The carriage stopped, and Leyla's grip on my hand tightened. "Do you have to go?"

"I do. I'm sorry."

Her eyes watered, and cradling my face in her hands, she pulled my face in for a kiss. "I'm going to miss you." She whispered a hairsbreadth away.

"I'll miss you too." My lips went to her cheeks to kiss her tears away.

We pressed our foreheads together and stayed that way for what felt like decades.

"Before you go. I want to ask you a question." Her words came out like a breath, and she locked her eyes on mine.

"Yes."

"Can I invade your room now? Your bedroom has the biggest balcony and bathroom in the manor."

A laugh burst through my lips. "Yes, you can." She smirked. With great effort, I pulled away and reached for the door.

She took hold of my hand again. "Promise me again you'll come back."

"I will," I responded, sealing my promise with a kiss. I opened the carriage door, and when her hand wouldn't let go of mine, my head bent to kiss her knuckles, "I promise you I'll come back."

She sniffed, "You better."

"I love you."

"I love you too." After one last glance at her tear-streaked face, I closed the door, and the carriage took off.

A group of knights waited by the side of the road for the rest of the men to arrive. Some seconds later, another carriage pulled over, and an upset Fergus climbed out.

Standing by the open door, Fergus spoke to the person inside. "I love you." The carriage door slammed in response and immediately took off.

"She's not happy." He said with a sad chuckle after I approached him as he sullenly stood by the road. "She told me that if I loved the king so much to do his every bidding. I should just go and marry him."

"Emmie? Really?" Surprise colored my voice. I don't know her that well, but she seems like a person that's not capable of having high blood pressure let alone a temper.

"Have you ever heard the saying: Still waters run deep?" A smirk lifted his lips, and he arched an eyebrow. 

"Oh."

"Yeah, I'm probably going to end up cuddling my horse in the stables every night for the next couple of months." His smirk grew into a smile.

I patted his back and chuckled.

After all the generals were present, five days of walking under the burning sun, hiding from civilian eyes, and hiking in the uncomfortably humid dense forest ensued. It was a relief for all of us when we finally reached the camp erected in the shadows of the Triad Forest trees.

A man with a golden sash across his shoulders approached our group. "Supreme Commander, welcome. I'm His Majesty's, King Uriel's envoy. His majesty has sent you and your men armor and weapons for the upcoming mission."

Too tired to speak, I nodded my head.

"Hey, did his majesty send some ointment by any chance? I have blisters the size of grapefruits on my feet." Calim grimaced. "I can't wait to get these fancy shoes off. They're great for peacocking, but god awful for walking."

"Well, His Majesty sent some medical aid kits. There must be something there." The envoy suggested.

"Lead the way," Calim told the man, and he was led to a cart to the side of the camp.

My fingers pulled at the stiff collar of my jacket. "I can't wait to get out of this uniform as well."

After rummaging through the contents of two wagons, we found the crates full of underclothes, chainmail, and metal plates.

⚜⚜⚜

A white marble temple was nestled in the middle of the half-moon-shaped edge of the southern part of the forest. Resting right on the territory line of two dukedoms. The temple and its servants made a statement of not belonging to any territory or place in this kingdom. They were not influenced by any country, monarch, or institution. They were their own people, with their own rules and military, and no one or anything could take that away from them. Not even the forest, which had receded to make way for their sacred temple several hundred years ago.

Looking through my spyglass telescope, I counted four holy knights standing at the entrance of the temple. "They don't seem to be aware of our presence. That's good."

"Well, we can't do a thing yet, until His majesty gives us the go-ahead. What is that man doing that it has taken him two weeks to give us orders?" Calim frowned.

"Maybe, he is making sure there are no loose ends."

"Maybe." Calim sighed. "I really wish to get on with this, though. I want to go home."

Keeping my eyes on the chatting and smiling faces of the holy knights, I responded, "Me too."

The heavens seemed to be on our side that day because hours later, we received two letters sent by the king.

Our shoulders bumped into one another as we all huddled around the piece of parchment in my hands.

Fergus' eyes lit up with fierce determination. "We have an execution order, gentlemen."

"We should attack tonight. When the priest goes to present his offerings at the shrine in the far end corner of the temple yard. There's a spot there that's well hidden behind the forest trees. We can hide there." Suggested the Major General.

"Yes, he's always alone at the shrine, and the Holy guard won't be watching the perimeter that closely. Since who in their right mind dares to threaten the High priest's life?" Fergus rolled his eyes.

"Alright, gentlemen, have as much rest as you can. We will head out by sundown," I ordered.

Going back into my tent, I curiously stared at my name scribbled across the front of the second envelope. Why the personal letter? Ripping the envelope open, I scanned the contents.

The smoldering charred remains of my childhood nightmare set ablaze once again, fueling the rage buried deep in the recesses of my heart. This man needs to be stopped.

⚜⚜⚜

Hiding in the shadows of the trees. We watched the flickering of the flames of the candles surrounding the golden shrine of the sun god Iz. The great falcon who nested on this land and when the nest grew roots; founded the kingdom of Naldiah.

"He should be here soon," Fergus whispered.

My jaw ached; due to my tightly clenched teeth, and my blood simmered in anticipation.

Calim's whisper came from behind me. "Remember everyone, immediately after the soldiers leave him alone for his prayers. We jump in."

My blood boiled at the sight of the high priest walking into the back meditation garden. His palms pressed together, and his lips moved with silent prayers while he ambled down the stone pathway that led to the golden falcon. Halfway down the path, the holy guards at his back retreated into the temple to wait for their master.

"Starting now, we have twenty minutes to climb that wall and grab him. Let's go."

Camouflaging the crunching of the earth beneath the soles of our feet with the sounds of the forest nightlife. We stalked to the wall separating us from our target, and with one swift pull, we were over the wall.

The High Priest's lips stopped moving at the sound of approaching footsteps, and with still closed eyes, he said, "Supreme General. I was expecting your visit one of these days, but not so soon."

My hand wrapped around the hilt of my sword, "If that is the case, then you know why I'm here as well."

"The king wants you to get rid of me. Is that it?" He breathed and opened his eyes at the lack of a response. "Yes. That must be it." He sighed.

The clanking of metal and the rustling of grass rushed into our vicinity. "Father Gustav!" Cried the Holy guards.

Swords sang as they withdrew from their sheaths, each side ready to defend.

The High Priest outstretched his hands towards the opposing sides, and with a serene voice, he ordered, "Everyone, please, put your swords away. This is holy ground. Let's continue this conversation in my office."

"You can't order us around anymore, old man. King's orders." Fergus retorted.

"Please, I don't want to desecrate this sacred place, let alone frighten our dear sisters." His eyes pointedly gazed at the windows that overlooked the garden where several women peeked from behind the curtains down at us.

"How can we trust this isn't a trap? For all we know, we'll get ambushed as soon as we step inside." Calim contested.

Turning to the holy knights, the priest ordered, "You may retire for the day."

"Father, we don't know what orders they're acting under. This is not a wise thing to do." One of the men begged.

"Please, child. I'll be alright."

The men swayed to and fro with doubt in their gaze, but after a while, they relented.

⚜⚜⚜

Stone-faced, the High Priest clasped his hands together and repeated Calim's last words to him, "The king has accused me of treason?"

My gaze burned with restrained anger while I spoke through clenched teeth. "Yes."

He wiped his face with the palm of his hand in one swift nervous movement. "I should have guessed it would have come to this. I was too optimistic. I hoped that I would get through to him someday."

"What are you talking about, old man?" Calim seethed.

"Could I speak to the Supreme Commander alone for a moment?"

All eyes in the room focused on me in anticipation of my answer. "Gentlemen, wait for me outside. Calim, stay."

Mumbles erupted around me. "Why are we even bothering with this? The king gave an order. We don't have to listen to what he has to say." A general snapped.

"Out!" My sudden outburst silenced the men and they immediately walked out of the room. "You have five minutes. Speak."

"I have not betrayed my kingdom Supreme Commander. You shouldn't trust His Majesty, King Uriel. He's not the great man that you think he is."

Rage started to cloud my vision. Is he trying to manipulate me? Make me turn my back on my friend of many years? Who does he think he is? "If you're just going to spew lies to our faces. Then this conversation is over."

"I'm not lying. Uriel has been putting this kingdom in danger with his laziness and his egotistical attitude. He's a threat to the well-being of the civilians, he's not fit to-"

"If that's the case. Then why haven't you done anything about it? Aren't you the people's spokesperson? Why not expose him? I know why. Because it's not the truth, and you have no evidence to support your lies."

"I will let you know, young one. I have gathered some proo-"

"Then why haven't you presented that to the council in all these years!"

"Because, If I didn't have enough evidence, no one would've believed me."

"Then where is that evidence?"

"I-" The Priest turned to look at the cabinets behind him, then to his desk. "I-It's in my room. I can show it to you if-" Does he think I was born yesterday?

"No, we're not going anywhere else." Taking hold of one of his shoulders, I walked him out of his office. "Let's get out of here."

A cluster of white garbed people stood to the side with solemn faces, watching as we took their figurehead.

"Stop right there!" A group of holy temple guards blocked our way with swords on hand.

My sword lifted to threaten the High Priest's neck. "Let us go, or he dies."

"Let us leave." The High Priest choked out.

"But, father! We can't let them take you without a proper reason!" The temple guards cried.

"Please, do as I say."

Begrudgingly, the holy knights cleared our way, and we dragged the traitor out of the temple.

The moon's sickly pale glow washed out all color around us as we rode back to our camp. I tried to get comfortable in my saddle, trying to shake off the eeriness of the night. There was no sound around us. It was as if the inhabitants of the forest were stunned still, waiting in bated breath for the outcome of this expedition.

"This is your last stop, High Priest," Fergus said when we dismounted on our camp.

"Here?" The old man asked.

"Yes, you're not going back to the capital. Well, not alive, at least."

Something akin to disbelief and then resignation passed through his features. "So, that's how it's going to be." He responded in a low voice.

"Yes, so, say your prayers, and let's get this over with."

"I'll watch him." Taking hold of the high priest's forearm, I moved us to the edge of the campsite. "Go ahead."

The man bent his head, clasped his hands together, and mumbled some unintelligible words. "The King is lying to you." He whispered to me after he was done.

"Yeah, sure. Are you done?"

"He sent those notes in my name and hid the replies behind his great grandfather's portrait in his office."

"Don't lie. Why would a king betray himself and his country?"

"Greed. It clouds the mind of even the wisest man if he lets it grow roots in his heart."

"Uriel is a good man and a good ruler. He will never do that."

"You don't know him as well as you think."

"I've been his closest friend for twenty-three years. I think I know him better than you, at least."

"Uriel is very clever. Clever enough to fool everyone around him, including you."

The blood in my veins boiled with rage. "Why should I believe you, then? What? Are you not only the High Priest but also an all-seeing holy being, able to discern what is in every man's heart?" I sneered.

With a resigned sigh, he responded, "No, I'm not. I'm just an old and experienced man who has dealt with people like him before."

A snarky laugh was expelled through my sneering lips.

High Priest Gustav turned his face away from me. "Nevermind then."

"What? Giving up, now that you see how you've lost the trust of the king and his army?"

"Good for His majesty, The king, to have people who trust him so blindly."

"What?"

"If you trust him so much, don't worry about my words then. It's all senseless words from a man about to die." Turning on his heel, he walked back to the middle of the camp.

"High Priest Gustav. It has been discovered that you have provided secret military intel to the enemy forces causing the last war that took countless lives. Due to this treasonous act. You have been declared guilty by His Majesty King, Uriel Angelus Caelum the second and have been sentenced to death." The king's envoy read from a piece of parchment. "May this be a warning to anyone who wishes to threaten our sovereign and our kingdom." He took a breath and continued, "May the Supreme Commander, please step forward and carry out the sentence."

My sword weighed a ton as I dragged my feet to the kneeling man at the center. With each deep breath, the words 'You're doing this for the greater good,' pulsated in my mind in an attempt to ease my climbing heart rate.

"Go ahead, Your Grace." Urged the envoy.

Gripping the hilt of my sword tight, so it doesn't slip from my sweaty palms. The blade lifted and descended on the old man's neck.

⚜⚜⚜

The urge to vomit had ceased by the time I stood in the palace's courtyard. "We have to keep his body concealed. Nobody can find out about what happened."

Calim remained quiet while his eyes stared straight into my soul. "Are you sure you're ok?"

"Yes, I'm fine." My response came out weaker than I intended.

He patted my back. "Relax, it's over now."

Some foreign thought pricked at my subconscious as I worked. "Take his body to an empty room in the dungeon, and don't speak to anyone on your way there." The four knights carrying the corpse wound up tight in heavy cotton fabric nodded and slowly made their way down the stairs.

"The king wants a debrief. He wants to see us in the private audience chamber." Fergus announced.

You should check, the thought prodded its way to the front of my mind. Should I? "You guys go ahead. Calim and I will follow the men downstairs to make sure there are no mistakes."

When the men stepped inside the palace, I stopped Calim in his tracks and whispered, "We're not going to the dungeon. We're going to Uriel's Office."

His eyebrows furrowed. "Why?"

"I need to confirm a lie. Let's go." 

The hallways were empty, making it easy to slip into the king's office unnoticed.

"What are we doing in here?" Calim whispered. I kept the High Priest's lies to myself as I looked around the lavish office.

Overlooked by the painted portraits of three of our kingdom's rulers at the far end of the room. A gold embellished desk stood out in the pale marble room populated by shelves full of neatly placed books.

He said I would find them behind Uriel's great grandfather's portrait. Dashing towards the painting that flanked the left of the desk. My hands grabbed the depiction of a very sour-looking king by the frame and yanked.

The world around me started to spin out of control when I saw the slim bundle of folded papers stuck behind the wood backing. No, it can't be. With shaky hands, one of the notes was pried open, and the lie was no longer a lie. My legs grew weak, and I sunk to the floor with a loud bang.

"Iskander?" Calim rushed to my side and snatched the paper from my hands. "What is this?" He asked through clenched teeth.

Murderer, you killed an innocent man. You're no better than the monsters who destroyed your hamlet. Seethed the cruel voice that haunts my nightmares, awoken by the smell of my misery. You really are the cold-blooded killer everyone thinks you to be.

"Iskander, does this mean what I think it means?"

Your mother would feel ashamed of the fact that she sacrificed herself for a child who was no more than a murderer. Your father was right. You were a curse to them and everyone around you.

"Are you listening to me?" Calim's words were a faint echo in the tempest of my mind. "This idiot lied to us. He used us to get what he wanted."

It's his fault, I yelled to the raging storm in my head, changing its rotation. It's his fault; he made you spill innocent blood. He can't get away with this.

I jumped to my feet, grabbed the notes, and barreled out the door with a very concerned Calim on my heels.

⚜⚜⚜

My eyes appraised the engraved leaves and vines along the gold wedding band in my hands. "I hope he likes it." Please take care of yourself, be safe, I whispered to him not so long ago; my finger tracing the thin, smooth scar where his chest met his torso as we were about to drift off into slumber. I will, I promise, Zander whispered back. The sun's rays filtered through the window, its gleam dancing along the valleys carved on the ring. I can't wait to see you again, I smiled.

A silhouette materialized in my peripheral vision, and my gaze moved to the window where a crowd of golden-clad soldiers closed in on our manor.

Author's Note: Thank you to my friend/beta reader Gavimar for lending me a corner in her house and her wi-fi password so I could upload this chapter today. I hate my wi-fi provider >:(