The Legend of Carmine

There was a deadly silence in the environment after the end of the war. After the victory of the war, General Armine was now focusing on the stabilising entire nation's military operation.

The immediate death of the great general Rogue had left Armine no time to deal with the other military affairs of the nation. After pacifying the war. Now she was sitting with Lex to officially set her foot on it.

As she was studying the recent military layout she could not help but find out that the Inap, which was located at the border of Norand and Lapen had a reduced number of soldiers.

On inquiry, Lex replied to have enough arms for the war with Ouran. As deceased General Rogue's defense plan they had outsourced near soldiers to Shar for the war and used the military base Inap's soldiers to fill in throughout the nation. In Inap, Norand and Lapen were separated by a range of hills, which somewhat allowed geographical benefit to Lapen. Hence, they used its soldier for backup during times of crisis. Carmine asked, "Do you know the location of Norand army base in Inap?" Lex replied it's at the base of the hill on the other side of the hill.

As soon as she heard this, her mood changed. She was no longer calm as Lex could see she was pacing back and forth in the room. Then, suddenly she commanded for assembly of the army at that hour. It was already after dinner. And she announced that half of the army was packing tonight as they were leaving for Inap the next morning.

This news gave everyone shock but before any discussion could be initiated, Armine dismissed the assembly.

As Lex went to Armine to ask why he had taken that decision. Rather than answering Lex's question, she asked him a silly question in return. "Lex, Will a strong iron chain break?"

Lex replied, this is a silly question, if it is a strong iron chain, it will not break.

For his answer, Armine gave a deep sigh and said," Lex, to break a strong iron chain you just need to find the weak connection and it will break. And in this case, at this point Inap is our weakest connection if we do not act soon, Norand will invade."

Lex was dumbfounded by his answer. As she was about to go to her room she turned and said, By the way, Lex, you will stay here and act as the team leader. And to replenish the soldier I have suggested King, to allow Ouran's refugees to recruit for our army. I am sure if you show them respect as humans, and treat them as our own citizens, they will be willing. The next day General Armine left for Inap.

On the other side at Inap, the Lapen base was monitored by Norand soldiers who had extended their surveillance from base to the top. So, their base was still on the base of the hill but they were able to set temporary camps at top of the hill for intermittent observation of Lapen.

As Norand were also very keen on the expansion of their lands. This intermittent visit helped them to analyze their enemy. But on this visit, they realized that the army number had reduced significantly and with their record of the constant watch, they were able to determine it. As there was less number of guards patrolling and guarding the gates compared to in the past.

So, they immediately send the information to their General named Rulean. When this news reached Rulean he knew this is the right time to get hold of Inap. With the updates of the number of soldiers in Lapen base, he knew that his small troupe would be enough to conquer it. As he did not wish to waste any time by informing and requesting the Emperor for extra arms as suggested by his comrade in arms, Arol. He was also his bodyguard.

So, Rulean set out to conquer the remaining of Inap. They all travelled uphill for days and finally on dawn attacked Lapen base. Getting the sudden attack Lapen soldier immediately send a messenger for reinforcements. Lapen base army in Inap was surprised, devasted, and had no hope of survival.

On this side, General Armine was traveling faster with her army towards Inap as she feared for the worst.

She met the messenger, who relayed that the base has been attached. She commanded all her comrades to march faster.

In Inap most Lapen soldiers had died, only a handful remained who had pretty much accepted that this will be their last day on earth. But as these thoughts were clouding their mind they heard showers of arrows falling from the sky on Norand's army.

Every nation is not the same. Though old rules of the kingdom instructed to give an open invitation for war. But General Rulean always did things his way and believed in results than the methods of achieving them. Therefore, for him gaining Lapen was important, besides it, nothing mattered to him. So, he adhered to this sneaky attack.

The shower of arrows startled Norand's army. As a quick response, Alor instructed the soldiers to shield Rulean. As Armine and her army were approaching, Alor said, "General Rulean let us withdraw we cannot win this battle."

Rulean gave Alor an angry look as if telling him. ," How dare you suggest for me to withdraw." This was the first time ever Rulean was outsmarted in his military tactics. Alor could see that he was reluctant then he said, "Your Highness, Please we have to leave now." Alor forced Rulean to withdraw with these words and reminding him that is not just a general.

As Rulean withdraw he could see majestic General Armine marching towards the battle scene. And Rulean stared at him with such deep hatred for hurting his self-esteem that it was as if he was imprinting General Armine's image in mind. So, he could remember it to pay it back to him for his today's embarrassment.

When General Armine arrived on the spot. They had already left. As her soldiers inquired if they were chasing after them.

Armine replied, "We are not strong enough to fight with them yet. Let them go. Let's not chase after them. Right now we have ended what they started. But this is just the dawn of war."