Pillars of Age

Red Head Rider

DIHAN

A majestic horse, its coat gleaming in the morning light, galloped gracefully through the bustling stone-paved streets of Aurelia. The rider, an adept cavalry soldier, navigated the crowded thoroughfares with exceptional skill. Her keen eyes scanned the busy marketplace while her mind focused on her urgent mission. Suddenly, she reined in her steed, narrowly avoiding pedestrians who had darted into her path. They erupted in scolding, reminding her that cavalry units were meant to use city's designated paths. Ignoring the reprimands, she urged her horse forward once more, her urgency unyielding.

The soldier had a crucial reason for avoiding the designated roads. As she lifted her head, she saw her destination, the Military Palace Stables near the Royal Palace, was now within reach.

Upon arriving, she dismounted and swiftly stabled her horse. Removing her helmet revealed a striking young woman with braided red hair, her fair skin freckled from sun exposure. Her light brown eyes, sharp and alert, scanned her surroundings. As she adjusted her braid, she was greeted by a familiar voice.

"Lieutenant Dihan of the Cavalry, long time no see," a red-haired soldier called out.

"Soldier Harlan, why are you here?" Dihan asked, her tone cautious.

"What brings you to the Military Palace?" Harlan inquired; his curiosity evident.

"None of your business!" Dihan retorted; her voice tinged with irritation.

"Forgive me, but you must remember that I am a Royal investigator. Questioning everything is part of my duty, including what you carry," Harlan explained, pointing to the items in Dihan's saddlebag.

Dihan responded with a tight-lipped silence, removing the items from her saddlebag and placing them in a pouch. "I told you, it's none of your business!" she repeated, hastily leaving the stable.

As she hurried away, she cast a wary glance back at Harlan. He seemed to be moving away from the stable, heading in the opposite direction of her destination, the Royal Throne Hall in the Aurelia Royal Palace.

The Royal Military Palace complex that surrounds the Royal Palace was an impressive sight, with expansive stone courtyards and lush gardens filled with soldiers from the army and special units. Despite the diversity, Dihan's red hair did not attract much attention, blending into the mosaic of soldiers.

Climbing the grand stone steps, Dihan approached the Aurelia Royal Palace, its smooth marble walls gleaming in the sunlight. The main gate, an imposing structure without doors, led directly into the main hall. When a gate guard approached her, she quickly displayed a gold badge bearing the symbol of a horse and a spear. She maintained a calm demeanour, meeting the guard's gaze with a steady smile.

"The Fortune is on my side," she murmured in relief as the guard briefly inspected the badge and then returned it, allowing her to enter.

The main hall was awe-inspiring, with a ceiling towering higher than a five-story building. Marble statues of Aurelia's Heroes lined the path, their polished surfaces gleaming. As Dihan neared the Throne Hall, she paused to take a deep breath, checking the contents of her cloth pouch and steeling herself for the imminent confrontation.

"I am Dihan from the southern border cavalry unit, requesting an audience with the King to deliver important news," she announced to the throne hall guard.

"We do not permit you. Although you have that gold badge, the throne hall is closed except for those summoned by the King."

Dihan took a deep breath, her mind racing. "Aurelian Royals never forget Commander Areta's service!" she declared, holding up her gold badge.