The first sign of danger

The group was as usual walking alone. The troops, for the long time of their march had been separated in different unites for a more discreet travel. The plan was for them to meet at Jébaru.

They were arriving near a village, Belda was today with Crécio, playing with her toys, of one them was a lion and the other a kinght with a sword. Both were made out of wood.

-Hiyaa ! Bam ! Take this monster !

She was hitting the poor animal with the figurine, in her mind it was a great battle.

-Rooar !

The lion was fighting back. Osmadrey and Sarika were happy to see her like that. Crécio was a bit bother but he also kind of liked it.

-Die !

In her mind and with the toys, the knight had slain the lion.

-Victory. She shouted. Did you see, uncle Crécio ? Did you see ? He killed the monster !

-Yes, i saw it, he is strong. He replied a bit embarrassed to play along.

-Yeah, he is like uncle Diésir and you. You are strong warriors !

She said with her fist directed towards the sky.

-I agree with that. Seconded Aesta.

-Yeah, we all know why. Added Léol, with a sharp sarcasm.

-Shut...shut up !

-Oh, Crécio~ Please, take my in your muscular arms~ I am yours to claim tonight~

With a mocking tone, imitating Aesta, Osmadrey was teasing her. Crécio was more embarrassed and Aesta was just plain red.

-Hey ! Stop ! Belda is here ! Ordered Aesta.

-She doesn't understand. She is a kid. Responded Osmadrey.

-What can't i understand ? Asked innoncently Belda.

-Because it is an adult conversation. Answered Léol.

-And a useless and childish one. Added Diésir with a annoyed tone.

-Thank you !

Aesta was happy to have some support.

-You started it. Pronounced Osmdrey. You can only blame yourself. It's you that is fu...i mean...playing with Crécio.

-Oh ! That's unfair ! Crécio, you never want to play with me but you play with auntie Aesta ! You are bad ! Belda finished her sentence by pouting.

-This is not that kind of play...

-Shut your mouth ! Yelled Aesta.

-You know what, you are right, Belda. I should play with you more often, at least it won't give them an occasion to mock me.

-Yay ! You are the best.

-What a easy change of heart. Remarked Léol.

They laughed at the words and expressions of the little princess. Truly a cute sun.

-We should intervene, no ? Said Luzalé to Régidal.

-It's won't be necessary, their are responsible enough, even if sometimes i wonder if they are not children in their mind.

-Maybe, but you should also let your inner child come out. Said Osmadrey to his chief.

-That's true, it would make you feel better and erase your grumpy face.

He didn't bother to talk back, he just shook his head.

They smiled at him. All of them.

-Régidal is grumpy again ! Said with joy Belda.

-Yeah, like always. Added Aesta.

Luzalé was smiling, she knew he was annoyed, even a bit.

They finally stopped before the entrance of the village, it was big, almost a city but quite.

-You stay here, Diésir you come with me.

-Are you sure ?

-Yes, don't worry, we will be quick.

Régidal reassured Luzalé and was quickly joined by Diésir. Both of them started walking to enter the village.

-We should be back in thirty minutes.

-Noted, be carefull please. She was still a bit worried while looking at them walking in the distance.

-You look like a wife watching her husband going on a dangerous adventure. 

Aesta came to the level of Luzalé, she initiated with a little banter.

-Oh really ? I am sorry.

The lady blushed and her friend was amused.

-So, how is your relationship evolving ?

-What do you mean ? He is our chief and i am his helper and counseler.

-I don't think a counseler is supposed to sleep and love the person she is supposed to help.

-We didn't do any of that. We are not a couple, just two friend. Replied Luzalé while avoiding the eyes of her friend.

-You mean that, you never...did anything intimate ?

-No.

-Kissing ?

-No.

-Hmm. I thought you were like....I was wrong. When you are together you act like a couple.

-Really ?

-Yes ?

Aesta was surprise at the obliviousness of her friend regarding the way both Régidal and Luzalé were acting with each other.

-Sorry for the confusion. I am just very supporting and tactil when i show my love to others.

-Yeah, no. You definitely act differently with him compared to when you are with us. You hug him in a specific manner.

-It's because he is the less easy to hug, so i have to do it differently.

-Huh. If you say so.

Aesta was still suspicious.

-And with Crécio ? Still in that...kind of relationship ? She asked with a hesitant voice.

-Yes. Pleasure and calmness. Nothing more. It's really fun. He is not complicated and we have a good chemistry between to both of us.

 -I see. I could never do that. It's too strange and uncomfortable for me.

-You never did...the deed ?

-The what ? She asked confused.

-Hum. You know, being intimate with a man ?

-No. It do not interest me. I am satisfied with the love of everyone.

-I see, pure and fair mainden. Anyway, last time...

Then they talked about other stuff.

Régidal and Diésir were walking silently and nothing much was going on between them, two true walls. Régidal finally stopped behind a house, in a dark alley. There was someone, wearing a black cloak. The nobles were wearing cloak too to hide their faces.

-What do you have ? Asked Régidal.

-Mister, i have nothing new, you already know that their troops are rallying, the reformist side have almost completed their preparation for the next phase of the war.

-I see.

-Something else ?

-I heard that the knights of the moon and Daubé were supposed to see the Duka Horaldir soon. Maybe the next week or the other one after. And huh...a strange rumor about shadow people with powerful magic has been heard in the castle of Regent Daubé, among some high rank officers and the knights themselves. I don't what that is but it seems to worry them alot and as time pass, this concern grow.

Régidal and Diésir seemed a bit lost, they didn't know what to think of it exactly. It was strange. The spy added something.

-Maybe...

Unfortunately, he could finish his sentence because an arrow suddenly pierce his throat. Diésir and Régidal by pure reflex, grabed the handle of their sword and pulled out their weapon each. They immediately turned around to face two men. Themselve dressed with black cloak. One of them had a crossbow in his hands with a sword to his side, the other one had an axe.

-Where is the princess Belda ? One of the attacker asked with a comanding voice.

-Who ? Replied Régidal with his stone gaze.

-Don't play dumb !

-We will help you remember !

-Régidal, i am with you ! Said Diésir while adopting a defense stence.

-Be carefull. Said the lord Varapren.

The enemies lauched themselves at their opponents and immediately they all starting to swing their sword. The fight was fierce, precise in the attacks, the footwork was important to follow the rythmn. Blades were clashing, fists were flying.

Régidal and Diésir were hitting then switching target when the chance presented itself. It was to confuse the enemy but the attackers managed to follow and kept up with them.

The most dangerous of the mysterious man was the one with the spear, he was good. Fortunately, Diésir managed to almost land a hit on his head, reveling the face of the spear man. He had black hair, a bit pointy and a scar on his cheek. His companion stepped back against Régidal to create distance.

-You. Said the chief of the Stars when he saw the face of the man.

-Yes. Us.

The other one revealed his face to. He was a blonde guy, with a ponytail and green eyes.

-Long time no see.

-I thought my dagger had made encounter Varanita. Added Diésir.

-Almost. You should aim better next time.

-Trust me, i will.

-What is the meaning of this ? Asked Régidal.

-You know very well. We want Belda.

-I do not know what you are talking about. Replied Régidal with confidence.

-You are a good liar now. Said the blonde warrior.

Then suddenly, both of the warriors rushed towards the nobles. The fight resumed. This it was more violent. They managed to land punches, kicks and a shoulder push for Diésir. Régidal pushed back his enemy and cut him a little on his thigh. Then he ran towards him, ready to kill him but the blonde knight used his magic, he used the wind he had generated to shield himself from the Star. He deviated the attack, surprising Régidal, he counter attacked and was menacing the neck of the Varapren. Régidal decided to use his magic too, he stomped the ground with his left foot and a shockwave was liberated from that, deviating the blade of his enemy and even destabilazing him.

Diésir, with his sword was on the offense against the spear wielder. He was as close as possible to not let him use this weapon to his potential.

-You still fight so well. I like that.

-Shut up !

He landed a punch on the face of his opponent but this one used the push to inflamed the blade of his spear and hit Diésir with a little fireball toward the area of his stomach. He landed the hit but the Star let a wave of force come out of his sword and pushed the knight 3 or 4 meters back on the ground.

He immediately stood up and was joined by his companion that had been pushed back too. They were ready for round 2.

A voice was heard.

-Régidal !

It was Crécio in front of the group composed by Léol, Osmadrey and Luzalé.

-Lucky you. Said the spear wielder.

Him and his partner were stepping back, they were angry and frustrated.

-We will meet again.

Then they started running to disappear in the dark tunnel they came out.

Régidal and Diésir were victorious.

-Are you alright ? Asked Luzalé.

She almost jumped off her horse still advancing and levitated a little to the ground to not hurt herself. She immediately started examining the body of Régidal.

-Did they hurt you ?

-No, i don't think so.

-Thank you Varanita. You are well. She was relieved.

The worst had been avoided thanks to the skill of Régidal and Diésir but a new menace had emerged.