Heartache and Sorrow\u00a0<\/p>\n
25 Points\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alessandro noticed something strange about Cassian. His face reflected sadness and pain, as if he had lost something important. The answer Cassian had given left Alessandro a little worried, so he asked him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did your mission go?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cassian took the key hanging around his neck and threw it on the table with evident displeasure.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI have completed my mission.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cassian was someone who always kept his feelings to himself, so Alessandro wondered what had happened on his journey that he returned so broken.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t look well, Cassian, what happened?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clenching his fists tightly, his face marked by pain, Cassian replied.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s Maya.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened to her? Did you argue?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cassian shook his head, still struggling to talk about what had happened, about the price he had to pay in exchange for that key.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it were only that, I wouldn\u2019t be like this. I had to pay a very high price for that key. That price was Maya. She\u2019s part fairy, and what the fairy queen asked in exchange for the key was for Maya to stay in her kingdom, to swear loyalty to her. I couldn\u2019t do anything to protect the woman I love, Lessan.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alessandro understood why his brother was so broken; having to part from the woman he loved must have been painful. He approached, placed his hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder to comfort him, and said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Cas, it\u2019s partly my fault. If I hadn\u2019t given you that mission, you would still have the woman you love by your side.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t intend to abandon her, I will return to get her, I promise.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alessandro knew this was the worst time for his brother to leave; the war could start at any moment. Cassian was one of his best generals, and facing King Venobich without him shook his heart, but he couldn\u2019t ask him to change the decision he had made, because if he had been in his place, he would have abandoned everything just to be with Abril\u00a0<\/p>\n
Heartache and Sorrow\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand how you feel, and I don\u2019t intend to stop you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alessandro placed his hand over his brother\u2019s heart and said,\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDo what your heart dictates.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLessan, I\u2019m sorry, I know what\u2019s coming isn\u2019t easy, but I can\u2019t be without her. I don\u2019t want a life without her.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI know, and that\u2019s why you have total freedom. I won\u2019t hold you back, my brother. Go to her\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cassian hugged his brother and said,\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, Lessan, I promise to return as soon as possible.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be waiting for you. I wish you luck, brother.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI appreciate it, Lessan.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen will you leave?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll attend the meeting with the other generals tomorrow, then depart early in the morning.*\u00a0<\/p>\n
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Abril peeked her head through and asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMay I come in?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, come on in.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Abril entered, approached them, and Alessandro wrapped his arm around her waist while Abril asked Cassian.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHow\u2019d the mission go?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cassian pointed to the key on the table and replied.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe key is there.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Abril breathed a sigh of relief, as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s great, I knew you guys could pull it off. Where\u2019s Maya? I\u2019d love to say hi.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cassian looked down, replying with frustration.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMaya is not here, she had to stay in the fairy kingdom, but it won\u2019t be for long. I\u2019ll bring her back.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Abril had many questions, but couldn\u2019t ask any of them. Outside, a great commotion was\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Heartache and Sorrow\u00a0<\/p>\n
125 Fonta\u00a0<\/p>\n
heard, and everyone looked out to the balcony to see what was happening. It was the elf\u00a0<\/p>\n
army.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alessandro took Abril inside, not wanting them to see her since she apparently bore a strong resemblance to her mother, and he feared someone else might learn of her existence\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAby, you\u2019d better head back to your room and stay put until I say otherwise.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe elf army just got here, and I don\u2019t want any of them mistaking you for your mom.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand, I\u2019ll go back to my room.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alessandro kissed her on the cheek and forehead and said,\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll catch you later, and try not to peek out the balcony.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, I won\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
After Abril left, Alessandro wanted to take the key from the table to store it in a safe place,\u00a0<\/p>\n
but he couldn\u2019t; there was a small barrier around the key that prevented him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s going on? Why can\u2019t I touch it?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cassian approached the desk and took the key without any problem.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn! Only I can touch it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe same thing happened in the fairy land. The queen said I had paid the price, that it belonged to me, no one else could touch it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFor now, you\u2019d better keep the key; it\u2019ll be safer with you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cassian hung the key around his neck again, feeling uncomfortable as it touched his skin. It was unpleasant for him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to go, we\u2019ll talk later.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alessandro went directly to the entrance where the elf army was. They were dressed in white armor, their weapons shining with a faint glow. Dantriel approached Alessandro and said,\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHere\u2019s our army, and as promised, they\u2019ve brought blessed weapons, perfect for fighting creatures born from darkness.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI appreciate your help.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need a place for our soldiers, and also a place where they can train.\u00a0<\/p>\n
3\/5\u00a0<\/p>\n
Heartache and Sorrow\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll make sure they get everything they need.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
***\u00a0<\/p>\n
25 font\u00a0<\/p>\n
Several days had passed since Maya had said goodbye to Cassian. At first, she felt out of place in a strange land where she didn\u2019t know anyone, and she was upset with the fairy queen for making Cassian disappear so abruptly. After they were forcibly teleported, the queen approached her, caressed her face with sweetness and longing, as if Maya reminded her of someone, then removed the pendant Dantriel had given her and said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou won\u2019t need this anymore, you\u2019re home now.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Maya could hardly speak, but her gaze said it all. She didn\u2019t just show her anger, hatred, and pain; the pain she felt having lost the man she loved and would never see again. Cassian had promised her he would return for her, but she knew that would be impossible; the fairy queen would never let her go.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As she looked out the window, Sara, one of the fairies caring for her, knocked on the door and\u00a0<\/p>\n
asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMay I come in?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, come in.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sara opened the door, approached her, and asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHow are you?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m better.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe queen asked for you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat for?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sara shrugged. Maya had asked why, but she actually knew the reason. The queen had been having her come for tea with her, and when she had asked her once, her response had been,\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI just want you to keep me company.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Maya let out a heavy sigh. She wanted to refuse, but she knew she couldn\u2019t. In that place, no one could disobey the queen; everyone had to follow her commands.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We Shall Survive\u00a0<\/p>\n
We Shall Survive\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alessandro met with his generals, Cassian was present as the general of the first squadron of knights. Dantriel and Ethan also joined as representatives of the elven troops. Many generals showed concern, as some of their soldiers were scared. The attack by those monsters during the ball had instilled fear among the troops. Arthur Kavis, the general in charge of the second squadron of knights, said:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYour Majesty, many of the knights have asked if in this war we will face monsters.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI will not lie about what we will face. Our enemy is King Venobich, but this time he has monsters and who knows what other horrors he will have prepared for us,\u201d Alessandro responded with complete frankness.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYour Majesty, our weapons are useless against those monsters, Fighting them will certainly lead us to death.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ethan interjected, \u201cIt is true, your weapons are useless.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd who are you? What are you doing here? I thought this meeting was only for generals.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alessandro answered for Ethan, \u201cI have asked them to be present.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Since it had been a direct order from the king, Arthur did not reply, even though he didn\u2019t like the idea of a stranger being there. He just limited himself to looking at him with distrust and displeasure, especially when he opened his mouth again.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why we will provide weapons capable of killing those monsters, although only the most skilled warriors will survive. So you should choose those who will be useful during the war and those who will not.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Arthur couldn\u2019t remain silent in the face of that man\u2019s words. \u201cAll our knights are great warriors. If your weapons are effective against those monsters, we shall not die.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cassian spoke to calm the mood, as Arthur seemed about to attack Ethan. \u201cYou have said that your weapons are effective, but how can we know that what you say is true and not just a simple lie?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf what you want is a demonstration,\u201d Dantriel spoke for the first time, \u201cwe can give it to you While our troops were heading here, they captured a creature born of darkness because we imagined this might happen.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Arthur stood up, slammed the table forcefully, and asked angrily, \u201cYou have brought a monster to our kingdom! You\u2019re crazy!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
We Shall Survive\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dantriel spoke calmly and said, \u201cPlease calm down.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou bring danger to this kingdom and ask me to calm down!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
25 Points\u00a0<\/p>\n
Arthur addressed Alessandro. \u201cYour Majesty, your duty as king is to protect your people. These people are nothing more than enemies of the kingdom. They have brought a monster, they are not to be trusted. Perhaps they are also working for King Venobich. They should not be here; they should be questioned in the dungeons.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ethan responded, agitated, \u201cWe are not on the side of that monster, so hold your tongue.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t know King Venobich, but hated him deeply since he had stolen the woman he loved, and because of him, she was dead. So the mere mention that he could be on the side of that monster repulsed him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alessandro told them, \u201cCalm down, both of you. Arthur, they are not our enemies; on the contrary, they are our allies. For them, King Venobich is also their enemy. Today I have gathered you all because, the war is at our doorstep, and this time it will not be against men but against monsters. If we do not prepare, our kingdom and everything we love and know will turn to ashes. So I ask you all to fight by my side against this great threat that is coming, to protect our home together.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alessandro didn\u2019t order them; he asked because he knew he couldn\u2019t force his people to fight. A warrior without spirit was like putting a lamb in front of a hungry wolf. He needed warriors willing to give their all on the battlefield, warriors with burning resolve who would fight bravely by his side.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLet me ask you once more, who will stand by my side, protecting our kingdom and our people from the threat looming over our heads?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
All the generals hesitated for a moment, they were afraid of what lay ahead. Cassian had planned to leave to find Maya; however, he couldn\u2019t leave his brother to face the danger alone. His generals didn\u2019t seem very eager to be on the battlefield, so he stood up and declared.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI will stand by your side.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The other generals were inspired by the prince\u2019s support for the king, especially because they knew that Cassian was as strong and powerful as the king; they all rose and responded in\u00a0<\/p>\n
unison.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will also stand by your side, Your Majesty.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The meeting continued for a while longer, and when it ended, everyone headed to the training field where the elven army was located. Dantriel approached a soldier and Instructed him to hand over a sword and bring the creature they had captured on the way.\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
We Shall Survive\u00a0<\/p>\n
125 Points\u00a0<\/p>\n
The soldier promptly obeyed, drew his sword, handed it over, and then went to retrieve the monster. He returned shortly after with several more soldiers, dragging a cart with a cage covered by a thick blanket. A terrifying roar sent chills down their spines, and one of the soldiers removed the blanket, revealing a hideous creature, as black as ink, roaring and baring its sharp teeth. The creature attempted to escape the cage but failed; the cage, appeared to be made of the same material as the weapons carried by the army.\u00a0<\/p>\n
All the generals were tense, and Alessandro was no exception; he felt the same. He was afraid that the weapons the elves had wouldn\u2019t work because if they didn\u2019t, it would mean that his only hope of defeating those monsters was Abril, exposing her to danger, something Alessandro would never allow. She was the woman he loved, his everything; he would rather lose the war than lose her, as he couldn\u2019t imagine a life without her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
He Threw Away and Sold to the Devil 160 Heartache and Sorrow\u00a0 25 Points\u00a0 Alessandro noticed something strange about Cassian. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[87],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29929","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-his-regret-their-knees-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29929","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29929"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29929\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29929"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29929"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29929"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}