The flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows on the canvas walls as General Ryker sat alone in his dimly-lit makeshift tent, his eyes fixed intently on the worn pages of a leather-bound book.
The soft crackle of the flames and the distant hum of his knights stationed outside were the only sounds that broke the silence. His rugged yet undeniably outstanding features remained impassive, a mask of calmness that belied the turmoil brewing beneath.
The words on the page seemed to hold his full attention, but his mind kept wavering elsewhere, weighing strategies, contemplating the weight of responsibility and mourning the death of the knights they had lost in the just-ended war.
The tent was sparse, with only a few personal items scattered about: a shiny sword on the wall which had been given to him by his grandfather, who was also a general in his time, a small, intricately carved wooden box on his desk and a mattress which did not serve any purpose of comfort.
Just as General Ryker turned the page, the voice of a knight at the door broke the silence, "The Gen", a nickname he had earned from his knights, one that reflected the friendship he shared with them. He looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly as he marked the page he was reading with a brush.
"Enter," he called out, his deep voice firm but controlled.
The tent flapped open, and the head knight, Alaric, slipped inside, his armor polished to a high sheen.
"General Ryker, sir," Alaric said, his voice low and respectful. "A letter has arrived from the imperial palace."
Ryker's expression remained impassive as he set the book aside, his movements economical yet polished. He extended a hand, and Alaric approached to hand him a sealed letter. The general's eyes flicked to the seal, his gaze lingering on the imperial crest before he broke it open.
As he unfolded the letter, Alaric stood at attention, awaiting further instructions. Ryker's eyes scanned the contents, his face a mask of calmness.
"Thank you, Alaric," Ryker said finally, his voice even. "You may return to your post. I will review the contents further."
Alaric nodded and backed out of the room, leaving Ryker alone once more. The general's eyes returned to the letter, his gaze burning with intensity as he absorbed every word.
General Ryker's eyes scanned the letter, his expression unreadable. The emperor's words were direct: the war was over, and he was summoned to the capital city, Eldoria. Three days after the decisive battle, the war was finally over.
The emperor's summons was expected, but Ryker couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to it than just a celebratory return to the capital.
He thought back to the battle, the sacrifices made, and the victories won. His troops were weary, but triumphant. Ryker knew that the emperor's call would be met with mixed emotions from his men. Some would rejoice at the prospect of returning home, while others might feel a sense of loss, leaving behind the camaraderie forged in battle.
The General's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. His aide, Lieutenant Marcus, entered the tent.
"Sir, what's the news?" Marcus asked, eyeing the letter in Ryker's hand.
"The emperor has summoned us back to the capital," Ryker replied, his expression thoughtful.
"The war is over. We've won."
Marcus's face broke into a wide smile. His personality, a complete difference from that of the general. Marcus had a bubbly personality, but do not mistake this for unseriousness. The man excelled in precision, making him a very good archer. Ryker, although he does not mention it quite often, thinks of Marcus as one of the best knights Eldoria had, his loyalty almost unparalleled.
"Congratulations, sir! The men will be thrilled," Marcus said.
Ryker nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Let's begin preparations for our return."
"We have two weeks' march ahead of us."
General Ryker and Lieutenant Marcus walked through the camp, the sounds of some knights chatting, some laughing, some mourning the loss of their loved ones filling the air. They approached the knights' quarters, where the men were gathered, others polishing their armor and tending to their horses.
As Ryker entered with Marcus following behind, the knights stood up in dead silence, showing the reverence the General's presence commanded, their faces expectant.
Sir Alaric, the head knight, approached them. "The Gen, Lieutenant Marcus, what news was delivered?"
Ryker's figure towered Alaric, emphasizing the General's tall height, his eyes scanning the room. "Gentlemen, I have two messages for you. First, the emperor sent his congratulations on our victory. Your bravery and skill have not gone unnoticed."
A cheer broke out as the knights congratulated one another, their faces proud. Sir Alaric spoke up, "Thank you, General. We're honored to serve the empire."
Ryker continued, "Second, we've received orders to return to the capital, Eldoria. The journey will take approximately two weeks. "We'll need to prepare our gear and ensure our horses are rested and ready for the march."
The knights exchanged glances, some nodding, others murmuring in agreement. Sir Alaric asked, "When do we depart, General?"
"We'll set out at dawn, two days from now," Ryker replied.
"Lieutenant Marcus will work with you to oversee the preparations. Let's make sure we're ready to ride."
Marcus and Alaric replied in unison, their posture straight, too straight and their right hands to their heads, "Yes sir!"
The knights saluted, their faces set with determination. Ryker left the quarters, the sound of armor being polished and horses being saddled filling the air as the knights prepared for their journey back to the capital.
...
In a carriage adorned with delicate filigree, a vision of loveliness emerged from the rolling hills and verdant valleys, bound for the grand city of Argentum, a city in Eldoria known for its trade, artistic talent and beautiful scenery of nature. Aurelia, a maiden of unparalleled beauty, sat poised and serene, her golden hair cascading down her shoulders like a sun-kissed waterfall. Her bright blue eyes sparkled like sapphires in the sunlight, radiating warmth and kindness.
As she moved, her elegance was palpable, her slender figure swaying gently to the rhythm of the carriage's motion. Her skin was as pale as moonlight, and her lips, a gentle rosebud pink, curved into a soft, enigmatic smile. The very air around her seemed to vibrate with an otherworldly beauty, as if God Himself had ordained her creation. Her loyal maid, Elara, sat beside her, gazing adoringly at her mistress, who seemed a living embodiment of grace and refinement.
As the carriage rattled along the cobblestone road, Aurelia's beauty shone like a beacon, illuminating the landscape and captivating all who laid eyes on her. Aurelia's eyes widened at the vibrant scene unfolding before her. The streets were alive with music, laughter, and the sound of clinking glasses. People of all ages and stations in life thronged the streets, their faces aglow with joy and celebration. With traders marketing their wares with great expertise that even a toddler could buy from them.
Aurelia's curiosity was piqued, and she turned to her maid, Elara, with a questioning glance. "What's all the commotion about, Elara?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Elara smiled knowingly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's the news of the war's end, Milady," she replied, "General Ryker's and the Starblade Knights' victory has brought great cheer to the people of Eldoria. They're celebrating in every corner of the city."
Rumors whispered that General Ryker was a man of few words, preferring to speak through his actions rather than idle chatter. His silence was a calculated tactic, one that made his enemies underestimate him at their own peril. When he did speak, his voice was low and measured, his words dripping with authority and intelligence.
On the battlefield, General Ryker was a force to be reckoned with, his strategic mind and martial prowess making him nearly unbeatable. His enemies trembled at the mere mention of his name, and his allies revered him as a hero.
Aurelia had heard stories of his bravery and cunning even in the far land of Edistone, a nation that shared the western border with Eldoria and where she had stayed with her grandparents for the last six years.
Aurelia's eyes lit up with understanding, and she gazed out at the lively scene once more. The news of the war's end and General Ryker's triumph seemed to have brought a sense of relief and jubilation to the people. As she took in the sights and sounds of the city, Aurelia couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about the man who had captured the empire's admiration.
The carriage continued on its way, navigating through the crowded streets, until it finally reached the Financial Minister's residence, her parents' residence. Aurelia's heart swelled with excitement as she saw her family waiting for her at the gate, their faces filled with warmth and welcome.
As Aurelia stepped down from the carriage with the help of her guard, Justin and Elara trailed her, her long, golden hair cascading down her back. Her delicate features were set in a radiant smile. She moved with elegance, her slender figure gliding effortlessly across the ground. Her posture was perfect, her shoulders back and her head held high, exuding confidence and poise.
Her brothers, Edwin and Felix, waited at the gate, their faces lighting up with excitement. As Aurelia approached, they couldn't help but stare at her beauty and poise. Edwin's eyes widened in surprise, and Felix's jaw dropped slightly.
"Aurelia!" Edwin, who she remembered to be quite mischievous, exclaimed, rushing to hug her. "You look stunning!"
Felix, the cool and intelligent heir to their father's position, nodded in agreement, smiling. "You're even more beautiful than we remembered!"
Aurelia laughed, her voice like music, and hugged her brothers tightly. She has missed her family deeply. She moved to greet her parents, who stood on a pavement by the gate that had a plaque of refined calligraphy that the Emperor had gifted her father for his excellent execution of a mission privately assigned to him a couple of years back. Her movements were fluid and graceful, a true lady indeed!
Her father, the financial minister, and his wife beamed with pride at their daughter's beauty and elegance. "Welcome home, dear," her mother said, embracing Aurelia warmly. "We've missed you so much." Her father, with doting eyes, opened his arms to welcome her in them, "My princess is back." Aurelia smiled, relishing the warmth his arms provided, she has always been a daddy's girl.
As Aurelia and her family entered their residence, her mother, Lady Elizabeth, noticed the weariness in her eyes. "Dear, you must be exhausted from the journey," she said, concern etched on her face. "Why don't you go rest for a while, and we'll have dinner together tonight? You can tell us all about your trip then."
Aurelia nodded gratefully, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Mother. I think I would like that."
Lady Elizabeth smiled and kissed her daughter's forehead. "Of course, dear. Go get some rest, and I'll make sure dinner is special tonight. We'll celebrate your return home."
Aurelia smiled and hugged her mother, waving bye to her dad and brothers before making her way to her chambers to rest. Her mother watched her go, a proud smile on her face.
After greeting her family bye, Aurelia excused herself to retire to her chambers, citing the long and stressful journey from Edistone. Her parents understood, knowing that the trip had taken a toll on their daughter.
As she made her way to her room, Aurelia felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had been on the road for weeks, and the thought of a warm bath and a soft bed was heavenly. Her maid, Elara, helped her undress and settle into a comfortable gown, before leading her to the bathing chamber.
After a refreshing bath, Aurelia laid down on her bed, feeling her eyelids grow heavy. She closed her eyes, letting out a contented sigh as she felt the softness of the mattress envelop her. For a while, she drifted off into a light sleep, recharging her energy.
Later that night, the family would gather for dinner, and Aurelia would have the opportunity to catch up with her loved ones. Lady Elizabeth would make sure the evening was filled with laughter, good food, and warm conversation.