The Amber Sword

v3c305
Raging Torrent(1)

The stars shone in the night sky. The howling wind blew clouds from afar, yet nothing could blot out the dazzling shine of Marsha’s Star, a symbol of both order and wisdom. In the wee hours of the night, a faint glow seemed to be emanating from the dark depths of the sea.

Brendel looked up, staring at the horizon, silently counting the time. Three more hours until daybreak…

It was currently three in the morning.

Off the shores of Ampere Seale, a long silhouette appeared beneath the inky waves. Fins split the water surface, creating massive waves that rolled over the sea, crashing into each other in explosions of white foam.

Sani swam close to Brendel. As the naga and his army entered the bay, he flipped his fins, within the salty spray of the sea and the rain.

“These are the warriors of my tribe.” Sani said, turning to look at Brendel.

Brendel remained silent, but his heart was burning with anticipation. This day has finally come. After half a year of hardships and all of the pain I had to go through, my plan will finally come to fruition. He did not know about the future, but at that moment, his conscience was clear.

This was the true White Lion Armor. It had been recreated with advice from Brendel and Orthlyss, so its capabilities were as close to the original’s as any replica could ever be. In fact, the soldiers of Trentheim did not understand the significance of their armor, but just the fact that it had magical properties was enough to impress them.

The price of any such magic armor was atrociously high, a few of them being enough to buy a piece of fertile land. And even Count Graudin would not have been able to prepare magic armor for every one of his knights.

The new White Lion Armor was similar to Maximilian armor from Earth’s medieval times. However besides being magical, there was no armor for the legs, and the tasset had leaf-shaped plates on them. The helmet was based on the traditional style of the Wind Elf tribe’s, but the most eye-catching piece was the right shoulder pauldron that had been crafted to resemble a white lion. This feature had been removed from the armors of Aouine’s White Lion Legion, but Brendel insisted on recreating them to honor ancient times.

Brendel was the one who had come up with this new armor’s sketch. It was only thanks to the unique soul residing within him, that came from another world, that he could come up with a design that exuded such an ethereal charm, a new kind of beauty.

However, artistry was highly appreciated in this world too. And the new White Lion Armor appealed to the hearts of many. When equipped, an aura of power and majesty emitted from its bearers. Such a direct expression was rarely seen in Aouine at this time.

Brendel’s design had thoroughly impressed Orthlyss and other master blacksmiths. In the end, they could only label Brendel and his multi-talentedness as an irregularity.

Very quickly, the White Lion Battalion was ready. The army gathered in rows behind Brendel, awaiting inspection.

Both Brendel and Ciel were breathless at the sight before them; Merial and Amandina stared at each other in shock.

“Dear Marsha! Isn’t this the White Lion Army of the legends?” Amandina exclaimed.

“It’s exactly like the one recorded in history books.” Ciel shook his head in awe. He was present when the armor was being designed, but, at that time, he could not have fathomed how impactful it would be when it was worn by its soldiers.

“I’ve never seen the White Lion Army, but I really envy the people who lived during King Erik’s reign. To be able to witness an army as majestic as this would is a great privilege.” Raban muttered.

It looked like the White Lion Army had been reborn.

Only Brendel and Orthlyss knew that the army in front of them was closest to the actual White Lion Army. This elite army that had been lost in history seemed to be back in full force today, as if they had come, according to King Erik’s will, to save the Kingdom.

The sword is already here, is it time for the oath to be said once more?

“Lord, look at this.” Carglise said excitedly, his eyes shining with glee.

Brendel gave a slight smile. In this world, the White Lion Armor was purely meant for light infantry. To be more precise, it was an armor modeled after a cavalry unit’s, but instead modified for foot soldiers. Due to the difference in weight, in general, cavalry’s armor would be better than infantry’s. Simply because it would be inefficient for infantrymen to bear such large weights.

However, the White Lion Armor managed to overcome this difference.

It’s biggest feature was its magical capabilities inherited from the Half-plate Wind Armor, which drastically reduced its weight. While most winds may be calming, it could also come as a raging tempest. The Wind Defense Spell applied on the White Lion Armor could not only be used for defense and support, but it could also be used offensively. It was one of the best-designed armors in the world, and would probably be credited for the ancient White Lion Army’s nickname as ‘Gaia’s Protectors’.

‘The King Led his Knights and Dominated the South’. That was a saying meant for this Battalion.

It’s almost time. Brendel turned around.

Facing him, a carriage emerged slowly from the rain. The insignia on its walls were weathered, as if the carriage had come from another time. From within the carriage, a certain countess from the Yanbao family emerged.

“Mr. Brendel, the Yanbao family will never forget their debts or promises. Now, once more, I ask that you walk beside me. Will you grant me this honor?”

A clear voice cut through the cacophony of the rain.

“I’m willing,” Brendel replied with a smile.

“Carglise, I leave this place to you. White Lion Battalion, follow the plan and cooperate with Sani. Do not disappoint me.”

Carglise nodded his head seriously.

“Teacher, I’ll be counting on you.” Brendel said, turning to Mephisto.

The Ash Sword Saint nodded his head, accepting the reins of his designated warhorse. His gray eyes lingered on Brendel for another moment before he hoisted himself onto his horse.

Ciel, Scarlet, and Morpheus followed suit.

“Andrea.”

“Yes, Master.”

“I know that you are not familiar with riding in the rain, so follow me.” Brendel beckoned towards the carriage. The vampire royalty let out a tiny ‘hmph’.

Just before he closed the door, Brendel heard a tiny voice call out to him from behind.

“Brendel!”

Brendel’s eyes scanned the crowd, eventually locating the merchant girl who had called out to him.

“Don’t forget our promise!” Romaine yelled out. “I’ll be cheering you on!”

Brendel’s mind went back to that summer night in Bucce. The stars then shined as brightly as ever. The sky painted a picture of the galaxy, with stars closely clumped together, just like how his, Romaine’s, and Freya’s fates were so intertwined.

“I won’t. We’ll definitely become great merchants.” Brendel smiled back at her.