Chapter Cornelia: Crescent Sun

Exiled Snow - Senseless Dispute

...

Here's what had happened so far...

The kingdom notorious for its abundance yet seclusive population, the northern Earth kingdom Edfaust, a separated yet trusted ally from the north-west of our kingdom, unexpectedly marshalled their army towards the kingdom where I used to live, the Water kingdom of Atlencis, and murdered most of its people they see in their eyes as hindrances and practically useless.

As to this day, I'm still unsure regarding the whereabouts of the people left there at Castle Atlencis, let alone my Father and Mother. We heard from a wandering merchant who happened to be passing by how some noble-looking people were captured by the knights. We can't exactly tell from such an obscure claim that these are my parents, yet my paranoia won't stop haunting me about it.

Yet one thing may be confirmed from his words: Castle Atlencis had fallen and this could herald the Edfaustian seizing the northern region of the Water kingdom, Lughvia, to their control.

As of the present, Marseth is tasked with bringing me to the land of trades and commerce, Fódmire. The noble who leads the place used to be my father's friend and rival during their academic days. In the meantime, we could take residence there as we plan on our next course of action, whilst also hoping to learn the whereabouts of my elder brother who has gone missing since the earth kingdom's triumph against ours. There's also the month and season to worry about. Next month would be the start of the coldest phase of winter. We'd best get ourselves there before we shiver to death from the harsh blizzards that shall ravage the snowy lands.

Approximately a week have passed since I escaped at Castle Atlencis... We have been really travelling a lot, especially for the past few days, as the Earth knights have been relentlessly pursuing us regardless of the time of the day. Even the luxurious cities of Lughvia isn't a safe haven anymore due to the unwelcomed mass of Edfaustian soldiers swarming every corner of the streets.

To think their invasion has already paved them too deep in our territory... At this rate, Chelurea, the southern, warmer region of Atlencis, will soon enough succumb to their grasps as well...

This has pressured Marseth and I to travel and brave the snowy winds without ceasing, and because of our aforementioned nonstop travelling, our steed has gotten weaker and eventually got befallen by a common illness. Having our spirits down, the two of us took shelter in a cave hidden between a silver forest nearby.

Our situation really went worse now. Not only are we now travelling by foot amidst a land of unforgiving blizzards, we now have to take fewer breaks than before or else the Edfaustians might find us sooner or later.

"C-C-Cold..." I was intensely trembling in cold. The thick cloak and warmth-inducing sleeves I have aren't adequate enough to heat my shivering away.