Episode 8

Leonardo's Thoughts.

I'm aware that my sister will be safe with Lucas, but the border is fraught with peril, with recent escalations in attacks compelling us to lower the age of enlistment for youths—a decision I dreaded to make, but it seems we have no choice.

Thus, a messenger arrives with the king's commands; Lucas is far from pleased, detesting the idea of teenagers fighting in wars. Yet, these are the king's orders, though he himself refuses to sacrifice more young lives.

Marcos: Lucas, I understand, but we must bolster our forces, leaving only the youngest recruits under the protection of the barracks.

Lucas: Let's do this—enlistment will be voluntary, and no family with one child already in the military may enlist another, nor may an only child serve. The minimum age is to be thirteen years.

A notice calling for new recruits is published. Many youths enlist, yet Valery and her friends cannot.

Another year has passed, with everyone on edge, as Greta begins to bring her first child into the world.

Marcos: My friend, stay calm, all will be well.

Lucas: I feel more anxious now than when fighting on the battlefield.

An hour later, a baby's robust cry echoes through the air. Greta emerges, cradling a beautiful boy in her arms.

Lucas takes the small bundle, a gorgeous boy with cherubic cheeks.

Valery: He's beautiful, our brother.

Lucas steps into the room where Greta rests, handing her the baby.

Greta: He has yet to be named.

Jaiden: Call him Jaiden Junior.

Dikson: No, Dikson Junior.

Valery gazes upon her little brother: Angel.

All eyes turn to the girl.

Valery: He's a little angel, sent by Mother to brighten our lives.

Lucas looks to Greta, who nods in agreement.

Lucas: Angel it is.

Joy fills the household; the week passes without conflict, tranquil as ever. Valery and her friends play in their secret spot until they overhear a commotion and discover an injured girl their own age.

Valery: Don't be scared, I'm Valery.

Daian: I'm Daian.

Valery: May I look at your wound?

Daian allows Valery to tend to her injury, and the girl spends a week under their care. They feed her, becoming fast friends.

Valery: I wish this war would end.

Daian: Yes.

Valery: Only by uniting the kingdoms can we achieve peace.

Daian: A marriage?

Valery: Perhaps, that might work.

The idea lodges itself in the girl's mind.

Daian: Soon, I must leave.

Daian hands Valery an exquisite pendant.

Valery: And for you, I have this.

She gives Daian a bracelet.

Daian: Friends forever.

Valery: Forever friends.

At nightfall, Valery returns home, and Daian departs, encountering soldiers from the north.

Soldier: Princess?

Daian: I'm well; they took care of me.

Daian heads back northward, and her parents, fraught with concern, hear of her exploits from her mother, who learns of her daughter's friend, Valery.

The queen, resigned to her daughter's stubborn ways, relays the tale to her husband.

King of the North: She's young, yet insightful. In six years, coming of age, if she still believes thus, then so it will be.

Though not eager, the queen knows there's truth in his words.

Meanwhile, Valery and her friends, under assumed names, enlist in the army; she disguises herself as a boy, her true gender undetected due to her yet undeveloped form.

That day, a skirmish proves their mettle, marking the start of Valery's tale as a soldier.

Worried, Greta informs Lucas, who, with a sense of inevitable resignation, searches for his daughter. He always knew she'd take such a path—stubborn as a mule.

Upon finding her, he calls the captain, learning that these four stood out as the finest.

Lucas: Ensure they take no unnecessary risks.

Captain: Absolutely, general. Is it Valery?

Lucas: Yes.

Captain: General, your daughter saved my wife and child; I'll see no harm comes her way.

Lucas: My thanks, captain.

Lucas is aware that Greta will be livid upon discovering their daughter's audacious escapade, but he also knows how obstinate she is and that she's bound to repeat it.

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