THUMP...THUMP....THUMP...THUMP....THUMP...THUMP
The first thing I remember of this world is the color orange.
The dim flickering of candlelight painting the wooden walls with its warm dancing glow.
I can hear voices, soft and delicate voices. I can the sounds of one's soul stretching out, Crying out. It grew louder and louder, echoing off the wooden walls.
Drowning out all other sounds until only the aching chorus remained.
As the sounds sharpened and became clearer, two blurred shapes formed above me.
Their silhouettes framed by the dancing glow. They leaned in closer, and for a fleeting moment I could only think they're one of the same.
"They looked alike..., huh. They're both looking at me".
The world around me became cold and heavy, I felt a strange pressing sensation in my chest.
Suddenly I was crying.
The sound so raw and piercing, even to me.
The world felt way too big, too bright, too alive.
The flicker of candle light hurt my eyes, the air stung my skin, and yet… there was warmth.
A pair of hands, gentle and slightly trembling lifted me up, wrapping me in something soft.
I was pressed against warmth, against a heartbeat that thudded so strong and steady beneath my cheek.
A rhythm I somehow knew, like a song that had always been playing in the background of a dream.
The shape above me, a woman, she smiled through the tears.
Her light brown eyes shimmered in the candle light.
Wet but full of something vast and wordless.
She spoke something, her voice strained but full of warmth, and though I couldn't understand the words she was saying, I knew what they meant.
Love has a sound all of its own. "What is this language?" I asked myself.
Not even stopping for a spit second to contemplate that I was thinking.
Another voice joined hers, deeper, slightly trembling, but steadying with every word he spoke.
The second shape knelt beside us, his hand brushing my head as if I were made of delicate glass. His hand calloused and worn had a careful and warm touch.
As though he feared the smallest movement might shatter the moment.
Their voices seemly wove together as they embraced me in their arms.
I didn't understand any of it, but I didn't need to.
The feeling alone was enough.
The world was still orange and soft around me, glowing from the inside out.
Every sound I heard, the crackle of the candle, the rustle of fabric, the tones in their voices all became part of a rhythm that felt ancient but all too familiar.
It was the song of life itself, Being played out before my eyes.
"Have I... reincarnated?"
The world around me began to spin.
Faster and faster, the colors of the room seemed to blend together.
Something boiling within my soul began to surge.
my mind jumping to and frow, gasping.
Reaching for air. my surroundings became suffocating to my soul.
my heart thumping like a horse.
and all became silent.
"I've.. reincarnated".
And with that realization my body had seemed to hit it's mortal limits.
My eyes faded to black.
The world around me being swallowed by darkness.
I could only drift away with it.
And thus concludes my entering into a new world.
14 years later
~~~~~ Azels perspective ~~~~~
The last fourteen years went by rather fast.
It seems I've reincarnated into a fantasy type world.
The likes of which could only be found in anime or books.
Horse drawn carriages seem to be the main mode of transport.
There isn't any electricity or anything even resembling the technology I once knew.
If I had to guess, This world seems to have the same level of development of that of 12th or 13th century England.
Mainly, the feudal system seems to be the only governmental system this world has known.
It turns out I was reincarnated as the 2nd son to the noble house of Carmine in the region of Raven.
A militant house to serve the king of Areya.
It's still unknown to me exactly what the house of Carmine's true duties to the king and it's lands are, but if I had to guess.
It was probably something along the lines of regional defense or if the time for war comes.
Aiding the regions to the East and South seems like a likely job for the house of Carmine.
The territory of Raven borders the Shiria mountains to the west.
Lately there has been an increasing amount of demons coming in from the Shira mountains.
My older brother Ulias had been ordered to the Shira mountains along with a force of 200 soldiers.
It seems father plans on Ulias to prove his worth to him in the mountains.
"Does father value Ulias' life that little" I whispered to myself.
Ulias who was 3 years older than I had passed the right to become a knight of the house of Carmine.
It was the right of the first born son of a noble family to become the knight of the house.
But even so, Knowing Ulias.
He will certainly fail.
Ulias was a frail individual, quiet and reserved, A reader and writer.
The complete opposite to that of father.
Even so, It is his duty as the first born noble son to become knight of the house.
But for some reason I wished It were me instead of Ulias out there.
But what would a fourteen year old even do?
I know how to wield a sword quite will but I can't yet use magic.
"I worry for Ulias" I gently whisper.
Click ~~~~~ oooooor
"Oh you're up master Azel"
I turn my head and see the head house maid Ilia standing at the now open door to my bedroom.
Her gentle face reflecting off the light that was coming in through the ajar curtain.
Her maid uniform clinging to every gentle curve that escaped the uniforms form.
"You're making that creepy face again master Azel" Ilia said whilst covering her chest area with a flustered and slightly angered look.
"You're only a child yet I fear you may have desires which are not befitting that of a fourteen year old master Azel"
I could only sit there in my bed with a now blank expression on my face.
Being called out like that by Ilia tugs a certain heart string which is pleasant but at the same time not.
I mean ever since I was really young I was always trying to sneak a peak on Ilia while she was changing or bathing.
I was always subsequently caught out.
I guess some things never change no matter what world your reincarnated into.
Ever since I came to this world I had always had my previous life's thoughts and memories in my head.
It's as if I didn't really start a new.
More like my consciousness was the only thing left from my previous life.
Oh well, I decided a while ago not to dwell on the specifics of my reincarnation.
because one thing I cannot change is that it happened.
"It actually happened" I said out loud
"Azel are you even listening to me?" Ilia now wore a concerned and disapproved look on her face.
"Y..yeah sorry Ilia, I got lost in thought again, Silly me...Ha..ha" I said sheepishly whilst rubbing the back of my head.
Quickly I advert attention away from me whilst looking out the gap in the curtains.
"Has there been any word from Ulias?"
Ilia relaxes her shoulders and in the corner of my eye for a split second I can see a visibly saddened Ilia.
"There's been no reports from the front"
"Though If I had to guess Ulias' army should be arriving at the Sharia mountains by now"
My intuition was correct. I wasn't the only person in this house who is worried about Ulias.
I look over to Ilia who has her head bowed down as if she's trying to hide her visible sadness through their long brown hair.
However Ilia is terrible at hiding her emotions.
It takes approximately 2 weeks to arrive at the sharia mountain pass from home.
Given it's a quick extermination of the demons which would take about a month Ulias should be gone for a minimum of 2 months.
However the recent snowstorm would have delayed the army by a considerable amount of time.
Just as I was thinking about that Ilia spoke.
"Though one of my concerns is this snowstorm is unusual".
I hadn't of yet learnt the ability to sense magical energy in objects or people but the nature of this snowstorm is indeed suspicious.
It is the middle of winter and being at the near most northern part of the country means winters here last for a few months longer than those in the south.
Even still I couldn't shake the feeling that this snowstorm in particular was different to the rest.
The snow should have settled on the ground yet it is lingering in the air.
"Ilia, have the other maids prepare my clothing for a journey".
"Y..yes master Azel"
"And what should I tell Mistress Carmine when she inevitably asks about your whereabouts?"
A visible look of concern could be seen on Ilia's face.
However it was not the duty of a maid to prod into my reasons or what i am doing.
though Ilia's question seemed as if it were doing just that.
I try to give an answer that will both satisfy the question and Ilia's worry about without revealing my true intentions.
to be truthful I don't even know what I was doing myself.
I felt compelled to do something. Something wasn't right.
"I'm hea...ding out the church by the border to give me prayers for Ulius. And to buy some supplies for the winter..."
I answer stumbling over some of my words
even so that short answer should satisfy both.
Ilia shot me a look of suspicion before quickly changing her expression to her normal relaxed demeanor.
Good, it doesn't look like Ilia will pry any further.
"If you wish master Azel, It is not in my position to refuse"
And with that Ilia turned around and left the room closing the door behind her.
It was now just me and my thoughts.
It will take a week to reach the border and another week to reach the fort of Shira where Ulias army should of left from.
If everything has gone to plan on Ulias end the fort should not have turned into their rear guard.
Though if the extermination has failed and the rear guard has fallen the fort may already be lost.
If that is the case I should see movement of retreat from the direction of the Sira mountains.
Whether that be scattered groups of soldiers making their way back to the town the level of organization they show will be the biggest tell if the rear guard has fallen or not.
As the knight of the house of Carmine Ulias in not allowed to flee the battlefield.
Ulias will have to fight right until the fall of their rear guard.
But this is all speculation.
I'm just being pessimistic, That's not what I need right now.
And with that I get up and get ready to journey to fort Shira.
The two days since my last conversation with Ilia seemed to fly by.
My preparations seemed to be going smoothly.
Though, there is still the issue with Matthers that I'm yet to resolve.
He was meant to accompany Ulias and his army to Shira.
But was supposedly bedridden due to some illness.
"It could just be a severe cold".
I say while shrugging.
However he is the commander knight of the northern brigade.
So it doesn't make sense that he's abandon his duty for a cold.
It'd be wise if I paid him a visit.
The Mathher's residence isn't too far south west of town.
The detour should only take a day or two at least.
That way I can try gather some intel on why Mather's Isn't at his post.
In the two day's since I've managed to gather enough supplies for the journey.
Weapons such as, a sword and a few knifes.
I have formal training in the sword, as is required for all noble born males.
Though I've never been in any real type of combat.
Other than training by the sword my whole life I've never been in a life or death situation.
Could I rely on my years of training?
Will my body react how I want it to in a life or death situation?
Can I trust my life to my confidence in the sword?
I decide to bring a few combat knifes.
They should come in handy if the need for it ever comes.
plenty of food pouches filled with enough bread, vegetables and assorted meats to last the journey.
Warm clothing, though mainly the same as what I'll be originally wearing.
Carrying too much weight in the winter is definitely a death sentence.
Other than that I have a few necessities for building fire and shelter if needed.
I would have "borrowed" a few of the magic books from the library but then mother and father will definitely know where I'm gong.
"So no magic items it is then". I say while making a confident face.
I imagine myself struggling desperately to light a fire in some cave during a snow storm.
I quickly push the image out of my mind.
I'll be fine. I'll head to Commander Matthers first and see what I can find out.
If I can convince the him to come with mw to fort Shira then all the better.
Then with that to the border, then west to the Shira mountain pass, Fort Shira.
Where Ulias army should have made home base.
The journey by horseback to the border including the detour to Commander Matther's will take approximately 9 days if traveling non stop.
It's a weeks journey west of the border to fort Shira.
In total it should take a two weeks, So a month in total if not accounting for delays.
But first I need to create a cover story.
Ilia already has me covered on that front so there shouldn't be anything to worry about.
Father really pays no mind my movements, however he would certainly disagree with what I'm doing.
He's a proud noblemen, backed by a formidable military resume.
An advisor to the king.
The Carmine family has stationed in the lands of Raven for around 140 years now.
That's 4 generations of kings the Carmines have served.
If were not including the late exile of the former king of Areya
Most of the royal family has stayed in power for the last few decades however there's no denying the royal bloodline isn't so pure as it may seem.
That's just my conjecture.
Basing of the looks and appearances of that of the late late former king and his family and the royal family of today.
I'd definitely say something isn't as it seems.
I mean if word did get out that the royal bloodline is illegitimate that would spell disaster for the country.
The country would be thrown into chaos.
The noblemen who always sought the throne will back rebellion and uprising.
This sort of thing happened all the time back in the world I came from.
But I personally would not like to see this country fall to such a fate.
I mean for the time being this is my home is it not?
It's been 13 years and I still feel out of place at times.
No this is my home. at least I will make it my home.
though regarding the royal family that's really none of my business.
It's not like I'll ever meet anyone from the royal family let alone the king.
With that I roll up the map that was laying on the table in my bedroom and slip it into my shirt.
I'm dressed in two separate layers of fury but worn winters coats.
The outer seemingly more worn that the inside provided mostly defense against the wind, not winters cold bite.
The inner layer draping all the way down to my lower legs provided me with the most warmth.
The light clanging of my weaponry can be heard as i tussle with my clothing.
I've to head to the stable by the mansions south east gates.
There waiting for me should be leon my trusty steed.
I've ridden him for the past 7 years now.
There's no one else I'd my life with on this journey than leon.
I make a thumbs up in the direction of the window.
I's snowing outside.
I'll make sure you'll come home alive Ulias.
This is my time to be the hero.
As I make my way towards the easternmost part of the estate I run into Esta whose making her way down the hallway as she walks into my path.
Esta looks at me with her light brown eyes of fire, Puts her hands on her hips and assumes a proud and elegant stance.
'Hmph"...
She is now blocking the walkway gesture to me with her eyes that she knows something is up.
Esta who is 9 years of age seems to have a level of elegance to her that says she isn't like most children her age.
And you'd be right.
Esta is a "gifted child" in the eyes of this world.
For all living beings their mana capacity is set at birth.
Mana being the magical life force that everything feeds or gives off.
A gifted child on the other hand has no magical capacity.
or it's more like their capacity for certain types or specific kinds of magic is extremely enormous.
but that generally depend of child to child.
Gifted children are usually more well treated in society.
even in noble society, being born a gifted child already places you on a pedal stool above of the noble birthright you were born into.
Most if not all gifted children go on to changing the country for the better or worse....
They've even changed the tides of war.
most heroes of legend were probably gifted children.
However I was not born as a gifted child.
My level of magic is that of intermediate at best.
my mana capacity is unknown.
Though it seems it is quite low, Given my many failed attempts at learning magic.
With or without the help of tutors I could never understand it.
It's like trying to understand a mechanical system with a blindfold.
In this world the study and advancements of magic is deep.
especially in the human race.
Though exact or faintly remote theories as to why or how any of it works seems to be left unexplored.
It's like everything born of this world is fluent in some way or another with the mechanics of this world.
So it's left I said as it seems somewhat universal.
Is it just me that doesn't understand?
Glancing forward towards Esta I ready my guard.
But not in a way that would seem noticeable to the untrained eye.
Even though Esta is my younger sister.
Esta was Esta, Where Esta goes certainly something or someone will end up broken.
I certainly do feel for the poor soul that will end up marrying her.
Esta standing there shoots me a look of annoyance.
The air around us turning thin and cold.
Estas long dark brown hair hanging over her shoulders began slightly waving in the breeze.
Was she going to attack me?
"Hey...Esta you're awake I see"
I say with the same sheepish look as I always do when caught in a precarious situation.
relaxing my hands by my side I instinctively scratch the back of my head.
Remembering back to when we were both younger.
Stealing estas desserts before they were even served and getting knocked unconscious by a flying kick to the back of the head.
"Well...You've been quite busy these past two days haven't you my dearest brother"
Ahh I'm screwed.
"Well mother hasn't been herself as of late either".
With all her suspicious hurrying around the estate it's almost tiring".
Esta's demeanor loosening up a bit.
"Father seems as if he's all to preoccupied with whatever it is he is doing to notice anything".
I stay silent though my eyes unintentionally convey a look of question.
"while our dearest elder brother is off proving his worth to father, I cant quite help but feel as if there are some who doubt Ulias' abilities".
Esta shoots me a hardened look.
"Demons are constantly pouring in from the western land and as of late their numbers are increasing".
"The kingdom has sent no reinforcements to the region".
"I do find it odd my dear brother that the noble families to the east of us have been withholding financial aid as of late?"
"And then there's whatever is you've been preparing for".
As I go to open my mouth as if to speak I'm cut off.
"I care not about our brother Ulias nor the actions you wish to take.
However I do hear rumors my dearest brother."
Esta always keeps an ear to the pulse of what's going on around her.
It's in her nature, Information was like a currency to her.
Second only to money.
I knew nothing would get past her, but even still. I didn't think she's care about what I was doing. I made sure to cover my tracks when gathering my supplies.
That's why I took two days to prepare.
"do you believe in fate my dear brother?"
"Huh" I was taken off guard.
My mind wanders to the moments after my reincarnation.
The feeling of being connected to the world in all of it's senses.
The feeling of knowing you were meant to be here.
However the memories and emotions of my past life begin to boil up.
memories of being alone and shut in.
unable to escape the pain and burden of life.
the feeling of being trapped there like that.
"I guess...if I had to say, that answer is rather complicated."
I try my best to mask the heavy sensation forming in my eyes.
"I'd say that's rather unfortunate considering fate has bound itself quite close to you my dearest brother".
With that Esta gives off a little giggle
Her cute charm masking her mysterious nature.
"Well if that's the case then I'll be destined to marry the princess of Areya and have lots of cute children right?"
I say grinning while coincidentally giving off a creepish vibe..
Esta just stares into my soul.
"The ignorance of those who cast the woes of fate aside are certain to fall upon a path of misfortune my dearest brother".
A slight chill can be felt running down my neck.
At the same time a slight breeze swept across the hallway.
"Well I'll be sure to keep that in mind wont I?"
I say whilst urging myself foreword.
Breaking the connection with Esta and moving around her and out of the spiritual interrogation.
"I know you say you don't care about us brothers but i know you do".
"Ulias will be fine, We're Carmines Afterall"
I pat Esta's head on the way by and give her a confident smile.
Esta can only stand there and pout with her arms now crossed.
"Hmph..."
I quickly turn and walk away from Esta making my escape.
When finally out of the vicinity I let out a sigh of relief and exhaustion.
Whatever she meant by those words, It certainly wasn't for the hell of it.
Was this Esta's way of warning me about something?
No matter I must get going.
I make my way to the stables where Leon is waiting for me all saddled and geared up.
The stable master, Kennith is tending to Leon.
Giving him his last minute preparations.
As I draw closer I can see Kennith is his usual grumpy old self.
He's not really that old but he's old enough to not understand what he is talking about when he talks about how things used to be.
He's tightening the saddle on leons lower body when I arrive.
It seems he noticed me walking over.
I can hear his grumbling and mumbling as I approach.
"If You're headed west you'd best take the forest path to the outer lands of the region".
He shouted over the wind and snow
Even though I was right next to him by that point he was still yelling.
"A lot of monsters spotted out them ways"
"Best to take cover by forest"
I nod and take the reigns from his now raised and open hand and mount Leon in one motion.
I usher Leon foreword and out the gate.
I pick up speed towards the west.
the pebble road being kicked up as i race past brick houses.
It isn't long until I'm at the edge of town.
The wind is picking up and the snow is getting heavier.
The way it's just sitting in the air it's obstructing my view.
I need to make progress before nightfall.
Two days to the south western outskirts of the farming region.
I set off racing towards The Matthers residence. Commander general Bilrach Mathhers.