Book One - The Dragonkin Empire.

Beneath the stars. - part two.

ALICE'S SIDE.

 "Do you get what I'm telling you?"

 "Miss, do I really have to do this?. You're going to be travelling for some time and to bring only Hekte, he's not a regular guard and is under the influence of the radicals, I want to go with you, my brother will more than suffice for this kind of task." The radicals were a group inside our tribe that were gaining force Their aim was to exterminate demons and expand our territory, by subjugating our fellow tribes, which was virtually impossible.

 "I want to have someone that I can trust near Lu, I'm worried for him, can I trust this to you?"

 "I... "

 "Do you hate him that much"

 "With all due respect, yes!." I answered without hesitation.

 We were inside the tent of my lady, outside the town on the Last Line of Defense. My lady was preparing for departure to the lands of the east, were our fellow tribe, the Keton-ri dwelled She was going there in a goodwill visit in order to strengthen our bonds, two guards were assigned, me and Hekte, and right now she was ordering me to leave her side to guard her friend.

 She was in front of me, surrounded by shadows, standing taller than me with a redish gown that had a strong contrast with her deep green eyes while I was kneeling  with my head down in full armor.

 "Why do you hate him, you don't know about him enough to say those harsh words, tell me what do you know about him?." she emphasised certain words, with my head down I couldn't see her face, but her voice, full of sadness and reproach, reached every corner of the room.

 "I don't have a need to know him, I've avoided him always. The facts that I got to experience first hand are that he is an orphan which the Chief found just outside the Last Line, covered with snow, that was two years ago, since then it has been the protected of our Chief and has learned the hidden arts under her, he has demonstrated countless times his lack of discipline and manners, he is disrespectful towards the authority, mocking even the one who saved him, it has caused countless disturbances in the castle as well in town, disappears for undetermined periods of time and he has sworn loyalty to none but himself."

 "Thas was a large list of his defects, and it appears I can't deny none of them as all of them are true, but, having to live without parents it's not a deffect and I've had the chance to know the other side of him for some time and I can assure you that not all is bad, I wish that you at least try to get along with him, okay?"

 "Yes ma'am, if you command me." I hate this mission that keeps me away from my duty.

 "Good!, I already told you brother that this mission to guard him is to be carried out in the utmost secret, even for my grandma and this assignment is for your ears only. Lu is being held captive in the Tunnel near the basement, you are to be filled in with the details by Lixk, he knows the route to the cell, and as my last request, I want  that the two of you follow Lumiere's command as it was my very own once you find him, is that alright with you?"

 "Yes ma'am, I just want one concession, if by any chance I consider that he has no leading skills, I will take over him."

 "That is fine, then now that it is night, you should be going, avoid being get caught and don't raise a ruckus, don't let your personality get the best of you. You may leave."

 "I wish for your well being, if youl'll excuse me" I turned to leave, as I was near the exit she spoke again.

 "Remember Alice, your brother can't know why I sent you.