Alpha Instinct-Chapter 43: “Silverback’s Oath”

A few hours after being thrown back into the cell, Roland's mind gave up. He gave up fighting what he couldn't control, worrying and planning, since fate wasn't in his hands. Gradually, he was pulled to the helpless side of his soul, closing his eyes, and finally, after days on end awake, he fell asleep.

Roland had a dream—a vivid dream about his past, a dream of memories that had been locked away deep in his heart. It was his true secret.

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Lumeria, Royal Capital of Dunkel, Fros Continent, New Era 161

A crowd, filled with hope, buzzed in Lumeria's central square, awaiting the royal presentation. Festive banners and decorations, as colorful as could be, had been placed everywhere. Finally, a truce. The war against the Reign of Fulgor, waged on the continent of Burt, was over.

Then, the royal trumpets sounded in unison in the center of Lumeria's capital. It was the royal announcement fanfare, demanding everyone's attention and silence.

"Silence! His Majesty, King Marcus, will honor the brave Commander Roland Silverback!" The herald announced, loud and clear.

A wave of applause erupted throughout the square.

King Marcus, already advanced in age, sported charmingly styled-back gray hair and expression lines that enhanced his mature good looks. His eyes, a penetrating bluish-white, conveyed intelligence and a touch of humor, framed by slightly arched eyebrows. He wore a well-groomed goatee, speckled with white, which gave him a distinguished air. His easy smile and the warm glow in his eyes revealed an approachable and charismatic personality.

King Marcus waved to everyone—his smile, a sea of charisma and warmth.

"Commander Roland Silverback, your deeds in battle echo throughout the kingdom, and your loyalty is unwavering. Therefore, the time has come to reward you," Marcus pronounced.

The king unsheathed a ceremonial sword—the sunlight glinted off the blade. It was Startlight, an artifact sword, sister in forge to Deathend.

Several army commanders and captains were there, present at the ceremony. It was a historic moment: the first Army Commander to be promoted to Supreme.

"Kneel as Commander, and you shall rise as... Supreme Commander of all of Dunkel's forces! Lead with wisdom and courage, my noble right-hand man," King Marcus proclaimed.

The King lightly touched the Commander's shoulders with the sword. The crowd exploded in applause and shouts of approval. The military personnel present struggled to hold back tears.

The former Commander, and now Supreme Commander, stood up, his face illuminated by a restrained smile. Roland, at 32, etched into the history of the Fros continent the unique achievement of Supreme Commander—nothing and no one equaled his strength and his deeds for the kingdom.

"Long live the king!" followed by "Long live Roland!" was shouted by everyone in that square, except for Edward, Prince of Dunkel, who displayed an expression of utter contempt.

The king, along with his military officers, left in a procession back to the castle, leaving Roland with his mother, who hugged and congratulated him, her face wet with tears.

A beautiful lady, accompanied by a knight bodyguard, approached. Her brown hair, gray-blue eyes like a storm, a fine dress of silk and satin, and an enchanting smile greeted them.

"Good afternoon, Supreme Commander Roland. Good afternoon, Mrs. Berta," said the lady.

"LEAH!" shouted Roland, running and giving his friend a big hug, spinning her around.

"Put her down, Roland! Come on, come on..." Elara, Leah's bodyguard, hit his back, telling him to let her go. "She's the princess of Dunkel; get a hold of yourself!" said Elara.

"And who cares? She's my friend!" replied Roland, with a smile, releasing Leah.

"Land! Elara's right, you goofball; get a grip! I still need to maintain my composure," said Leah, holding back laughter.

"You two are a joke," Elara rolled her eyes, bored.

Roland was a childhood friend of Leah. Eight years older, he watched her grow and blossom, becoming the most beautiful, cheerful, and charismatic girl in the whole kingdom. The peace that Leah transmitted was surreal, and she was known as the skilled fencer of Dunkel, a natural talent, a rising star.

"Shall we train today, Leah?" Roland asked.

"Today is your day off! Go enjoy yourself!" Leah replied with a dismissive wave of her hand.

"As if this big lug can stay away from you," Elara shrugged, with a cynical expression.

"You're sour today, Elara," said Roland, raising an eyebrow. "Come on, Leah, I don't have anything else to do, and you can't be slacking off," he turned to Leah.

"Okay, okay, Land." Leah smiled as she walked away, skipping. "See you later," she said, waving.

Elara shook her head, sighed deeply, and followed Leah towards the palace.Further ahead, Leah bent over in discomfort; Elara rushed to her side, offering comfort and seeming to be worried.

Seeing her bend over like that, Roland made to go to Leah but was rebuked by his mother. Berta slapped his shoulder.

"Wake up, kid!" His mother said, indignant. "You know very well she's the princess. Forget it." She turned to leave.

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"I know," Roland agreed, sighing.

"Have more respect for your mother and call me Mom!" She shrugged as she left. "Stop by the house when you can." Her voice faded into the background.

"Okay, okay..." replied Roland, trying to understand the scene.

Roland stood there, watching Leah slowly disappear with the distance, immersed in his daydreams. He longed for her—she was the only woman in his entire life for whom he would give up everything.

He shook his head and slapped his own face a few times. "Snap out of it, Roland," he said to himself.

Anyway, he needed to get his life together. The war between the kingdoms of Dunkel and Fulgor was over—he imagined that an era of peace could begin. Many, like him, didn't understand why men waged war, with human life in Humbra on the brink of collapse. The Leirions killed people day after day, and the kingdoms saw the Neumonds as a new weapon for political machinations and warfare, instead of a salvation for humanity.

Roland then headed for the castle in order to prepare for Leah's lessons.

King Marcus, aware of Roland's presence at the palace, requested his presence. The royal hall was spacious, with a high ceiling and windows that allowed natural light to enter. Dark wood panels covered the walls, adorned with tapestries and coats of arms. A large oak table, with maps and scrolls, occupied the center. Behind it, on a dais, was the imposing royal throne. Banners hung from the ceiling. The atmosphere, silent and solemn, smelled of wood, wax, and incense, conveying power and history.

Upon entering the hall, Roland went to the front, introducing himself to the king. "At your command, Your Majesty." He bowed solemnly.

"Roland, my boy. Come here, there's no need for ceremony with me," said Marcus. "We have to discuss a matter that's been bothering me."

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Roland replied, looking sideways—was there a curious look?

The king then ordered everyone present in the hall to leave. The matter was extremely confidential and cautious.

"Lumeria... no... Dunkel is weakened by the war. I need you to go on a mission to Eladyr and bring some Neumond warriors from there," Marcus asked, humbly.

"As you wish, my King. When should I depart?" Roland asked.

"I'm sorry to ask this of you right now. I fear something might happen. Lumeria is at the mercy of the dukes themselves. Our forces don't add up to 10% in the capital. We need security. Can you leave early tomorrow morning?" The King asked cautiously.

"Of course, my King. I will follow your orders with pleasure," said Roland, bowing again.

"Thank you, Roland. You're saving me," said Marcus.

"Saving you, my king? Forgive my question," Roland questioned.

"Yes, there's something that's keeping me up at night, and it seems to be close." Marcus lost himself in thought. "By the way, Roland, what do you think of Leah?" Marcus asked, his voice slightly strained.

"With your permission, sir..." Roland hesitated.

"Be frank, my dear friend," said Marcus.

"Leah is the guiding star of Dunkel, sir. She is brave, intelligent, and charismatic, as well as an excellent Neumond."

"I see... and Edward?" A sly smile appeared on the king's lips.

"Sir... Edward... he..." Roland looked down, searching for the words.

Roland knew he shouldn't go any further. If Marcus was giving him such vague questions and answers, the matter was serious and confidential. He imagined that a power struggle could erupt in the kingdom—after all, the dukes would do anything to get their hands on the crown with the kingdom weakened.

"Now, now, my friend, it's all right. You don't need to say anything more. You've said it all. Now go, leave me to my decisions," said the king, with a slightly mocking tone.

"I'm leaving, my King." Roland bowed, turned his back, and left, while the king just waved to him with a worried face.

After a few steps through the castle, Roland arrived at the training area, where Leah was waiting for him. She wore a tight bandage around her waist under a bodice, leather boots, and linen clothes, her rapier at her waist, and her hair tied in a beautiful braid.

"Leah, are you okay? I saw you bending over in discomfort earlier, and now these bandages on your belly," the concern was evident in his voice.

"You've been away for a while, so you probably don't know, but I've been feeling a little nauseous lately. These bandages help me focus," said Leah, as she wrapped bandages around her hands.

"Tomorrow I'm going to Eladyr. Please, don't push yourself too hard; take care of your health," Roland stated.

"As if she would..." said Elara, positioned behind one of the pillars, with a mischievous smile.

"Wouldn't it be complete without Leah's shadow, would it?" Roland muttered.

Leah started laughing—until she felt uncomfortable and sat down.

Elara ran immediately. "Are you okay, Leah?" Her eyes expressed an unusual affection. She grabbed Leah's hand in solidarity.

"I'm fine; I just laughed too hard and lost my breath," Leah stated.

Roland found it all very strange. She was the most talented fencer in the kingdom—breath was what she had the most of. He started to think that Leah was really sick.

"I still think you should see a doctor," said Roland, and then, suddenly, he became harsh. "Where's that hick secret boyfriend of yours? I don't believe he's taking care of you," Roland shrugged.

Leah simply ignored Roland's comments about her boyfriend. "I'm fine; I just need to lie down for a bit. Can we skip training today, Land?" Leah asked affectionately.

"Of course, Leah. Rest and, please, ask this troglodyte friend of yours to take better care of you... bodyguard... yeah, right..." He said, crossing his arms in disdain.

"One day I'll still beat your face in, you Gorilla," said Elara, making a reference to the Silverback Gorillas of the central mountains.

Leah gestured for Elara to stop. The two seemed like cat and dog when they were together, but, even so, they were more than subjects—they were Leah's loyal friends.

Roland shrugged as they both left for their chambers. His eyes didn't leave Leah's back, the woman he was secretly in love with, and who seemed to be ill.

Roland was barely preparing to leave when a soldier, dressed like an aspiring messenger, handed him a note.

"Urgent message from the king, sir," said the messenger.

Roland took the small papyrus and checked it. The letter contained the royal seal in wax, and it was still warm, showing that the king had just sealed it.

"My dear Roland, Forget Eladyr; you must march now to Gothia in duty to save Lumeria. The Duchy of Gothia is under imminent warning of invasion of our royal capital. I count on you to quell this insurgency. Your title transcends your glory. From your friend and war companion. King Marcus."

Roland's hands were shaking nervously. "Damn it... bastards..." Roland whispered.