Amidst the heavy silence, a nobleman named Aidal rose from his seat, his expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism. His voice carried a note of challenge as he addressed Lord Mordian's earlier assertion. "Lord Mordian, are you certain that these deaths are a result of a spy within our midst? Is it not plausible that the Quanians simply detected suspicious behavior from the Arab Azarians that led to their demise?"Lord Mordian's gaze shifted towards Aidal, his brow furrowing slightly as he considered the nobleman's perspective. "Aidal, while your point is valid, we cannot disregard the possibility that the Quanians possess a highly skilled network of informants. It's not just a matter of suspicious behavior. Their ability to discern the presence of spies suggests a level of intelligence gathering beyond mere observation."Ahmed bin Mahdullah, his voice firm and unwavering, interjected with a hint of frustration. "Aidal, you underestimate the prowess of my assassins. I have worked w

With the weight of their oaths hanging in the air, King Lauihnio's gaze softened, and he turned his attention to the altar at the center of the shrine. Upon the altar lay an arrangement of candles. He took four of them and lit them, their gentle flames casting a warm and flickering glow throughout the chamber.As the four men remained on their knees, King Lauihnio reached for the candles. His fingers took out the four white candles and four red candles that he had lit, each representing different intentions and prayers.The white candles, symbolizing purity and peace, were carefully lifted and cradled in his hands. Their slender forms contrasted with the vibrant red of the other pair, and their flames danced with a serene grace.One by one, he approached each of the men, his steps deliberate and measured. To Lord Mordian, he extended a white candle, the soft glow reflecting in the nobleman's eyes as he received it.To Lord Garthine Polion, he offered another white candle, its flame

King Lauihnio leaned forward, his eyes still fixed on the scout. "Is there any other news, anything we need to be aware of?"The scout shook his head, his expression grave. "No, Your Majesty. The information I've shared covers the most recent developments and challenges we face."The king nodded, his expression a mix of gratitude and concern. "Thank you for your diligence in gathering this information. It will aid us in making informed decisions moving forward."As the scout turned to leave, a voice called out from behind him. It was Lord Mordian. "Wait," Lord Mordian said, his tone firm yet earnest. "Before you go, I have a request."The scout paused and turned back toward Lord Mordian, his brows raised in curiosity. "Of course, my lord. What can I do for you?"Lord Mordian's eyes held a determined glint as he spoke. "I understand that rescuing my son, Danios, will not be an easy task given the circumstances. However, I implore you to do everything within your power, gather your team

Lord Mordian's gaze remained fixed on King Lauihnio, his expression a mix of weariness and concern. He hesitated for a moment before speaking, choosing his words carefully amidst the lingering tension in the room."Your Majesty," he began, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of urgency, "while I understand your stance on the alliance with the Mocinians, we cannot ignore the reality of the situation at hand. The other half of the Quanian army is marching towards Prodloust, and we must decide how to address this impending threat."He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. The silence that followed was heavy, the atmosphere charged with the unresolved tensions that had been stirred by their earlier exchange.King Lauihnio's expression remained guarded, his features a reflection of the complex emotions he was wrestling with. He met Lord Mordian's gaze, his eyes narrowing in contemplation."Indeed," the king responded, his tone measured. "We cannot afford to focus solely

As the tense silence hung in the air, the forest seemed to hold its breath. Then, from the shadows emerged figures clad in black tunics and jerkin armor, their helmets adorned with a distinctive curved horn design.The Quanians had revealed themselves, flanking the Bauthinian army on both the right and left sides. Their emergence was swift and coordinated, a well-executed maneuver that spoke of their tactical prowess.Their black attire blended seamlessly with the shadows, making them appear as if they had sprung forth from the very heart of the forest itself. With the sun glinting off their helmets, they looked like an unstoppable force driven by an unforgiving purpose.As they broke through the tree line, a chorus of war cries erupted from their ranks. Their faces were twisted into menacing expressions, a mask of terror that sent shivers down the spines of even the most battle-hardened Bauthinian soldiers.With chilling determination, the Quanians charged forward, their footsteps