“I had intended to dispatch my aide, but given your presence, I shall convey my instructions directly. I require you to implement strict control over the capital,” Eugene declared.
Lester’s gaze met Eugene’s with a look of surprise. He had been prepared for the possibility of the king’s absence extending beyond the active period, a contingency the king had previously outlined. Yet, the dry season was still a distant prospect.
“To what extent does Your Highness wish me to exert control?” Lester inquired.
Having dispatched her aide to the Grand General, Eugene was overcome by a sudden sense of unease. She feared her request might be excessive but resolved to trust her instincts. While Kasser would undoubtedly comprehend her concerns if she expressed apprehension, such a statement to the Grand General might be perceived as absurd. Consequently, Eugene issued her orders without explanation.
“I expect a citywide lockdown. All citizens should remain indoors, and businesses are to close. Implement control measures as if the active period has commenced,” she declared.
“As you wish, Your Highness.”
Lester acquiesced without question and departed.
***
The soldiers tasked with reconnoitering the area outside the capital from the city walls detected unusual activity. They promptly reported their observations to Sang-je.
“They are dismantling all the tents?”
“Indeed. We observed them commencing the dismantling of the king’s tent as well and hastened to report the development,” another soldier confirmed.
“Well done. Continue to report any subsequent changes without delay,” Sang-je commended.
“As you command, Your Holiness,” the soldiers replied.
So, they are finally retreating. Well, the active period is approaching, Sang-je mused, a hint of amusement coloring his tone as he contemplated the persistent king’s eventual departure. Naturally, a king could not abandon his kingdom. To gain entry to their castles before the onset of the active period, kings were compelled to depart at this juncture.
Shortly after the soldier’s departure, a knight entered, dispelling Sang-je’s momentary cheer. The usually composed Sang-je furrowed his brow and raised his voice.
“How many times must I endure your failure to apprehend Anika Flora?” he demanded.
The knight bowed deeply, his expression resolute. “I apologize profusely, Your Holiness,” he responded.
“I issued explicit instructions to bring Anika Flora into custody without fail!” Sang-je emphasized.
A priest, dispatched to the prison to investigate Pides’ unusual behavior, had returned with news of Flora’s return. However, upon learning that Pides had taken Flora, Sang-je had sensed a discrepancy. He had immediately dispatched knights in pursuit.
While gnashing his teeth and vowing to hold Pides accountable, Sang-je regained his composure upon realizing that Pides was heading towards the city center rather than fleeing the capital. A glimmer of curiosity ignited within him, as he recognized that Pides’ actions were likely motivated by a specific reason.
The knight who had been tasked with locating Pides and Flora reported their presence at Flora’s residence but had failed to retrieve them. Pides had stationed himself at the door, claiming that Flora was napping and should not be disturbed. Sang-je was utterly dumbfounded and reiterated his order to awaken Flora and bring her into custody.
However, the knight returned empty-handed once more, and Sang-je’s irritation reached a boiling point.
“Did you disregard my orders?” he demanded.
“No, Your Holiness, such insolence is unthinkable,” the knight replied.
“Then provide a satisfactory explanation for your failure,” Sang-je bellowed.
The knight hesitated before responding. “Pides asserted that Anika Flora’s nap would be brief and advised us to await her awakening. He warned us that disturbing her slumber would result in dire consequences.”
Sang-je emitted a hollow laugh. The knights were evidently treating Flora with undue deference, likely a consequence of his previous elevation of her status. Criticizing their cowardly behavior would prove futile at this juncture.
“Force entry if necessary. Accept no excuses this time. If Pides interferes, use force if required. I shall not hold you accountable for any unforeseen consequences,” Sang-je declared.
The knight departed with a determined expression, emboldened by Sang-je’s support. As the door closed behind him, Sang-je clicked his tongue in exasperation. It seemed he was surrounded by incompetence.
Flora… She should be reporting to the palace immediately, not indulging in a nap.
While Anika Jin’s arrogance might explain such behavior, Flora’s actions were incongruous. Sensing an underlying irregularity, Sang-je dispatched additional knights to Flora’s residence with explicit orders to bring her back.
***
The five kings were converging on the capital. Having perused the latest message inscribed on the spell note, Kasser prepared to confront the impending onslaught of larks. They dismantled every tent that could impede their progress and assembled the soldiers south of the capital.
The Hashi Kingdom’s garrison defending the capital numbered approximately three thousand warriors and soldiers. Deploying additional troops would inevitably alert Sang-je, necessitating the deployment of the remaining forces as a second wave to reinforce King Richard’s army. They should be en route by now.
Kasser addressed the assembled warriors. “Remind everyone once more: refrain from initiating a preemptive attack on the larks. Upon the larks’ entry into the capital, we must simultaneously attempt to infiltrate the city,” he instructed.
“As you command, Your Majesty,” the warriors responded.
The warriors dispersed to disseminate the message to the assembled soldiers. Shortly thereafter, they returned, and Kasser stood, gazing in a specific direction. The presence of Praz within him began to stir, signaling the approach of the larks.
He discerned minuscule moving specks in the distance. The warriors soon noticed as well.
“Your Majesty,” a warrior exclaimed, his grip tightening around his sword.
“Yes,” Kasser acknowledged.
Kasser observed as the specks grew to the size of fists. Their proximity was imminent. He retrieved an oil canister at his feet and poured its contents onto the ground. This canister contained the seeds Eugene had purloined from the capital.
He picked up the seeds from the oil-slicked ground. The precise potency of these seeds remained unknown. He failed to comprehend Eugene’s words that the king consuming the seeds would know Sang-je’s weakness. He scooped the seeds into a small cylinder and held it in his hand, harboring hope that it might prove decisive
The larks, which had initially appeared as minuscule specks, now resembled the size of humans. The ground trembled in response to the approaching beasts.
***
Sang-je jolted awake, his crimson eyes fixed on the nothingness before him.
My seed… outside the capital?
