The first bell of the day had just struck a horse tied to a carriage in the south courtyard of the castle. In addition to this, forty horses were saddled, and their riders gathered. Each rider was heavily armed and wore a tunic with a golden dragon on it, declaring them to be kings. They were considered the best warriors in the land, some noble and some of ordinary origin, and only the fearsome Templars could match them. They vowed to give their lives for the Adar family, the descendants of Sigvard, who ruled all of AdalMirk. It meant an eleven-year-old boy who yawned when he walked out. "It's too early, Baerymond," Sigmund said to the lord's captain. "Does it have to be sunrise?"

"There are fewer people on the streets, my prince," said Berrymond. "It's better that way."

"Is that why we don't set sail from Cold Harbour?" The boy asked.

"Yes, my prince. People expect us to sail to Valcaster, so we're going to take an unexpected overland route. ”

"Balderrick thinks it's because of the great Captain Baerichmond, who, although he has the strength of a bear, has the courage of a cat when it comes to wading through water." The hunchbacked clown almost popped out of the castle.

"Be quiet," Belimund growled.

"As the mighty lord said," Barderick replied with a feigned bow. Although Baudrick lamented that he would not see the river. He's run out of rotten fish. The clown hurried into the carriage before the captain could kick him in the direction.

"I'd be glad to keep you out, my prince," began to grumble at Berimund, "but no king has ever thrown such a degrading barb at me as the damned jester. ”

"You're too easy to be a marker," Sigmund reproached Belimund. "If you don't let yourself look affected, Balderick will get tired of you."

"It would have been easier for me to simply put the axe between his head and shoulders."

"Belimund!" Sigmund cursed, which caused the big man to sigh violently, which made the prince laugh again. "I'm glad you went with me to Valcaster in Belimund. You and Baudrick. ”

"I never dreamed of being separated from you, my prince."

"Because you're keeping me safe, aren't you?"

"Because I stuck the axe between the shoulders and the head of anyone who dared to cast a shadow in your path," said Belimund with a wry smile, which made the prince grin.

They were interrupted by the prince's mother, Lady Isabel, who came out to say goodbye to her son. "Now Sigmund," she said, putting her hand on his shoulder, "do as the heir of the kingdom does." ”

"Yes, mother," said the prince.

"Don't let Balderic offend Lord Valerian in any way, understand?"

"Yes, Mom."

"What to learn from them. They are important people, and one day when you rule these lands, you will deal with them. ”

"Yes, Mom."

After Isabel finished speaking, she pulled her son closer and hugged her. The originally hideous face suddenly showed a look of worry. "I hope you don't have to leave," she said. "I'm not sure if I can forgive this lord for taking you away from me."

"I'll be fine, Mom," Sigmund said, breaking free from Mom's arms. "At least I'll see a new place."

"Yes, I think," Isabel said incredulously. She watched as her son climbed into the carriage and then looked out and waved to her. Around them, dozens of kings mounted their horses, and when the guards opened the castle gates, Belimund stepped to the front. Moments later, the company was out.

~~~~

One of the southeastern districts of Midanhar, although still located north of the river and in the low towns of the slums, was controlled by merchants and their warehouses, especially those who traded under the Vale seal. The warehouse workers were busy every day, although caravans carrying goods from the depths of the south had already arrived in Midanhar during the year. The next step is to carry out distribution around the city and deliver the goods to the north and east of Adalmekia. Arion, acting as the lord's right-hand man, oversaw the entire process along with his army of clerks.

"I'm sorry, Butler," said one of the guards as he approached Arion. "We found out that this homeless man is looking for you." The guard said, pointing to the entrance to the warehouse. Two other guards stood on either side of Nicholas, holding his bag in one hand and a bow and staff in the other.

"You can let him in," Arion said, and the guard motioned for the others to let Nicholas in. The archer staggered forward, across the floor of the warehouse to Alyon, who was distributing spices.

"Sorry to bother, good host. Do you remember me? ”

"The archers of the summer solstice," said Arion, "I remember. ”

"You gave me a position as one of Lord Vale's archers."

"I remember too."

"I am willing to accept and give him my bow."

"You're so generous," Arion said with a smile. "There's one thing you forgot to ask, though."

"What could that be?" Nicholas asked in a nervous tone.

"If such an offer still works, it is obvious," Arion said like a governess explaining to a child.

"Is your proposal still valid?" Nicholas asked, and Arion smiled.

"You want to know, can you refuse the most powerful man in this kingdom, will he sit back and wait for you to change his mind?"

"I don't think so," Nicholas said hesitantly.

"Apparently you don't," Arion said, with a hint of contempt. "Now go away. Sell your services elsewhere," the butler said, turning around, and began to concentrate on his work again. Nicholas gripped his belongings again and turned to leave.

~~~~

Just when the prince and his party left the south courtyard and it was empty, the north courtyard of the fortress was very lively. The marshal rode out with five hundred knights, and almost all of them gathered in that place. Each knight had a squire or a sergeant as his personal attendant to take care of his horse, help him in and out of the armor, and fight by his side. In addition to this, the wealthier knights brought several horses to ensure that they always had a fresh mount. All in all, a person cannot throw a stone without hitting a horse. The stables of the Knights in the castle had been emptied, but it was not enough. More horses were brought in from the fields north of the city, where there was a lot of farmland left for the Order to raise wild beasts.

Near the front of the column were the marshal and his deputy, Sir William of Tosmore. Before the knight got on the horse, a slender woman managed to pass through the herd of horses and men and find the knight. "Mrs. Eleanor," he said, bowing her head. She wears a black veil, as people do in mourning, although here it hides the scars on her face.

"I think I should give this to you," she said, holding out her hand holding a flower. Its blue petals have a peculiar shape, hence the name.

"Hyacinth," William said with a smile. "Where did you find it so far north?"

"A gardener grows it here," Eleanor told him. "Someone must have brought the seeds with them when they left Hæthiod."

"Thank you," William said earnestly, carefully tucking it into his bracer.

"Stay safe," she said, saying goodbye to him.

Quill and Brand stood on a railing overlooking the courtyard, looking down at the knights, squires, and sergeants. "Pretty spectacular," Quill said.

"They seem to be invincible," Brand said, "even if it's a small part of the army." ”

"How could you and Sir Axelstein not be on their list?" Quill asked.

"Sir Athelstein will command the infantry. Once the collection is complete, we will follow up later," Brand explained.

"I see. A wise choice. He is known for being a great captain. ”

"Definitely. I learned a lot from him when we were abroad, although he was reluctant to talk about the campaign that earned him fame. ”

"Heohlond has suffered heavy losses on all fronts. It must be a heavy memory," Quill said as he watched William and Eleanor communicate.

"There's a lady who is saying goodbye to Sir William," said Brand, narrowing her eyes intently. "I thought he had just come to Midanhar alone for the Winter Solstice Championships."

"No, he arrived in the city a few years ago, although I believe he does leave from time to time. He was in Vidrevi not so long ago. He originally left Hæthiod to serve the Order here," Quill explained. "That's how he got involved in the Highland campaign. That woman was Mrs. Eleanor, his guardian. ”

"His hospital room?"

"I don't know the story," Quill admitted. "When she was a girl, he took her with him. She's now an adult, though she's silent about what I know. ”

"I think she gave him a parting gift."

"Bellflower, I can guess," Quill said.

"I don't think it's guessing from the open air."

"It's Hæthiod's custom," Quill explains. "I was told that hyacinths were all over their wastelands. When someone is going on a trip, a family member will spot a cluster of hyacinths and pick one for the traveler to take with them. Afterward, the family watched the remaining flowers in the cluster. If they remain blue, it indicates that the deceased is safe. But if the petals grow deep purple, it is a sign of a terrible fate for the traveler. ”

"Very useful," Brand said dryly, "if anyone believes that a flower will tell you." ”

"I find it a fascinating tradition," Quill argues. "We have something similar in the Alcázar. The girls in my hometown would weave leather ropes into intricate patterns for their loved ones to carry with them. It's a way of remembering people who are far away or who are remembered," Quill said.

The old scribe's eyes were still watching the scene below, so he didn't see Brand's hand slip through the opening of his tunic and caress a leather rope tied around his neck. "Is that so?" Brand whispered, barely audible. "By the way," Brand raised his voice, "my sister might be interested in visiting your library with your permission." Can I introduce her to you before I leave? ”

"Of course," Quill nodded. "She's going to be popular."

"I thank you. Ah, they're going now," Brand noted. In the courtyard, the last few people mounted their horses, and the marshal motioned for the whole team to evacuate. They rode forward, in the form of a long line of riders, and passed steadily through the castle gates.

"A man can ride, but a crow can fly," Brand said thoughtfully.

"I always find this statement weird," Quill said.

"It seems like a good fit in that case," Brand replied. "Seeing so many men on a bike. I don't know how many crows will come before it's over. Quill didn't answer the question.

~~~~

Athelsan was last seen in the Hall of Records to report his return from Alcázar. The scribes were still there, busy running around; A clerk is moving piles of blocks out of Midanhar, one of which is gilded at the edges to represent the marshal. Only a few markers remain, including names such as Axelstan, Roderick, Ormond, Richard, and their respective squires and sergeants.

Asselstein stared at the rest of the map. In the north, several powerful contingents keep the peace at Heohlond, while Vidrevi has a rather unorderly presence. Many regiments were scattered on the island of Tusund, but in that part of Adamirk there was more than one empty wooden fortress or tower. There were some numbers in Ealond and Korndale, concentrated in the south, where they manned Langstan. Finally, there was Hæthiod, where Athelstan's gaze rested. It is an almost barren land, especially in the east, which is often attacked by outsiders. Only the strongest or the most desperate live there.

The center of the kingdom is its capital, Tosmore. There are also several smaller castles around the countryside and, of course, garrisons on the ramparts. The scribes were still waiting for information before they could update that part of the map, but everyone knew that several of these fortresses would be annihilated. If outsiders come, it will not be difficult for them to sweep up and down the city walls. Atherstein's musings were interrupted by the arrival of his nephew.

"You sent someone for me," Ormond said.

"I did," his uncle replied briefly.

"Do you have any reason to drag me here?"

"I may be your uncle, Eumund, but since yesterday I have been your commander," Athelsan snapped, turning to look at his nephew. "I command, and you obey without question."

"Of course, I apologize," Eumund muttered with her head down.

"When I gave you the order yesterday, you seemed frustrated to stay."

"Until we arrive, the other knights will have plenty of opportunities to fight. By the time we reached Hæthiod, the war might have ended. ”

"Unlikely," Axelstein said. "What do you see when you look at this map?" The older knight asked, pointing to the map on the floor in front of him.

"I saw Adamirk and the Order of the Phoenix troops," Ormond said, his voice uninterested.

"What does it tell you?" Axelstein asked, his voice sharpening again.

"There was a war in Heohlond, there was a war in Hæthiod."

"It tells us that the Order was pulled thin," Athelsan noted. "The nobles may have to raise their levies, but once the war is over, it will not help in the long run. We still need soldiers to keep the peace. ”

"If you kick out the outsiders, it should be easy."

"Not just in Highside," Asselstein retorted. "Heohlond and Vidrevi barely contributed, and the kings of Thusund were getting old and getting worse and worse in their grip on power. This can lead to trouble. ”

"Ealond and Korndale live in peace," Eumund argued. "Together with Adalric, they are the heartland. As much as I hate people who eat garlic, at least they seem too calm to rebel. ”

"The southerner you despise so much is neither the leader of the Knights nor the person responsible for the field."

"The marshal is—Southerners," Ormond said, without repeating references to the Southern diet.

"While he may be a good man, such a responsibility requires a great man," Arthurstein replied. "I called you to this room to remind you that you are not a soldier, you are a leader. You go to war not for glory, but for victory. ”

"I think they're the same," Ormond retorted.

"Just in the heart of vanity," Axelstein quickly shot back. "Let other knights participate in tournaments or treat war as a game. We have more important allegations. ”

"Did you teach your squire too?" Ormond said suddenly.

"Branding is a quick study," says Athelstan. "He has the pedigree and the mind to be a great captain."

He seemed to agree. Ever since he came back, he has been posing and showing off his blue color everywhere. ”

"Why is there such a gap between you? Didn't he pull you out of the river when you were a child? ”

"He did," Ormond said, "and treated it as if it were nothing." As if there was no point in saving my life, it was just petting his dog. ”

"I find it hard to believe. For seven years, he only showed me respect, "Athelsan claimed. "He's like my own blood to me."

"But he's not of your blood," Ormond reminded his uncle. "There are commoners, and there are nobles. But Adalbrand wasted no chance reminding the others that he was a Dragonborn, and that he stood better than the rest of us. ”

"There may have been quarrels between you when you were squires in the castle," said Axelstein, "but you are all men, and you will be knights together." Equality in the eyes of the Knights. ”

"Do you think he'll treat me as an equal?" Ormond snorted. "I am the son of a lord! Because of a coincidence that his ancestor became a king, he was inexplicably stronger than me? My father was one of the most important people in the kingdom, and his father was a pauper knight. ”

"And isn't it a coincidence that your father isn't as rich and powerful as he is?" Arthurstein argued. "Don't be so quick to judge a person who is born so little."

"He may be your squire, uncle," said Ormond, "but he is not your relative, and he will not think you are like that." Someday, you'll find out that I'm right. With that, the little knight left.

~~~~

A few days later, the prince left for Valcaster, and the knights of the Order left for Hetiod. Many of the celebrants have returned to their villages and homes, and the city has become quiet. Normal life was restored, and the only indication of anything unusual was the occasional march along Arnsweg through the regiments of Order soldiers at the South Gate, carrying their supplies. They gathered a few days south of Midanhar at a camp at Lake Mill to rendezvous with troops and supplies from Irond. Sometimes, some regiments arrived from the north, passing through, but the soldiers of the city were slowly being emptied.

It so happened that a soldier came on horseback from the south. Wearing the cloak of the Order meant that he was not stopped at the gate, but rode directly across the Arnsweig River. He crossed the bridge, crossed the Temple Square, and continued towards the castle. He followed the streets around the castle into the north courtyard and jumped off his horse, leaving a man to take care of the beast. The rider ran in and jumped up the steps until he reached the floor where the office of the knight marshal was located.

The rider didn't bother to knock on the door and pushed it open. In it, the marshal raised an eyebrow at such a violation of convention, but he did not speak. He simply accepted the letter handed to him by the rider. Roderick unfolded the scroll and glanced at it. "You're from the marshal's camp?" He asked after reading it.

"Yes, my lord," said the soldier, still holding his breath. "Hæthiod's messenger arrived at us right at the border. Four days ago. He gave me this message and told me to bring it back right away. ”

"You are doing well," said the knight marshal, hurrying past the soldier and out of his study. He walked through the corridor to the quarters belonging to the castle's owner. Finding that it was empty, he made his way to the recording hall. This master was an old, shriveled man whose eyes had been almost closed with age. However, when Adalric's marshal came over and put the letters in his hands, he managed to open them. "We're finally getting more tangible information than just the lighthouse being lit," Roderick told the old man.

"This is Sir Reno's? Is this accurate? ”

"We must think so," said the marshal.

"But these numbers — even if you empty Adalric, aren't enough."

"Obviously," Roderick said impatiently. "We must mobilize everyone, infantry and archers, as well as any remaining knights. We all need them. ”

On the same day, the shouters of the town entered the city with the news. The Order is recruiting able-bodied men, regardless of experience, to take part in the war in Seaside. Tens of thousands of outlanders are marching on Tosmo, and every one of them needs to fight.