| RIDE

***

"What in Jupiter was that?" Leo asked, his mouth agape.

Leonidas strode up to the carriage where Leo stood, shrugging nonchalantly. His tattered robe and face were stained with the blood of his enemies. Sweat beaded down his forehead, but he felt energized; a strange vitality coursing through his veins. He truly loved the art of battle.

"No, seriously. What was that?" Leo repeated, his face filled with astonishment. "What was that language you used? Was that Celestia? How do you already know Celestia? Are you a Foreigner?"

"Leo," Leonidas interjected. "Bigger things are at hand." He motioned toward the unmanned carriage; the horses snorted as if agreeing with his comment. "How will we reach our destination?"

Leo smiled slyly. He gestured for Leonidas to follow him to the back of the carriage, where they found the coachman lying motionless on the ground, a dark red stain matted in his hair from where he had been struck.

Leonidas was slightly surprised. "I thought you were scared of them. How did you manage to subdue him?"

Leo nervously rubbed the back of his head as he recalled what had happened. "I was scared," he admitted. Then, a shadowy expression crossed his face. "But something took over me. My vision was shrouded in darkness and a noise, like that of some creature, sounded throughout my skull whispering the word 'survive.' Then my vision cleared and ...," he trailed off, leaving the story unfinished.

"Is that normal?" Leonidas asked.

"No," Leo said with a dry gulp. "This is the first time I felt it, and also the first I heard of something like it. Well, my father told me stories, kinda similar, but the stories are myths, and as old as time." He coughed, and a grin danced onto his lips. "Anyways, enough of this talk, let's get this show on the road!"

Leonidas nodded slowly. All of his life, he wasn't quite understanding of people's feelings but now, he could see it clearly. He knew intuitively that Leo was wearing a false front. He wasn't sure what he was hiding but chose to leave it for another time. If it was truly important, it would arise eventually. Right now there were other more pressing matters to attend to.

With a slow stride, Leonidas plowed forward towards the coachman. He brought down his right foot, kicking the coachman's head. The coachman sprang to life, jumping with a startled cry. He frantically surveyed his surroundings.

"Wha' is goin' on?" The coachman muttered groggily as his gaze swung between Leonidas and Leo. Upon seeing Leo, his eyes widened in fright and he stumbled backward, scurrying away from him. "You! Stay away from me!"

"Don't move," ordered Leonidas and then stomped again, but this time with all his might. His foot mercilessly crushed the coachman's legs with ease. A sickening crunch filled the air as Leonidas snarled in satisfaction at the whimper of pain escaping his victim's lips. "Next time, it is your neck," he spat through clenched teeth. "Do you understand?"

"Y-yes sir," the coachman whimpered, grabbing his leg, and  doubling over in pain.

"I feel like you don't quite understand," continued Leonidas with a menacing snarl. He grabbed the coachman by his hair and dragged him to where the mangled bodies of his slaughtered comrades lay in pools of their blood. "This," he said gesturing to the corpses, "will happen to you if you don't follow what I order you to do. Understand?" 

His voice echoed through the air as he tightened his grip around the shuddering man.

The coachman recoiled in horror, a strangled scream ripping through his throat. His mind reeled, desperately questioning how someone could inflict such cruelty onto another human being. 

But deep down, he already knew the answer. And it was a truth that left him feeling filled with dread.

The coachman could barely collect his thoughts, much less speak. All he could do was nod, paralyzed by fear.

"Wonderful," muttered Leonidas. "Now," he motioned toward the carriage beside them. "Can you drive this?"

"I-I can… try," the coachman croaked out.

"I said, can you drive this?" Leonidas repeated through gritted teeth.

"Y-yes! I can!" The coachman limped over toward the carriage, struggling to lift himself to the seat where the horse's reigns lay.

Leo glanced at Leonidas, a sense of awe mixed with fear trickling in his pupils.

Leonidas paid no heed to his gaze and stood by the coachman, motioning for Leo to do the same. "I'll be here watching over you, ensuring nothing unwanted happens. Now go on."

At Leonidas' command, the coachman gulped before snapping the reins in the air. The horses lurched forward, their hooves pounding against the uneven terrain.

They traveled in silence, riding through the verdant-shaded forest. The road was filled with a mix of dry dirt and wet mud. As time passed, the sun lifted upon the sky, casting a radiating glow upon the land.

It didn't take long for Leo to break the silence.

"So," Leo started. "How do you know Celestia? You must be a Foreigner, right?"

"A Foreigner?" Leonidas repeated. This had been the second time he'd been called one, now he is curious.

Leo's eyes widened with excitement as he waved his arms enthusiastically, like a grand narrator.

"Yes! The Fourth Continent; the Foreign Lands! It is rumored that Celestia bathes the whole realm in immense power, causing creatures to grow ever more menacing. Humans from that world can also tap into Celestia even before they turn fifteen! But of course, I can't imagine any sane person would stay in such a place," he finished with a shudder.

"I see," Leonidas said, contemplating what to say. 'If I were to say I'm a Foreigner, that would be the end of that. There would be no more questions discussing how I was able to utilize Celestia. Judging by Leo's astonishment, it is clear that no humans hail from the land, therefore, it is impossible to fact-check my lie. I must take the risk.'

With a deep exhale, Leonidas responded with a sharp nod.

"I knew it!" Leo exclaimed, jumping up in excitement, causing Leonidas to jolt at the abruptness. "How was it there? What monsters are there? Are the stories about the Foreign Land true? Do dra—?"

"S-sirs," the coachman hesitantly spoke up, interrupting Leo. "We have almost arrived."

In the distance, a sprawling village could be seen. It lay between an unconcealed array of trees, and from the side of it, swam a river bursting with uncontrollable currents. A fresh scent filled the air, followed by the sound of birds chirping.

The tall buildings stood imposingly despite the great distance. At the front of the place, Leonidas noticed a black wrought-iron gate with several carriages parked outside - only a few were silver in color while the others gleamed gold. A dozen soldiers, adorning the same suit of armor he had seen multiple times before, stood watch nearby, ensuring that no one would enter without permission.

Leonidas unconsciously smiled and Leo grinned.

"Fjǫrland, baby! Home of Valhalla Academy!" Leo shouted, excitedly. "It's time for the Recruitment!"