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Map to Hope

Auteur: Retrothewise
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Synopsis

Edmond is a crown prince, but he does not possess the king’s blood. Thus, he is not a noble. Edmond’s dark past, along with the way he rose to power, will all be revealed. He wishes to be the next king of Mauritius, but he will need help from the beautiful noble woman from a knight’s family, Lucia, and a great strategist, Leopold. They face many obstacles in their pursuit of freedom, friendship and power. They will shed tears, their laughter will echo, and love will fill their hearts... but, for how long will they be able to endure the pain?

Chapter 1The Dream

Rain poured mercilessly. Using my sword like a cane to support my weight, I found a cave not far from my position. Once steadied, I summoned all my strength to trod through the forest. Mud accumulated on my boots, dragging down my movements. As I entered the cave, all my strength left me and I fell. I pulled myself to an upright position and held my wound. Blood kept on gushing out.

Am I going to die?

When did I start to fear death? This question struck irony when I thought about it. How many people have I killed with my sword? Did they all feel the same way? The rain continued to pour as I hid in a cave nearby, awaiting the inevitable. My consciousness drifted, as if this was all just a dream and memories of my life started to play itself out like an old recording. My thoughts were only filled with her sharp smile and fierce, red eyes.

When did I fall so deep?

I wondered. As if possessed, I reached my hand out to hold something seemingly far away.

[Edmond]: Lucia…

I still had so many things to say. Regret lingered inside my soul. All I prayed for was to see her one more time, but was that too much to ask for? As my hand fell, I drifted out of consciousness.

* * * * *

[Alex]: YOUR MAJESTY, WAKE UP!!!!

I heard Alex screaming.

[Edmond]: I am awake. Stop screaming already.

I answered while I glared at him. He always stood behind me like a shadow.

[Edmond]: What is it?

I asked.

[Alex]: Your Majesty, it's already afternoon. The sun will set soon. Please rest.

He answered while bowing his head. I sighed and turned my attention to the pile of papers in front of me. Perhaps, I can finish them tomorrow.

Almost 5 months have passed since I returned to the capital, yet all I did was process paperwork and reports concerning the last war. Mauritius was the largest empire in the continent, and the great city of Kohl was its capital. It was previously a small country. However, through conquest, it quickly engulfed the surrounding small countries and the cluster later united into an Empire. I was sent to the northern borders to wage war against the barbarians. I was only 18 years old, with no experience in wielding a sword or taking a life. They expected me to die in war, but I quickly learned and sharpened my skills in fighting thanks to Hawkeye.

* * * * *

It was 3 years ago, just before the beginning of winter. The soldiers were fortifying the camp to brace themselves for the harsh changes in climate. Hawkeye called out.

[Hawkeye]: Boy, here is your shovel. Get busy.

[Edmond]: Do I look like a farmer to you?

I was annoyed, because, in the last hunt, he made me dig out all the traps as he complained about his aging back.

[Hawkeye]: I cannot believe you are still angry about that.

His face turned apologetic as he looked at me.

[Edmond]: I prefer the warmth of the campfire.

I looked around the area and saw many knights moving about.

[Edmond]: Come. They've got this covered.

Hawkeye inhaled and replied.

[Hawkeye]: You are the laziest person I have ever seen.

As he sat on the opposite side of the campfire.

[Edmond]: Says the man who steals wine from the nobles to drink at night.

That's when we both laughed. Then, the mood shifted and we sobered up.

[Hawkeye]: Winter is approaching. The barbarians have an advantage over us.

I looked down on the ground, where snow slowly gathered.

[Hawkeye]: Do you have a plan?

I turned my gaze towards Hawkeye.

[Edmond]: I thought you were the brains of the camp.

He then started laughing.

[Edmond]: I have one, but it is very dangerous.

I adjusted my posture to an upright position.

[Hawkeye]: Really, you are a funny person. Every plan of yours is dangerous.

He smiled mischievously. I continued.

[Edmond]: I will take a small platoon and attack their strongest camp.

Hawkeye was shocked for a minute, then composed himself.

[Hawkeye]: You are sending them to die. You do know that, right?

I looked at the sunset, then continued.

[Edmond]: They will leave me behind and I will kill their leader. Then, I will send you a signal to attack the base.

After a brief pause, I continued.

[Edmond]: You will be hiding in a nearby area.

Hawkeye's gaze fixed onto me as he asked.

[Hawkeye]: How will you accomplish that?

[Edmond]: Leave that to me. In two days, I will launch this expedition.

We stood up together.

[Hawkeye]: Aye aye, Captain.

He mockingly saluted.

[Edmond]: Don't fall behind, Old Man.

Meanwhile, within the capital, the queen sat in the teahouse with her son.

[Cesar]: Mother, is Edmond still alive? That worthless person, whom I call my brother, will try to take my crown.

He bitterly spat out the words.

[Elena]: Do not worry, my son. Only you will become king.

She said with a smile. Then, a maid walked in.

[Maid]: Your Majesty, sorry for interrupting you. A letter arrived for you.

Atop a silver tray, an orange envelope could be seen. Reaching out, the queen picked up the envelope, pried it open, and read the letter that was inside.

[Elena]: Mhmm... Interesting.

As she smiled satisfactorily.

[Cesar]: Mother, did something happen?

He asked in curiosity.

[Elena]: It seems your brother is either stupid or suicidal.

She started laughing.

[Elena]: A mole in the northern army reported of his plan.

Cesar, who was taught the art of war and other studies, began to laugh.

[Cesar]: Who knew one could be so stupid? Maybe the north has taken his sanity.

Then, the queen suddenly turned pensive.

[Elena]: If he manages to survive, I should send someone to assassinate him.

Cesar nodded in agreement, immediately writing a letter for a henchman to deliver this command.

The next day, Mauritius's army prepared for battle in their northern camps.

[Hawkeye]: Boy, are you ready?

Hawkeye asked as he mounted a black horse.

[Edmond]: Go ahead and find a good vantage point.

As he was about to leave, he looked down.

[Hawkeye]: Before I forget, what is the signal?

He asked.

[Edmond]: Just go. You will know when you see it.

I spanked his horse. It raced forward in reaction.

[Hawkeye]: AAHHHHH BOY, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

The screams slowly faded away, with the army following behind him. I donned my helmet and called upon the candidates.

[Edmond]: You will escort me to the base, fight for a moment, and then retreat without me.

One of the knights raised his voice.

[Guard]: I can't let you do that, Your Highness.

I faced him.

[Edmond]: Then, leave if you won't take part.

I then continued.

[Edmond]: Disguise it to appear as if you betrayed me. Do you understand?

They raised their fists across their chest.

[Guards]: Yes, sir.

We galloped towards the enemy base. Though we faced opposition, we handled them swiftly. Upon reaching the base, more enemies appeared. I swung my sword at the attackers, killing one of them by completely beheading him. The knights continued to fight for a bit, then retreated as planned. One of them was hesitant

but, with a sharp glance, he turned as well. The enemy quickly overpowered me and captured me. They ushered me inside a tent, where a tall, muscular figure stood.

[Leader]: So, you are the legendary Devil of the North

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