Governor Nilam remained in the capital for two days and one night before returning home .

He had to leave . Byzantium wasn’t the capital, but it was still a city of over a million citizens . It also served as the gateway to Fulmulta so it could not be left unattended for long .

And thus the brief interruption was handled smoothly . Cloudhawk returned Lance to his extradimensional prison .

He wasn’t sure what the Governor and Elder discussed, but it was a quick conversation . Whatever negotiations they were involved in must have gone well . Both sides were pleased with the results .

Noah was especially happy with the arrangement . Not only had Lance done his duty to secure their family union, but he was also a young man of potential . He was a fine liaison and an even finer future representative of the Argyris family .

Meanwhile Governor Nilam was vocal with his delight . He was especially impressed with Idonea . The Nilam family had wanted to gain a foothold in the capital for many years and at last their opportunity had come . Before he left, Lance’s father urged him to produce a son as soon as possible . If they birthed an heir their family’s unification would be complete .

After hearing the request, Idonea couldn’t wait to join the crusades . A child?! She hadn’t spared even a moment for such a thought . She was only seventeen, barely an adult!

But there was something she found strange . Byzantium’s notoriously l.u.s.tful Young Master hadn’t made even the hint of a pa.s.s at her . Although she wasn’t very interested in this dandy n.o.ble, his disinterest bothered her a little .

Is he really not even a little interested in me?

She didn’t like him necessarily, but she didn’t hate him either . Idonea didn’t even consider him a friend . She was, though, a pretty young girl with a fair amount of confidence in her looks . The fact that Lance hardly gave her a second look had started to get under her skin .

She wasn’t a child! Was this guy blind?!

When Byzantium’s Governor left, Noah called for a meeting with Lance and Idonea . He brought up a subject they were both glad to hear . “We have word from the Crusades . They have accepted your applications . ”

Idonea’s eyes lit up . Good . Real good! After joining the holy army they would send her to Skycloud and she could begin searching for her father . She still held onto the belief that he was out there somewhere . He was invincible, he had to be alive .

Cloudhawk breathed a sigh of relief . He’d had to jump through several hoops, but it seemed it was all paying off . Things were bad and he couldn’t afford to drag his feet . Four Supremes were planning their a.s.sault on his home . From up in Sky Fortress they were a looming threat . Then there was the G.o.ds’ army making its way here . When it arrived things would be irrevocably changed .

Noah went on . “The Crusade forces are large . It is the largest collection of warriors since the Great War, comprised of the greatest men and women of the Elysian lands . Now that you’ve been accepted into its ranks you not only represent our family, but all of Stormford . You must do your best . ”

The Argyris Elder saw things simply . He had a deep and insightful view into the inner workings of the lands . Skycloud’s rebel forces were pa.s.sive, which meant they were at the mercy of the Crusades . Meanwhile the Supremes continued to bolster their forces .

All the greatest servants of the G.o.ds were rallied to fight against a single backwards nation . To his mind there was no question what the outcome would be . What’s more, a rebellion of this scale was bound to garner the attention of Mount Sumeru . When this was over there would be no trace of the corrupted Elysian land .

It was predestined . Victory was a.s.sured!

Lance and Idonea were the future of their family . If they returned from the crusades laden with merits it would mean a great deal for their future, and the future of the Argyris clan . Noah did not expect them to join the front lines, nor did he think they would have to . In a war of this magnitude no single fighter was worth much . Two young people wouldn’t be called on to change the tide of battle .

Members of the Argyris family were also present in the Crusades’ leaders.h.i.+p . When the fighting broke out, these two young n.o.bles would be a.s.signed somewhere away from the conflict . Then when victory came they would reap the benefits of having served . In short, their mission was to raise their public image and make connections .  

Just a few months . Then they’ll be home safe with plenty of medals to show for it .

As the Oracle had proclaimed, these newly-wedded crusaders had become an example for all of Stormford . When they returned they would be given positions and t.i.tles . Where their futures would bring them was limited only by the means of their family and the threshold of their skills .

Idonea wasn’t thinking that far ahead . “When can we leave?”

“Don’t be in such a hurry . The Holy Army is both unique and particular, with a stringent selection policy . Tonight you will be fetched from the mansion and brought to a secret training facility . There a series of tests will determine whether you will join the crusades or not . Do well and you will be sent to their fortress in the sky . ”

“Why so much trouble?” Idonea was getting frustrated . “I thought we were already accepted . ”

“Stop complaining, war is no small matter . Hundreds of thousands of lives are on the line . Although the soldiers of the G.o.ds have a great advantage you must never let your guard down . ” Noah paused for a moment before continuing . “The army is separated into three divisions; the outer forces, the garrisoned elite and the inner circle . ”

“What’s the difference?” Cloudhawk asked .

“First, they are isolated from one another,” he explained . “In other words the outer forces cannot enter the Sky Fortress . Garrisoned troops don’t know what the inner circle is doing . As you might expect the outer forces have the greatest numbers but the lower quality of soldiers . Their aim is to prevent any enemy spies from infiltrating . They are stationed around the fortress and keep watch . In the unlikely event an enemy gets to the Fortress, they’ll be stopped outside . ”

Cloudhawk rubbed his jaw . “That’s some serious security . ”

“The garrisoned forces have fewer soldiers . It’s mainly comprised of Temple forces from the four realms, representatives of the various Governors, demonhunters and children of n.o.ble families . They are more skilled and more reliable than the outer forces . ”

Idonea piped up . “What about the inner circle?”

“That is the most important part of the army . Although they are few in number they are all extremely strong . They are the Master Demonhunters and greatest fighters, gathered for this singular purpose . They represent the incredible power of our people . ”

Idonea was excited by the news . How strong were these mighty warriors? Master Demonhunters were all highly accomplished men and women; either they have killed demons or achieved other great deeds . That was how they earned the t.i.tle Master Demonhunter . There were only a handful all throughout the Elysian realms .

To be called Master Demonhunter meant you were a person of exemplary skill and quality . They each had their own skills, styles and relics . In addition there were martial artists, whose mastery of their bodies were equal to what a Master Demonhunter could perform . They were supported by other demonhunters and talented soldiers .

At the very top were the Supremes themselves . What force could stand against this righteous sword of Mount Sumeru?

“Neither of you are strong enough to join the inner circle . Focus on earning a place among the garrison . We have family members who will help you along . ”

This was all excellent information for Cloudhawk . Now he knew how these ‘crusades’ were structured .

That night .

All was quiet as darkness crept toward the early hours of dawn .

An una.s.suming airs.h.i.+p pulled into the nearby military airport . Lance and Idonea were collected after being introduced by members of the family . Their identification was checked and eventually they boarded . The s.h.i.+p rose into the air and off toward the horizon .

It was finally starting . Cloudhawk took a deep breath .  

Idonea sat across from him, unaware of what was to come . Judging by the look on her face she was filled with both trepidation and excitement .

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