Promised

Chapter 5: Arrival to Shanklin

Soon, they had left for Shanklin.

Victor was nervous but excited. He felt incredibly lucky, for he had received no training but was already going on a mission!

Of course, for a small mission, Dolion would never take the whole of his army. He had Leflus, Leflah, and at least 20 foot soldiers with him along with Victor. For a small group, they were confident to approach Shanklin faster, which was a few hours away from Jurik.

Victor was riding a horse that Leflus assigned to him. Even though Victor was more comfortable with Night, he agreed because Leflus told him only commanders and horse riders had the authority to choose their own soldiers.

Victor felt sorry for the soldiers that kept walking. But Leflus had also told him they had seen worse. Still, he felt guilty.

After at least two hours, Dolion announced they would take a rest, which pleased the soldiers and in turn, pleased Victor.

He talked to the soldiers and tried to get to know them. He was always good with interaction, and loved nothing more than to keep the harmony amongst everyone.

Surprisingly, many opened up quickly to him, telling their pasts which were filled with dreams, happiness, hopes, ambitions, poverty, despair.

Of course, not all of them were quick to open. Victor felt some may have thought he was too nosey, and he felt guilty about that.

Dolion called Victor to himself, and praised him for his social skills.

"Boy, you do a wonderful job with people."

"Hahaha, no, not at all. Actually many of them were annoyed at me."

"They'll eventually open up. Even the toughest of hearts have a soft side, and the softest of hearts have a tough side."

Victor felt weird. Did Dolion have a tough side? He must have, for that is why he could participate in the awful war four years ago. Victor came to the realization that he had to toughen himself up as well, or he would vomit the very first time he would have to kill a human one day. Or worse, faint and get killed.

He thought back to his father, admiring him for his efforts in order to protect the country. He wanted to be as brave and loyal as his father was.

"You look very much like a friend I knew. He was a commander once, but died. Have you heard of Damon? His title was the Loyal before I claimed it." Dolion suddenly interrupted Victor's line of thought.

"He was my father." Victor nodded sadly.

Dolion didn't meet Victor's eyes to reply, "A great father, I believe. And a great commander, he was. His strength knew no boundary. He may have been the strongest commander in Hein's history. I was afraid to say this when I first heard your name. I vaguely remember Damon fanatically mentioning his family to me. He had huge dreams for you, my child, and this is why I brought you with me on this mission."

"I'm proud of my father. He will always be a true role model for all. I will never forget his sacrifice in the war 4 years ago."

"Oh, to be reminded of such an awful war..." Dolion stuffed his face in his hands, which was quite unlike him.

Victor immediately felt sorry and guilty. The war must have traumatized many who survived, and he mentally took a note to avoid deliberately speaking of it to anyone. "I'm so sorry, I was insensitive."

"No, it's alright. I should tell you more about your father's role in the war. But we'll leave that for some time later. We have rested enough. Leflus! Leflah! Inform everyone we shall continue our journey!"

And soon enough they set off again.

After walking for another hour, they had finally reached the coastal village, Shanklin.