Chapter 4: Incoming

Augustus called for a meeting after what happened. There were more people than he was used to. Artium sat with books open and writing something said earlier, and Jyorbin was also present. 

"If this was an official meeting, we would have Rino here." Augustus chimed in, then signaled Luke to take a seat at the far end of the table. 

"We have much to discuss before we depart, again." He finished in an irritated tone. Clearly, everything was thrown apart. They all stood up and bowed to each other to show that this meeting would be respectful and that any comment would be seen as helpful as possible. 

"Faye."

"Right to it, huh." Augustus let out a small chuckle.

"Well, she seems to have caused an uproar recently." everyone agreed with this comment. 

"So your decision is final then?" Luke simply nodded. 

"Well, that's settled. Moving on to the next topic. We will receive reinforcements soon." This caught everyone off guard, he let off the topic relatively simple, and we are being reinforced? 

"Artium, pull out the map with the pieces." He scuttled around until he brought out a rather large map and started setting up the pieces. Luke was surprised at how well he was getting used to his new role. The one to really appreciate him is Augustus. It seems he isn't alone in this anymore. He wished to help with this, but he knew direct strategy was not his forte. After a few minutes, the table was set. Augustus stood up and began explaining. 

"We are at the cusp of leaving this warring state. Close to entering the kingdom of Aoki. What you believe is that this was all. But we have regiments and groups scattered all around. Another rider group is close to catching up because they have been north of our position since moving south. They helped pass the messages to the groups near the area, and they are around fifty riders. The groups in this area." Artium smiled brightly after hearing their deeds.

"You know someone from that company?" 

"Well, we all were part of that company, but we detached and hurried when Augustus called for a quick escort." 

"In a rough estimate, how many soldiers do we have?" Augustus scratched his chin.

"I kept this a secret in case of a spy, but I have to reveal everything to you. We have currently around ten thousand active soldiers." Artium let out an impressed whistle. At first, this seemed like a considerable number, but reality settled in. The grand army they once held was over one million strong. 

"The weakest kingdom's smallest regiment is around fifty thousand strong. With weapons of war and other specialties. And even if you wished to amass them, it would take weeks, some months due to them being spread thin." No matter how he looked at it, there seemed to be no hope of retaking the capital, much less restoring the entire kingdom. A gloomy wave overtook the table. 

"But," Augustus began to mention, "These numbers only consider active soldiers that used to serve the army. Under our direct rule, one could say. Do you know where I'm going with this?" 

"Somewhat. We can recruit more once we reach Aiko." Augustus nodded. 

"And we can hire others if need be. Not just hire but perhaps, strike an alliance." That's when he stopped him with his wishful thoughts. 

"I wouldn't be too sure about an alliance. He has ensured he wants to stay out of this conflict and even sacrificed chunks of his territories to keep the other kingdoms at peace." He does make a valid argument. Luke remembered how hesitant the king was to join in the last wars. But he knew something not even Augustus knew.

"Did you tell him I was alive?" 

"Not in complete detail, no. It was too much of a risk." Luke agreed, but this was the opening he was waiting for. 

"Everyone in this council, do all of you trust me?" Everyone bowed and responded in unison. "With every fiber in our body, your majesty." 

"Then we march to Aiko with a proposition for an alliance." They stood up and saluted, and Artium wrote down the plans and dispatched them to some raven messengers. 

"We will slowly group them closer to the southern border, and-" Augustus smacked Luke in the head. "Pay attention, you fool." Luke simply smiled and continued to stare at the messenger ravens.

"Isn't it interesting to think how smart ravens are?" 

"Yes, yes, impressive animals, but an animal at the end of it."

"Maybe so Augustus, but never underestimate them." The plans were successfully dispatched, but for some reason, they flew with even more speed than Artium was used to seeing.

Could that also be the King's influence? He quietly thought to himself. Ever since he joined their ranks, more and more things gravitate toward him. He supposed, from mysterious people to his own men to even animals. His doubts subsided recently, and even now, he is amazed at all he has done. But he knows this is merely the beginning, and an entire set of trials lay ahead of them. 

I have to improve. 

Sometime passed and this thought prevailed intaking space. But as he walked back to his tent, he heard the sound of heavy breathing. As he approached the sound, he saw Luke, training with a thick wooden sword. What was impressive was the deep scars he's struck on the rock. To think the stick stayed in one piece. Blow after blow, he kept at it, either until he lost concentration and the stick broke or until the rock was in pieces. Artium lingered for a while longer but then decided to part ways to continue his studies with Augustus. 

Luke felt the spirit of the competition after seeing that fight. His blood was boiling the entire meeting. This was when he felt more comfortable, training and waiting for his chance. He slowly lost his concentration, hitting the rock with too much force. The stick flew in pieces, and he let out a defeated sigh. 

Great, now I have to finish it the traditional way. After that, all one heard was a quiet yet thunderous barrage from a distance. The only one who knew what it was was Augustus, and he simply let out a slight laugh.

"Sir, you seem to laugh a lot." Artium pointed out, slightly annoyed by it. 

"Hmm, maybe my boy, maybe." Content with the fact that the king seemed hard at work. 

-()-

The group moved more south after everything unfolded. Rino was making a steady recovery and was promoted to captain of the Huntsmen. Faye made a speedy recovery and is now part of the King's personal guard. After a few days of travel, they could finally see the first city in the kingdom of Aiko, Dijima. 

Apparently, this city is a busy trade city, sharing the border between a state and another kingdom. They say Dijima is the gate to Aiko; knowing this, everyone had to be prepared for anything. As they approached, they split into two groups of roughly 25 each. The King was accompanied by his guards and the Huntsmen. While the other group was in charge of Augustus and the remaining soldiers. They set camp a few kilometers away from the gates. Augustus' goal is to speak with the official there to receive safe passage and unique guidance. Luke was in charge of gathering information and materials for the journey. 

"Never make a scene. You are supposed to be dead. Got it?" Augustus repeated this so much others began to ignore Luke. Whenever he asked for something, the usual 'I never knew a ghost could boss people around' comment was mentioned. 

After the camp was finally set up and the company was split in half, disguises were being spread.

"Here." Xander handed him a straw hat. 

"Why is it so pointy?" He kept fiddling with it as Xander distributed it to everyone. 

"We have to blend in, plus we have a mark." He pointed to a red leaf on the side of the hat. "This signifies who we are to the authorities." Augustus then chimed in, "Well, that was the agreement."

"And if this turns out to be a trap?" Artium mentioned quietly.

"Well, we fight our way out, and we have a new enemy that makes it … five whole kingdoms against us. What's one more?" Luke finished with a carefree laugh. But that same statement was true; they are at the bottom of the barrel in this world. No help and no one is waiting for them to rise again. What they did was genocide. Artium clenched his fists and ignited that hatred he had hidden. 

"What's one more." 

Before they left, there was one person who was anxious to begin. 

"Sir, I am healed enough to help." Augustus let out a defeated sigh.

"You aren't fully healed, and besides, we need someone to take care of the camp." 

"We can leave this to Jyorbin. I can learn from this, and I need to start now." Augustus walked toward him and placed a sturdy hand on his shoulder.

"Rino, stay here and keep an eye out for the equipment and everything. Soon you'll be leading these men. Don't grow impatient." Rino swallowed his pride and acknowledged what he said. Stood in salute and respected his order.

"Yes, sir, this camp will be safe and secured. I hope you take care in your mission." Augustus let out a smile. 

"Aye, next time, you'll lead this company." He returned the salute and then prepared his men for the mission.

They waited a bit more and then advanced into the city. Augustus left first and made sure to have various backup plans if anything happened. The sun was nigh high, a perfect time for merchants and wanderers to approach the city. 

"Remember, stay low and buy what we need. If it goes as planned, we'll be granted special passage to the capital." He turned to Luke and mentioned one final statement as he walked away.

"And enjoy, you haven't been in a city in years. Learn a thing or two." Nodded at the bodyguards to solidify an agreement and went on his way with his company. 

"Take care."

After an hour passed, Luke prepared his company to move into the city. He adjusted the armor underneath the cloak and forcefully put on the hat. Xander went around the company to help adjust anything and saw Faye struggling with the coat. 

"Here, let me help you." He buttoned the backside and adjusted her armor. 

"Thank you." He winked and nodded. But as he continued on, Faye called to him.

"You're Luke's close friend, right?" 

"Something like that, why? You curious about him?" she was a bit embarrassed to mention it, but she was curious about everyone. Especially with him, he did save her from being imprisoned after all, and her life is saved thanks to him.

"I'm curious about everyone." Xander let out a scuffed chuckle and explained a few things to her. 

"We've been close friends since I could remember, attended the same school, and even enlisted in the army at sixteen. We spent a solid year training. After that, he continued his studies while I stayed and served until." He took a pause and looked upwards. Faye immediately noticed she stepped on a bad memory, trying to move away from that question. 

"Why did you two enlist at such a young age?" 

"Well, it was more to prepare the body and mind than anything. After all, there were no wars during that time, so it was a perfect way to hone the body." He laughed and continued," That and Luke desired to be a King, so he had the bright idea to join the army. And, of course, I'd follow him into it." Xander equipped his axe to his back. 

"He's an idiot, an enthusiastic idiot." 

"Huh, I think you two are idiots." Xander turned to stare her down, but Luke called everyone's attention. 

"This is our first mission. I will be responsible for reconnaissance and gathering information, while Artium will buy the necessary equipment. Each of you has been paid recently, be discreet with the spending. We wait for Augustus' signal. Until then, we cannot move past the city. Be back here after sunset in case one of us gets lost." Everyone agreed and prepared to walk towards the city. Rino saluted them and stayed guard behind. They descended from the hill towards the city gates, and you could see how busy it was. This indeed was a bustling city, fit to represent Aiko. 

It was a fortress city with massive walls that drowned out anything near it from the hill. But it was surrounded by beautiful green scenery, and past the city, you could see another forest. Behind them was the dirt road and the mountains they were in. This was now Aiko's territory, and its laws and people had every advantage here. Oddly enough, this city had the least amount of Aikians. Seems they haven't even stepped foot in a pure city, as they like to say. 

They split into small clusters as they approached the gate but remained near each other. They moved past vendors, oxen, and other creatures and carts to reach the gates. The walls really felt omnipotent once you were right underneath them. It felt as though it could touch the sky. And the iron gate poised to fall without warning. After passing the thick walls of metals, they were greeted with a view that swallowed their eyes. His brain tried to process everything immediately, but at the moment, it felt impossible. Guard towers loomed over the streets, and busy merchants spiraled on every corner. The buildings had a precise mixture between Aiko and other kingdoms. Some felt like houses, and others competed with the height of the walls. This really seemed to be a melting pot. Soldiers routinely walked around and kept a sharp eye on everyone and everything. No one checked at the gates, but I'm sure they had everyone marked by when they walked in. He turned to his left to look at Artium and signaled him to buy the equipment. Scattering the groups to do their assigned roles and acted as leaders for the first time. Once everyone was gone, he shot a giant smile and walked over to the first thing that caught his eye. 

"This will be a long day, huh," Faye mentioned to Xander as they tailed Luke.

"You'll get used to it, hopefully." 

"Send word to our Lord; the young wolf has arrived." The shadows atop a house disappeared, leaving only a lingering sensation that followed Luke throughout his day. 

-Augustus-

The city was packed, but he was sure this was a typical day for its citizens. He asked a few soldiers where the governmental building was to blend in with the travelers. And he slowly walked towards it. His group was well trained from the years of battles and was polished to move independently. But when Augustus was around, this group indeed turned elite. Carefully distancing everyone but being close enough, having scouts feed him constant information, and ready for anything. What really made him feel eerie was how calm everything seemed. The busy streets, the watchful guards, and even the weather put him on edge. But it seems as though they won't be captured right then and there. Finally reaching the city's center, a beautiful mosaic building mixed with wood and stone. Steps that were made out of gold and silver. Statues of creatures and warriors made of jade covered the sides. And the infamous Ilia guards, known for quelling the revolt of Dijima oh so many years ago. No one else walked those steps but him and his soldiers. The Ilia made no mind to them until he reached the summit. Guardsmen suddenly and swiftly surrounded him, weapons poised to perfection without a hint of doubt. But he made sure his men wouldn't lose their calm. He raised his hands, and so did everyone, except for one. He walked steadily with a small wooden chest. Placing it at the bottom of the steps and then back away with his hands in the air. No one moved for a minute until the stone walls opened with such force that the air knocked some hats off. 

"I take it you are, Augustus?" The Ilia guardsmen lost concentration for a split second and shook slightly when that word was ushered. And in that split second, his men were now surrounding them. The mysterious man laughed loudly and encouraged everyone to lower their weapons. 

"Now, Dijima is a trade city, and it seems our guests understand this." He told one of his followers to fetch the chest. The man was a slender and tall fellow, covered in silk robes from head to toe, and a large straw hat covered his face. After examing the chest, he seemed more than pleased with what was inside. 

"Expected nothing less from a man of your stature." the guards dropped the stance and marched back to their position, ignoring those who surrounded them. He then extended his hand, allowing them to enter the building. 

"We have much to talk about." 

-Luke- 

As they browsed the streets, the sun gently began to settle. Luke knew they had to return to the site before the moon was high above them. He got a brief report that Artium quickly got the most needed supplies. Although he was tense before entering, the situation was tamer than imagined. 

"Did you, oh honorable guards buy anything?"

"Don't start with the dramatic honorifics." Xander immediately shot down the idea of this. 

"This city has been quiet, hasn't it." Faye cut through everyone's thoughts. 

"Indeed, it's obvious we're being watched." Xander walked around, eyeing everything. They most definitely felt more tense than Luke.

"I had that feeling when we entered the city, but suddenly it vanished. I doubt anything will happen now." They calmly bought some more supplies and needed equipment and began to head out. The sun gently fell down and allowed the city to be enveloped by artificial lights. Guards passed by urging the merchants to leave the town. Luke looked around, confused, and tried to piece together what was happening. 

"It seems this city has a curfew for merchants." Some commotion could be heard, and some protested, but no one raised their voices too loud against the guards. Armed to the teeth with full-body armor, merchants hate losing. A guard soon walked forward to talk to the trio. 

"Have you sold anything in this city?" he loomed over. 

"No, we are simply visitors. Our lodging is down that road." The guard took some time to process this, analyzing them intently, not allowing anything to escape his sight. He nodded and proceeded to ask the same question to others. Simelouteansly letting out a breath of relief. 

"Luke, what are you thinking? We have to leave now; the gates will be closed soon." 

"Oh, come on, the gates aren't going to close; besides, we're travelers. How can they force us to do anything." 

Lanterns passed around the city, somewhere floating around, and lit the streets as if it were still morning. The people suddenly changed their personalities. From the stern sellers, they suddenly became more approachable. Children and pets walked the streets. Laughter and serenity soon filled this city. Food stands and its smell immediatey struck them. 

The vibrant personality of this city was inviting and welcoming. Luke suddenly felt a prang of nostalgia; his memories began to resurface little by little. For two years, he promised to never remember the past, but this city made him miss what he once had. 

Where are you? He solemnly thought to himself. 

But just as soon as he felt those memories and encroaching rage and malice overtook him. His anger was always present, simply dormant. That anger oozed out, and Xander felt it, and he couldn't really come out and tell Luke to calm down. After all, he also felt that rage; everyone felt it but seeing Luke calm and serene made them act otherwise. 

"Luke, calm down." A sturdy yet reassuring hand was placed on his shoulder. 

"Augustus, you're back?" Faye mentioned quietly. 

"Our business was rather quick." He paused and analyzed them; why is it just the three of you, alone? Where was the rest of the squad? Were you planning on staying the night in the city?" 

They all looked around without answering. 

"Yes, I wished to sleep in an actual bed for once." Augustus and Luke stared down; the other two simply couldn't interfere. But staying in a room for once would be most welcomed. Augustus let out a short laugh and then agreed.

"Indeed, it has been very tiring. A night in a room sounds enticing. Also," He glanced at the area's bathhouses and food stands. "We should understand the people more before asking them for aid." Augustus sent a messenger to alert the camp of the noticed change. Rino was annoyed at the sudden sporadic change of plans but enjoyed the promotion and readily got the rest in a watch-out order. 

"Now to find a place to rest." 

After walking around the streets for a while, they finally found a lodge to spend the night. Paid upfront to not cause any alarm. 

"Ahhhhhh, a bed!" they all exclaimed with joy. Xander felt some resentment knowing the others couldn't share this rest. But he turned to Luke, hugging the bed with all his might. He chuckled and allowed himself to enjoy this moment as well. Faye excused herself from the bed to bathe, and Augustus followed. The other two decided to remain in the bed for a bit more. And for once, they were alone again. A lot has happened, but Xander never stopped seeing Luke as his closest friend. 

"Luke."

"Not now. The bed has all my attention." A pillow flew straight and true to Lukes's face in response. They began fighting amongst each other for a few minutes. Safe to note, Xander had better aim than Luke. 

"Fine, fine, what is it you need, oh brave knight." 

"Thank you, my liege, for lending an ear," he bowed. "It has come to my attention that we have no idea what Augustus did." The jokingly atmosphere they had sliced right through made way for a serious topic. 

"As far as I'm concerned, he's kept you completely in the dark." He added. Luke let out a sigh. 

"He has, but why bring this topic now? Do you not trust in Augustus?" Xander cautiously thought of his response. Why did Luke immediately go for that, though? Has he been thinking of traitors recently? 

"No, I would never suggest that. But my question is, aren't you the king?" 

"The title I have inherited is indeed that of a king, but" he paused, "I have not yet earned it through merit." 

Could it possibly be he does not see himself as a king yet? Does he still have those thoughts? Xander knew little about his mental situation. But a king with doubts won't get anyone anywhere. 

"True, you have not been in combat yet, but you have revived some of the armies. And you have brought forth a mission that hopefully can restore everything." Luke glanced outside the window, admiring the city, imaging the peace he could find. And for a second, Xander understood the mental strain he carried. Luke was no longer the young cadet in the army, the child that challenged him to stick duels, the same kid who bored him with useless facts. No, this Luke was forced to abandon all that in the blink of an eye. 

"Augustus has made sure to heed my wishes. His plan will correlate to what I want. How we get to it is up to his imagination." Luke finished saying with a stern expression that Xander knew not to press forward. Silence befell the both of them.

"Must be tough."

"What? Being a king?"

"Yea, being a king." 

"You think about situations you never believed were true." 

"I can tell. Your hair is turning white like your old man." Luke immediately turned to a mirror to confirm.

Still gullible as usual. 

"Joking, but I bet you'd look fine with white hair. Gives you that intelligent look, something you desperately need." Luke turned to slap him, but Faye walked in. 

"Was I interrupting a courtship?" 

"No, I would never think of stealing that chance from you, Faye." They all laughed at the rebottle. 

"How was the bath? Rejuvenating?" Luke chimed in.

"Stunning, you should go before it closes. Trust me, all of you need one." Xander eyed Luke, worried neither of them could tell if she was joking or telling the truth. 

They both stood up to go, but then Xander pushed him down to his bed.

"I'll go first. I have to talk to Augustus about something." Staring him down, begging him to understand what he was trying to do. 

"Okay, just don't take too long. I want to enjoy a warm bath too." Xander walked away, nodding his head but with a grin. Luke remained in bed, toiling around with a knife. Faye began reorganizing her pack. A silence, a daunting silence, was between them. But for these two, it was comfortable, and neither felt discomfort. Minutes passed until Luke finally broke the silence. 

"You bought yourself anything?" 

"With the pay you gave me?" It took him a while to realize he hadn't yet paid his personal guards. 

"I forgot, didn't I."

"Yeah, but a lot has happened, so it's fine. I just took this." She brought out a strange fruit.

"Wait, you stole it?" She had a calm expression.

"Well yeah, I had nothing to pay it with." Luke was surprised to say the least. He grew up with strict rules and never needed to steal. Even in exile, he never had to steal anything. Realizing he still knew nothing about her, she could have been from a group of mercenaries. She could be wanted, or even worse, she could have been an assassin. Her fighting skills demonstrate she's capable, and her carefree actions confirm his suspicion. 

"Listen, Faye, don't steal again. We are a proper army with funds. If you need anything, ask, and I'm sure we can fit it in the budget." She looked at him. He waited for a rebuttal or a fit against his morals. But all he got was a nod and an apology. Her readiness to accept anything made her seem even more like an assassin. Almost as if playing a part. Luke felt a bit of regret promoting her into a position without ever testing her loyalty. As she continued to unpack and organize, Augustus came back. 

"Was I interrupting a courtship?" Luke simply walked up and went to the bathhouse. 

Augustus stayed there waiting for a response from Faye.

"Oh, you're still alive? I forgot." Augustus nodded and knew he had it coming after that comment. 

Ah, to be young. 

 -()- 

The night passed quickly, and soon they were forced to leave the comfort of the lodge. Refreshed, they all began to head back to camp. But something felt off. The market was empty. The guards were only in their towers. It was a ghost town. Luke knew the mornings were the busiest for the vendors. But why was it so desolate? The three of them instinctively formed a circle around each other. The front gate was open, but the road seemed longer, treacherous. Augustus led the path. He was calm. As if he noticed nothing different. Slowly walking towards it, weapons at the ready. As they got closer, they saw a figure standing under the gate. A man in lavish robes, a hat to block the sun, and a fan. 

"It seems you forgot your end of the deal, Augustus. Was it?" And in just that phrase, Luke felt a bit of unease. What did Augustus promise? Did Xander know? He eyed him only to see Xander in a confused, defensive state. Augustus seemed to be the only one aware of who he was and what he meant by that. 

"Sorry about that; it seems we got here a bit late." the mysterious man let out a hollowing laugh. 

"To be this carefree, you really have nothing to lose." Augustus smiled back.

"Well, whatever the case may be, he is waiting for you." Luke turned to face Augustus, but he didn't return the action.

"I did what you asked me to do, Luke. I granted you an audience with the emperor's brother. If we want an alliance, we need to convince him first." Without wasting a moment, Luke spoke aloud. 

"Please, take us to meet him." He bowed to the man, and the others followed in suit. 

Ho, seems he doesn't see himself as a figure yet. 

But as they followed him, Luke noticed his shadow began to stretch. His aurora came to full view. He staggered a bit but continued forward. Whoever he was, he was stronger than him, and this person held power. The man turned with a twisted smile and said.

"Very well, follow me, young wolf. Into the den of dragons. If you have the heart for it."