--- Elise

Four days of rapid marching cut the time needed to cover the distance between Cassidia and Lyngard by about a third, compared to what was usually needed.

There wasn't much to see in that part of the Kingdom, Elise realized, apart from woods and some isolated farms. After Lanis' Cross, a large village built by the river Lobren, the path divided. One road followed the coast, leading to Canthars and to the seaside area where many nobles built their private mansions, while the other went directly to the West, towards Lyngard.

Elise and Cremont had brought their soldiers in the latter direction. The general was confident that they had plenty of time before Rickhart could make his move, but didn't want to waste any by taking a more scenic route. It was true that the young princess had never visited that part of her country, yet the situation didn't allow it. Moreover, it wasn't like she didn't share a similar feeling of self-imposed urgency.

"I think I can see something on the horizon. It's... Lyngard? That means we are at least a couple of hours earlier than expected."

"I'm impressed, Your Highness," said Cremont. "It is indeed Lyngard. You must have excellent eyesight. Even still, those are only the highest towers. The city has a couple of them."

The girl tried to heave up on the saddle, to watch better, but had to wait some more until more details became visible. The stronghold of her ancestors was located in the very middle of the plains, surrounded by thick walls and way less traffic than in the capital.

Looking at that place is giving me a vibe of austerity. Cassidia and Norburg are clearly built for people to enjoy living there, while this is more like a big castle. It must have been rough for Lynn and his predecessors, if they needed so much protection against their enemies.

In ancient times, that region was surrounded by the domains of other Lords and also subject to frequent attacks from the Steppes. The only reason why it had resisted and eventually become so powerful was that Lyngard held the two rivers and used them as borders. Nobody could move them away, not to mention that there were mountains to the North and the sea to the South. Once it fully conquered the area, the city was free to develop and strengthen its military, and turned into the precursor of the current Cassidia.

"Princess? Is something wrong?"

Elise jumped, realizing that she had been staring to the distance for a little too long.

"I was just thinking that it seems gloomy," she replied. "Don't misunderstand me, I don't mean it in a negative way, but Lyngard... It doesn't feel like a happy town."

Cremont sighed. "Too many wars have been fought on this ground. Even after five hundred years, we can see the scars left by those terrible events. Most merchants avoid these roads, except for when they want to do business in the northern area. There are a bunch of mining villages there, and not much else."

"So, even if the area is safe, nobody passes by?"

"Everyone who visits Lyngard is probably hauling stuff to the Grey Lake or the other way around," said the man, nodding. "In any case, it means that he came from very far and doesn't want to stop for long. The Mages have their prison somewhere in the mountains, but they take a different route."

"Yes, I've heard."

Must be the Vault Mary was telling me about some weeks ago. It should be a place that they use to lock up those who won't join them, to avoid their magic to be misused.

"Nevertheless, don't take my words too seriously, Your Highness. It's true that Lyngard is a bit secluded, but it's always respected the power of your lineage. The Lords of the city are the most loyal to the King, and their subjects will be glad that the Princess decided to come here despite the difficult times."

I know. During the days I've spent in the library, I learned all I could about this place and its people. I don't want to arrive and act as a complete foreigner like I did in Norburg, if I aim to win their hearts. They admire strong leaders, and that's exactly the kind of person I need to be.

She sped up the horse and went ahead, to the head of the column. Contrary to what her uncle had advised, Elise didn't like to keep a safe distance from her soldiers and often let them pay their homages as she rode by their side. At first they seemed surprised by it, probably because they believed the daugher of a king was a spoiled girl, but with time she was starting to gain their trust and respect.

All she had to do was doing the same in Lyngard.

***

The Lord of the city was called Albert. He was an old man, apparently short and frail but still blessed with an incredible intellect. Cremont said he had literally seen King Sebastian growing up and had been there for him whenever he needed, in peace and war. Speaking of wars, they had led the army together against the Republic and the conspiracy that aimed at overthrowing the throne.

Laughing, the general admitted that he was amazed that Elise had been entrusted to Dominic and not to Albert, when her father believed she was in danger. Perhaps he had thought that move was a bit too obvious, that there would have been enemies waiting to ambush the person who carried the newborn, but at that point nobody could tell.

No matter what had happened, the Lord was a good friend of the King and had been freaking out since after receiving word that the princess was headed that way.

This is the moment I prepared for. From here, I'm leaving behind my past and becoming the heir of Cassidia for real.

When the column reached the gates it was already clear that the city had been built to be always ready to hold its own against an attack. The doors were massive and there were sentries on every bastion, keeping watch on the horizon. As she came closer, Elise was amazed to notice that Lyngard was way smaller than she initially thought. It could easily fit into the capital's walls four or five times. Because of that, most of the soldiers didn't even enter and just camped in the plains temporarily, waiting for further instructions.

Everything inside seems so cramped... But the people are smiling. Wait, what kind of welcome is this?

Men, women and children, old and young. They were all kneeling devoutly at the passage of the Princess and her following. From the alleys, the windows, the front of the many shops, the whole population of Lyngard was acknowledging her.

From Elise's point of view, it felt weird but strangely fulfilling. It was the kind of feeling she associated with being home after a long period of time.

It must be because of all the things I read about this place. Still, it's where it all began. In the entire Kingdom, there isn't anywhere I belong more than here. I can already tell.

She raised her hand to greet her people, which earned her even more smiles and cheering. The unconditional love of that city towards that girl, despite not really knowing her, was almost overwhelming and made her smile as well.

This must be what leading a country is all about.

A group of girls pointed their fingers at her, commenting about how beautiful her eyes were. For a moment, Elise wondered what they would have thought if they had seen her when she was still known as the daughter of a poor farmer, then she shrugged off her doubts and moved on.

When they arrived at the entrance of the inner keep, which was surrounded by an additional layer of walls, a committee was waiting for them.

Leading them was Lord Albert in person. He approached Elise excitedly when she appeared, bowing multiple times and reducing his height even further. Somehow, he was also able to do this without looking like a dog in the process. Nobody would have said he was sucking up ,or making himself miserable. It was true devotion and care.

"Your Highness! Princess!" he exclaimed. "It's such an honour to have you here. Please, make yourself at home. Did the journey go well? I wasn't able to prepare a proper welcome, that's so embarrassing of me."

"Thanks, My Lord. Throwing a party won't be necessary," replied the girl, with a laugh. "I can't wait to visit Lyngard and know its people. I've been reading so much about your city."

"Of course, of course! This place is very important for those with your blood. Let us enter, I'll have someone show you your room and then I'll assign an escort immediately so you can take a tour-"

With a fake cough, Cremont requested Elise's attention. "Your Highness... Should I remind you that we came here for very different reasons?"

Hmm... Well, he is right. Another time, perhaps.

Albert's face completely changed when he glared at the general.

"Hector," he said. "I see you are still the same."

"Do you two know each other well?" asked the young princess.

"Certainly, Your Highness!" replied the Lord, reverting to his gentle, smiling self. "You see, your general here is the son of one of my cousins. How's your mother, Hector? Last time I heard from here, she had bought a new house near Canthars and..."

This man seems funny, but it only takes a glance to tell he's got everything under control. He... He's actually the kind of grandfather I would like. Yet, Cremont has a point, we need to arrange our stay here in the detail. Rickhart could be planning an attack as we speak.

***

In the end, after discussing a bit more with Lord Albert, who was overjoyed by the idea that Elise cared so much about knowing Lyngard better, order was given to send scouts in every direction, keep the situation in check and the messengers ready.

The girl relaxed in her room inside the keep, eager to see the rest of the city the following morning and meet the local nobles.

This is going to be part of my kingdom in the future. Today I've started walking the path of my destiny. Cremont said I'm allowed to go where I please, as long as I have soldiers with me and stick to the main roads. I can't wait. There should even be an ancient monument to Lynn...

Something told her that Lyngard was special. It was a place she felt intimately connected to despite not having seen it before that day. The girl had still to figure out what exactly gave her that idea, but she was trying her best.

It has to be the people here. They are so simple and warming, reminds me of Fradot. I hope Gardn and the others are doing fine, in the North. I promised I would do anything I could for them, but I'm too far and... My place is here. I finally understand what Dominic meant.

That city wasn't Cassidia. It wasn't a rich capital led by an alienated nobility, barely held together by a good ruler and his few loyal servants. It was an ancient place, whose people believed in the authority of the royal family, the ones who had built the Kingdom. The ones whose roots were there.

When this is over, I'll ask Father if he wants to come here with me.

The girl dozed off, tired by the trip. She dreamed of a crowd cheering and applauding her as she paraded on the main road in Cassidia. The sun shone in the sky. Even Roric was there, in the middle of a group of people, clapping with a big smile. The King, her father, was watching from above as Elise proceeded, and every bell in the city rang...

She woke up, all of a sudden. The bells of the keep were in fact ringing.

It's some sort of alarm, but I can't sense any urgency into it... Screw it, I'll go and see for myself.