Chapter 2

"I think she is too young for this, Mat!" Lux said, chasing the fast little girl.

"I don't know, we've faced this before, but our father is different now…" Mateo replied, his face reflecting his concern.

A crying sound started, close yet seeming to come from all directions.

"Martha!"

"Marta?!"

"Martha, where are you?!"

The crying grew louder and louder, closer and closer. Mateo drew his sword while Lux readied his bow and arrow, aiming at the source of the sound from one direction to another.

"MARTHA! COME OUT NOW!" they shouted.

The crying began to soften. Martha emerged from a corner, her eyes red with tears. The brothers dropped their weapons and ran to her.

"Oh Martha, don't ever run away again," Lux said, hugging her tightly with Mateo.

Martha hugged them back without hesitation. The brothers walked her back to the castle, weapons in hand.

As they walked, Mateo gave Lux a confused look. Lux noticed and asked, "What's wrong?"

"When our father said that war is near, you shouted, 'I don't know anything about weapons,'" Mateo questioned.

"Oh… That's a secret!" Lux replied, and they continued walking.

---

Night came, and everything fell into silence...

Until...

"OI, WAKE UP! YOU GOT TRAINING!" someone shouted.

"Huh?!" Lux woke up, confused.

He rubbed his eyes to see clearly.

"Mateo?" Lux mumbled.

"Yes, I'm here. Now get your things and change, we have to train," Mateo shouted.

Lux got up without hesitation and changed quickly, not wanting Mateo to shout anymore. After changing, he opened his curtains to see the morning view.

"HUH?!" Lux exclaimed. "The sun hasn't even risen yet. What time is it?"

"LUX!!" Mateo shouted.

"Coming!" Lux yelled back, running down.