STEEL AND FLESH

FAITH AND HOPE

With resolve in his heart, King Lauihnio stood up from his kneeling position and took a seat upon a golden stool that had been prepared for him.

The weight of his troubled mind and weary soul pressed upon his shoulders, but he refused to succumb to despair.

Instead, he chose to seek guidance from the grand cytix priest of Laoia, the revered Paulio, who resided within the sacred walls of the temple.

The chamber was filled with an air of tranquility as Lauihnio gathered his thoughts.

His valiant efforts on the frontline in the Battle of Harenia, in the previous conflict with the Quanians had scarred both his body and soul.

The horrors he witnessed on that fateful day had etched themselves into his consciousness, fueling his nightmares and tormenting his waking hours.

Summoning his trusted advisor, Lord Cantrio, the king commanded, "Prepare an audience with the grand cytix priest, Paulio. I must seek his counsel and unburden my troubled mind. He is the voice of the divine, and I trus