CHAPTER - 21

❈ MORNING ❈

Dark clouds loomed over the kingdom of Celestia, casting a somber atmosphere over the land. The relentless rain, which had poured since midnight, seemed to echo the sorrow felt by the people mourning the fallen knights.

Through the fortress corridors, dim torchlight flickered against the damp stone walls, creating an eerie silence. The distant sound of soldiers' footsteps barely rose above the steady drumming of rain, their hearts heavy with grief and loss.

The knights who had perished were remembered as valiant heroes, unwavering in their duty to protect the kingdom. Yet, their passing left a deep wound in the hearts of those they had left behind.

Inside the castle, an air of emptiness and mourning filled the grand hall. King Aldric and his ministers sat in the council chamber, their faces etched with sorrow and concern. The loss of the kingdom's finest warriors weighed heavily upon them.

Meanwhile, on the battlefield’s abandoned left flank, General Red stood among the ruins of war.

His gaze lifted to the darkening sky, his heart burdened with guilt and responsibility.

The sight of bloodshed and lives lost gnawed at him, especially the deaths of his comrades—men he had fought beside, men he considered family.

Taking a deep breath, Red steadied himself, forcing his emotions into check. No matter the pain in his heart or the turmoil in his mind, as a general, he had to remain strong.

He swore to himself that he would do everything in his power to protect the kingdom and its people from any future threats.

Lightning suddenly cracked across the sky, illuminating the rain-soaked land in an instant. Yet, despite the storm’s relentless fury, a quiet ember of hope still burned—proof that, no matter the darkness they faced, Celestia would stand firm against whatever lay ahead.

King Aldric stood motionless as the rain poured heavier, soaking the royal cloak draped over his broad shoulders.

Before him, rows of wooden coffins stretched as far as the eye could see, each one cradling a fallen knight, a hero of Celestia. The sky remained overcast, and the soft drizzle of rain felt like nature itself weeping for the lost.

With a solemn heart, Aldric stepped forward, offering his final farewell to each coffin before they were taken to their resting place.

His eyes lingered on the names engraved upon the wooden lids—names of warriors he had once fought beside, men who had pledged their lives to the kingdom. Now, they embarked on a journey from which they would never return.

As the coffins were carried away, Aldric felt the weight of his duty press down upon him. The burden of leadership had never felt so heavy, nor had the sting of loss been this sharp. Yet, he knew he could not falter. In this time of mourning, he had to stand strong for those left behind.

During the procession, Aldric observed the grieving families of the fallen knights. Their anguished cries cut deep into his soul, a painful reminder that this was more than just a loss for the kingdom—it was a loss for the people, for families torn apart.

Each knight was more than just a soldier. They were fathers, brothers, sons—loyal protectors who had given everything for Celestia.

The rain intensified, but Aldric remained steadfast, honoring the funeral rites in silence. Every step, every tear shed, was a testament to the unwavering devotion of these warriors. He silently prayed that their souls would find peace in the afterlife and vowed never to forget their sacrifice.

As the final rites were performed, the wooden coffins were set aflame, the pyres burning brightly despite the downpour. The orange glow danced against the rain, sending embers into the stormy sky like whispers of the fallen.

Aldric watched, his chest tightening with grief, his eyes reflecting the flames that consumed the knights' earthly remains.

They would forever be remembered—not just as warriors, but as Celestia’s unwavering guardians. Their courage and sacrifice would serve as a beacon for future generations, a testament to what it truly meant to serve and protect.

As the flames roared against the storm, Aldric stood there, letting the rain soak through his royal garments. He welcomed the cold sting of each raindrop, as if they carried the final touch of those who had departed. Though they were gone, their spirits would live on in the hearts of those who remained.

From a distance, General Red observed the grieving king, his heart heavy with empathy.

Without hesitation, he strode forward, holding an umbrella to shield Aldric from the unrelenting rain.

"For your health, Your Majesty," Red said gently, his tone filled with genuine concern. "Please, let us return. You’ll fall ill if you stay out here any longer."

Aldric lifted his gaze, surprised to see Red standing beside him, offering silent support.

In that moment, a flicker of gratitude crossed the king’s weary expression. Though he did not speak, the emotion in his eyes conveyed his appreciation. With a deep breath, he gave a small nod, acknowledging Red’s presence.

"Thank you, Red," Aldric murmured, his voice softer now, though no less burdened by grief.

Steady and unwavering, Red held the umbrella firm, ensuring the king remained protected as they turned away from the funeral pyres.

Together, they walked in silence, the sound of their footsteps barely audible against the rain-soaked ground.

With each step, Red felt the weight of his duty settle deeper upon his shoulders. More than just a general, he was a protector—not only of Celestia but of the man who bore its crown.

He vowed then and there that he would stand by Aldric’s side, no matter what lay ahead.

Meanwhile, Aldric found unexpected solace in Red’s presence.

Through the darkness of loss and uncertainty, his general remained a steadfast beacon of loyalty. In a world that had just lost so much, Aldric found comfort in knowing that not all had been taken from him.

As they reached the castle entrance, Red pushed the doors open, allowing Aldric to step inside first. The warmth of the palace was a stark contrast to the chilling rain outside, yet the sorrow in their hearts remained unchanged.

"Thank you, Red," Aldric repeated, sincerity lacing his words.

Red simply nodded, offering a faint but reassuring smile. He knew his duty extended beyond the battlefield—it was also in standing beside his king, through grief, through hardship, through the trials yet to come.

"Rest for now, Your Majesty," Red urged gently. "Tomorrow, I have something important to report."

Aldric exhaled softly, the weight of exhaustion evident in his stance. Yet, for the first time that day, there was a small semblance of relief.

With a tired nod, he turned towards his chambers, leaving Red standing in the grand hall, ever watchful, ever loyal.