Ball Of Fire

The next morning, the army of Vaerunne prepared to march back home. The knights gathered in disciplined rows, the sounds of clinking armor and rustling banners filling the air. Though the weight of the battle still lingered, their faces were relaxed and relieved.

Because they won.

Senna, who had caused trouble all night, was now wrapped tightly in a thick magic-induced cloak to conceal his identity and power. The hood was pulled low over his red hair, which would undoubtedly attract the crowded streets. 

He was already sitting on the horse, watching the others moving around while humming to himself. 

Seeing this amount of people when he's been trapped in a dark manor all his life was interesting. That madman was dead, but he wasn't completely free. He glanced at the Emperor, who was standing far from him.

Calix. 

Aelther mentioned him before.

Senna couldn't remember what that man said, but it was a person's name. And Aelther never mentions anyone else. Since Calix killed him, they must've been enemies. He knew Aelther is bad, he hurt him, beat him, make him drink weird potions that made him feel sick and in pain for a long time. And Senna thought no one could stop him.

But Calix did.

And because of him, he could ride a horse. He took a bath in a river for the first time. The food made by those stinky soldiers tastes yummy. He didn't care if they hated him, he felt free.

All thanks to Calix.

"Alright, let's head back," The Emperor announced as he got on his horse.

"Woooooo!!!"

Senna's eyes sparkled as they moved, his small hands gripping the horse's mane with Luther sitting behind him. He gazed at the hundreds of soldiers surrounding him, their banners with the empire's logo printed fluttered in the morning breeze.

He leaned back and looked up at Luther, voice a whisper. "Is the kingdom big?"

"Mhm," Luther replied.

"Is uncle's house bigger than that man's?"

"Of course,"

"Because he's an Emperor?"

"Yes,"

"Does an Emperor rule the world?"

"No, they don't. But they do rule over multiple Kingdoms and territories,"

"Is that why Short Stack is so afraid of him?"

Luther snorted. "Everyone's afraid of him,"

Senna turned ahead, watching Calix's back. Then he scrunched his face cutely. "He's just an uncle, though,"

Luther only shook his head without giving a response.

Once they neared the outskirts of Vaerunne, the roads were lined with citizens. Senna gaspe when he saw colorful confetti rained down, children waved small flags, and cheers echoed through the streets. Everyone in the Kingdom gathered to greet their returning soldiers.

"All hail the eternal sun of Vaerunne!"

"Long live the Emperor!"

"Glory to the eternal sun!"

Senna's mouth dropped open slightly, golden eyes wide with amazement. Everything was so different from the quiet, foreboding manor he'd come from. It was very overwhelming. 

"Why are they all so happy?"

"To celebrate," Luther answered. "They're happy to see us return victorious,"

Oh, for defeating Aelther.

Senna hummed in understanding.

He couldn't imagine a scenario where Aelther would be the victorious one. No one will celebrate him because no one but Senna was there in his life. 

As they entered deeper into the capital, Senna could see the towering stone walls of the city and the royal palace glinting in the distance. The streets were lined with shops, markets, and homes. It's like everything he saw in those picture books. 

It was all so exciting.

Senna just wants to explore everything!

When he wanted to teleport, the cloak seemed to hug him tighter, and it glowed with golden light. He pouted, clicking his tongue.

Right, the magic.

He can't teleport with that stupid uncle's magic supressing it.

He smiled cheekily.

Well, once they take the cloak off, he can finally begin his adventure.