Afterward, Esmeralda retreated into the sanctuary of her tent. Not long after, a figure shadowed her entrance. As she raised her gaze, a pair of vivid green eyes met the oceanic blue of Micheal's.
"Esmeralda, don't fret," Micheal said confidently, his tone reassuring. "I spoke with the imperial knights. They assured me the land ahead is safe for our passage."
A quiet relief washed over her as Esmeralda nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile. She approached Micheal, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "As long as you're here, I know I can face anything," she replied, her green eyes sparkling with a glimmer of satisfaction.
What senior wouldn't take pride in such a moment? The control she wielded over her junior was an inspiration; her words ignited an optimistic spark within Micheal.
Micheal D. Hollosear, Esmeralda's right-hand man, stood as a testament to loyalty and prowess. The second son of House Hollosear, he was born into privilege but carried himself with unassuming grace, never exploiting his status. At the age of sixteen, he enlisted in the army and, now at twenty-five, had matured into a wise and respected figure among his peers. His striking features a chiseled jawline, cascading jet-black hair, and elegant facial structure ensured he was not only regarded for his character but also for his undeniable charisma.
It was said that to become the epitome of a perfect subordinate, one need only follow in Micheal's footsteps.
As their conversation continued, the unmistakable march of armor-clad knights filled the air. Esmeralda quickly grasped the knights were ready for deployment. With a subtle signal, Micheal understood her directive and exited the tent to rally their forces.
Moments later, Esmeralda emerged, resplendent in gleaming silver armor, her sword firmly in hand. Her loyal black horse stood nearby, awaiting her instruction with a quiet readiness.
She faced the assembled knights, her commanding presence palpable as she declared, "My fellow knights, we are about to traverse the land of Boruta."
A collective sigh of reassurance spread through the ranks as they responded in unison, "Yes, Commander."
And so, Esmeralda led her knights forward into the heart of Boruta, a land known for its dark enigmas and whispered horrors.
As they journeyed, Esmeralda reined in her horse, casting a glance over her shoulder. "Everyone, we have reached the land of brutality," she announced, her voice steady.
Boruta, often referred to as the Devil's Land, was a space suffocated by legend. It was said to have once been the dwelling place of a devil who, in agony, had been abandoned by his wife along with their newborn child. The unfortunate infant had died, leaving a taint upon the land a curse argued to have been unleashed when the child was left to perish. The absence of water and the bleakness of the terrain only served to support the priests' claims that this place was forever tainted, with few humans daring to venture there.
Esmeralda felt a tightening in her chest, not from fear, but from a haunting worry; she couldn't bear to lose any more comrades. With a firm grip on her sword, she declared, "Fear not! We are the knights of Esclosten, capable of overcoming any obstacle in our path!"
One brave knight raised his voice, reinforcing her resolve. "Commander, we are prepared!"
Nodding in acknowledgement, Esmeralda pressed forward, but was soon met with a low, menacing growl that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. When her horse instinctively recoiled, she caught sight of a massive shadow looming in the shifting sands.
Her heart raced as she beheld an enormous monster, towering at fifty feet, its eyes locked onto them in malevolent hunger. The knights felt an icy chill run down their spines, and many trembled, awaiting Esmeralda's command.
Gritting her teeth, Esmeralda's determination surged. She knew danger lurked not only in the land but within the treacherous scheming of the imperial family, a somber reminder of the empire's adage: "Trust the enemy, not the royal family."
With a resolute sigh, she dismounted, casting a sharp glance at the assembled knights. "Stay alert. Micheal and I will distract the beast."
Micheal, understanding her intent, also dismounted, and together, they prepared to engage the beast from different angles. As the two charged, Esmeralda struck, severing one of the monster's four massive arms. To her shock, the appendage regenerated almost instantly.
Micheal, caught off guard by the same uncanny ability, regrouped as Esmeralda's relentless attacks continued.
At the periphery, a group of knights rushed to her side, joining her in the fray against the monstrous foe. The creature roared in fury, capturing one unfortunate knight in its grasp, squeezing tightly with a cruel glee.
The knight's eyes widened in horror as he struggled against the iron grip, blood splattering across the monster's palm, igniting an almost euphoric response from the beast as it savored the taste of life.
Esmeralda's heart shattered at the sight of her comrade falling to such a gruesome fate; the knights faltered, their morale shaken.
"Run!" Micheal barked, cutting through the rising panic.
As the knights turned to flee, Esmeralda seized the moment, slicing at the monster's leg, drawing its attention and allowing her knights a brief window of escape. Determination surged through her veins as the battle escalated, the fate of her comrades hanging perilously in the balance.