Expedition

A faint giggle, teasing to the ears, echoes through the room. My beloved fixes her hair with a last clip before turning towards me with a smile somehow both innocent and seductive.

"Is my look pleasing you, my prince?"

Her ethereal voice sends a shiver down my spine, drawing me back to realitiy. I quickly step forward to gently hold her hand looking deeply into her sparkling, emerald-green eyes.

"You are the most beautiful existence in the world, Lady Somme. And I'm not getting tired telling you even after the one thousandth time."

I try to sound serious. I want to convey my earnest feelings although it seems impossible to voice my adoration and love with mere words.

My eyes, mirroring my soul, prove more able to express the truth. Lady Somme reads in them, answering with a gentle smile:

"Yet I won't get tired listening to your praise. I wish to hear it forever, my prince."

"And you will! Soon I will ask my father to organize our marriage. Then nothing will ever tear us apart!"

My heart warms noticing the delight in my beloved's eyes. Oh, how we both are looking forward to that day. The wait is both sweet and torturous.

Lady Somme grips my hands tightly as she asks the question which must be burning on her mind:

"My prince, Endal, will this day really come? When will you be ready to confront the emperor?"

"I am sorry. I have made you wait too long. I know it. But everything is about to change!

My efforts have paid off. The emperor has entrusted me with a mission. I shall immediately request our marriage upon my successful return!"

"Really? Congratulations! Haha, I'm so happy for you! And me! And… and…"

I can see the emotions overcoming Lady Somme. She is just as exhilarated as I am. But I also notice the hint of worry in her eyes, mixed into the joy, causing my heart to melt.

I tightly embrace my beloved, calming her trembling body, enjoying the synchronized beating of our hearts. At this moment I feel that the world is perfect. What more can I ever wish for?

Feeling the soft body in my arms I know I am the luckiest man alive.

"Ah!"

Suddenly a scream sounds close to my ear. I immediately take a step back, looking at my beloved with endless worry.

"What? What happened?!"

I watch the huffing Lady Somme holding her hand. Her face appears to be struggling as she calms herself down, smiling at me reassuringly:

"Don't worry. It's… not that bad. I touched that sword of yours."

"Flame of the South? I am sorry. I had no idea that it could be this dangerous. I…"

I stare at the sheathed sword, my thoughts moving wildly. Is it really…

"It's not your fault, my prince. Don't worry. I think it might react to my magic."

"Your magic? Perhaps…

Let me put the sword away for now."

"Thank you."

Laying Flame of the South aside I once again melt into Lady Somme's arms.

***

Spending the day celebrating with Lady Somme time passes in a flash and the next morning arrives. Stepping out of the palace we are greeted by the rising sun, my body and mind invigorated and full of spirit.

Lady Somme asked to come with me, and I didn't reject that request. She is a proficient mage, skilled in combat. I don't know the extent of her powers, but I do know that I couldn't win against her the last time we had a mock battle.

Naturally I still feel worried about her just as she feels worried about me. But so is the nature of the world. Born with responsibility we can't stay in the safety of the palace forever.

My eyes harden drifting towards the horizon as we jump on the dragonhorses waiting for us outside the palace. These noble beings with their mostly scaled, dark red skin are some of the strongest, most enduring mounts in the world.

Even our empire doesn't use them often. As we ride through the streets of Svebrial, flanked by my personal guard and a dozen arrogant basilisks, the citizens come to the street to pray for our success.

I look at the many faces, reminding myself that this is the reason why we have to fight. So these people, our people, can live a life of happiness and peace.

I take great pride in the empire's power which deters not only the neighboring kingdoms but even other races or infernals from causing trouble.

Our cities have been unperturbed for generations. Only the border regions are in danger of being raided by our jealous neighbors or the troublesome orcs of the Red Steppe.

All of this runs through my mind, strengthening my conviction as I leave through the towering city gate. We continue for a few minutes until meeting up with the crown prince at Fort Skyguard.

The towering walls built for eternity impress me every time I come here. Coming closer, one can hear large banners carrying the empire's crest move in the wind.

Horns suddenly sound out, their imposing noise traveling far and wide, even reaching Svebrial. A pleasant shiver runs through my body. Although I have heard these horns before this is the first time that they are used solely to welcome my – or our - arrival.

The massive gate which exists to stop entire armies opens slowly, revealing the elite soldiers standing in rows to welcome us. My eyes wander along their armors sparkling under the sun drinking the imposing aura.

At the end stands the crown prince, looking at us with a stern expression. In front of his soldiers my brother doesn't show his kind smile, radiating a commanding aura befitting of an accomplished general.

Getting off my mount, chin raised and chest sticking out, I keep my eyes straight, approaching the crown prince. I come to a stop before him, our eyes meeting, faces indifferent.

"Prince Endal Yntheno. Take command of the second centhura! Follow me into battle!"

"Yes, sir!"

My voice resounds through Fort Skyguard. The strength I put into it hopefully convinces the soldiers. I am mostly unknown to them. Perhaps they have more respect for the sword around my waist than for myself. But this will change soon!

With brightly shining eyes I watch as my brother takes an insignia from an attendant by his side. It shows the number 100 gleaming in a majestic red in front of a pair of crossed swords. This insignia officially gives one the right to command the second centhura! One hundred mighty elite soldiers!

Taking the insignia from my brother I feel its immeasurable weight in my hand. The weight of responsibility, of trust!

When I manage to tear my eyes away from the beautiful object, focusing back on the crown prince, he nods calmly, letting his voice echo through the fort:

"Soldiers of the empire! Follow me into battle!"

The soldiers salute in perfect unison, punching their own chests, a sound which can bring despair to any army in the world.

I take a step to the side, letting the crown prince take the lead, approaching the gate together with him.

My brother's own personal guard waits at the gate, having his majestic dragonhorse prepared. He swings himself into the saddle. His mount raises its front hooves, fire coming out of its nostrils. Its beautiful, flowing, red mane and muscular body are portraying incredible strength.

My brother sitting on top in heavy golden armor raises his fist to the sky, grasping towards the sun, the very image of a hero!

My eyes betray my admiration as I follow him outside where my own dragonhorse waits. Jumping on its robust back I meet the eyes of my beloved Lady Somme. The unspoken encouragement reflected in those beautiful gemstones means a lot to me. I, too, can become a hero like my brother and father!

Burning with confidence I lead my personal guard to follow behind the crown prince. Quickly the rhythmic steps of a marching army shake the mountains.

Soldiers surge out of Fort Skyguard, following behind us. Although they are only three hundred in number, I don't doubt for a second that they could block an army of thousands.

Riding at the tip of such a mighty force gives one an incredible feeling. I am granted a few minutes of enjoyment before my brother waves me towards him.

Leading my mighty steed to walk half a step behind the crown prince I listen to his explanation:

"Endal. It is time I tell you the purpose of our mission."

"I'm listening!"

"Infernals are causing chaos at the western border of our beautiful empire. This is nothing new and our soldiers can handle it.

But recently we found out that the Tewnstar Kingdom has colluded with these creatures of chaos, providing them with a path of retreat.

This action has severely enraged the emperor. This time we will move to eradicate one of their military camps which we suspect of aiding infernals. Are you ready to reveal the might of your 'Flame of the South', letting it bath in infernal blood?"