Rain poured mercilessly. Using my sword like a cane to support my weight, I found a cave not far from my position. Once steadied, I summoned all my strength to trod through the forest. Mud accumulated on my boots, dragging down my movements. As I entered the cave, all my strength left me and I fell. I pulled myself to an upright position and held my wound. Blood kept on gushing out.
Am I going to die?
When did I start to fear death? This question struck irony when I thought about it. How many people have I killed with my sword? Did they all feel the same way? The rain continued to pour as I hid in a cave nearby, awaiting the inevitable. My consciousness drifted, as if this was all just a dream and memories of my life started to play itself out like an old recording. My thoughts were only filled with her sharp smile and fierce, red eyes.
When did I fall so deep?
I wondered. As if possessed, I reached my hand out to hold something seemingly far away.
[Edmond]: Lucia…I still had so many things to say. Regret lingered inside my soul. All I prayed for was to see her one more time, but was that too much to ask for? As my hand fell, I drifted out of consciousness.
* * * * *
[Alex]: YOUR MAJESTY, WAKE UP!!!!I heard Alex screaming.
[Edmond]: I am awake. Stop screaming already.I answered while I glared at him. He always stood behind me like a shadow.
[Edmond]: What is it?I asked.
[Alex]: Your Majesty, it’s already afternoon. The sun will set soon. Please rest.He answered while bowing his head. I sighed and turned my attention to the pile of papers in front of me. Perhaps, I can finish them tomorrow.
Almost 5 months have passed since I returned to the capital, yet all I did was process paperwork and reports concerning the last war. Mauritius was the largest empire in the continent, and the great city of Kohl was its capital. It was previously a small country. However, through conquest, it quickly engulfed the surrounding small countries and the cluster later united into an Empire. I was sent to the northern borders to wage war against the barbarians. I was only 18 years old, with no experience in wielding a sword or taking a life. They expected me to die in war, but I quickly learned and sharpened my skills in fighting thanks to Hawkeye.
* * * * *
It was 3 years ago, just before the beginning of winter. The soldiers were fortifying the camp to brace themselves for the harsh changes in climate. Hawkeye called out.
[Hawkeye]: Boy, here is your shovel. Get busy. [Edmond]: Do I look like a farmer to you?I was annoyed, because, in the last hunt, he made me dig out all the traps as he complained about his aging back.
[Hawkeye]: I cannot believe you are still angry about that.His face turned apologetic as he looked at me.
[Edmond]: I prefer the warmth of the campfire.I looked around the area and saw many knights moving about.
[Edmond]: Come. They’ve got this covered.Hawkeye inhaled and replied.
[Hawkeye]: You are the laziest person I have ever seen.As he sat on the opposite side of the campfire.
[Edmond]: Says the man who steals wine from the nobles to drink at night.That’s when we both laughed. Then, the mood shifted and we sobered up.
[Hawkeye]: Winter is approaching. The barbarians have an advantage over us.I looked down on the ground, where snow slowly gathered.
[Hawkeye]: Do you have a plan?I turned my gaze towards Hawkeye.
[Edmond]: I thought you were the brains of the camp.He then started laughing.
[Edmond]: I have one, but it is very dangerous.I adjusted my posture to an upright position.
[Hawkeye]: Really, you are a funny person. Every plan of yours is dangerous.He smiled mischievously. I continued.
[Edmond]: I will take a small platoon and attack their strongest camp.Hawkeye was shocked for a minute, then composed himself.
[Hawkeye]: You are sending them to die. You do know that, right?I looked at the sunset, then continued.
[Edmond]: They will leave me behind and I will kill their leader. Then, I will send you a signal to attack the base.After a brief pause, I continued.
[Edmond]: You will be hiding in a nearby area.Hawkeye’s gaze fixed onto me as he asked.
[Hawkeye]: How will you accomplish that? [Edmond]: Leave that to me. In two days, I will launch this expedition.We stood up together.
[Hawkeye]: Aye aye, Captain.He mockingly saluted.
[Edmond]: Don’t fall behind, Old Man.Meanwhile, within the capital, the queen sat in the teahouse with her son.
[Cesar]: Mother, is Edmond still alive? That worthless person, whom I call my brother, will try to take my crown.He bitterly spat out the words.
[Elena]: Do not worry, my son. Only you will become king.She said with a smile. Then, a maid walked in.
[Maid]: Your Majesty, sorry for interrupting you. A letter arrived for you.Atop a silver tray, an orange envelope could be seen. Reaching out, the queen picked up the envelope, pried it open, and read the letter that was inside.
[Elena]: Mhmm… Interesting.As she smiled satisfactorily.
[Cesar]: Mother, did something happen?He asked in curiosity.
[Elena]: It seems your brother is either stupid or suicidal.She started laughing.
[Elena]: A mole in the northern army reported of his plan.Cesar, who was taught the art of war and other studies, began to laugh.
[Cesar]: Who knew one could be so stupid? Maybe the north has taken his sanity.Then, the queen suddenly turned pensive.
[Elena]: If he manages to survive, I should send someone to assassinate him.Cesar nodded in agreement, immediately writing a letter for a henchman to deliver this command.
The next day, Mauritius’s army prepared for battle in their northern camps.
[Hawkeye]: Boy, are you ready?Hawkeye asked as he mounted a black horse.
[Edmond]: Go ahead and find a good vantage point.As he was about to leave, he looked down.
[Hawkeye]: Before I forget, what is the signal?He asked.
[Edmond]: Just go. You will know when you see it.I spanked his horse. It raced forward in reaction.
[Hawkeye]: AAHHHHH BOY, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?The screams slowly faded away, with the army following behind him. I donned my helmet and called upon the candidates.
[Edmond]: You will escort me to the base, fight for a moment, and then retreat without me.One of the knights raised his voice.
[Guard]: I can’t let you do that, Your Highness.I faced him.
[Edmond]: Then, leave if you won’t take part.I then continued.
[Edmond]: Disguise it to appear as if you betrayed me. Do you understand?They raised their fists across their chest.
[Guards]: Yes, sir.We galloped towards the enemy base. Though we faced opposition, we handled them swiftly. Upon reaching the base, more enemies appeared. I swung my sword at the attackers, killing one of them by completely beheading him. The knights continued to fight for a bit, then retreated as planned. One of them was hesitant
but, with a sharp glance, he turned as well. The enemy quickly overpowered me and captured me. They ushered me inside a tent, where a tall, muscular figure stood.
[Leader]: So, you are the legendary Devil of the North
