Humans to have an ally if and when another war breaks out. The Trolls will commit their manpower and materials to any war that could threaten Livonia. But Allan also has a lot to worry about as he has killed with his own hands, three soldiers of Unodos who acted against him. That will surely not bode well with the Unodites. But the entire thing he has done, really is something that was not an option. But not doing this was not highlighted because this was unexpected as no one had ever imagined something like this would happen. Allan had done the unthinkable. But it was going against his orders and the main objective of this campaign. Allan knew the consequences for his actions and he cared about it but when the opportunity to save the lives of his soldiers and start a friendship with the Trolls, Allan ceased it because he knew it was the absolute right thing to do. He will do whatever it takes to secure what he has started and fight for its victory and achieve a permanent state of peace for Paradon amongst all races.
Once they reached the other side of the path, the Unodites left and headed back to their kingdom. Some parted ways with the Trolls and Hetheilians heavy hearted and somewhat ashamed, while others left with new mindsets and ideologies and a few left with utter hatred and resentment. The air was somewhat bitter and quiet and was a far cry from a pleasant fare well. Allan and the Hetheilian army continued to march north. The soldiers under Allan who had witnessed the revolutionary and breath taking acts Allan and Serai initiated since the battle in the Darian marsh were completely on Allan’s side, having seen the extent and power that peace in such a way could bring. Hardly anyone in the Hetheilian army had a negative view against Allan’s plan and was willing to stand by him as Capurnicus was. He has earned their respect as he has demonstrated consistently that he will place himself in front any consequence after putting his soldiers and peace as a priority first. Casualties had been minimised and that meant Hetheilians soldiers can still see their families again. Overall Allan has the army to back him up. He has slept where they have slept, eaten what they have eaten and did a good job leading them. Allan could count on the support of this army when he stands trial for what he has done. After a week of travelling, they finally reached the wall. There had been no further breaches, thankfully. Allan stationed his men, leaving only a couple dozen men that would travel back with him. It was the same for his brother, Elis who stationed his men as well. These soldiers will only be allowed to go back to their villages and the cities on the start of the next season where they will switch stationing positions with soldiers from Hetheil and Diamonheim.
Finally, the two met after many weeks without seeing each other. The two were on their horses, Allan was mounted on his horse, Copper and Elis was on Silver, his horse. They stared at each other oddly but when Allan dismounted, so did Elis and the two walked up to each other. Elis then said to Allan with a snobbish smile “looks like you made it brother. To be honest I didn’t think you’d make it. It seems you did some fighting, you’ve got a head injury and a nasty cut on your arm”. Allan chuckled and said “you seem lesser inured than I but you have more blood stained all over your silk and leather armour”. “Well, brother that is because I fight with more skill and I know exactly how to fight a Troll unlike you, horse rider” said Elis jokingly referencing how he has always been a slightly better fighter compared to Allan but always worse in comparison to Allan’s horse riding skill. “You know; I don’t even know if I should dread our reunion or rejoice seeing you again” said Elis out of nowhere. “I will rejoice, who wouldn’t want to see their brother again” said Allan trying to revamp his lost relationship with his brother. “Maybe I should dread maybe I shouldn’t but if you do not, I shouldn’t either” said Elis. “Brother, we should head back to Ohith now, we should see father. I am sure he is waiting to see us especially I his condition” said Allan. “He’s waiting to see you Allan, not me” said Elis. A short tense silence followed what Elis had just said, bringing back the old troubles between the two of them relating to the love of their father. The two then walked back to their horses, mounted them, and started the long march back to Ohith. Having a very small force, they would be able to go at a much faster pace, thanks to fewer resources to carry and more mobility.
It was good to feel the southern winds in their faces, rather than their backs. That was glimpse of the good life they have been so far away from for so long. They wanted to experience the parade upon entering the capital, celebrating the safe return, and victories the princes have brought. Throughout the march back, Allan and Elis were somewhat apart from each other and hardly talked. There was some tension, unclear of whether it was anger, jealousy, or disappointment but it was certainly tense. Both knew they had done something that is not acceptable. For Elis, it was conspiring with an enemy, Lumbre Redwood and accepting his mentorship on top of his ill treatment towards his own soldiers. Allan’s doing was this recent bid for peace. Where he had to kill fellow Humans, alone he had killed three Unodites in total. Elis is still somewhat safe as his secret has been kept well. But Allan is not safe, even though the people and his father love him, he still killed three people on top of making peace with a traditional enemy. That cannot be kept a secret as by the time he reaches Ohith the Unodite soldiers would have reported everything to their king. Elis rode on his horse stray from the rest of the group either on the flanks, far ahead or at the rear, while Allan always rode by the side of the army advisor at the front of the army group. The two brothers could not be more different. Their lives have been directed in paths they cannot walk away from. Heading home is supposed to be joyous but Allan and Elis know that something is going to happen to them. They have already set things in motion and it’s only a matter of time before they are punished. Their lives will never be the same.
Chapter 7: Proscription
There it was, the magnificent city of Ohith. Its walls and gate were tall, strong and sturdy. It was a sight to see after many weeks out in the wild. A soldier on horse rode out of blue to Allan and Elis. While another soldier rode back to the city. And before the city knew it bells started ringing to signify the returning of the princes to the city. The soldier that had rode up to Allan and Elis said “My princes, you have returned, the city is happy to welcome you, the parade is ready. Prince Allan Reeve you may enter firs followed by Elis”. “Why can’t I enter the city first?” asked Elis angrily. “Sorry Prince Elis Reeve you just can’t” said the soldier in a friendly and fearful way. “Why can’t I enter first? Maybe at least let me ride in beside him upon entering” said Elis angrily. “It is as per the king’s orders, Prince Elis Reeve” said the soldier. Elis then turned to look at Allan with an expression of hatred. “What have I been telling you Allan?! You’re not my brother because you and I are not treated as equals” shouted Elis fiercely. Allan kept his mouth shut and nodded with an expression of guilt. Elis read Allan’s response and he could see that Allan was probably sorry but did not understand the full extent and toll it has taken on Elis. Nevertheless, Allan was to be the first to enter with his band of soldiers behind him followed by Elis and his band of soldiers. They stood at the gate to soak up the applause of the people of Ohith. The gate opened slowly and revealed the bustling city of Ohith and its people.
Upbeat and excited to see the princes the people of Ohith immediately started cheering. It was a great feeling to experience after toughing it out in the wild for weeks. As they walked down the main street towards the palace, people were throwing followers and silk at them from both sides of the street. Then they saw the palace, its stunning architectural design looked even better to the princes having been psychologically affected by their many weeks campaigning in rural and harsh terrains. Capurnicus entered last behind Elis’s army, to Elis’s satisfaction. Because if Capurnicus could be next to or directly behind Allan, Elis would not even have entered the city. The palace got ever so closer, both were enjoying the moment knowing that soon they would both have to face the music. The showers of flowers were not as prevalent onto Elis compared to the recept
ion Allan was getting. Allan’s name was continuously being called repeatedly by the people. But Elis could not hear his name being chanted anywhere, he only had a few pieces of silk and flowers thrown at him. But Elis was completely atoned to this, he certainly hated these situations where the people would express more love for the Allan than. This has happened too many times and it is something commonly expected by Elis. The group reached the Palace gate, the soldiers dispersed to see their families again.
The palace guards slowly raised the gate and even though the people were cheering, the excitement faded away, giving way to fear and tension. Elis was confident he was not in trouble but Allan knew that he was going to stand before the Hetheilian authorities, political figures, and his father as he is given the justice he supposedly deserves. They entered the palace grounds and dismounted, Copper and Silver were then led off to the royal stables and the brothers entered the palace. It was lavish and luxurious, better than hey remembered it. They