A Single Ray of Sunshine...

Back in Hydreas, Chase was getting fit for a new suit of armor. It shined magnificently under the harsh sun rays but it couldn't brighten the darkness enveloping Chase's heart. It was blackening, hardening, losing its vitality. Leah, as she had always done, had been the stars against the vast darkness of his soul but once she was gone, he had gone back to his old calculating, manipulative ways. A couple of months ago, Chase would have considered showing mercy to Leonidas and his kingdom but at this very moment, he wished to see the villages on fire, the people in chaos, and Leonidas no longer contaminating the air with his breath.

He mounted his horse, making sure he would be comfortable. He would make any adjustment needed to give him enough mobility to slay his nemesis and his old fiance. After all, if he wasn't given the pleasure of her love then nobody else should be able to enjoy her very presence. In the process of mobilizing for the war, his hair had darkened from a rich, honey blond, to an ash-tinted gray. His charming smile morphed into an ever permanent scowl and his brows remained furrowed as if he was constantly in deep thought.

After uniting the kingdoms, Chase longed for a peaceful life with an obedient wife and a kingdom rid of strife. But alas he was stuck here riding through town checking on weapon production for the upcoming battle. The streets were crowded with men, carrying an assortment of weaponry but among the crowd remained a girl wearing a dark blue cloak, holding what appeared to be a small bundle of rosemary.

"What are you doing here, girl?" Chase asked authoritatively.

"I have come to accompany my father to the market. He needed a new sword as his last one had rusted beyond repair", the girl replied confidently, without hesitation. "Might I ask what you are doing here, sir"

"You don't have any idea who I am? These ignorant young women should be kept away from the markets at such a time"

"Well, I don't like your tone, sir. I have every right to be here. There is no law restricting women's access to the market"

"Do you even know who you are calling sir, girl?"