Helrick sighed in dismay. He knew what these men wanted, he pondered upon it for a while but was forced to speak. "I will lend you a loan to recover your crops." He faced the farmers, then turned to the merchant. "I will send you guards so you can travel without worry across these lands."

Their eyes lit up in mirth, they wanted to leap but due to the presence of the Lord they forced themselves to calm down. They poured their gratitude into their sincere bows. "Thank you so much Lord Helrick, your compassion is without measure." They said.

Helrick nodded, his smile was forced but he gave a slight look of uneasiness. "Of course, I will help those who are in need." He said.

After a one quick look, they then left the mansion, and spread out when they reached the streets. Shekurya worriedly attended on his side, she patted his husband's shoulder. "Are you sure about this dear? The treasury is almost empty."

Lord Helrick then took his arm, they faced each other, as they stared into each other's eyes they were dazed. "It's fine, as long as this city is standing we can still find a way."

On the sides, Celina's pitied the two, it was obvious they were struggling and doing their best to calm the situation. She abandoned the idea to solicit from the Lord, after taking the hint of the atmosphere, she quickly said good bye.

"Girl." Shekurya said, causing Celina to whirl and looked her in the eye.

"Come here tomorrow, I'll teach you what I know."

Celina's eyes lit up, the corner of her lips were lifted, turning her cheeks puffy. She nodded. "Thanks a lot." She then waved as she left the mansion premises.

***

Pelvin roved the markets, in his right arm was a draping animal skin pouch, it had ingredients such as sugar and some hot peppers, now all he need to buy was potassium nitrate. They were often referred as grey powder by the people in the land.

On a shop found on the side of the street, Pelvin found himself facing a merchant, he was a burly man whose torso was naked, he crossed his arms as he stared at Pelvin. "Yo, what is it my man?" The merchant said.

"Umm, do you have grey powder?" Pelvin said.

The merchant grinned. "One spoon is three bronze."

Pelvin eyed his palm and noticed only two bronze were left, the money lent to him has been exhausted. He sighed. "Then can I buy half a spoon for one and a half a bronze?" He said politely hoping the merchant would give in.

The merchant laughed scoffingly, then his face turned stoic instantly. "No!"

Pelvin hobbled on the road, his head bent down while his arms wilted. "It seems I need to earn some money myself."

"Your time is running out." A silhouette who stood on the alley whispered.

Pelvin sneered, he chose to ignore and looked on his road ahead. "Damn you Grim."