CHAPTER THREE: THE RED SHADOWS OF ANDANIA

Vice-Commandant Claire Boyce let out a heavy sigh as she found herself in a greatly distressing situation. Her glare bore down on the trembling knight-in-training sitting before her, boots scuffing against the floor. Veins twitched on her forehead as she recalled the earlier incident.

Commandant Grants Rogue had always been a figure of legendary discipline—unyielding under pressure, an iron wall of command. While known for his fearsome training methods that earned him the title “The Demonic Commandant,” those who served closely knew he bore a deep well of compassion, offered sparingly but genuinely. He commanded loyalty, not through fear, but by example.

So when Claire had entered his office earlier to deliver scrolls and found the room in chaos — maps scattered, rum bottles rolling, and Grants himself hunched in silence—it shattered something in her. He looked like a storm had passed through him.

Grants rarely drank, even during official celebrations. But that morning, he'd clutched a nearly empty bottle, mumbling incoherently.

“C-Commandant! Are you all right, Sir?” Claire cried, rushing to his side. She’d wrestled the bottle from his grip and shoved it aside. The man barely registered her presence.

Swiftly and silently, she had cleaned up the mess, stashing the bottles before anyone else could enter. Just as she’d finished, a knight-in-training had arrived with a scroll and caught a glimpse through the cracked door.

“For the last time,” Claire said sharply now, dragging herself back to the present, “the Commandant is not to be disturbed unless absolutely necessary.”

“I-I just thought—he looked unwell,” the trainee stammered.

Claire exhaled slowly. “It is not your duty to speculate on the Commandant’s condition. Return to your post. Now.”

The boy bowed and scrambled out. Claire rose and walked to the Commandant’s door, steeling herself.

Inside, Grants sat on his worn leather sofa, staring at the clock. The hands crawled toward noon.

Still no word.

A couple knocks before the door opened. Claire stepped in with a tray—herbal tea and dry biscuits. She placed them on his desk without a word. He nodded in thanks and downed the tea in one gulp.

“Thanks. Appreciate it,” Grants muttered.

Claire nodded but remained standing. “What happened, Sir?”

Grants sighed heavily. He then opened a drawer and pulled out two scrolls.

“Take a look.”

Claire’s eyes caught the Heartlets’ seal and bold letters: TOP SECRET. As she read, the colour drained from her face.

“You sent Lady Luna into this?!” she whispered.

“Trust me, I’d rather eat my own arm than letting the girls leave. Luna wasn’t ready. Even requesting for Mika to tag along required a lot of persuasion,” Grants admitted. “But Lord Ranfel insisted. Political promotion.”

Claire’s hands shook as she opened the second scroll—a report from the Knights of Eden. “Mysterious attackers… Strange symbols… Entire patrols wiped out—”

Grants cleared his throat. “These reports came in from the Knights of Eden who were patrolling the area near the Northern Borders yesterday. They’ve received an urgent report about a large group of unknown intruders who had mysteriously entered the Northern lands and murdered the Knights stationed nearby. Lord Eden has sent an alarming warning to other Kingdoms about these intruders. Should any of those intruders manage to slip away from his Lines of Defence, the good Lord wants all surrounding Kingdoms to be well prepared and to take necessary actions. As Andania is the closest town in the North-East, the possibility of these intruders slipping in the town is a high and dangerous risk.”

“The scroll that I’ve asked the Retrieve Team to deliver was a warning letter for Lord Andania. Should an attack or even an ambush take place, two thousand swords have already been made for the Knights of Luyas assigned to protect the town.”

“So the sudden increasing numbers of the Knights patrolling within Andania is just a cover-up and not in preparation for the Captains’ Examination?” Claire asked.

Grants nodded. “Indeed. Aside from Captain Guy Heartlets’ training brigade in the North, this is just a merely cover up. We do not want to cause chaos and panic amongst the people there nor here.”

Claire stood up abruptly, worry visible on her face as she looked at the Grandfather’s clock now fifteen minutes close to noon. “Commandant, we’ve stopped receiving any updates from the Senior Knights in the Retrieve Team. What are the odds of Captain Luna's team being caught in the middle of the battlefield? Or worse, what if an attack is already taking place and—”

“Calm yourself, Vice-Commandant. The worst is yet to come. It’ll be wise for both of us to keep a cool head at these times and not to overthink about this matter. Though I agree with your assumption,” Grants sighed deeply as he rose from his seat and headed to the door. “Prepare the necessary for an Immediate Rescue Team at once, Vice-Commandant Luna.”

“Understood, Sir.”

***

In Andania, Captain Luna’s team had just reached the town’s gates. The imposing structure loomed above them, the sigil of Andania carved into the stone. Eden Knights stood at attention, their expressions grim, hands hovering near their swords.

Mika’s gaze swept the scene, unease prickling along her spine. She noted the increased number of patrols, the tension in every stance. Something isn’t right.

Luna stepped forward, voice firm but polite. “Is everything alright here?”

One of the guards, an older man with deep worry lines, hesitated. “Greetings, Milady. There have been… rumours. Trouble at the northern borders. We’ve been given orders to heighten vigilance around these perimeters.”

Intruders from the North? Mika exchanged a glance with Luna, who concealed her concern with grace.

“What kind of trouble?” Luna pressed.

The guard lowered his voice. “We’ve heard whispers of strange symbols, brutal attacks... Things we’ve never seen before. Ah, but, nothing to be concerned about, Milady! I’m sure our men at the stronghold could hold the forte. We’re waiting for further instructions from Lord Andania.”

Mika’s fingers tightened around the scroll.

“I see,” Luna replied, nodding. “In that case, we best deliver this scroll to Lord Andania quickly.”

The guards stepped aside, opening the gates. As they entered the bustling square, Mika’s heart pounded. The scroll felt like a leaden weight in her hands. The urgency of their mission had never felt more real.

After completing their official tasks; delivered the scroll to Lord Andania and the swords to the Eden Knights stationed nearby, the team now departed Andania with an empty wagon in tow. Though the skies were clear and the path easy, tension clung to them like mist. Few words were exchanged; even the horses sensed the stillness.

As they crested a gentle hill overlooking the forested outskirts, Luna called for a rest.

“This is beautiful,” Mika whispered, taking in the wildflowers and the distant silhouette of the city.

“My brother used to bring me here when we were children,” Luna said with a nostalgic smile. “I thought you’d enjoy the view.”

Mika nodded, quietly grateful.

Then Luna asked, almost hesitantly. “Do you ever think about your past?”

“It’s a blank,” Mika answered plainly. “Maybe that’s a blessing in disguise. There is fear in not knowing about my past, but, I’ve come to accept the peace with it.”

“I’m sorry,” Luna murmured. “That was a insensitive question.”

Mika smiled gently. “Don’t be. You’re my best friend, Luna. I’ve made more good memories with you and Guy than I’d ever thought possible.”

As they walked, the two shared laughter recalling childhood mischief — one of which included sneaking past guards and Guy’s dramatic protests when being caught. But the laughter faded when they came upon the old, rusted gates. The gates were chained shut, overgrown with ivy. Beyond it, twisted trees clawed at the sky. Figures cloaked in crimson moved silently through the trees. Unknown ancient writings shimmered faintly on their robes.

“The Forbidden Forest…” Luna’s voice was barely a whisper.

Mika stepped forward carefully. She whispered, “Do you see them too?”

“Yes.” Luna nodded firmly. Hand already on her sword.

Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed Mika’s head. She gasped, clutching her temple.Something about the writings on the robed figures triggered her mind.

Taking a deep breath, Mika forced herself to calm down.

Luna turned. “You alright?”

“Y-Yeah. Just a headache. I’m fine.” Mika replied, forcing steadiness. In any case, we’re outnumbered. We should report this to the others. And maybe to the Eden Knights.”

“Agreed. Let’s go.”

They hurried back to where the two senior knights, Lee and Karl, were waiting and reported what they’ve witnessed in the Forbidden Forest.

Lee went to check on the forest himself. When he return, his expression darkened. “Those were no mere enemies. They are Spirits! We must alert Lord Andania and the Eden Knights at-”

The earth suddenly shook. In a blink of an eye, an explosion split the sky. Dark smoke poured from the forest. Then, another big blast— this time, from the gates of the Forbidden Forest.

***

Ash. Smoke. Fire.

Luna awoke groaning, her lungs burning. The world was grey. Her ankle throbbed as she stood slowly.

“Where is everyone?” She walked carefully forward into a small clearance. Her eyes widened as she saw it — the town of Andania that they were there moments ago — basking in flame. A war zone.

“Mika! Everyone! Mika —”

“Captain!” Relief surged Luna as Mika, Lee, and Karl burst through the smoke.

“Captain Luna! Are you alright?” Mika asked, clutching Luna’s shoulders, checking for any wounds.

No matter how many times they all called out her name, Luna remained unresponsive. Her eyes were vacant.

SLAP!

Lee’s palm struck her cheek. Snapping her out from her mind.

“My apologies, Lady Luna. I’ll accept any punishment for hitting you — however, this is not the time to panic. The people of Andania need us. Pull yourself together.”

He turned and secured a piece of paper on their messenger pigeon. “I’ll send words to Luyas for reinforcements. What are your orders, Captain?”

Luna’s heart pounded like a war drum.

“We’re not ready. Those robed figures… Are they really Spirits?!”

Karl and Lee exchanged glances before Karl stepped forward. His voice calm but unyielding. “Yes. But this changes everything.

“W-What do you mean-”

“We’ll explain everything once we’ve tackle this mess. For now, the people of Andania need our protection. I know we’ve never faced Spirits in battle before, but treat it just like any other trainings you two have done. Karl and I will be guarding your backs. What do you say, Milady?”

Luna stared at the burning city. A memory rose—her brother, a Captain level, fearless in the face of battles.

“I… I can’t. I’m not like him.”

Karl’s gaze softened. “Fear is natural, Milady. But courage is to fear yet still choosing to fight anyway. We’re with you. You are not alone in this.”

Luna shook her head violently. “Enough! I didn’t ask for this! I was forced into the Knights because of my father! Because of my brother’s legacy!” Tears fell freely on her cheeks. “I’ll never be as strong physically or mentally like him… So what’s the point? I’m not meant for this.”

Silence. The sky opened above them, releasing cold rain.

Mika lowered her gaze. Why didn’t I see this coming? That she’s been bottled up inside when she’s laughing and smiling... The guilt slowly starting to eat her inside.

Luna turned her back on them. Her voice shaking. “We’ve completed our mission – to deliver the scrolls and the swords. Now... We return home.”

Each step heavier than the last. The clang of metal, the smell of smoke, the screams of the dying haunted the wind. The thought of returning home should pleased her. She’d completed her first Captain mission. Her father must be pleased. And yet...

Footsteps. Running behind her caused Luna turn. Expecting Mika to provide her with comfort words, telling her that it’s not her fault. But instead, Mika ran passed her. Sword already drawn, heading toward the chaos that awaited her own death. Lee and Karl followed behind her.

They’d made their choice.