This story is part of the Wanderer series.
Right around the mountain pass, was the military camp, tucked against the side of the steep and impassable mountain range. Atsuko rode his horse into the camp and dismounted, handing it off to one of the soldiers. He made his way to the center of the camp, entering the guarded tent.
“General, I have returned—”
Atsuko stopped short, seeing two men in the tent, leaned over the map on the table. One of them looked up and nodded. “Welcome back.”
“Sir, who is this?”
The general slowly looked over to the other man, who looked up but said not a word.
“This is General Touma,” Atsuko’s general answered for the man. “From the Eighth Division.”
Atsuko straightened. “I apologize, sir.” The stranger did not look like a general. Dressed in robes and some light leather armor. He had dark, blue hair just like the rest of them. Atsuko noticed his general wore a tense expression, a look he hardly saw from him. His general eventually nodded.
“Your report.”
“Yes! The village elder took your message. They understand there is a war going on here, and agree to stand aside. They are worried about their safety, and I assur—”
“That will no longer be necessary.”
Atsuko stopped, and turned toward General Touma. He noticed the grim expression the stranger wore.
“Sir?”
The man did not elaborate, waving him off and turning to his fellow general instead. There was a scornful look on his face as he impatiently said, “General Mako, explain to him.”
The General sighed, and picked back up his head. “There was a change in plan. We will take over the village and occupy it.”
Shocked in silence, Atsuko fumbled. “But… All the work we did, these past few moons…”
“They were naive.”
This time, the voice came from behind. A feminine voice. Atsuko turned around to see a woman at the tent entrance. She was short in size, although about as tall as him, with long, dark purple hair and piercing eyes. Judging by her light armor, Atsuko figured she was also a magician.
“Pardon?” Atsuko muttered.
The woman walked closer. “Did you really believe they would stay neutral?”
Atsuko did not answer. Her sharp eyes petrified him, staring deep into his soul.
“No,” she answered for him. “As soon as the enemy stepped foot into their village, they would capitulate.”
Atsuko forced himself to stand tall. “I don’t believe they would fight for the Horde. They have stated very firmly they—”
“It does not matter if they do not fight,” the woman cut him off. “So long as they are providing them resources, they are the enemy.”
“Princess, you needn’t answer to this man,” General Touma’s stern voice echoed behind Atsuko.
Turning around, Atsuko did his best to hide his bewilderment. “Princess?”
General Touma’s face suddenly grew fierce and he exploded. “How dare you not recognize royalty before you!”
“It does not matter,” the princess spoke.
Just like that, General Touma returned to his measured demeanor. “Of course, Princess.”
Atsuko turned back to the woman. “Surely… there is a way around this…”
“Do you care for them?” she curtly asked.
He paused for a moment. The princess waited. Atsuko resolved to answer with his heart. “Yes, I do.”
“Then take control of that village. You lead the charge.”
The words shocked Atsuko. He was repulsed by her words, but forced himself not to immediately dispute the princess.
“That is the best outcome for them,” she added.
“We could leave them be. We’re powerful enough to do so.”
“The Horde is too close. You cannot monitor every single activity within the village.”
With a brief hesitation, Atsuko dared to stand up tall.
“I can, actually.”
The woman only stared coldly into his eyes. “No, Atsuko. Your magic is not perfect.”
He flinched at the sudden mention of his name. How did she know his name, he wondered. And how did she know he knew magic? Was that an ability the highest of magicians had?
“Well? Will you be leading the charge?”
Atsuko sighed, and dipped his gaze down. “No. I will not betray my words to them.”
She nodded, then turned to leave. “Very well. Then I will seize it.”
Atsuko stumbled, raising a hand after her. “Wait… but—”
“But what?!”
The princess whirled around, glaring at the soldier. This time, Atsuko froze for certain, his muscles stiffening as he stared straight into her eyes.
“I offered you the opportunity to rule over them and you forfeited your right. Do you wish to take it back from me?”
Atsuko could feel it. The energy radiating from this princess. It was overwhelming. Filled with malice. She was a powerful mage, and she was challenging him to fight for real.
“Remember this well, Atsuko.” She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “There are no niceties in war. If you are not the aggressor, you become the victim.”
With that, the princess left the tent, leaving Atsuko stunned in place. General Touma followed her out without a word. Just as the curtains of the tent shut behind them, the cold grasp disappeared. Her piercing aura was gone.