Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

SI: Chapter XVIII: Warrior's Departure

In the heart of a tumultuous era, the king's decree echoed across the land, calling upon the nobles to partake in the wars of the kingdoms. Late medieval Iberian Peninsula, with its intricate tapestry of Navarre, Castile, Aragon, and the last Istaslama state of Granada, found itself at the brink of unification through the fires of conflict.

As the summons reached the Wode estate, Peter, heir to the viscountcy, received the call to arms. News of his departure resonated through the castle walls, creating ripples of concern and uncertainty.

Inside the cold estate walls, Viscountess Beatrix urges: "Peter, the king's decree is not to be taken lightly. You must go to war, fulfill your duty to the crown, and secure the future of our house."

Peter: "But, dear aunt—"

Viscountess Beatrix: "Peter, it is a command. It's about the Wode legacy and your responsibilities as the heir. You will go to war. I cannot be in your stead forever."

Head Knight: "My lord, we stand ready to support you in this endeavor."

Peter: (sighs) "Very well."

Viscountess Beatrix: "It is a burden we must bear for the greater good. Trust that we shall keep the estate thriving in your absence."

Subject: "The knights are preparing for the journey, my lord. The Wode banner will fly high in the face of adversity with dozens of troops behind you."

Peter: "As it should be. Let our actions speak of our commitment to the king and our people."

Viscountess Beatrix: "May you return victorious, my nephew, and bring honor to the Wode's name. Amen."

Peter: "God willing, dear aunt"

In the sobering shadow of an imminent departure, Peter, adorned in the armor of duty, guided his horse to Alice's garden. The ancient tree stood witness as he approached, and with a tender touch, Peter embraced her from behind, his lips finding solace on the crown of her head.

Alice, greeted by this unexpected but cherished presence, turned to face him with a warm smile. However, the gravity of Peter's purpose soon became apparent. He shared the harsh truth – he was to embark on a perilous journey to the war-torn lands.

Peter: "Alice, I have news, and it weighs heavily on my heart. Duty calls, and I am to march off to the war that awaits us."

Alice, her smile fading, questioned in a quivering voice: "War? But... can't you stay, Peter? Is that why you're wearing armor?"

Peter, a mix of resolve and sorrow in his eyes, gently explained: "Yes. I wish I could, but the realm beckons. My duty is to Wode, and I cannot turn away."

Alice, on the verge of tears, implored: "Can't they find someone else? You can't go, Peter. You just can't."

Peter, his heart torn, replied: "I wish it were that simple. But these are tumultuous times, and I must stand with Wode."

As Alice struggled with the emotions overwhelming her, Peter held her close.

Peter: "Alice, my love, this is not goodbye forever. We'll carry each other in our hearts until we're reunited."

Alice, caught in the clutches of an overwhelming reality, stammered in disbelief. Tears welled in her eyes as she implored Peter to reconsider, but the weight of duty bore heavily on his shoulders, leaving him no choice.

Embracing each other tightly, Alice's heart ached with the fear of losing him. In a poignant moment, she tied her handkerchief to the hilt of Peter's sword, a symbol of love and hope amidst the impending darkness. Alice, choked with emotion, managed to express her feelings: "Take this. It's my handkerchief. Let it be a piece of us on your journey."

Their final kiss lingered with unspoken promises as Peter joined the ranks of Wode's knights, leaving behind a garden filled with the echoes of love and an uncertain future.

The rhythmic beat of marching echoed through the cobbled streets as Peter, at the head of the Wode troops, led the procession through the town. The townspeople gathered, their cheers blending with fervent prayers for the safety and success of the warriors heading to war. In this moment, the air was charged with a mix of anticipation, patriotism, and an underlying sense of apprehension. The episode concluded with Peter's departure, accompanied by the eager, young Billy, both destined for the battlefield.