The heat made the air shimmer, and the soldiers milling about were obviously miserable. Their tents lay scattered about a grassy plain and were abandoned for what little breeze could be had in the open air. The sun beat down on the men, several of whom were laid out in the shade and some even dressed down considerably to help fight the heat.

Four were gathered together, leaning against a fallen tree that had been shaved of its branches leaving the trunk behind as a sort of seat. The tallest of the three leaned against the trunk, sorting through his pack with a carefree easiness. He was the squad leader for the group, Alexander Cantrell, first son of his family and a decorated warrior at the age of 23. His long brown hair was worn down with a thick headband to keep it out of his brown eyes, a dusting of freckles on his cheeks and nose of the same color. He was very easygoing in nature, well liked by his fellow soldiers and was able to fit in easily despite being so far from home.

To his right sat a smaller man, who almost came up to Alexander’s shoulder. He was sharpening an axe that by all rights was too big for him- but his ease in wielding it was unmatched by any of the local soldiers. It was a weapon of his people from the far north. In the cold tundra wastelands they had survived and continued to be the only tribe that lived there. Engel Rassmusen, the youngest of his tribe, and certainly the smallest- a runt amongst his people. He had shaggy brown hair that hung down into prominent green eyes that hardly shone with warmth, and fair skin that never seemed to quite hold a tan no matter how long he trained in the sun with the others. What he lacked in height, he made up for in cold indifference and a deadly skill in battle.

Off to their left sat a quiet man who did not look up from the book he was reading, despite the coming and going of the people around them. He had short cropped black hair that fell into narrow eyes. He hailed from a group of nomads far to the east of their training camp, the middle child of three siblings, his name was Nai Ro Sahgn. He was highly knowledgeable in weapon usage and was often seen assembling ‘contraptions’ that were sent to him from his family. They were skilled in advanced weaponry and despite the teasing and jibes from his fellow soldiers, Nai was highly respected among his peers. And lastly, laying on his back spread before his companions was the most unusual member of their squad. He wore a loose white tunic that stood out from his ochre skin, and a lazy smile that seemed permanently etched onto his face. A bit of scruff sat on his broad chin, and he would scratch at it occasionally. His messy brown hair spread about him on the grass, and on the rare occasions they were able to tame it, his hair would fall into soft natural curls about his face. He was now lazily twirling a piece of it between his fingers, humming softly to himself as he was seemingly unaffected by the heat. Known simply as Muto, he was found wandering in the wilderness. Most thought he wasn’t all there, as he was often prone to staring into the distance with vacant brown eyes. But he had taken a liking to Alexander and his squad and was assigned to them to see what use he could be. He wasn’t an apparent threat to the Hunters in the area, and more often than not, his antics provided a bit of entertainment in their downtime.

As the four rested in the shade of the tent, a fifth figure made its way over to them with a heavy sigh, sitting next to Alexander against the log. The tall man smiled. “Let me guess, he wants you back within the hour?” He greeted him with a gentle tap of his forearm against the new arrival’s arm.

The figure was dressed in a blue hunting jacket that sported long sleeves and a hood that was drawn up, hiding the head of white hair the curled beneath, falling just to the boy’s jawline. A light blue scarf was tied loosely about his throat, and the boy picked irritably at the leather of his greaves. Red eyes squinted at Alexander. “He might as well. Why doesn’t he understand that during the day we can’t train? I can’t not train in the day and go to his side at night. It’s counterproductive.” He growled in frustration.

Alexander chuckled, setting aside his bag in favor of turning his full attention to the other boy. “So Alois, what did his Highness settle on?”

Alois leaned his head forward, his forehead resting against his knees. “I don’t know. He has something planned. He dismissed me quickly. I don’t trust him Alexander. Ever since he brought up me taking control of his personal guard he hasn’t let up.”

“You’ll be eighteen soon. Prime age to become his Shadow. What an honor for you.” Teased the older man. Alois rolled his eyes.

“It means I’ll be stuck in the capitol until I die. I can’t do that.” The boy nestled his head into his now folded arms. “He’s suffocating me. More than when I was a child.”

Alexander sighed sympathetically. “You can’t defy him for long. But as long as we are here, you won’t ever be alone. You are our Captain after all.” He nudged Alois with his shoulder. Alois had proven to be a very skilled warrior at a young age, and under the guidance of Yulian he had been raised with all the luxury of a noble born warrior. He moved up the ranks quickly, his mentors and tutors praising his abilities and in turn, Yulian’s eye for talent. The now King could not be more proud of one he considered his equal and showered with affection- no matter how much Alois loathed it. He always was leary of Yulian and his power, not allowing himself to fall prey as an admirer of the boy-king. Ever since that dark and bloodied night, Alois had knew that there was something about Yulian that would end in his own death. It was a feeling he could never shake.

Alois had seemed to only grow a bit taller as he aged, much of him barely changing at all- unlike the rest of his peers. His features were soft and rounded, but still striking when his ‘exotic’ hair and eyes were taken into account. It often led to him being teased, but those people would be silenced when they saw his unmatched speed and skill on the battlefield. Yulian however, was pleased that Alois retained his youthful appearance, as he had no problem reminding him several times a day.

“Thanks Alex. I don’t know what I would do without you four. Even if Engel has yet to say three words to me.” The shorter male snorted, turning his back further on the two. Alexander laughed, patting Alois on the back enthusiastically.

“Don’t worry too much about it. He’ll come around. Took me three months to get him to even look at me.” Alois smiled, relaxing as Alexander continued to tease the most quiet member of their group. Muto rolled over, his gaze focusing on the three other men. His smile grew when he spotted Alois and he righted himself, scooting closer to him.

He never really shared anything of meaning, but he did like the young Captain that led them. He was often calm around him and seemed to trust him a deal more than the others. Alois smiled at him, patting the ground next to him. “How has Muto been?”

Alexander hummed. “Rather quiet today. I think the heat is getting even to him.”

Alois’s smile widened as Muto settled against his side, despite the heat he still desired the contact with those he seemed to trust. It was in this way that the squad spent the hottest hours of the day, until finally the sun began to set and relief spread through the camp. All over other squads were starting to stir as they prepared for nightfall and with it’s cool relief, training. Just as Alois and his men were about to agree to prepare, a group of higher ranking officials approached them, and at their very rear stood the King himself.

Yulian had grown tall and now stood quite broad and imposing from when he first met Alois as a child. His russet hair was pulled into a neat ponytail, naturally curled strands were arranged neatly down his back with a bit spilled over his shoulder. His white robes were trimmed in a fine red pattern that was interwoven with the crest of his family, marking his station. He had a thin silver circlet on, the only sign of his title as King, and more often than not the only thing he would wear despite the protest of the nobles.

Caught off guard, it took the squad a moment to react. Alois gently pushed Muto off him, helping him to stand as Alexander and the other three scrambled into straight backed salutes followed quickly by the required bow for their King. Alois was the last to do so, after correcting Muto and guiding him into the bow, a hand resting on his lower back. It was this touch that attracted the King’s burning gaze.

“Is that the one who requires help? Why is he in my military if he is of no use?” The King asked one of his advisors, who consulted a chart that listed the soldiers.

Alois bristled quietly, eyes low on the grass beneath them. He knew better than to snap immediately when the King spoke, it would be better to wait and see what it is he wanted. He removed his hand from Muto, slowly so that he wouldn’t startle the other.

“He is the special case milord. The medical staff says he is physically fit, and may recover in time as long as he is near those he trusts.” The monotone voice of the advisor answered.

Yulian sniffed lightly, finally pulling his gaze from Muto to rest on Alois’s bowed head. He gestured for the advisor to continue. “His Majesty would now bestow a special honor to this squad. In light of your continued service to the peacekeeping of the Human people, this squad has been selected to be reassigned control of the Northern Keep. You will leave in three days and will arrive in two weeks. You will remain there until further notice, responding to the people’s needs of protection.”

Alois glanced sideways at Alexander, excitement welling up within him. The squad shuffled a bit, obviously happy to hear the news. Alois smiled, finally he would get some freedom to be himself without the constant form of Yulian looming over him. And up north they had something Alois had always wanted to see. Snow. Real falling snow that came from thick fluffy clouds. Time away and snow, that would be the perfect assignment.

The advisor cleared his throat to get them silent again. “With this in mind, Corporal Cantrell will now assume command of the squad and will be promoted to Captain. Congratulations on your new rank. You will be in charge of the Northern Keep.”

The entire squad looked up in shock now, abandoning any pretense of normalcy. “What about Captain Alois? He is our leader.”

“Will he also assume command?”

Alois stared in shock, mouth slightly open. He knew that he should stay composed, but the light in the King’s eye showed that he was pleased with the outcome of this situation, and that he most likely thought Alois would be too.

“Captain Alois will remain in the capitol until such time comes that he will assume his own promotion.”

Several voices spoke up, as other loitering soldiers had overheard the conversation. They knew Alois wasn’t fond of being locked up, and often pitied the young warrior. They had grown to respect the small warrior, and were incredibly protective of him - even now in the face of their own King. Now Alois would not only be in isolation, but his squad would be sent far away. They protested the decision, their voices creating a stir that spread throughout the camp. It set Yulian’s advisors on edge.

The King scowled, anger swelling inside him and spilling over in his shouted command. “Silence all of you! It shall be as I say!”

Immediately all voices came to a halt, except for one quiet, burning statement which rang in the silence.

“I will not be trapped in your cage.”

Ruby eyes burned with a determination that he had never dared to have before, at least not while they were in front of others as they were now. If Yulian thought that by making this announcement publicly before all the other soldiers would make Alois hold his tongue, he was gravely mistaken. If he didn’t fight now, he would be stuck under his thumb forever. A cold sinking dread settled in him at the thought, remembering the same green eyes looking at him from under a spray of blood.The echoing of the Icchorian’s dying breath as he told Alois to run.

Yulian’s gaze was shocked, staring at his favored prodigy as if betrayed. “Alois...this is an opportunity for you. Not a trap.” He stepped forward, a hand held out coaxingly, his voice soft so that only the squad kneeling next to Alois could hear. “You will reign with me, with power and authority. You have the skill and passion for a world of peace, free without monsters.”

Alois’s gaze narrowed. “There is no freedom in being controlled. How can I protect and fight for a world I’ve never even seen?” He all but growled, sending the advisors into a fit at his disrespect at addressing the King in such a manner.

Yulian was accustomed to this from Alois, and right now his attention was focused solely on him, his voice still calm. “If seeing the world is something you want, you and I can travel it in our own time.”

Alois’s squad shifted uncomfortably. They knew that Alois and their King were on familiar terms, but to hear it so openly was discomforting. No wonder their Captain always seemed drained after dealing with the King.

“Being on a leash is no different than living in a cage!” His voice rang out, making everyone present still. Yulian’s calm disappeared and he scowled.

“You are being ungrateful Alois. Is this how you repay my kindness?” The King’s voice was back to it’s cold neutral tone. “You will be brought to the capitol and I think some time in solitary confinement is in order until you get your tongue in check. You should remember that gratitude is the only acceptable response to anything offered to you.”