After handing out the weapons, The king then turned to face the assembled army.
His voice booming as he shouted, “Begin the march to the border!”
A roar erupted from the soldiers. It was a powerful shout that echoed through the air shaking the ground beneath them.
Julian felt goosebumps rise all over his body, a mix of excitement and adrenaline flooding through him. Beside him, Marcus shared the same intense reaction, their eyes shining with determination.
“This is what power is,” Julian thought to himself, feeling a fire ignite within him. “I need this power. I need this influence. I want to bask in glory.” His ambition surged.
The hundred thousand strong army began to move, marching in unison as they set off towards the border.
The Duke of Norish and the Duke of Ethwer led the way, their presence commanding and resolute.
The king was positioned at the center of the army. He stood tall and proud, an ebodyment of strength for all to see.
Behind the main force, Julian stood with Duke Alden, the Duke of Easvil, and the Duke of Hans, their eyes focused ahead. They were tasked of leading the army from the rear.
Julian could feel the energy of the army pulsing around him.
As they advanced, the sounds of armor clanging and boots thudding against the ground created a rhythm that matched Julian’s heartbeat.
He glanced at his father, who wore a determined expression, and felt a sense of pride swell within him.
The march would take four days to reach the city of Azazel. Julian knew this journey was crucial; it was the first step toward the battlefield.
During the march, the army would rest at night, gathering strength and preparing for the battles that lay ahead.
Upon arriving in Azazel, they would use the teleportation array to instantly travel to the city of Siracusa, where the war was set to take place.
This method of transportation would save them precious time, allowing them to surprise their enemies and gain the upper hand.
As Julian marched alongside his fellow soldiers, his mind wandered to the teleportation array.
It was a mysterious existence in this magical world. It was not a spell or an artifact.
The teleportation array was a natural formation, created around a special stone whose origins remained shrouded in mystery.
Every city had its own unique stone and its corresponding teleportation array. These stones were capable of connecting with those of other cities, allowing for instant travel across vast distances.
Julian found himself intrigued by the idea that no one truly understood how these connections were built, yet they had become an essential part of life in their world.
Raphael who was walking beside Julian turned to him with a curious expression.
“My lord, why didn’t we teleport directly to the city of Siracusa from the royal city?”
Julian considered his answer for a moment before replying.
“Teleportation arrays are not used unless the situation is dire or truly important. Besides, the teleportation array in the royal city lies alongside the grave of the founding father of the kingdom, which is one of the holiest places in our kingdom. It is rarely used out of respect for that sacred ground and only the royal family uses it”
Julian was a future duke, and because of that, he had been well educated on various important matters from a young age.
His lessons had covered the history of their kingdom, the significance of sacred places, and the proper use of powerful resources like the teleportation arrays.
He understood that the array beside the grave of the founding father was more than just a means of transportation, it was a symbol of their kingdom’s heritage and respect for those who had come before them.
The army continued their march until late into the night. Their steady pace carried them deep into a dense forest.
As the night grew darker, the decision was made to set up camp in the forest, allowing everyone a chance to rest and gather strength for the journey ahead.
Tents were quickly raised, fires lit, and the soldiers began to settle in.
The forest around them filling with the soft glow of campfires and the quiet murmur of conversations.
Julian took a moment to look around, feeling the calm that came with the night and the unity of the gathered forces. The forest’s quiet presence seemed to watch over them, a temporary peace before the chaos they would soon face.
Julian and Raphael walked through the ranks, taking in the sight of the soldiers preparing for the night. As they passed, each soldier respectfully bowed. Julian returned their gestures with a nod.
Raphael observed quietly by his side, admiring the calm confidence Julian displayed. Despite the tension in the air, there was a quiet understanding among the ranks, a sense of loyalty and unity.
Julian spotted a familiar group of Hugo, Charles, and elder uncle. He walked over, and as he approached, they stood and bowed respectfully.
“Raise your heads,” Julian said with a smile. “Are you prepared for war?”
Charles answered confidently, “Yes, Your Grace, we are ready to fight.”
Hugo chuckled, patting the hilt of his sword. “My sword is itching to kill some enemies.”
Julian smiled listening his to their confident talk.
Julian’s heart fluttered as he thought of Rose, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. But when he looked around, she was nowhere in sight.
Trying to keep his tone casual, he asked, “Where is Rose?”
Charles replied, “She has gone to meet Edwin.”
A stroke of jealousy struck Julian, and Raphael who noticed, let out a quick laugh before hiding it. Julian shot him a glare.
“Why has she gone to him this late at night?” Julian asked, doing his best to keep his voice steady and mask his jealousy.
Hugo shrugged and replied, “We don’t know, Your Grace. They sure do love each other’s company, though.”
Julian forced an awkward laugh, but inside, his heart thumped with even more jealousy. He knew he had no claim over Rose, yet the thought of her being with Edwin stirred something fierce within him.
He tried to shake off the feeling, reminding himself that he had bigger things to focus on. But the jealousy lingered, refusing to let him forget.
Julian forced a nod. “Okay, have a good night,” he said to Hugo and Charles before continuing his stroll through the camp with Raphael.
As they walked, Raphael suddenly nudged him and whispered, “My lord, isn’t that Lady Rose with Edwin?”
He pointed to a nearby camp where a man and a woman stood, talking and laughing together under the moonlight.
Julian’s heart tightened at the sight. He could see Rose’s face lit up with a smile, her laughter soft yet unmistakable in the still night. She seemed at ease, completely absorbed in the conversation.
With a steady breath, he said quietly to Raphael, “Let’s keep moving.”
And though he turned away, he couldn’t shake the image of Rose and Edwin together from his mind.
But just then, Rose called out, “Your Grace!” Her voice rang out clear and cheerful, cutting through Julian’s thoughts. “I didn’t expect to see you out here!”
