Are you sure it's okay to leave them in Roan's care?" Keith asked, concern lacing his voice. "You know that kid's a beast. You're the only one he listens to, even Rolen can't control him."
Craige gave a small, confident smile. "Don't worry. Luren can earn his trust. They're both
the same age, and I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving unless my youngest
General was in charge."
Keith let out a soft chuckle, half amused, half amazed. "Yeah… I agree. Roan being the
youngest General isn't just for show.
Roan...being the youngest General isn't just some empty title, he thought. To be part
of the Northern Generals and lead an army, you have to fight all six generals and the Shadows. Roan did it. Even Craige had to. Roan didn't beat them all, but he left them with damage, scars even. He was just a boy back then… small, still growing… but he stood his ground. He had no fear. That's what earned him his place.
Still… that wildness in him. Only Craige can tame it.
"Craige?"
Luren called out as he approached, following behind Clara and Roan.
"Is everything ready?" Clara asked Keith.
"Yeah, we'll be leaving in a minute," Keith replied.
Craige subtly signaled Roan to step away from the others.
"Roan, guard the manor. I know some of your men are stationed nearby, don't hesitate to fight back if needed," Craige ordered firmly. "And above all, your top
priority is Luren. Keep him safe."
"Yes, Your Grace!" Roan replied with unwavering determination.
"Alright, l'm entrusting them all to you… my youngest general," Craige said with a proud
smile before they returned to the group.
"We'll be leaving now," Craige said, his eyes lingering on Luren.
But before he could turn, Luren grabbed his arm and dragged him aside, behind the stable.
"Hey, Luren, I know what you're gonna do!" Clara called out teasingly with a laugh.
Out of sight, Luren shoved Craige gently against the stable wall, his eyes fierce with
emotion. Without a word, he pulled him into a rough, desperate kiss, full of longing, hunger, and unspoken words. Their lips clashed passionately, hands roaming, breaths catching between kisses.
Craige chuckled breathlessly against Luren's mouth, but surrendered to the moment,
kissing him back just as fiercely. Their mouths moved in sync, tasting, claiming, until the world faded and only the heat between them remained.
When they finally broke apart, both were gasping for air, their foreheads pressed
together.
"…You better come back to me," Luren whispered, voice shaking slightly.
Craige smiled, brushing Luren's cheek. "Always."
They returned from bidding farewell to the others. Craige and the rest mounted their
horses, the sound of hooves echoing softly in the quiet air.
Keith glanced at Clara, his expression unreadable.
"Have a safe trip," Clara called out, waving her hand with a faint smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"You better all come back safely," Luren said firmly, his voice tight with concern. He
stood still, eyes fixed on Craige as they rode away. The other soldiers were already gathered outside the manor, waiting for the command to move.
Luren's chest ached as he watched them disappear down the path.
To Luren, the cold night felt even colder, each gust of wind biting deeper, as if the
darkness itself shared his sorrow.
---
After several days of travel, Craige finally reached the southern border of the
North. The air was cold and dry, with a sharp wind that hinted winter was coming soon. In front of him stood a quiet outpost, built from dark stone, its walls cracked from years of guarding this edge of the kingdom. Beyond it, the land turned wild, rocky hills, thick forests, and open plains where the
barbarians lived. It was a dangerous place, untouched by order. Craige looked out into the distance, knowing this was where the kingdom ended and the unknown began.
"Greetings your grace" General Max Bow, he is the child of the former General in his uncle
regime.
"How's the situation?" Craige asked removing his cloacked, they already in the barracks
"No move so far, you can rest at the quarters, I will send a message if they make a move,
the translator also there" General Max said
"Alright we can send communication tomorrow to know what they want" Craige replied
Craige, Keith and Rolen goes to the house.
Craige built a quarters not far away from the border for them to feel comfortable while
staying there, aside from barrack that was use when the soldier is on duty. The
quarters is for the soldier who is not on duty so they can relax, their is also a doctor and nurses on standby who lives in the house. But everyone was trained to protect themselves.