Preparations

James then woke up and saw Joy dressed and ready for the journey and he went to take his bath and as he was dressing up, a guard told him that he is expected in camp and then James took his sword and left for the village square first.

When he got to the village square, he saw Kinla seated on a high chair and ran to stand alongside him. There was a crowd of women and children with their belongings. Kinla then blessed them and wished them a safe journey and called the gods to protect the people and he gave about 100 men to escort them to Fadian and they left and Joy left with tears in her eyes.

" I know you and that Joy girl have something together." Kinla said as he faced his head towards her direction.

"Sir?"

"Don't pretend you naughty boy. You and that girl are in love." He said as he laughed.

"Yes sir we are."

"There is nothing more beautiful than young love. Go to the camp immediately and tell them that I held you back and that was why you were late.

"Yes sir!" James said as he ran towards the camp. Kinla then smiled and rode his horse back to the palace.

James finally got to the camp and as soon as he got there, their trainer called him.

"Why are you late? I sent a guard to inform you about the training today didn't I?

"Yes sir but the village head delayed me a bit sir." James said with a straight face.

"Join the line quickly."

James then went to stay at the back and soon

the commander Esiarp began some talk.

"I am Esiarp your trainer and I am here to train you and equip you for the fight ahead of us. We all know the Snake army is planning to take over this village but we are the guardians of this village and we will fight to the end. Are we clear?"

"Yes sir!" They all chorused.

"You will have to follow instructions and must not disobey any order. Are we clear?"

"Yes sir!"

"Good. Now we will start with physical exercise to make your soft bones stronger." He then told everyone to lift a rock and raise it above their heads. The people ahead of him then went to carry the rock. Some carried it and lifted it above their heads while some struggled to either lift it or carry it above their heads. When it was James turn, he held the rock and though it was quite heavy, he still lifted above his head.

Cletus also lifted it above his head.

After that, they started training with weapons. James went to the sword section while Cletus went to the arrow and spear section for training. James was paired up with a guy called Varlom who which James found out was underage but wanted to fight despite the fact that his parents disagreed. He and Varlom got really close and he taught Varlom some tricks and self defense during their free time.

Meanwhile, in Derbias, Benard was sitting on a throne when one of his guards announced that a messenger came from Bawsi village. He then permitted him to come in.

The messenger then told Benard that Kinla has surrendered to the Snake army and will put up no resistance against him.

"I knew Kinla was a coward. He can never stand against the Snake army but I am glad that he was wise enough to give up and surrender." He said smiling.

"Tell Kinla to expect me in two days time." Benard said while dismissing the messenger with his hand. The messenger then got on his horse and left for Bawsi.