Pale-Axe Stalwart#

With axe in hand, the guard shows might, Fearing neither toil nor plight. Wishing for the mountain's peace, Braving dangers till the sun's last light. A bright afternoon, Camp of Seasons.

"Splendid! That's the morale I want to see," the Bull King exclaimed, seated in the main camp atop the cliff, observing the bull guais training below.

Standing beside him, the Pale-Axe Stalwart reported, "My king, only such a powerful army is worthy of your majestic presence."

The Bull King nodded approvingly, saying, "You've done well, young captain."

Looking at the Pale-Axe Stalwart, he said kindly, "You've not been under my command for long, yet you've managed to train this mixed troop so well. It's beyond my expectations."

The Pale-Axe Stalwart replied humbly, "When I first arrived and saw how well-regulated the King's domain was, I was equally surprised."

Realizing he might have misspoken, he quickly apologized, "I meant to say..."

The Bull King laughed heartily, "No worries. The well-regulated domain is all thanks to the Lady of the House. Her strict rules keep these boneheads in line."

The Pale-Axe Stalwart also laughed, "Indeed, I was initially taken aback by her strict rules."

Seeing his straightforwardness, the Bull King praised, "You've done well in managing the troops. I'll promote you to be my vanguard."

The Pale-Axe Stalwart quickly knelt, "Thank you, my king, for the promotion. I will serve you with utmost loyalty."

Just then, a voice called out, "Father, why have you summoned me?"" The Pale-Axe Stalwart looked up to see a red-skinned youth approaching from behind.

"I called you to observe how to muster and command troops. This is my newly appointed vanguard; come and meet him."

The youth patted the Pale-Axe Stalwart on the shoulder and smiled, "Very good. If my father trusts you, you must be capable. When I become king, you shall be my general."

The Bull King clapped his hands and laughed, "Such ambition! The future of this domain will depend on you."

The youth pondered for a moment and said,"Father, why not entrust that item to me as well?"

The Bull King's face darkened, and he did not respond.

"Father, you trust me with the domain," the youth continued, "so why not with a mere object? Ever since you obtained it, you've grown more haggard. Mother is very worried."

The Bull King waved his hand dismissively, "Do not mention this again." The youth, though puzzled, did not wish to defy his father and left reluctantly.