Chapter 4. The Warriors in Cutis 1

On 10/10 in 1207 Esgel Calendar, there were Draupunir,
Eiolin, Duran, Cameo, Landam, and all the leading members of Pandragon in Da’ghal
palace.
Duran announced the agenda, 
“The messenger has been arrived from Cutis, Cutis
resistance has already started to be against the empire, and Arshia has
requested troops to be sent.”
Draupunir presented his opinion,
“Even though they can take geographical advantage with
guerrilla strategy, but the empire is too huge to be against for them.”
“Several days ago, there was incident that an imperial
officer had been assassinated in Nohot City in Cutis. The empire demanded too
many things with the incident as justification, so that Nohot citizens raised a
riot. The resistance could not stand seeing Imperial Soldiers killing citizens.
Arshia has been engaged in a fierce battle with Imperial army, the progress is
not going bad yet.”
“Though it is fine for now, Cutis resistance will be
in danger once additional imperial troops come from Pandragon.”
Eiolin said, 
“We should assist them. I will be there with Pandragon
paladins.”
Draupunir disagreed,
“There is no chance of winning. If princess Eiolin or
paladins are injured from this hopeless battle, it will make us more difficult
to be against the empire, and also will undermine our army’s morale as well.
How about that Prince Rashid helps them with Landam and his mercenaries?”
 “Huh? Me?”
Rashid was surprised, and he was looking at Draupunir.
Landam also looked confused, and asked Draupunir,
“Are you going to give him more experience?”
“Yes, right. Prince Rashid will soon lead us at all
battles. It will be a good chance to give him experience.”
Eiolin seemed worried,
“But…isn’t it too dangerous for him? And, it will be
the losing battle…”
“Therefore, I will let Gray accompany him. Gray has
enough experience to assist Prince Rashid, and also Landam will protect the
Prince as well.  And the purpose of our
troops is not destroying imperial troops, our troops will be there to protect
Cutis resistance and bring them here.”
“Bring them here to Da’ghal?”
“Yes. If Imperial machina joins the war, we will be
hopeless to defeat them. It will be the best choice to protect our forces for
the future.”
Gray asked,
“Then, why don’t we also use our machinas against
them?”
“It is not a good idea. What we have to protect is
Astania and Pandragon, not Cutis. The reason why I asked Princess not to
participate in this battle is for preparing for defending Astania. And, we have
only few machinas so that we cannot use them for Cutis and Astania at the same
time. We should keep our machinas for the future.”
“It means we have to give up Cutis.”
“Actually, it does. But we can take it back in the
end.”
Rashid asked,
“But, I have never participated in battles without my
sister. And…. I am still learning swordsmanship. Do you really think I can do
this?”
“That’s why you need more experience. You will be the
king of Pandragon. You don’t want to be a fragile king, do you?”
“I think so, too Rashid.”
Eiolin told Rashid, and she hugged him.
“Rashid, I cannot take care of you forever. It will be
a good chance for you.”
And, she said with looking at everyone else,
“Please take care of Rashid, especially Gray and
Landam.”
“Yes, highness!”
“I will protect him always!”
Landam & Gray answered at the same time.
After 2 days, Rashid and mercenaries started to head
to Cutis. 
Rashid and his companions finally arrived at the Port
Basara which is the only port in Da’ghal to get on the ship to cross Alkeonia
Lake. It took 4 days to get Lios, the port of Cutis. Cutis resistances were
there to guide Rashid and his group to the stronghold of the resistance. 
Their stronghold locates in the peak of high mountain,
which is in north of Cutis. It was naturally fortified by surrounding steep
cliffs and mountain passes. Rashid came in the biggest tent in the fortress. There
was a table in center and a map was on it. There was a guy, who has blonde hair
and good-looking, he welcomed Rashid and their companions. 
“Welcome, Pandragon Paladins, I am Arshia, the leader
of Cutis resistance.”
“I am Rashid Pandragon.”
“The leader of Paladin, Duran Rambrant.”
“The leader of mercenaries, Landam.”
“Prince’s assistance, Gray.”
Arshia asked them to have seats, and said,
“Oh, I did not expect the Prince of Pandragon would
come here. I am really glad to see you. By the way, Princess Eiolin has not
arrived here yet?”
Duran answered,
“Eiolin and the other Paladins cannot move from there
due to Astania. So, Prince Rashid has come here with us.”
Arshia looked a bit disappointed,
“As expected, everyone takes our situation hopelessly.
But, only few Paladins and mercenaries cannot change the result of the war.”
Gray said,
“For now, there is no way to defeat the empire. Why
don’t you retreat with us to Da’ghal?”
Arship was really upset,
“Are you asking us to abandon all Cutis people?! I’d
rather to die here!”
Gray also shouted,
“Please think about what you really have to do for
your people! Go out and die for them? Or survive til the end to defeat the
empire? Which one is really brave and wise decision? The empire is not
destroyed without cooperation! Please be aware that it is time to get together
to be against the empire!”
“I know what you meant, but the war has already begun.
If you are not willing to help us, we will not ask you anymore. We will do what
we can do for now. Please accept my apology, I was too emotional.”
Arshia calmed down, and apologized,
Gray also apologized,
“I was also too emotional. Apologize.”
Arship point out a spot on the map, and said
“There is the base of the empire troops. Their troops
are not so big for now. It is a good chance to attack them.”
“Even if we occupy their base, more empire troops will
come soon.”
“I have also thought about this. But, it will
encourage all of our people and more volunteers will join our resistance. We
can make a hope from that.”
“It will make more sacrifices.”
“We have to take risks. Without taking risks, how can
we become independent? Occupying their base will be the first step to our independence.”
Arshia was full of his beliefs. And, finally, Gray and
Duran were persuaded.
“Alright, then, we will help you as much as we can.”
“Thank you, really thank you!”
The next morning, they started to forward to the
imperial fortress.