An hour later, Drake's carriage, Outskirts of Vaillance

Vaillance is a Vast State, its hard to Fathom that this massive state is just one part of ten such kingdoms that are part of the Black Sun Empire. Each State is governed by its own king who represents the virtue of that state. selected from a pool of noble families, the person who passes the virtue criteria is given the title of king. The ten states are governed by ten such virtues. Strength, Justice, Love, Peace, Faith, Courage, Diligence, Honor, Wealth and Pride. Out of the ten states, Fierté, The State of Pride is considered the main Governing body and is the Domain of the High King.

The High King's Cabinet is composed of the rest of the Nine kings. The only time when all the kings are gathered in one place is once every 5 years during the Council of Kings. It is a major event as Every State in the Empire is required to Participate and hold Festivities celebrating the Empire's Longevity.

As Drake Gazed out of the Carriage window, watching the Grasslands whizz by at Extreme speeds, Sergeant Isaiah Sunswift, who has been watching the boy for a while finally spoke to him.

"Cadet Drake"

Drake snapped out of his Daze and diverted his attention onto Isaiah

"Are you, by chance, from a Brunhild Temple Lineage?"

Isaiah Inquired

"Brunhild Temple? I Get that a lot, and I honestly do not know."

Drake replied

Brunhild Temple is a Nation to the south of Archelon's Ridge, a Massive mountain range Fabled to be Created by a powerful Sorcerer over 400 years ago, It stretches all the way from the Gulf of Zoar into the Ashen Sea.

Isaiah continued

"you have the characteristics of one of Brunhild descent, a Tanned Complexion, Dark eyes, It's the hair I'm unsure about"

Drake took a moment to register what Isaiah just said

There were people who were similar to him

"Interesting. I've never seen another Person who looks like I do."

Drake sounded hopeful

"You mean there were no Brunhild slaves in your Town?"

Isaiah asked

"Slaves?"

Isaiah leaned into his seat and sighed

Drake was ecstatic with this revelation, he felt a mix of emotions well up within him

"Yes, it is unfortunate, But there are smugglers who work with an Unnamed Organisation in Brunhilda, They trade The Empire's technological research in return for Child Slaves."

"If you know Who they are and What they are doing, Shouldn't you be trying to put a stop to it?"

Drake's voice was tinged with rage

"There are states that have outlawed slavery, But there are those who still keep them in secrecy. Not every state has cracked down on slavery either. Due to their dependance on slave labour for grueling handiwork such as farming and masonry. This State being one of them…"

Isaiah spoke softly

"The Mage corps has made it a Mission to hunt down Bandits and Slave traders still operating across the 10 States, Although Slave labour is still very common, the economy is not so bad that completely outlawing slavery will have an economical impact. Until the legislation that outlaws slavery isn't passed down, These scum will continue to thrive off of unfortunate people."

"Tell me more about Brunhild Temple."

Drake decided to take his mind off of this distressful subject and focus on what Isaiah said earlier

"Well, Information about the country is Scarce due to them not being on good terms with the Empire. No wonder, who would want to speak with the people who allowed your children to be kidnapped and turned into Slaves."

Isaiah rubbed his temples

"I have had the opportunity to visit Brunhild Temple on a scholarly endeavour, Where Students from Red Master College and a group of Belthor University Students exchanged access to the libraries of each of our nations."

"I thought you said they weren't on Diplomatic terms with the Empire?"

Drake was dubious

"That was a joint effort by Red Master College and Brunhild's University to try and improve the Relations between us. So they decided the best way was to share our public archives with each other."

Isaiah explained

"We were the target of endless scorn while we were there. But we also learned a lot about our neighbouring nation."

"The people of Brunhild Temple put heavy emphasis on preserving their Culture and Traditions. In terms of Technology and Development they are just a hair behind the Empire. Most important of all, They have an extremely unique way of using their Anthem powers."

Isaiah recounted his experiences

"Tell me more about the people"

Drake probed him

"Well, Like I said before, the people there have Very similar Characteristics to you. They have Tanned or Dark Complexions, Very rarely will you see a light-toned person. They also have darker eyes and hair colours compared to the people of the empire but there are people who have descended from Elven and Lycan lineage who have features that Consign toward that lineage. The People there are soft-spoken and Friendly, The city I went to was sprawling with smiles, Not a frown in sight."

Drake listened on

"That's why I thought you might be from a Brunhild lineage, but there are some things I'm quite unsure of"

Isaiah continued

"The people there have Dark Hair and eyes… Not black like yours. and that white Tuft of hair on the left of your head is very confusing to me."

"Why"

Drake asked

"Solid Black eyes are a Characteristic of Elves and some Abyss Dwellers, But Black hair with patches of White has been said to be the sign of a Demon…"

Isaiah almost whispered.

Daine who had been listening in on the conversation between Isaiah and Drake, let out a laugh loud enough to be heard inside

"Isaiah, Surely you're not suggesting that Cadet Drake is a Demon? they were banished into the Aether realm by the combined effort of the Divine spirits and the mortals more than 200 years ago now"

Isaiah sighed

"What's our ETA"

"About 3 more Hours"

Daine Replied

Isaiah Looked toward Drake who was staring at his Tightened fists.

"There are people out there, Just like me. Bruns. Just like me…"

"I'd refrain from using that term Cadet, That word is a Slur used to refer to Brunhild Slaves."

Drake's Fists Tightened even more

"Fuck those people"

He cursed under his breath.