After much deliberation from the council members, Von's suggestion was actually an acceptable one. They had made preparations for a thousand strong army to head off to the shadow contenant. At the moment the entire of Avrion's army only consisted of around 2000 troops.

  So sending half of their force was already a big deal. For those that would stay, it would be Sylvia and Wilfred and the other council members. Most of the troops that would be left behind were part of the former Black rings, who were still training and becoming skilled in battle.

  But it was clear that the stronger ones were sent off in this fight.

  While everyone else was called to action, Lenny would be in charge of the magical division, which was composed of ten students and that included Roy. It was still incredibly small compared to other places.

  Jack had brought along some of the strongest wolves from the encampment. The kids had wanted to come with him, but Jack refused and had brought five werewolves who were also wearing the prototype yellow armour that Randin had managed to complete.

  Sir K had temporarily gained control over the Black Knights, while Kyle had been in charge of the beast division. Which only really consisted of the two students, Flynn and Wendy. They were the only students that would be taking part in this war.

  Then there was Martha, in search of the green sash knights head of archery. Harry was in charge of the White Knights, the strongest fighters of the kingdom.

  While away, Wilfred had sung praises about one of the people that Ray had brought back from the city of Zrey and that was Katy. She was one of the first slaves that Ray had saved. She was okay with the sword as she used to be a former knight of another kingdom.

  However, what they were most impressed by was her ability to win people over. There were many in the army who felt like they would do anything if she asked. She had a way with words and people with her soft gentle soul-like appearance. This was exactly why she had been made to lead a group of fifty strong of her own, which included some of other other slaves that were freed as well.

  Most importantly, a special team called the Dragon knights were revived, named after the old Dragon knights and their duty was to protect prince Van at all times. With him, he had a piece of the former divine being crystal. A source which would let him channel and use his powers without the shadow knowing his location.

  At all times, Badger and Sloth, Dan, Roki as well as Bliss would be there to protect him. Although Bliss herself was also an important figure to be protected, that fact was only known to the main members of the Redwing army and not the regular soldiers.

  It was a tale that would have been unbelievable to most anyway.

  The army traveled lightly, none of them wore their armour and only carried their weapons on their backs. This was because of Randin's special forging technique. He had created gear that was soul bound to them. At any point in time they could think of the equipment and it would appear on them.

  It helped greatly in their travels so that they didn't tire as easily while marching on their feet for hours. There weren't enough of the special carriages or vehicles, and they didn't have enough horses so most of them were required to walk. At the moment, the only one who wasn't was Van, who had a horse to himself and was surrounded by the three dragon knights.

  Right now, this large group was heading towards the Shadow continent. Van was feeling a little nervous, fidgeting on the horse and he looked pale as if he was going to throw up at any moment.

  "So, he's the one that we have to rely on to save our kingdom now that Ray is gone?" Flynn asked, saying so in disbelief.

  "Hey Ray's not gone, he's missing." Kyle replied.

  "No difference to me." Flynn shrugged his shoulders. "Apart from that, our main attack force has weakened. So if he's the prince does that mean he's now king?"

  "No, you have it all wrong." Wendy chimed in. "He's the prince of the Alure kingdom, not the Redwing kingdom. Ray is still considered alive so there isn't one to replace him."

  All the whispering and eyes could be felt, and the pressure was starting to get to Van. He had never experienced war and now he was heading into a territory where everyone would be after him. Right now, he was wishing Ray was by his side more than ever, or at least Max who was still finishing his studies at Roland academy.

  The piece of the Divine crystal was located in a black pouch on the side of Van. While everyone was busy, he was to continue to practice harnincing his power of controlling mana. Apparently it was meant to be easier if he was to use the crystal, but in all honesty, he still hasn't figured it out.

  With everyone relying on him, he was too shy to tell them as well. While on horseback he decided that he should probably get to know the people who would be protecting him, in particular the new warrior who had joined them recently, named Roki.

  "I heard that you were one of the most skillful people in the Empire. I am confident with you by my side." Van said, trying to remember his manners when speaking to someone.

  "Of course, you are a friend of the leader. I heard he did a lot to try to save you, so I shall do the same." Roki replied with a smile.

  Looking at his bulging muscles and the way he composed himself as he walked, Van was initially afraid of Roki but after speaking to him, it had calmed his heart a little. He was also worried that Roki might actually be working for the Empire and planned to assassinate him, but he couldn't imagine such a man trying to do so.

  The large army continued to walk and as they passed the small towns on the way, the people waved by and cheered them on. During this time, a few villages and nearby towns were able to join the Redwings and they knew of their task, but were told not to spread any such news.

  The main members of the Redwings along with Katy and such were walking up front. They would only need to get information once battle was underway and besides, they were hoping Jack's keen nose might catch something before anything was to happen.

  "There is an important matter we all need to discuss." Sir K said. "I know you guys might have been ignoring the fact but it's really important. There is a chance that both Gary and Monk have been completely consumed by the shadow.

  "I know he is your friend, they were both students of mine so believe me I don't say this light-heartedly, but if it comes to it, we might not be able to save them. You need to be prepared to kill both of them. If not, then there is a good chance that action in the Redwing kingdom will die."

  "No, the whole of Bronzeland." Bliss added.

  In truth, this whole time, they were actually going over with the goal to save their friends. Martha and Kyle heavily wanted to bring back Monk no matter what. And Jack, even though he had his arguments with Gary plenty of times, wanted nothing more than to see the three of them together along with Ray back again.

  Lenny, who caught up to Van even though he was on a horse, friendly slapped Van's back.

  "With Ray gone…I mean missing, then you might be the one who needs to pull the trigger."

  "Me?" Van said nervously. He didn't know Gary and he didn't know Monk. Which might make it a little easier for him, but still, he would have to kill a former human. Something he had never done before. In his head he was only to fight beasts or shadow beasts.

  Hearing their names mentioned, he could tell that all the people who were in charge of protecting him cared for these people.

  "Could you tell me a bit about these two, they were here before I arrived correct?" Van asked.

  "Are you sure, knowing about them will only make it harder to complete the task."

  Van thought about it for a while before nodding. In his mind, it was a way of preparing himself.

  "Sure." Kyle said. "You see, Gary and Monk were Ray's best friends…"

  Kyle began to tell the tail to Van about what had happened. How they were at the academy together and the things they had been through together. For everyone else it was a trip down memory lane, for Roki and Katy it was a chance for them to learn more about the person they had chosen to follow.

  It seemed like it was a difficult time for these kids, which was why they had grown up so fast.

  After hearing everything, Van was sure of it now. He clenched his fist.

  "I promise you guys, I will do everything to bring them back. I want to see the smile on Ray's face when we return with them. Just like he helped me, I will help him."

  ******

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