Ophuthis: Unfaltering Fidelity

Chapter 18: The Inception to Eastern Paramountcy, Part III

  Liv, Northeast Sarr, Western Swargon Empire.

"Hey, is Marshal calling?"

He temporarily halted his action of tying his leather boots, "No. But I was summoned by the captain of our battalion," he looked at the woman in a dirty light blue dress with an apron, carrying what seems to be his surcoat.

"I figured. I heard that the Marshal has been demoted due to his actions recently. Is it Captain Oult that summons you?" her eyes followed the man as he rose from his seat.

He approached her and turned around; facing away from her, "Yes. As for that bastard of a Marshal, the rumors are true. Thank goodness the emperor investigates what others are spreading."

The man opened his arms and she proceeded to equip her with the coat, "What did he do anyway?"

He turned once more, "Apparently he discriminates against Sarrians like us. He's originally from Swargon, so when the Empire colonized us, and these Orcs started raiding the rural provinces of Sarr, he did not do anything but let our fellow Sarrians die."

"What a horrible man. Are you sure it's a good idea to apply for the military? I know you're in there for over a year now but don't you get scared about possibly being discriminated against?" she tilted her head with concern. Her silk white, smooth face made the person she talks to flustered.

"I'll beat that ugly guy into a dead horse if he ever spoke that disrespectfully to me. Besides, my parents are renowned soldiers of Swargon anyway. Whenever they know my last name, they instantly give respect for my heroic father."

"Don't be too haughty because of your father. Prove to them that they do not respect you because of your father, but because of you own prowess. I'll bet you that Captain Oult will promote you," she hugged the husband.

He cuddled her back, sniffing her hair as she was smaller than his tallness, "I won't be too prideful and arrogant, I promise."

She raised her head and let go of his embrace, "by the way go to the Collins residence and give this to them," she gave him a basket full of bread and vegetables.

"I don't think Hems will be in their house. He's got his own regiment to manage in the capital."

"Then give it to her wife, she is kind to us so we must pay her back. What's the saying, Elves ourselves?"

"Fine," he took the offering. They embosomed one last time, and as they did, "Owen!" he shouted.

"Owen! Your father's leaving, at least see him off!" she added.

The young Elf emerged from one of the rooms in a disinterested visage, "bye," he said, dull of sincerity.

"Be a little more respectful to your father, Owen! You're seventeen and you're-"

"Chea, its fine," he changed his stare to the young man, "Just make sure you have decided to be trained in the military when you're eighteen."

"Being a soldier here is boring. I can have a better life as a Gendarme in the west."

"We've talked about this numerous times, Owen. You are not going to Hidiea or Ælhelmia, your future stays and is enclosed here in the Empire," he raised his voice.

The boy left the two. The lecture he spoke of, exited as quickly as it entered.

"Owen! Get back here," his mother ordered

"Chea, it's alright."

"You should really teach your son good manners. Spanking him once in while is good for nurturing a child."