However, even as the fallen trees created a temporary barrier, the surviving Quanian soldiers were not easily deterred. Their determination to claim victory remained unshaken, and their leaders quickly devised a new strategy to continue their advance.Amid the chaos and destruction, Lord Mordian struggled to rise from the ground. His body ached, his magical energy depleted, and his spirit wavered on the precipice of despair. He knew that his desperate gambit had bought his people only a fleeting moment of respite.As the dust settled, some of the Quanian soldiers began to clamber over the fallen trees, using the twisted trunks and broken branches as makeshift bridges. Their movements were agile and determined, their eyes fixed on the prize of victory. The fallen trees that were meant to be obstacles had become twisted conduits for their relentless assault.Seeing this, Lord Mordian's heart sank. The horror of his actions weighed heavily on his conscience as he realized that the po

Through the depths of the night, the Bauthinian soldiers moved with purpose, their torches casting flickering shadows that danced among the trees. The Captain who was known as Tarian, led Lord Mordian and his men with the expertise born of years of service. The path was known to him, its twists and turns etched into his memory. Guiding the survivors with a steady hand, he navigated the terrain with a confidence that inspired trust in those who followed.The forest was alive with the sounds of their movement, the soft thud of hooves on the ground and the rustling of leaves underfoot. Occasional hoots of owls and distant calls of nocturnal creatures added to the ethereal symphony that enveloped them. The moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting an otherworldly glow that lent an air of magic to the night.As they neared the outskirts of Prodloust gates, the forest gradually gave way to open fields, and the distant silhouette of the city's walls came into view. The sight brough

Lord Mordian's gaze grew distant, his voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and concern. "Indeed, Baron Loust. King Lauihnio's fear of colonialization or any form of alliance seems to outweigh his concern for the well-being of our people. He would rather risk his life than compromise his pride, which is detrimental to the future of our kingdom.Baron Loust's brows furrowed deeply, a sense of frustration echoing Lord Mordian's sentiments. "It is a perplexing choice, my lord. We are facing a formidable enemy, and unity is our best defense. To see that sentiment dismissed is disheartening."Lord Mordian's jaw tightened as he spoke, his voice laced with a sense of urgency. "Lord Garthine Polion and I tried to reason with him, to make him understand the gravity of the situation. But his stubbornness blinds him to reason. He seems to prefer the idea of martyrdom over pragmatism."Baron Loust's expression remained grave as he absorbed Lord Mordian's words. "It is a difficult position for yo

Two days later, Lord Mordian made his way through the grand halls of Lord Barthine Loust's palace. Despite the weight of his responsibilities, his steps were resolute as he walked with purpose. His body bore the signs of recent injuries, but he carried himself with a determined grace.As he traversed the marble floors, his strides were steady but accompanied by a slight limp—a reminder of the wounds he had sustained during his efforts to repel the attack of the Quanians. The injuries were on their course of healing, evidenced by the carefully wrapped bandages that peeked out from beneath his clothing.Passing by intricately carved columns and opulent tapestries, Lord Mordian acknowledged the servants on duty with a nod of his head, a small yet genuine smile gracing his lips. They returned his nod with deference, recognizing the strength that radiated from him even in the face of adversity.Upon reaching the entrance of the palace, the sunlight bathed the courtyard in a warm glow.

Lord Mordian's slight reluctance gave way to a genuine smile as he agreed to Lord Barthine Loust's suggestion. "Very well, my friend. A game of Lactunrulli it is."With a nod of approval Lord Barthine Loust led Lord Mordian up the palace, a less spacious and modest chamber within the palace. The room was devoid of extravagant decorations, possessing a simple and functional design. The walls were adorned with subdued tapestries depicting scenes of nature, and a few wooden shelves held unadorned books and scrolls. In one corner of the chamber, a finely crafted wooden table awaited, its polished surface gleaming softly under the ambient light. The chairs around the table were sturdy and unembellished, reflecting the utilitarian atmosphere of the space.With both men inside Lord Barthine Loust gestured toward a finely crafted wooden table set up in a corner of the chamber. The table bore the intricate markings of the Lactunrulli board, its concentric circles and radiating lines formi