He who lives in war, dies in war.

Joaquim Hounsou – Former General of the Eastern Forces – Dead Slave of the Eastern Forces

*

Thiago's foot taps against the stone floor of the tavern. At this hour, few were those who could afford to enjoy the intoxicating pleasures of Fiandel's beer in such establishment.

Thiago, however, did not consider the situation a privilege. Bernard's call came earlier than he anticipated and apprehension dominated his mind.

"Calm down." He tried to stave off the nervousness, but the movement of his leg indicated that he was far from being successful. "If I want to get closer to Yvanna's position, I need to learn how to deal with situations like this."

However, he himself could not say exactly what was this “situation”. After all, he had been called by Bernard's subordinates and taken to a private room in one of the establishments near the castle – without any explanation.

And, while he waited, he couldn't even afford to drink more than a pint of beer – the price of the first one served as a great incentive for a morning of sobriety.

-I apologize for being late. – Bernard came to the private room accompanied by Gasser, the yellow hobgoblin that served as Rinlia's assistant. – I had to deal with some issues and I have a meeting soon, so I won't take too much of your time.

Despite the declared haste, the warrior settles in his chair and gestures to the owner of the tavern, who hurries up and get back with two empty mugs and a small barrel of ale.

Bernard immediately fills his mug.

-It would be a waste not to drink, don't you think? – He waves to Gasser, who imitates him. – Fiandel has the best ale in the entire continent. If we don't enjoy the wonders of our kingdom, who will?

Bernard drinks and extols the glories of Fiandel; Gasser closes the door after the snacks are served, always agreeing and complementing the warrior's lines; Thiago remains silent, listening to the two.

The beer disappears from the mugs.

-As I said before, I'm busy. – Bernard announces when he realizes that there are no more snacks. The warrior stamps his foot twice, torn between asking for another round or continuing the conversation. He chooses the second option. – Thiago, I called you because, starting today, I'm going to ask you to accompany me on some occasions. For now, whenever there is an official situation that allows the presence of an ordinary soldier, you will be by my side. Gasser came with me because he is acting as an intermediary between me and Rinlia in this matter.

-Sorry, but I don't think I understand the reason for that.

-There's nothing to apologize for. - Gasser intervenes, with his agitated voice and his typically practical attitude. – As you may have noticed, the commander has gained confidence in your abilities. The reason she has been training you personally and meeting you in public is precisely to generate the idea in the army that you two have a bond.

-And what is the purpose of this?

Bernard brings his palms together and leans forward. His eyes are fixed on Thiago's face.

-You were with her on the mission to Vivre, weren't you? So, you know very well that Rinlia had two deputy commanders on that mission. It's a ranked position in any squad and you'll find it's even better in Rinlia's squad.

The phrase is not surprising to Thiago. It was considered an honor to be chosen to accompany the elf as a normal soldier. He himself was only chosen because of a last-minute casualty, otherwise he would have been replaced by someone better qualified.

-Barsen's death was a shock. – Bernard continues. - He was a strong warrior and we did not expect such casualty. Rinlia's plan was to await Yvanna's wedding and establish Guinevere as her replacement. But, now, she needs to appoint another deputy commander.

Gasser does not give Thiago enough time to come to a conclusion on his own.

-She wants you to assume that position, Thiago. She wants to give you the opportunity to assume a prominent position in the ranks of Fiandel's army.

Thiago frowns, turning to Gasser.

-Me? But… Why? And what about you?

The hobgoblin is not surprised by the questions.

-First of all, you need to understand that Rinlia's deputy commander role is... Peculiar. Unfortunately, I can't tell you why, but Rinlia has a privileged position in the army. She doesn't choose subordinates based on skill alone. The fact that she thinks of you as an option means that she trusts your abilities, but, more importantly, she trusts your judgment and your loyalty to her. It shouldn't be that hard to understand after having trained with her. - Gasser shrugs. – As for me, I could not be considered for the job. I have other roles that can't be taken on by anyone else.

Thiago thinks for a moment and, the more he thinks, the more the situation seems to make sense, judging by the elf's actions.

-Let's not skip steps. – Bernard finishes drinking another mug and wants to take back the reins of the conversation. - This is not an official proposal, otherwise I would not be the one talking to you. We came here to let you know that your social status needs to be improved for something of this magnitude.

-And what do I need to do?

-You need to become a more respected member of the army and a more prominent figure in our kingdom society. – Gasser answers. – Rinlia is taking care of the second part, training you and allowing you to become known as a mage. That should be enough for now.

-And I'll make sure that you earn respect in the army. – Bernard says. - It is a personal favor to her, so that there are no major problems with the nobles and other uncomfortable individuals who would want to be chosen. You will appear as my right-hand man at army meetings and affairs. I will introduce you to acquaintances and you will be seen in high-ranking social circles. It will only be for a few days and it shouldn't disrupt your training schedule too much, but you should take it as an official task.

-This is important. – Gasser emphasizes. – You must be careful and maintain decorum at all times. Rinlia is in a hurry to complete the preparations and you should consider this as your mission.

The two are silent, facing Thiago, waiting for an answer.

The soldier, stunned by the amount of information, picks up his own beer and, almost automatically, takes the drink all at once. Gasser and Bernard look at each other with a half-smile.

“A few days ago, I was calmly training. Two days ago, I was watching a torture session. Today I'm having a beer with two big shots, planning my social ascension.”

The speed of changes frightens him.

-Do you have any reason to be in a hurry? - He asks. - Any reason why I would be chosen not because I am the best option, but because the nomination cannot wait?

-Why do you ask?

-I can think of a candidate that Rinlia would certainly like to keep around. – Thiago gives Gasser a meaningful look. – Why wouldn't she choose him?

Bernard is the one who answers.

-Are you talking about Arthur? Yes, I know about him. I am the main commander of the army, Thiago, I obviously know about the boy. I also know that he can never take a position like that.

-Why not?

-Arthur is and will always be treated as a weapon. This is something Rinlia and everyone else understand very well. Don't get me wrong: He seems like a nice kid and is doing everything we ask of him, but we won't give him influence. The power he possesses is too dangerous in itself.

-Besides, you are not an emergency option. – Gasser shakes his head. - Do you think that Rinlia has been training you without any interest in mind? She's been sizing you up ever since you agreed to be coached by her and recently asked both of us to take care of the next steps.

-Besides, what does it matter to you if there is more than one reason for your appointment? – Bernard gets up. The other two imitate the gesture. – We need a deputy commander to work with one of the better-regarded commanders in the entire army. That position could be yours. Would you be able to reject a proposal like that?

Thiago smiles.

“They didn't answer my question. So, there's a reason why Rinlia is in a hurry. What would it be? Political pressure? Does she need to form a team for an urgent mission? Maybe something bigger?”

Thiago asks the questions, but only for himself. He knows that, even if he speaks, he won't get real answers.

-I appreciate the opportunity. I will do my best not to disappoint you.

He knows there is only one way to get answers.

And he is willing to pay the price for them.

*

From one of the tallest towers in Fiandel, Njalmar admires the great buildings and the small people who roam the streets of the great kingdom under his command. His eyes shine at the organization of the carriages and the great movement of creatures that chose these lands to call “home”.

-We're close, my dear... - He mumbles, alone. – A little more and my work here will be done.

A knocking sound at the door. From where he is, the king feels the presence of a powerful figure on the other side. Few individuals in the realm were able to emit that much energy outside of battle, making it easy to guess who it is.

-Come on in, Armenvald.

The old mage opens the door and stands outside, bowing before announcing:

-We are waiting for you, Your Majesty.

-And Nafaester?

-Bernard is leading her to the conference room as we speak.

-Very well. Give me a moment, Armenvald. I will get there soon.

-Your Majesty?

-Yes?

-Regarding my request...

-We've had this conversation, old friend. – The king turns his back to the wizard and goes back to the window. – It is not a matter of lack of consideration with your warnings. I recognize the risks, but I am also aware of the possible rewards. This is not the time to be a coward, but to move forward. It's time to change the world. Now leave. Leave me alone. I will be there in a minute.

Armenvald bites his lip, feeling his old body close to tears. He wanted to kneel down and beg the king to reconsider, but pride held him back. He wants to ask him to adjourn the meeting, to convince Nafaester that he needs more time, but the wizard knew the king wouldn't do that. Not after he had given his word that the meeting would be held today.

-As you wish.

The mage retreats, closing the door behind him. Njalmar closes his eyes for a moment, pushing the image of the mage from his mind and invoking the vision of his queen.

The most beautiful image he has ever seen.

-I will achieve the future you dreamt about. - He mutters. – But, for that, I need to leave you behind, my love. After so many years, I need to use my position to climb one more step.

The most beautiful face, smiling again.

-Don’t worry. Our vision of the future will be closer after that. And then I can rest and join you among the entities.

He puts his hand on the window and takes a deep breath.

-I will love you forever.

Njalmar leaves the tower and goes to the meeting room, simultaneously helping the vision of the future of his former and future wives, continuing the plan of the past and initiating the plan for the future.

And, in the conference room, he would start preparations for a new war.

-I declare that Fiandel accepts your proposal. You will have our support.

*

Arthur's hands move the staff and create a small explosion a few feet in front of his own body. He is pushed back and has to drive his staff into the ground, slowing himself down.

Galaaz, who had attacked him, had to interrupt his own movement and was now at a considerable distance, giving the boy enough time to focus on the other opponent: Thiago.

The warrior/mage approached at an average (but steady) speed, looking for a blind spot or a sign of fatigue before lunging. It had been the same in the last two days: Arthur's opponents respected him, keeping their distance and caution, waiting for the best moment to deliver an attack capable of defeating him in a few moments.

While this gave Arthur enough time to think carefully about each move, it also added to the tension and made it even harder for him to concentrate on carrying out his main task.

And, faced with a short pause like that, he instantly took the energy of his two opponents to himself. From that distance, both Thiago and Galaaz were able to perceive their energy being taken. Thiago, who had his magical training up to date, couldn't help but panic after noticing that the magic he stored so carefully was being taken from him. While the soldier knew that this would help him improve his own energy creation through constant exercise, he could not help but regret the loss of such a precious commodity.

"Let's go..." Arthur took several steps backwards, trying to gain distance and time before taking the next step in his training.

Guinevere, in the distance, watched. It was her turn to wait for Arthur's next move. From where she stood, she recognized that the training was not pretty, but its efficiency was remarkable. The speed with which Arthur was now able to take energy from his opponents was much faster than before. And, despite the symptoms of psychological fatigue that could be noticed, she felt that he could, at any moment, succeed in his task.

"C’mon..." Arthur repeats in his mind, aware that Thiago has advanced to attack him. "It is so close." He refuses to dodge until the last possible moment. He knows he has to use every second. He has to visualize Guinevere on his right. He needs to understand the magic that is stored in his body.

"Just a little bit more."

Thiago is close.

"Wait..."

The fist lunges towards him.

"Now!"

He tries to dodge, but it is too late. The fist, covered by magic, hits him. He tries to cast magic in Guinevere's direction, but is unsuccessful. He tries to understand where he went wrong and, in this matter, he succeeds: He was slow.

-You did well to block with your shoulder. – Thiago, standing in front of Arthur's body, offers a hand.

-If we were using weapons, he'd be dead. - Guinevere approaches, avoiding using a reproachful tone. – You need to be more patient, Arthur. If the first opening isn't enough, you need to create another one. If that's not enough-

-Create another and then another. – The boy finishes the sentence, accepting the soldier's extended hand and massaging his injured shoulder after getting up. - I know. It's just that it seemed to be so close...

-Close is not good enough. – The warrior puts her hand on his shoulder, forcing him to turn around. - I do not want you to lose the movement of an arm before completing this training. Are you hearing me? I want you to be more careful, because I'm not going to ask them to go easy on you. That would be bad for their training.

-I know that. He shakes his head, unable to be annoyed. All he feels is dissatisfaction with himself. – I'll be more careful.

She analyzes his shoulder and realizes that the area will be bruised for a while. The warrior sighs and waves to Thiago.

-You keep waiting for now. Practice your own meditation while Arthur tries to send energy to you.

-Yes ma'am.

-Let's restart. – She points across the field to Arthur and, as she walks away, Guinevere whispers to Galaaz: – Avoid hitting him in the shoulder, okay? Starting tomorrow I will force him to use armor.

*

*