Darkness Inside The Light 11 The Order Of The Red Rose

" Father Jonas,you are late" Vladimir said with a smile. He still hadn't forgotten the scolding he had been given by the old priest the day they departed from the Moon Village.

Father Jonas didn't care about Vladimir's implications , instead he proceeded to introduce the woman that was beside him

" She is called Sophie and she is a knight under the princess command. We will be under her supervision during the journey"

The eyes of the two teens fell upon the woman's body. She was surprisingly young, probably only a few years older than them. Despite of the fact she was equipped with the knights armor, her beauty couldn't be restrained. Her white like snow skin, the ethereal beauty of her face,her eyes that seemed like two black sapphires, as well as her silky black hair, were enough to make anyone stunned from her beauty. She was probably the most gorgeous woman the two youths had ever seen in their lives. Sophie also stared them back with an ice-cold expression.

" These kids from the left to the right are called Vladimir and John respectively. They are under my care at the request of a good friend of mine". Father Jonas finished the introductions and moved to the side to let the knight talk.

" Listen well. You two will be a.s.singed to my company as soldiers until we reach to the Capital. Refusing to obey my commands means execution. Also, I don't plan to protect you either. I have only one warning to give you. If you make me lose face in front of the Princess Adriana de Grenmar, then death is nothing compared to what I' ll do to you". She said expressionlessly.

"Try to stay away from the other knights of the order. Though I don't think they would want to offend openly Father Jonas who is the Imperial Tutor of the princess, but that doesn't mean that all of them are on good terms with him. If they find an excuse in your conduct they'll definitely use you as a trojan horse to make him lose face" The ice-cold beauty said and turned to the old priest. Her expression became gentler as she continued " Father Jonas, I'll return first. When you arrive at the order, just show the token to the guards and they'll lead these kids to me."

Father Jonas thanked Sophie and looked at the two youths who were staring him with dumbfounded faces.

After letting a small laugh, he opened his mouth

"What are these expressions? You couldn't believe that as your father's friend I would be a normal person right? Not only I am the Imperial Tutor of the Princess Adriana, but my status in the Church of Life isn't low either" the old priest said proudly.

The first to recover wasn't the usually cool-headed John but the impulsive Vladimir

"By the way, isn't she too arrogant? I can't even feel magic power from her" the silver-haired youth said. It was obvious that he was annoyed by the knight's att.i.tude.

"I didn't expect this statement from someone with your martial arts capability" the one to answer wasn't Father Jonas, but unexpectedly was John

" It's as John said Vladimir. Don't understimate the knights of the Empire. Their equipment is made by mithril, a material with high resistance to magic. Their swordsmanship isn't a joke either. They are the biggest reason that Empire is one of the strongest forces in Andromeda". the old priest said with a strict tone as he continued

" It's very rare to find people who can use magic and not all of them are formidable either. As you know, the manipulation of mana needs extreme concentration. That's why magicians usually focus on long range attacks while staying in the rear. The knights and the soldiers are responsible for their protection, as well as interfering with the enemies". As he said that, he looked strangely at the two youths.

"Being capable to use both martial arts and magic at the same time isn't the norm. Creating unique magic is even rarer. I have an idea of your combat ability from our journey until now and from your father's words. I advise you not to stand out too much. Greediness and jealousy can both be enough reasons for someone to hold malicious intentions against you." He looked at the sky to see the positioning of the sun and opened his mouth

" It's getting late, the encampment of the order is outside of St.Nicolas. We'll talk while walking".

"How come they didn't enter the town?" John asked curiously as he started to follow Father Jonas.

" They didn't want to waste time since they plan to leave tomorrow, but knowing the princess, she probably wanted to avoid the sucking up of the local Lord".

" This is unexpected! I thought that important people enjoy the attention of others" John said mockingly

" You say that because you are a loner. Being surrounded by people can be very tiring" Vladimir replied as he recalled his own experiences

" Yeah b.a.s.t.a.r.d, we understood that you are popular, don't worry" John answered with annoyance. He sighed and spoke again " By the way father Jonas, that knight is definetely not simple. Not only she is a woman, she is also a captain if I understood well".

"Yes, Captain Sophie de Woodman is the daughter of the Sword Duke Alexander Woodman as well as best friend of the princess, so try not to provoke her. That's it if you want to keep your precious heads."

When these words sounded, John and Vladimir stopped walking. They couldn't conceal their shock. When they woke up from their stupor, the old priest had almost disappeared from their sights. They quickly ran after him.

* * * *

" Who are you and what do you want!" A guard shouted at the three people in front of him.

" Μy name is Father Jonas and I am a High Priest of the Church of Life. I am a guest of the Imperial Princess. The two behind me are to report for duty to Captain Sophie de Woodman" While he was talking, Father Jonas took out Sophie's token as well as a letter with the Imperial emblem.

Inspecting them, the guard immediately gave a salute and went to bring someone to guide them. After some time the guard returned with two men. The one was around 50 years old. He had black hair and a thick beard. His muscular body combined with his intimidating height as well as a scar he had on his right cheek made him seem like a powerful warrior from the ancient times. The other man seemed to be in his thirties . He had short blonde hair and green eyes as well as two pointy ears. His pretty face and his kind expression were giving the feeling that he was an easy going person.

" It's my honor to meet you Father Jonas. My names is Edward de ThunderG.o.d. I am one of the two Captains of the Order of the Red Rose under the command of Princess Adriana de Grenmar". The middle-aged man said as he lowered his head and kissed the ring on the priest's hand.

"You are Edward de ThunderG.o.d, the Iron General?How is it possible" The old priest couldn't hide his astonishment .Even John and Vladimir from behind couldn't help but open their mouths wide from the surprise.

A smile formed on the face of the man called Edward as he spoke"To be known by the Imperial Tutor of the princess as well as the most favourite candidate to be the next Pope of the Church of Life.... I don't deserve this honor" He said as turned his face to the two youths behind the priest" And these two are?"

Before the priest had the chance to talk, Vladimir took a step forward. A wide smile appeared on his face, while his two green eyes were carrying an unusual madness. " It's my honor to meet Sir Edward de ThunderG.o.d. My name is Vladimir Erickson. To ask for guidance from the great hero of the North is one my biggest dreams. Please Sir Edward de ThunderG.o.d, fight me in a duel".