"You say you're not afraid of me, boy? Take this opportunity to prove it here."
Gabran's and Princess Madalin's skins turned white as they felt that powerful voice enter their ears like an icy gust of wind.
This is ridiculous... He just finished that speech!
But how?! Even using the nearest Tarburian mirror, it's impossible for my father to have arrived in such a short time from the palace.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkzxjsNvLk
They thought in bewilderment, their faces looking stunned.
Could it be...
Was he listening to us from the beginning, and we didn't even realize it?!
Gabran swallowed hard, Madalin clenched her teeth; their agitated minds couldn't alleviate the tension. The two slowly turned their heads toward the owner of the voice, trying in vain to delay the inevitable. Each had their own reasons to fear having been spied upon by him during that conversation.
However...
"AH?!"
They jumped as soon as they could make out who it was.
"Father?!" Gabran exclaimed, blinking a few times to make sure it was him and not King Renardin, as he had sworn.
"General!" The princess followed suit, performing a nervous military salute, as was appropriate when addressing her superior and one of her most esteemed "mentors."
He was a man of medium height, with warm white skin and a strong build. He wore an uniform consisting of a long blue jacket with intricate yellow embroideries, blue trousers and black boots. A longsword was sheathed on the left side of his body, and a metallic insignia hung on the side of his heart, signifying his distinction as a general of the Kingdom of Grianz.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSX9jdrUlc
"Why do you look at me as if I were an Ashaim?" he asked them with a stern tone. "Do you really think His Majesty has time to come down and watch over you?" He broke his seriousness, smiling mischievously. On rare occasions, he could display his particular ability to mimic the voice of his king. "Heeheehe!" He chuckled, leaving his son and the princess even more astonished.
They couldn't take their eyes off his rugged and ungraceful face, reminiscent of a warhound: with bushy eyebrows, small brown eyes, and a prominent flat nose, but complemented by a stylishly trimmed beard and mustache that enhanced his virility. His black hair was combed back and neatly tied. Despite being a bit dazed because this man, normally sober and strict as his position required, had played this prank on them, the two young ones breathed a sigh of relief. They were well aware that, had it been His Majesty himself, he would’ve been far from amused upon seeing them together.
"Dad!" Olivrin called out, running toward him to greet him. He had been watching everything that had transpired from the corner where his brother had left him.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3Za46KVAw
"General, or Ser Chatel Chatel," his father corrected him, returning his greeting nonetheless with a small smile and gently patting his head. He looked at Gabran, furrowing his brow ever so slightly. "No 'father' or 'dad.' Remember that even though you are my children, it's proper to address me by my titles or last name in public."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRQ7aH3TIJ
Both of them lowered their heads, feeling slightly ashamed by the gentle but firm scolding. Gabran approached him somewhat timidly.
"Why are you out here, da… General Chatel Chatel?" he asked with curiosity, using his rank alongside his last name, as some of his subordinates often did. It wasn't very common for him to be out of his quarters so early. He usually worked, even on Soladis, either training troops or handling paperwork in his office.
"Has something happened, General?" the princess added, equally intrigued. General Chatel Chatel shifted his gaze to her.
"His Majesty has instructed the guard to post ‘wanted’ posters in the city's main districts," he explained.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CUeBLTQzZ
"Wanted posters?" the princess asked, quickly understanding what he was referring to. "The ones for that Abiyr spotted in Cirencre?"
The General nodded.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzw27hdYLgJ
Then, is it true? Isn't it just Renardin’s propaganda? Gabran thought, raising his eyebrows. He began to doubt his skepticism as he noticed his father taking this task seriously.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7lAExvfFM
While the king was impulsive and theatrical, his father was quite the opposite. They had been friends since childhood, and the General had always been his closest and most honest advisor. Regardless of his authority, Chatel Chatel did not hesitate to openly question or criticize a royal order if he disagreed with it. More than once, such frankness had tested their long-standing friendship.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8kVVAerpU
"Your Highness," the General addressed the princess. "I've dispatched some troops to the old quarter to post several of those posters. I want you to head there immediately to oversee their work. When you're done, return to the barracks to await further instructions."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7oJiPz30e
"Yes, General!" Madalin agreed, saluting militarily for the second time before turning and briskly walking away with her escorts.
Gabran watched her go, noticing how she briefly glanced at him for a moment before continuing on her way to her assigned destination.
"What have you been up to, gentlemen? How has your morning been?" The general asked both him and Olivrin, causing the actor to snap back to attention and turn to him.
Gabran furrowed his brow slightly. He hasn't lectured me, yet. He'll do that when we're alone, he supposed, finding it somewhat uncomfortable but understandable how his father had steered the conversation towards mundane matters. "Well… We were just taking a stroll, as usual."
"Taking a stroll," the general repeated his son's words, with thinly veiled incredulity. "Are you planning to do anything else, or are you heading back home?"
"As a matter of fact," Gabran paused, glancing at a clock tower rising in the west. Its numbers and hands, blue-tinged like a comet on a screen as dark as the nighttime sky, indicated that it was a little past ten in the morning. It's a good time, he judged. He looked back at his father to finish what he was going to say. "I was going to meet up with my theater group at the university. We're going to rehearse 'The Great Revival.'"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu1zk3CAg2
"'The Great Revival'?" Confused, Olivrin inquired. Gabran had never mentioned such a play to him.
"Yes," the actor confirmed. "It's an original play... we started preparing together a few days ago," he clarified. "I'm sorry, Olivrin, but you can't come with me this time."
"Huh? Why not?" His younger brother asked, even more puzzled. Usually, Gabran would invite him to most of his rehearsals.
"It's just that..." He briefly glanced at his father before refocusing on Olivrin, adopting a rather serious expression. "It's a ‘romantic’ play. Of the ‘hardcore’ kind."
Olivrin turned away with a displeased grimace.
"Ugh, romance... So those were the 'adult matters’ you were talking about at home," he said, lacking any enthusiasm. "I'll pass on accompanying you. I've had enough for today watching your cheesy flirting with the princess."
"Olivrin!" Gabran scolded him, flustered. Although he was sure his father already knew, he didn't like the fact that his younger brother had mentioned it out loud.
Olivrin himself chuckled, covering his mouth when he saw his older brother's flushed cheeks.
Gabran stepped back a bit and turned his head to both sides, checking his surroundings. "Well, I must be off. See you at lunch!" He bid farewell, turning around and walking briskly to exit the square.
"The Great Revival”.. What a strange name for a romantic play, Olivrin mused internally, unable to ignore that name. Not only did it not resemble the titles of his brother's previous works, but he had a feeling that it held a special meaning beyond a simple love story.
"Olivrin," his father called out. "Do you have plans for today like your brother?"
Olivrin turned toward him, snapping out of his reverie.
"Uh, no. I'm going back home. I think I'll practice some magic tricks I've been learning."
“Urmpf…” The general grunted. He could tolerate his son's interest in Nefeshic arts, but he didn't quite like it because of the trouble it often caused due to his inexperience. "Alright, but do it in the courtyard, away from any windows. Don't even think about making a mess like the one in the living room again," he ordered. "And I hope you're not neglecting your school duties. Have you finished that poem you had to submit tomorrow?"
"Yes, I finished it yesterday. Your advice helped me a lot," he assured confidently. Chatel Chatel and Gabran, both lovers of poetry, had given him several suggestions. He turned around, ready to leave, and glanced back over his shoulder. "I'll show it to you at lunch!"
The boy sprinted back home.
"Take care!" the general called out in farewell. His son's energy and vivacity brought a proud smile to his face, but it soon turned into an expression of seriousness.
"The Great Revival..." the general thought as he watched Olivrin disappear. The name has piqued his curiosity... I'll have to make sure he doesn't follow us.
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***
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The Abiyr of Cirencre...
What had initially been considered as just another laughable product of King Renardin's paranoia, had now become a matter of genuine interest and concern for Gabran. The young man watched as several soldiers posted “wanted” posters on the walls and street poles he passed by, surrounded by numerous and magnificent government buildings. “Curros” carriages of the Army occasionally circulated, following the route that led to the city's barracks, located near the Royal Palace.
I wonder what could have convinced my father that this isn't just one of Renardin's inventions, Gabran thought to himself as he frequently glanced at the sinister portraits of the dark knight, hoping to discover the truth soon.
Although he was heading to his university, he wasn't going to a rehearsal with his theater group as he had announced in the White Forum.
Suddenly, someone emerged from an intersection he had just crossed, joining him.
"You were supposed to 'rehearse' with me this afternoon," the person commented.
Gabran recognized him by his voice. They had met less than an hour ago.
"I understand if you're eager, but it's not good to rush things either. Netzach wasn't built in a day. Are you really ready?" the individual continued, his eyes fixed on Gabran.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz77KNHZmR
"I am," Gabran replied with confidence. The man who had approached him was his father, General Chatel Chatel. "I want to run some preliminary tests before we practice. Are you going to be busy all day with those posters?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiBn5gI0GR
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"No, I should be done before noon. If nothing comes up after lunch, we can go together," he replied. He furrowed his brow slightly. "Whatever you do, always follow the director's instructions. The environment is well-controlled, but don't get too creative without mastering the basics."
"I know this isn't a theater play. I'll be cautious," Gabran assured him, maintaining great composure. When he was alone with his father, he behaved as the man he was.
The General averted his gaze and stroked his beard, smiling for a few seconds before continuing the conversation.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85PLzv4PUN
"I wish you had that same attitude outside of this role," he said. "Do you think I haven't heard that you've been in the White Forum performing buffoonish imitations of His Majesty?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXvVB4yCpU
"I figured you already knew. It was impossible to go unnoticed," Gabran responded, without evasion, not appearing unsettled by the accusation. "If you were already aware, why haven't you or His Majesty punished me?"
"Because it doesn't bother me at all. On the contrary, I believe His Majesty occasionally needs to be taken down from the high horse he loves to ride, and humor is a harmless way to do it. He obviously won't like it, but he has a commitment to uphold the constitution of this city while he assumes its leadership," the General explained. He furrowed his brow slightly in a disapproving gesture. "However, I found out today that you went a bit too far. You can criticize Renardin, but always with intelligence and truth, not with foolish lies."
Gabran lowered his head, ashamed.
"I know... That was wrong, and I promise I won't do it again," he assured with the same honesty he had shown to the princess.
"Good, at least you're aware of your mistake," the general said, satisfied with his response. "But tell me, Gabran, have you been impersonating His Majesty because you want to entertain the citizens? Or is it because you're only interested in catching someone's attention in particular?"
Those tricky questions made the young actor come to a halt. He faced his father resolutely. He was not one to shy away from his decisions.
"That's right, I haven't done it solely for the sake of art," he admitted. "I'm trying to reconnect with Her Highness."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvML88d9Xg5
"URMPF!" Chatel Chatel roared without opening his mouth, greatly displeased by that reckless confession. "I thought we had already moved past this. When are you going to get off your own high horse, Gabran?"
Gabran sighed in exasperation. He was expecting now a lecture about the excuses for why he was forbidden from dating the princess, such as her special titles and the king's disapproval. Excuses that he had always found contrived and, therefore, disrespected without remorse.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fR7LvkBkZ
"General, is this supposed Abiyr of Cirencre real?" Gabran questioned. "Why are you going along with His Majesty? Don't you think he's making a fool of himself with all these posters he's ordering to be put up?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ErxITxKa9
The General let out a small huff. His son's attempt to change the subject to avoid the discussion was as clear as water from a crystal-clear well.
"We also considered it a hoax when the first rumors arrived, including His Majesty," he recounted. "But then the Order of Lebias and the captain of the guard of Cirencre confirmed it to us."
"The ‘captain of Cirencre’?" Gabran raised his eyebrows, recalling something that piqued his interest. "My aunt Menuha's husband?"
"Yes, Ser Janpelan of Salamandera," the General affirmed. "He confronted the Abiyr. The most reliable portrait we have of its appearance is based on his direct testimony."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrjj4M5dBD
"Ah? Did he come to the city to tell the story?" Gabran inquired; his father nodded. The young man furrowed his brow, beginning to feel genuine unease about the looming threat of the dark knight. "If Ser Salamandera has left his post to bring that report in person, then His Majesty is right to be concerned... Who would have thought Netzach could indeed be in real danger this year."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgRmFAW2cQ
"Exactly," the general said. "As you can see, that's why I'm taking appropriate action; and for the same reason, you shouldn't take 'The Great Revival' lightly."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXFnhPQP2O
While their discussion continued, a peculiar vehicle approached them from the beginning of the street. It was a steel cheetah mounted by a soldier, running on one front wheel and one rear wheel instead of athletic legs.
"Now that you know,” the General said, preparing to lecture his son about his unacceptable behavior, “let's get back to discussing the matter of Her Highn…"
"Man At axes!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJ3gBOcAQ7
The soldier on the cheetah exclaimed with excitement, abruptly braking to the side of both of them.
Man At Axes?! As if it were an insult, Chatel Chatel turned just as violently toward him. "What did you say?" he said, calm but with palpable annoyance, making the soldier quickly realize his blunder. 241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kfr5J6A6U
The king had given and popularized that nickname from a war anecdote that immortalized him, but the General detested it for how ridiculous it sounded. The fact that this legend created several false ideas about his figure, such as the misconception that he favored axes as primary weapons when he actually preferred swords, didn't do him any favors either.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvLTgA0fZ6
"Ge... General Chatel Chatel," the soldier corrected amidst some panting, with a submissive military salute without dismounting from the cheetah. Even before the reprimand, he was already quite agitated. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but you need to come with me to the Ahmal station immediately."
"Hm?" Chatel Chatel raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"
"General, a brawl is about to break out at the gates of the station."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW6qhxX0D5
"A brawl at the gates of the Ahmal station?" The General's confusion deepened upon hearing these new details. "Why? Who's involved?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb3KTZKYny
"The Lieutenants Cotores and Sublieutenant Batrand," the soldier clarified. "All three of them inspected some Ayarian merchants who just arrived in the city. Apparently, they had permits to participate in the Maskirian Week markets, but Batrand and the Cotores twins claimed that the permits were fake, and the goods they brought were stolen from the Cirencre bank. When they tried to confiscate them, a knight accompanying the merchants came to their defense and challenged them to a duel."
I saw something like this coming. Those idiots never deserved to be officers of the kingdom, the General thought. The three had been his students just a few years ago. Although their attitude was never worthy of his admiration, he had no choice but to promote them due to their good grades and, above all, the influence of their families. "So, these geniuses made baseless accusations and accepted to duel in plain sight of everyone, with no respect for civil order... True professionals indeed. Heeheehe!" Chatel Chatel concluded, laughing sarcastically. He stopped his laughter and looked at the messenger soldier with complete seriousness. "Thank you for coming to inform me. Let's not delay any longer. Take me there to put an end to this nonsense."
"Yes, General!" The soldier nodded.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENahIJbKNp
The General leaped onto the wheeled cheetah's back and sat behind his rider.
"Gabran!" he exclaimed, just as the soldier was starting to turn the cheetah to roll toward the station. "Good luck at the rehearsal!"
After that farewell, the cheetah accelerated until it disappeared around the corner of the street.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpqSIEeybZ
Gabran couldn't take his dark eyes off it.
A brawl at Ahmal station? A knight challenging three Holy Warriors of the Kingdom of Grianz? The actor couldn't stop wondering.
He was as impressed as his father by that extraordinary report. In all the years he had lived in Netzach, he had never heard anything like it.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4pYr7mWQM
'The Great Revival” will be in the afternoon as we originally planned after all.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfOItna2Nb
His desire to advance the rehearsal had been replaced by the urge to investigate what was happening at one of the main doors of the capital city.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZEFLA0UZS
