Alaric watched his baby sister's innocent little face with a gentle smile. He reached out his hand, but he stopped midway, afraid that he might wake her up with a slight touch.
"I heard from your father that you will be leaving soon." Maria's worried voice suddenly drifted into his ears.
Turning his head, Alaric's expression turned serious as he replied. "We will march to Harune in a few days."
Maria's eyes shook as she spoke in a trembling voice. "Do you really have to go? You don't need to endanger yourself, son."
"The empire has plenty of powerful warriors. The imperial family can send someone to replace you."
Alaric shook his head firmly.
"Harune attacked the western region in retaliation for going against their imperial family!"
"Their crown prince desires my mother and they killed thousands of our people just because of his selfish interests! He must be punished! And I want him to die by my own hands!"
Alaric's voice was filled with suppressed rage.
