Black Magic

Chapter 10: March for the Country

EUGENE'S POV

As I paced back and forth in the hallway, my mind raced with a mixture of anger, disappointment, and fear.

I had just witnessed Eleanor's shocking outburst in the living room, and my heart ached for the pain she was clearly in.

But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel a sense of shame and embarrassment for our family.

With a heavy heart, I decided to confront her, hoping to snap her out of her madness and make her see the consequences of her actions.

I stormed towards her.

In a moment of desperation, I slapped Eleanor, hoping to shock her into realizing the gravity of her actions. "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO US? TO YOURSELF?" I yelled, my voice echoing through the room. "YOU BRING SHAME TO OUR NAME, TO OUR FAMILY! YOU'RE ACTING LIKE A MADWOMAN IN FRONT OF EVERYONE, AND YOU'RE INVOLVED WITH AN ENGAGED MAN!"

Eleanor's eyes widened in shock at my outburst, and she began to cry, overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation.

My anger didn't subside, though. I continued to yell, my words cutting through the air like a knife. "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO US? WE'VE ALWAYS TRIED TO PROTECT YOU, TO GIVE YOU THE BEST LIFE POSSIBLE, AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY US?"

As I stormed out of the room, my heart felt heavy with guilt for having lashed out at my daughter.

But I couldn't help but feel that she needed to understand the severity of her actions and the pain she was causing not only to herself but also to those who loved her.

My officer approached me and handed me a letter. I held the letter in my hand.

King Albert II had summoned me, and it was time to leave my family and the relative peace of our home to face the reality that awaited me at the palace.

With a heavy heart, I mounted my horse and set off towards the grand palace, my mind racing with thoughts of the impending meeting and the gravity of the situation.

As I approached the palace gates, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, knowing that the land was at war and that my presence was needed to help strategize and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Upon entering the palace, I was greeted by General Matt, a man I had come to respect and rely on in times of crisis.

Together, we made our way to the Emperor's chambers, where we were to discuss the pressing matters at hand. As we entered the room,

Emperor Albert II's stern gaze met ours, and I could sense the weight of the responsibility that rested on our shoulders.

"On the current  state of the war, the enemy's tactics, and the losses we had already suffered. It was a sobering reminder of the high stakes involved and the importance of our mission. Our land is at war, Brompton wanted to take everything from us" he said.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that we needed to mobilize our forces and prepare for a potential large-scale conflict.

Emperor continued, "It's time has come for us to prepare our people and our land for the battles ahead. We must rally our soldiers, strategize our defenses, and ensure that our people are protected from the impending danger."

The thought of preparing millions of soldiers for war was a daunting task, and I knew that the villagers and city people were already scared by the news of the conflict.

But I also knew that we had to face the reality of the situation and do everything in our power to protect our land and our people.

In a blink of an eye, the sun beat down mercilessly on the expansive battlefield.

I stood atop a makeshift wooden podium. My heart pounded in my chest, echoing the collective anxiety of the millions of soldiers gathered before me.

Their eager eyes were fixed upon me, waiting for my words to guide them through the impending conflict.

"Men and women of our great nation," I began, my voice ringing out across the sea of faces. "Our land is at war, and the time has come for us to stand united as one, to defend our homeland and the values we hold dear." A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. "We must prepare ourselves, not only for the battles ahead but also for the sacrifices we will make in the name of peace and freedom."

As I spoke, I observed the medics in the background, diligently organizing their supplies and equipment.

Their faces were etched with determination and a sense of duty, knowing that they would be the ones to tend to the wounded and the fallen.

My heart swelled with pride for their unwavering commitment.

Just as I was about to continue my address, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd. General Matt approached me.

He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, and I could feel his support.

"Eugene, do not worry," he whispered softly, his voice a calming presence amidst the chaos. "The Almighty is always with us. Trust in His guidance and strength."

His words resonated within me, providing a momentary reprieve from the weight of the situation.

I took a deep breath, allowing the faith General Matt instilled in me to fill my heart. With renewed courage, I looked out at the sea of faces before me and continued my speech.

"My fellow soldiers, let us remember that we are not alone in this fight. The Almighty watches over us, granting us the strength and wisdom to overcome any adversary. Together, we will face the challenges ahead and emerge victorious, for the sake of our people and the future generations to come."

The sun had slowly set when the bustle of preparations intensified around the city.

Soldiers rushed about, ensuring that weapons and equipment were properly distributed and ready for use.

Even some of the higher-ranking officers could be seen assisting the civilians, guiding them towards safer areas as the looming threat of war drew near.

Amidst the chaos, I spotted Eleanor, my daughter, standing at a distance. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of fear and sadness that tore at my heart.

I knew that the moment had come for me to address her, to prepare her for the possibility of my absence during the conflict.

Taking a deep breath, I approached her and gently took her hands in mine. "Eleanor," I began, my voice trembling slightly as I fought to maintain my composure.

"As you can see, the situation is grave, and I must leave to join the fight for our homeland."

Her eyes welled up with tears as she looked up at me, her voice quivering as she spoke. "I hope, Father, that you will never come back."

The words struck me like a punch to the gut, and I felt a pang of guilt for the pain I was causing her.

I tried to muster the strength to comfort her, but my heart ached at the thought of leaving her behind. "Eleanor, I understand your fear, and it breaks my heart to cause you pain. But I must do my duty, as must every citizen of our land. We fight for the safety and freedom of our people, and I will do everything in my power to return to you."

As I marched towards the front lines, I carried the weight of my decision, hoping against hope that I would be able to keep my promise to Eleanor and return home to her.