Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

44  Capital

The survivors of Tristan began to head to the capital of the kingdom the next morning while being escorted by twenty royal soldiers. The royal soldiers tasked with escorting the survivors to the capital carried themselves with utmost seriousness and professionalism. Their behavior reflected the gravity of the situation and the importance of their duty.

The soldiers maintained a constant state of alertness, scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger or potential threats. They were acutely aware of the risks and maintained a vigilant stance to ensure the safety of the survivors under their care.

Their actions were characterized by a disciplined approach, adhering to protocols and following orders with precision. They moved in a cohesive formation and coordinated their movements and interactions, demonstrating their rigorous training and commitment to their roles.

"They sure look something else," Rain said.

"They are the most famous soldiers of the realm; while they don't have high ranks, only a selected few are chosen to join their ranks," Leiah explained. "They are picked after graduating from school in the capital; women are part of their ranks too."

Typically, there is an age requirement for joining the royal soldiers. Candidates must be of a minimum age and within a specified age range, as determined by the governing authorities. In addition, they must be citizens or lawful residents of the kingdom or region in which the royal soldiers serve.

A basic level of education is often required to join the royal soldiers. Candidates should have completed a certain level of formal education. Specialized training programs are also provided to recruits to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge required for their roles.

Prospective soldiers are subjected to comprehensive background checks to ensure their suitability for the role. This may include verifying their personal history, criminal records, and any associations or affiliations that may pose a risk to national security or the integrity of the organization.

"The army that we saw had ten thousand soldiers; did they use all of them?" Rain asked.

"The last time I heard, they had twenty thousand stationed in the capital," Leiah explained.

Splitting the royal army was deemed a strategic decision, recognizing the need to allocate resources effectively. However, entrusting only half of their forces to reclaim an important region of their country poses potential risks, even with the capable royal soldiers leading the charge.

While the royal soldiers are renowned for their skill, discipline, and loyalty, engaging in a significant operation with only half of their strength poses challenges. The task of retaking a crucial territory requires not only manpower but also logistical support, intelligence gathering, and tactical coordination. These aspects become more demanding when the forces available are limited.

By deploying only a portion of their army, there is a heightened vulnerability in terms of numbers and the potential for being overwhelmed by opposing forces. The risk of casualties and exhaustion increases as the burden of the mission falls on a smaller group.

"We will arrive at the capital soon, but we shouldn't make ourselves too comfortable," Leiah said. "We will just wait for your father and leave."

Rain heard the reason for that. A clear division among the people was palpable in the bustling capital, separating them into distinct classes: the nobles and the commoners. The commoners, in particular, were subjected to stringent regulations and societal expectations dictated by a set of norms that governed their behavior and demanded a certain level of reverence.

For the commoners, it was imperative to adhere to strict codes of conduct, which underscored their obligation to show deference and respect to the noble class. Every aspect of their behavior was closely monitored and scrutinized, creating a pervasive atmosphere of restraint and caution.

"I guess it is a place that I don't want to overstay my pseudo welcome," Rain thought while looking at his sleeping sisters. "People always find a reason to try to feel better than others for no apparent reason. It is fine if you feel superior in a healthy way by achieving something that others didn't, but that shouldn't be enough reason to diminish others forever."

As the group traversed the countryside, their weary feet carried them through two humble villages nestled amidst rolling hills and fertile fields. The midday sun cast its warm glow upon the rustic houses and bustling streets, lending a sense of tranquility to the surroundings. Villagers went about their daily chores, exchanging greetings and engaging in lively conversations, oblivious to the weight of the world beyond their idyllic haven.

With each step, the group neared the horizon, where the towering silhouette of the capital city gradually emerged. The city's grandeur was a stark contrast to the simplicity of the villages they had passed through. Its mighty walls, adorned with flags of the kingdom, stood as guardians of a realm steeped in history and tradition.

As the sun descended towards the western horizon, hues of orange and pink painted the sky, casting a vibrant canvas against which the capital city came into sharper focus. The silhouette grew larger, revealing the intricate architecture of palaces, temples, and spires that graced its skyline.

The city exuded an air of sophistication and opulence, a testament to the seat of power and the center of governance. From afar, the sprawling cityscape appeared like a mosaic of buildings.