Chapter 37: Unforeseen Arrival

"My Journeys led me from the farms of Archhill to the front lines of war. Decided or undecided, I've committed to aiding the people in their struggle. I feel like I'm in a loop, people helping me, and I help them back. I must be crazy, yet I can't leave until peace returns to this realm. For the friends who risked their lives and positions to save mine, I will risk my life for theirs,"

He rode day and night with Ivar and a retinue of knights north towards Fort Arvandil, where the loyalist host gathers for war. Jushiro could see the fort coming into view as the sun began to rise.

"There were thousands of tents and fires on one side of the nearby river where the host gathered. On the other side lies the massive star-shaped fortress, Arvandil. Within the fortress walls, I braced myself for an unwelcoming talk from the people who believed the war wasn't mine to fight."

Jushiro, surprisingly hesitant, told Ivar that it's probably best he remains outside in the camps. Ivar stated that if he's going to fight, then everyone needs to see him. They need to know what Jushiro's true motives are. Thus, Ivar persuaded Jushiro to accompany him inside.

Jushiro and Ivar entered through the front gates of the fortress to be greeted by an unexpected welcoming. The soldiers and knights applauded, "Outlander," once they noticed Jushiro walking inside the fort. A flabbergasted Jushiro couldn't help but wonder why all the cheers and treatment.

"Wait, you mean to tell me... that you don't know, sir Jushiro?" Ivar asked.

"Know what?" Jushiro asked back.

"You're the man who won the knight's tourney at Lyos. You're also the man who defeated one of the best swordsmen in western Areth. You're basically on par with lord Sigreth and sir Hakbrand (the White Hawk knight). My friend, you've become renowned throughout these lands,"

Jushiro was stunned to hear the news from Ivar, unaware of the fame he received. He waved in acknowledgment to the other knight, saluting Jushiro as he walked into the central keep. Ivar opened the door to the council room to be met by bewildered eyes staring at Jushiro. Vinbror immediately approached Jushiro, appalled and disappointed. He asked Jushiro in regret why he's come while stating there wasn't any need for him to partake.

"I couldn't ignore the suffering of others in this country. When I saw people murdered before my eyes, I couldn't help it. My body moved on its own. I'm sorry, Vin. You guys saved me from certain death, so I..."

"Wanted to partake because you felt you had a personal debt to repay? (sigh) Brother, do you have any idea what it is that you're about to do? Do you think you can handle all the blood and all the horrors of war?" Vinbror asked in disappointment.

"It's too late to turn back for me, Vin. My hands..., already red with blood. Even now, the aftermath of my first battle is..., Well, I understand the horrors that await. I killed, but I tell myself, I killed to protect,"

"What of your home, your family, best friend, and students? You're all but throwing away your chance to see them again!" Vinbror said.

"I guess princess Lashida was right, as I have come to call this place home. I've spent so much time it's hard for me to start letting go. And now that this realm is in the midst of civil war, how can I leave while you guys march off to fight?"

"Shiro, I'll tell you one last time. You don't have to do this," Vinbror stated in apprehension.

Jushiro stood firm in his decision to help. Vinbror hesitantly extended his hand to him in acknowledgment of Jushiro's answer.

Moments after, the royal family entered the room, leaving them startled and confused, seeing Jushiro before them. He declared that he's come to join them in their struggle. Lashida protested it until Vinbror stood up for Jushiro's actions. The king instead welcomed Jushiro and announced the war meeting to commence.

For the duration of the meeting, the lords became divided in their opinions and strategy. One overconfident lord suggested splitting their army in half to engage the two rebel armies at once. Opposed to the idea, another lord pressed the idea that the royal navy blockades the island where one-half of the rebels dwells while marching to confront the eastern army. Hearing the ideas and suggestions of other lords, Jushiro contemplates what it means to fight a war.

"We have over 24,000 in our host combined against the rebel's meager 14,000, which is divided in half as we speak. If we seek a quick end to this war, we must act decisively! Your majesty, what say you?" Lord Raven asked.

The king listened to his council. Still unsure about the right course, he decided to act swiftly to put down the rebellion.

"I have heard suggestions, my lords, and I have made my choice. We strike both armies at the same time. We shall divide our forces and engage both enemies east and west. For the realm, we must put a stop to this conflict that plagues our country!" the king said.

King Ericeth commanded Sigreth Lanc to take one-half of the army to assail the rebels in the fortress islands. Jushiro volunteered to join the western campaign, followed by Vinbror and Bronir. The king accepted the trio's choice and assigned princess Lashida to accompany them as well.

"Alright, while your group invades the islands, My forces and I will besiege the eastern army. Naemon, Margeth, sir Hakbrand, and Marquis Raven. You're with me for the campaign in the east. Now then, all of you have your assigned places. We march at first light tomorrow to end this war at once," the king said.

Soon nearly everyone left, and Jushiro would be the last to exit until princess Lashida pulled him aside.

"Jushiro... as much I enjoy your presence. This reckless choice of yours is a mistake. You..., shouldn't be here, and now you're dragged into a war that's not your own. Please think over what it is you're about to do,"

"I have, Lashida. After seeing the town attacked and its people slaughtered, I felt my only choice was to act. I'm tired of seeing people die for ridiculous reasons. I have to fight because it isn't fair that I live and pursue my desires while innocents around me die. Your highness, my hands are already stained. In other words, I can't turn back from this,"

Lashida looked at the serious look on his face as he uttered those words. She knew there's nothing she can say to dissuade him.

"Then, I'll protect you, Shiro. While you fight and protect the innocents, I'll fight and protect you," Lashida said.

"Let's all protect each other, eh?" said a voice from behind.

They both looked to see Vinbror and the Lanc brothers on their right. Jushiro couldn't help but break a smile to see the group together again.

"Right, let's do this together," Jushiro said, extending his clenched hand out.

Everyone joined in to do the same. The group left the fortress soon after to prep for the journey westward. Sigreth commanded the others to rest for the night. They all separated for their tents, knowing how long the coming days will be. Vinbror, alone in his tent, agonizing over what he'll have to do once the time comes, should they win the war. But one thing he dreaded the most is what Jushiro will do should he discover.

"The war has begun, and I threw myself at the front lines to protect the people who deserve to live happily and the friends I now hold dear. For the sake of the people I've come to know and trust, I must put an end to this war, or I may never live with myself. Tonight I rest, and tomorrow I ride with my friends west to assail the western islands that now threaten the capital itself. I may not be used to water travel yet, but that won't stop me from my course,"