Working With Xernan & Ena [Part 1]

As we sat at the war table, I had to be the one who would sit next to Prince Xernan. I didn't feel comfortable letting Daera or Arcana sit next to him since he called himself 'sadistic'. I knew that King Rilo wouldn't allow someone evil to take the throne so why did I feel so uncomfortable? More importantly, why was he wearing a mask over his mouth?

"Now that we have all assembled here, I want to make something clear. Paladin Brice, despite not meeting the Ameran level requirements, will be assigned as temporary commander of one of the 3 defensive armies. If you think it's unfair, speak now!", Rilo said.

The room was silent, as the other 3 generals nodded in agreement with the King. Prince Xernan and Princess Ena also nodded slightly, along with Rubin and Damaris.

"Good! Now, on to the mission briefing! We just received information from our scouts that Ringdrex is planning a raid on the three military bases. Judging from the size and makeup of their army, it seems that this attack is a test. This was most likely planned with the help of Lt. General Belvath, who is Ringdrex's second-in-command. I want to elaborate more on our situation but we are running out of time! Each army is approximately 10,000 strong, which is 90,000 less than Ringdrex's Assualt teams. If this is a test army, he'll most likely be using us as guinea pigs for his new troops. However! The people of Amera come before any wicked tests that those damn demons want to bring to our borders!", Rilo shouted.

"How do you want to distribute the leadership, King Rilo?", Damaris said.

"I want these two generals to command the 1st army and head to the first military base, A1. Damaris and this capable general will head over to A5 with their own army. Finally, Paladin Brice will command a smaller defensive force but will have his companions, Rubin, Ena, and Xernan to support him. They will head over to A3, which will intercept the biggest section of the raiding party. The forces planning to attack A3 number 20,000 but I know that you guys can handle it! Paladin! I'm trusting my kids and my best colonel to you! Don't disappoint me!", Rilo said.

"What? You're actually going to let me fight for once? Are you sure you're King Rilo? Where is the stubborn old man at?", Ena said happily.

"I see you're as incompetent as ever, sister. Obviously, you won't be fighting as much as the Paladin's group here. Father is most likely testing your resolve", Xernan said.

"You think you're so handsome and intelligent huh? Do you think being a master of the Royal Demon Sword makes you better than me? Why do you think Father is sending you then, Xernan? To quench your endless bloodlust? To satisfy your craving for blood? To control the demon insi-"

"That's enough Ena! We don't need to bring that up in front of the Paladin! Make sure you actually follow the Paladin's orders! This is your last chance to enter combat and act like a Dragonbane! If you break orders again, I won't send you out in the field anymore!", Rilo said.

"Why are you assigning your kids to me though? We only met 5 days ago? How are you able to trust me so soon?", I said.

"You have Daera and Arcana in your squad! They'll be safer with you than in the city. We may have a strong royal army but I'll always be known as a Cautious King! Hahaha! Enough talking though! Let's win this fight boys! I'll be in the throne room watching our armies and giving orders! You are dismissed!", Rilo shouted.

As we got up from the seemingly rushed meeting, Xernan and Ena were standing together in front of me. As they waved their parents off, they looked at me with serious faces. As Ena took out her double swords and Xernan crossed his arms, I could tell that they would make interesting companions in battle.

"I'm willing to concede our duel if you manage to give me a good amount of enemies to kill! I won't be outdone by Princes-, I mean Queen Arcana! I'll kill as many enemies as I have to!", Ena said.

"I'm happy to join you, Paladin! I hope to see lots of blood in the future. May the skies rain crimson as we defeat this impending threat", Xernan said bowing.

As Rubin hit both of the royal children on the head, he began to laugh.

"Hahaha! Sorry about these two brats Paladin! I'll make sure they don't get in your way! I'll also chop down a couple hundred enemies while I'm at it!", Rubin said smiling.

As we walked out of the War room, Rubin directed us over to the deployment room that was nearby. After we walked down a street-wide set of stairs, we were greeted with a large door. When we walked in, we immediately noticed that the 'room' was significantly bigger than I thought and currently filled with Mounts, Monsters, Captains, Ameran Tech, Food, and some of the 30,000 total troops that would take part in this operation. Since we just left the War room, the deployment room was filling up quickly so the soldiers began to stand on their corresponding circles. As each soldier stood on the giant circles, they were instantly teleported to their assigned base.

According to Central, this room was approximately 150,000 square feet.

A feat that I thought was damn near impossible.