Whispers Of Desires: A Sense Of Truth {Book 2}

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙸: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙹𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚢 𝙱𝚎𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚜 - 𝚃𝚘 𝙰𝚕𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚊 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙱𝚎𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚍

Kazi walked through the ranks of the assembled Niamedan army, her armour clicking and her boots crunching on the gravel. As she reached the podium, she surveyed the sea of determined faces, each one etched with a mix of grief and determination. She took a deep breath, summoning her courage and her anger, and began to speak.

"Soldiers of Niameda," she said, her voice carrying across the field, "You have likely heard the disturbing news of the attacked trade ship. A senseless act that has left us with more questions than answers." She paused, letting the weight of her words hang in the air.

Murmurs of agreement rose from the ranks. Kazi understood that they were with her, not because they had to be, but because they believed in her. This attack threatened not only trade and diplomacy, but the very fabric of the peace between their kingdoms.

"I, along with a select group of our best soldiers, will be departing for Althea," she continued. "There, we shall meet with their King and seek answers to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice."

A collective cheer erupted as the soldiers raised their swords, a display of loyalty and determination. "For Niameda!" they shouted, their voices echoing across the field. Kazi felt a surge of pride course through her veins. She knew they trusted her to lead them, and she would not disappoint.

Stepping down from the podium, she made her way towards her tent, her mind already strategizing. She needed to prepare for the journey ahead, both physically and mentally.

Lost in thought, she almost did not hear the flap of the tent door lifting. Glancing up, she found Ren standing there, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

"General," he began, his voice low, "is there anything I can help you with?"

Kazi blinked, surprised. Ren did not typically come to her study unless they were practicing their swordplay together. "Actually," she admitted, gesturing to the maps spread out across the table, "I was just working on some defensive measures for the journey. We cannot afford to be caught unprepared."

A flicker of something unreadable crossed Ren's face, then he stepped forward. "In that case," he said, his voice firm, "allow me to accompany you to Althea. My skills might prove useful."

Kazi hesitated. Ren was one of her most capable soldiers, and his skills with a sword were unparalleled. But she knew that taking him along would also mean leaving the army with a less experienced leader.

"I appreciate the offer, Ren," she said carefully, "but your presence is needed here. You will oversee the army while I am away. I need to know that I am leaving Niameda in the safest hands possible."

Disappointment flickered across Ren's eyes, an emotion that Kazi almost missed. He nodded once, respectfully. "As you command, General." His voice was tight, but his posture remained straight and unyielding. "I will do my best to keep Niameda safe in your absence."

Turning, he exited the tent, leaving Kazi alone with her plans and her thoughts. She knew Ren was right; she couldn't take him away from his responsibilities. Still, she couldn't shake the sense of unease that came with leaving him behind. He was not only one of her most trusted soldiers, but also her closest friend.

But there was something different about Ren today, a shift in his demeanour she couldn't quite put her finger on. But duty called, and there was no time to dwell on it. Justice for the missing soldiers and the safety of Niameda demanded her full attention.

Kazi strode over the docks, her boots thudding on the wooden planks. Kazi had borrowed some of Ren's clothes, as wearing a gown to sea was impractical. She wore brown trousers. A brown shirt, many sizes too big, hung loosely over her 5'10 body, the sleeves not folded back because it was inappropriate for a woman to bare her arms, and gloves to cover her hands. Although her father never pressed her to conform to society's expectations, Kazi was unprepared for the judgmental looks of Niamedan citizens on her. She was already a woman in the army, and she had a lot of challenges, so she did not want to add more on her.