Chapter 199

Is Sejour Aren in Louiebell?

Riftan asked while lightly clasping the outstretched hand of the Archduke.

Archduke Arens smile faded from his lips and he nodded calmly.

Hes trying to rally the scattered allied forces to face the Troll Army.

How many additional reinforcements have been deployed?

3500 in total, including the knights.

The Archduke replied in a concise tone, then continued.

Whedons royal family sent 1500 troops and Balto sent 2000. As soon as they arrived, they immediately left for the battlefield.

Have the Holy Knights arrived?

The Knights of Osyria are traveling inland, so it will take them some more time before they get here.

The Archduke turned his horse and rode alongside Riftan.

Let us head to the royal castle first. We have prepared a welcoming banquet for the Remdragon Knights.

Riftan shook his head.

I dont intend on wasting time. We have already eaten and drank our fill on the ship. We shall stop by the central temple, prepare the ranks, and leave for Louiebell immediately.

Still as impatient as ever.

The Grand Duke sighed.

If that is the Sirs wish, then I shall guide you to the central temple.

He motioned for the Royal Knights of Livadon to follow him and the men drove their horses to follow his direction, then began to traverse the main road. The crowd paved the way for them, immediately splitting left and right to clear the road. Max and the Remdragon Knights rode their horses in an organized line. The streets were lined with rows of green fresh laurels, and crude stone buildings lined either side of the wide road made of flat stones in perfect symmetry.

They marched for quite some time before a large, open courtyard with a fountain appeared; in the middle, there was a wide stone staircase that led to the Central Temple. The Grand Duke stopped in front of the stairs and began to give a brief explanation.

The building at the top of the stairs is the Central Temple. The sanctuary and infirmary are on the right side behind the chapel, and the guards post are on the left. The knights lodgings are located just behind the guards post.

Max stared in amazement at the splendor before her. The temple exuded a certain sense of calm with its rustic yet elegant appearance. Six ivory-colored pillars stood tall to support a huge circular turquoise ceiling carved in marble. Roems first emperor, Darian, could be seen along Uigru, the first twelve knights and the celestial dragon, defending the men. While looking at the surprisingly detailed and delicate image, Yulyson gently approached her.

Mlady, Ill help you descend from your horse.

Max hurriedly lowered her gaze. Soon, Riftan and the Remdragon Knights got off their horses and headed towards the stairs. She also swiftly came down from Rem with the help of Yulysion. As she followed the men who were heading to the stairs, priests in monastic robes appeared out of the temple. The knights then entrusted their horses to them and went inside the temple. Max stroked Rem to calm the horse, who was unfamiliar with the surroundings then handed the reins to one of the priests. Afterwards, she walked into the temples entrance.

Livadons temple exuded a sensual atmosphere, so unlike the church buildings in Whedon. The temples arched ceilings were covered in ancient paintings and colorful rays poured out of the stained glasses that filled the huge windows. The priests robes were also far from pretentious, they were made of stiff dark brown cloth that reached their toes with a twisted rope as a belt.

An elderly man, who seemed to have the highest authority among the priests, stepped towards Riftan and Archduke Aren.

Welcome to the Lords resting place.

These precious guests came from Whedon to aid Livadon. Will you allow them to stay in the temple until they leave for Louiebell?

As the Archduke spoke, the elderly priests pale blue eyes flew towards Riftan and the Remdragon knights.

Of course, I shall tend to them with hospitality. Please tell me if you need anything.

We wont be staying for long. We shall leave immediately once we have gathered enough supplies and armory, well also be needing a high priest who could accompany us on our journey to Louiebell.

The old priest, who was looking into Riftans eyes, nodded slowly and whispered an instruction to the priest standing on his right. The priest who received the instructions immediately left the line to do the tasks.

I shall immediately call for two high priests. We shall also provide the supplies you will be needing.

Well help prepare and replenish your weapons and armory. Three hundred elite knights of Livadon are to accompany the Remdragon Knights.

Archduke Aren declared and pointed to the line of knights who stood outside of the temple.

Leave the preparations to us, the guests shall rest and relax until everything is ready for departure.

As soon as they finished exchanging words, the priests split into two groups to guide the knights. They passed through the arched doors, then through a cast garden doused in sunlight and through an orchard densely populated with pomegranate trees. A grayish white building, surrounded by beautiful cypress trees, soon appeared before the stone paths. The knights followed the priest and entered the building that had a cozy atmosphere. Before them