𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛-𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚊𝚛

Chapter 1: Hard feelings

Inside the great meeting hall, There is a large round table, Around the table are plenty of chairs. But only some of them are filled tonight. On two opposite ends of the table, Were two larger chairs, Made for the two leaders. The first leader is named Rylan, He's blonde, Skinny, Somewhat tall, and is quite careless when it comes to these meetings. The second leader is named Anthony, He has black hair, Is decently built, And is at least 4 inches taller than Rylan. Overall, He has a serious tone about him.

More people file into the hall, Taking their side of the table either next to Anthony or next to Rylan. "Hey, You alright?" A voice behind Anthony asks, He recognizes it as Ella and simply responds "I'm fine." Ella nods and takes a seat next to him, Fiddling wit her thumbs nervously as the last few people take their seats.

The large doors to the hall swing shut with a loud bang. "Well then, Shall we start?" Rylan asked with a confident smirk. Just from that look on Rylan's face, Anthony wanted to punch him in the nose. "Is there a reason you asked us to meet here Anthony or-" "Your troops have been trespassing on my territory, And I very well don't appreciate it." Anthony tried very hard to keep his voice steady, But it was difficult with the amount of anger flowing through his veins. Rylan frowned. "I don't know what you're on about Anth-" "He will be addressed as commander Cole, As he is a person of extremely high power." Ella's temper was also boiling. Rylan chuckling didn't help matters, It made their blood boil more. "I do apologize, Commander Cole." Rylan sent an obvious glance at his troops when he spoke the title. Anthony's hands clenched into fists, He was nearing his breaking point. "Anthony..." Anthony turned to look at Ella, Who smiled at him and placed a comforting hand over his own clenched fist. "Deep breaths, They WANT a reaction." Ella reminded him gently. Anthony drew in a deep breath, Letting it out slowly. "Look, Rylan, Keep your troops off of my territory or there will be some unfortunate consequences." "Is that a threat?" Rylan asked, His eyes narrowing. "It's a warning." There were murmurs from the people at the table, Anthony stood up from his chair, Pulling Ella up with him. "Meeting adjourned." He announced. Everyone stood up from their seats, Grabbing their stuff before making their way out of the doors. Anthony and Ella stood by the doors, Waiting for everyone to file out. Rylan was the last one to walk out, But he harshly shoved Anthony with his shoulder on the way out. "I'm gonna fucking murder him." Anthony muttered after Rylan was out of earshot. He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Soon, Anthony, Soon."

After that night, Things had gotten significantly worse for both sides. And Ella wanted none of it. So she removed herself from the war completely, For her sake, and for Bella's. Bella was her best friend, And Ella would never forgive herself if she got Bella hurt. Unfortunately, That was harder said than done. Most of the land was either owned by Rylan or Anthony. So Ella had to make sure that they both left minimal evidence that they had ever made camp in an area. Ella wasn't worried much about Rylan's patrols, They were easy to avoid. But Anthony's was...a bit more difficult to avoid. Every soldier in Anthony's patrols carried rifles, And they also carried a pistol on their hip, just in case. After realizing this, Ella decided that her and Bella should stay out of sight.

That's what they're doing, They're searching for a place to live. Bella was exhausted from traveling all the time. And Ella was tired too.

Until one day, That all changed.

Ella was scouting out the land ahead, A storm rumbled in the distance. "We may have to travel through a storm." Ella observed, Narrowing her eyes at the endless fields ahead. She had decided that the safest route through this part of Anthony's territory was through his wheat farms, They would be hidden within the tall stalks. "Can't we just ask Anthony for shelter? He wouldn't mind us staying for one night-" "Bella, We talked about this, We trust no one." Bella sighed, Leaning against a nearby tree. "You know, You never told me what happened when Anthony walked away from us for good." Ella felt a slight hint of guilt hit her, But she shook it off before it could settle. "We're losing daylight, Let's move."