The Enchantress

92.

No one's POV.

...At the Kingdom of Twice...

King Ranu thought of a best way to energize the soldiers before sending them off. He ordered to prepare a feast for the soldiers. Everyone will be included even the ones who'll stay in the castle. Once the tables and chairs were set up on the castle grounds, they have laid out food and bottles of mead on the table.

When the soldiers were settled down to their seats. King Ranu appeared at the terrace.

"My brothers I need not say much for I know you're all famished specially seeing all the food in front of you. I won't keep you any longer from your food. All I could say is... Let the feast begin!"

The soldiers cheered for a few seconds before they digged in. Smiles were all visible to their faces. They were all silently eating at first then after a few minutes were happily talking.  When they were finished eating music began to play.

The soldiers started dancing along the music. Soon some of the soldiers from Aevar were eyeing the female staffs, urging them to dance with them. Soldiers from Twice defended the female staffs. The Aevar soldiers chose not to pick a fight for they will be outnumbered.

They just went back to dancing by themselves and drink as much as they can. Meanwhile the Twice soldiers were hesitant to drink at first. They were trained not to drink before a battle but then knowing that those who trained them weren't around, soon they gave in to the temptation.

Zaku stood over the terrace and said. "Men! Stand and honor the King of Nazca, King Ranu!"

The soldiers, who were now drunk, all cheered as King Ranu appeared at the balcony. He then raised his hand urging the soldiers to settle down. He's a bit dizzy already for he had a feast of his own. He already consumed 3 bottles of mead.

"My brothers. Thank you for your warm welcome. I hope you're all well fed."

The soldiers shouted yes.

"I'm glad cause you all deserved that feast. Why? Cause our victory is near. I know you all won't fail me cause the best of all the best are in front of me. Once we claim our victory, you will all be rewarded."

The soldiers cheered again. King Ranu raised his cup. "To victory! And to Nazca!"

The soldiers repeated after him and took a drink from their cups. They weren't given any limits up to how much they'll drink. Most of them who couldn't afford even a cup took advantage and drank a lot. They drank as if it's the best night of their lives.

Meanwhile later that night after the feast, Chaeyoung and his men were able to reach the Kingdom of Twice. They need to hurry up to get inside the castle while everyone is still asleep. He led his men towards the side of the castle while archers were watching them over the trees near the castle.

The next day...

Most of the men were still sleepy and suffering from having a hangover. Even Torton also have a hangover. He briefly addressed the men by giving a short speech before letting them go. He sent most of his men leaving only 2 dozen left in the castle.

Torton said to Zaku: "I'll take a rest this nasty head is killing me. No one should wake me unless it's important like news from the troops or from Miyeon. Understood?"

"Yes, my Lord." Zaku bowed and left.

"Zaku!"

Zaku was already at the door about to open it when he got startled with Torton shouting his name. He immediately ran towards his king.

"Yes, my Lord?"

"Fetch me a medicine for this stupid headache. Give it to me fast before I sleep."

"Right away, my Lord." Zaku then ran out of the room and looked for the servants.

"Quick! Give me a remedy for hangover!" He said upon seeing a servant who immediately ran to get it. He called another servant "You! Go to the kitchen ask them to make the most delicious soup, ready some orange juice and water. Tell them to do it quickly."

A few minutes later he was handed the remedy. Few minutes after that the tray of soup arrived along with an orange juice and water. He ushered the servant to go with him.

They reached Torton's chamber and knocked 3 times. When they heard no answer, he opened the door. Torton was sitting by a chair at the terrace. He went over to him.

"My Lord, the remedy you've requested. I had a soup ready as well to calm your stomach."

Zaku instructed the servant to place the tray on the table in front of Torton.

"Good thinking." Said Torton who dismissed him by waving his hand.

After drinking the remedy and eating the soup, Torton lazily went back to his bed and drifted off to sleep right away.

A few hours after the troops had left the castle he was awoken by someone who splashed water on his face. He panicked for he thought he's drowning. When he realized that it wasn't water but mead, he sat and shouted. "Who poured mead on me. I'll kill you..."

He stopped for when he looked ahead, he was surprised to the Prince, whom he ordered the troops to look for, is standing at the foot of his bed.

"Looks like you had quite a wonderful feast last night huh. Had a pleasant sleep? Don't worry that will be your last." The Prince said smirking with his sword at the ready.