The stranger in Essed

As the carriage rode through the gates of Essed, the coachman, also Phera's trusted bodyguard, announced their arrival. 

"We are in Essed!" 

The sunny morning cast a warm glow over the bustling streets, where citizens of all ages walked with purpose, their weapons at the ready. 

Swords, spears, and arrows were proudly displayed, alongside innovative, homemade armaments.

Lady Phera gazed out the window, a radiant smile spreading across her face. "It's been far too long since I've last visited," she said, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. 

As she closed the curtain, her attention turned to Prince Khane and Arnin.

"Have you ever participated in a martial arts competition here?" Prince Khane inquired, his curiosity evident.

Phera's smile faltered for a moment before she shook her head. "My father, a renowned general, brought our family here once. 

However, he forbade my sisters and me from practicing martial arts, deeming it unbefitting for women. Our roles, he insisted, were limited to embroidery, cooking, and domestic duties."

"As a member of a wealthy family, my duties were limited to embroidery," Lady Phera said, her eyes locked on Prince Khane.

Arnin glanced at the pair as they exchanged gazes but remained silent.

"Your father is a general," Prince Khane said, breaking the silence, "and there are women in the military who are married. Why would he restrict women's roles in his family?

And how did you learn martial arts?"

Lady Phera's expression turned nostalgic. "If I told you I was born with Phase 3, would you believe me? As a child, I didn't learn martial arts or how to increase essence, but one day I awakened to its power. I secretly watched my father train his soldiers every morning."

She paused, a hint of pride in her voice. "I practiced the moves, developed my own techniques, meditated, and elevated my phase to 5. Not bad, huh?" Her smile sparkled.

Prince Khane's eyes widened in admiration. "I respect you, Lady Phera. You're more than just beauty."

Arnin intervened with a forced smile. "However, we'll part ways soon, but it was enlightening knowing you, Lady Phera. Until we meet again."

Lady Phera's gaze lingered on Prince Khane. "We won't part ways yet. I'm waiting for someone; we're traveling north together."

"A lover?" Prince Khane asked, his tone teasing. "I didn't know you had a shoulder to lean on."

Lady Phera chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "No lover, just a friend from another state. We met here, in Essed, years ago. I don't have a shoulder to lean on."

She gazed at Prince Khane, her voice playful. "But if you'd like me to—"

"I have a wife," Prince Khane interrupted, his expression serious.

Lady Phera's smile faded, her eyes widening. "So young? That's understandable for a lady, but what made you marry early?"

Arnin intervened with a knowing smile. "He has a wife, but temporarily forgot her. Once he remembers, he'll recognize her." He chuckled. "You don't expect him to shout 'Who's my wife?' in Bacain, do you?"

Lady Phera laughed nervously, glancing at Arnin and back at Prince Khane. "Of course not."

Arnin continued, "He'll recall his memories eventually."

Lady Phera's eyes closed, her lips pursed. She had sensed Arnin's growing animosity toward her, but their first encounter had been different.

Lady Phera's gaze narrowed as she turned to Arnin. "Arnin, I've long wondered... On our first meeting, we parted on cordial terms, but since then, your demeanor toward me has shifted.

Is it because of my father, General Didastimon, and his treacherous past with the former royal family?

If it's that. You don't have the right to hate me; only Prince Khane does."

Arnin's expression transformed from calm to contrite. He clasped his hands together, his eyes beseeching. "Forgive me, Lady Phera. 

How could I harbor animosity toward someone as captivating as you? You misinterpreted my intentions. Let us put this misunderstanding behind us."

Lady Phera's hesitation lingered before she nodded.

"Let us step onto Essed's hallowed ground and breathe in its essence!" Arnin declared, his voice infused with newfound enthusiasm. "Halt the carriage!"

The bodyguard reined in the horses. Arnin leaped out, followed by Prince Khan and Lady Phera.

"Prince Khane—I mean... Nameless... Ah, Khailian!" Arnin exclaimed, striking his forehead in a gesture of self-rebuke.

Prince Khane chuckled, his eyes crinkling. "Happens when you talk too much."

"Shush," Arnin whispered, his hand covering Prince Khane's mouth. "Inhale the air and sense the earth beneath your feet. Tell me what you feel." Arnin's eyes closed, his face tilted upward.

Prince Khane's eyes shut, and he breathed deeply. Opening them, he shrugged. "It's just air, and I feel nothing unusual on the ground."

Arnin's one eye flickered open, his gaze locking onto Prince Khane.

Lady Phera walked ahead, her white hair fluttering with each step. She turned to face them. "There's an excellent inn nearby, one of Essed's finest. The owner will still be there. Shall we walk or take the carriage?"

Arnin opened his second eye.

"We've been cooped up for too long. Let's walk," Prince Khane said, and the others nodded in agreement.

As they strolled, Lady Phera's bodyguard drove the carriage alongside them. Lady Phera's elegant pink attire and delicate jewelry contrasted with the practical sword at her waist. Her spear lay securely in the carriage.

Prince Khane's disheveled hair and worn-out boots seemed out of place beside her, while Arnin's tattered clothing and hole-ridden boots appeared even more rugged.

A passing stranger grasped Prince Khan's arm, halting him. The others stopped, their eyes on the young man.

His dressing looked neither poor nor expensive, just moderate. The sword was by his waist, and it had a design on the hilt.

"Junior brother. Nameless!" the young man exclaimed. "I knew it was you! I've been expecting you,he said with a wide smile. 

"Who are your companions? I didn't see them last year." His eyes darted between Lady Phera and Arnin.

Prince Khane's expression faltered, his eyes scanning the young man's face. He couldn't recall who he was.