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
The news was a harsh blow, and the silence that followed was filled with a sense of foreboding. The realm's stability hung in the balance, and the nobles of Bauthinia now faced a new and complex challenge.The chapter had taken an unexpected turn, transforming from a moment of solemn unity to a scene of impending crisis. The unity that had been reaffirmed through oaths and prayers was now put to the test as they confronted the ever-changing landscape of power and strategy.King Lauihnio's brow furrowed deeply as he absorbed the scout's report, his lips forming a tight line. His eyes, once softened by the ritual, were now sharp with concern. He clenched his hands into fists at his sides, his fingers gripping the fabric of his robe. The weight of the realm's safety rested heavily on his shoulders, and the news of King Brothlander's strategic moves had clearly unsettled him.Lord Garthine Polion's features shifted from the previous hope and determination to a furrowed brow and tense j
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 face darkened with a mixture of frustration and concern as he stared at King Lauihnio. His jaw clenched and his fists tightened, emotions churning beneath his typically composed exterior. The room fell into a heavy silence, the tension thickening as Lord Mordian's thoughts raged within him."Your Majesty," he began, his voice low and strained, "I cannot stand by in silence while you lead our kingdom down a path of insanity. This is a fool's errand, driven by a stubbornness that blinds you to the grim reality we face."The weight of his words hung in the air, his anger palpable. He took a step forward, his gaze locked onto the king's unwavering expression. "You claim to be a leader, but what kind of leader sacrifices the lives of his people for the sake of pride and ego?"Lord Mordian's voice rose, his anger fueling his words. "You speak of unity and bravery, but your arrogance threatens to plunge us into ruin. Do you truly believe that our mere unity will protect us f
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
Three days later, an army of over ten thousand soldiers we mobilized and marched out of Vegian gates. Lord Mordian rode at the forefront of the assembled army alongside some of the captains that were assigned to him.His armor gleamed in the morning sun as he surveyed the ranks that marched alongside him. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of purpose and determination, each soldier and officer aware of the gravity of the task that lay ahead.As far as the eye could see, soldiers clad in the colors of Bauthinia marched in disciplined formation. The rhythmic sound of boots hitting the ground created a cadence that reverberated through the air. Banners bearing the crest of Bauthinia fluttered in the breeze, a symbol of unity and strength.The soldiers carried with them a range of ancient artillery weapons, a testament to the kingdom's rich history of warfare. Massive trebuchets were hauled by teams of sturdy horses, their imposing frames casting shadows on the ground. Ballistae,
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
The battlefield erupted into a frenzy of chaos and brutality, as the clash of steel resonated through the forest. The Quanians fought with a ferocity that seemed almost otherworldly, their black-clad figures moving as one, their curved-horn helmets gleaming with bloodlust.Swords and spears were wielded with deadly precision, cutting through the air in a macabre dance of death. The forest floor was littered with fallen soldiers, both Bauthinians and Quanians, their lifeblood soaking into the earth.The Bauthinian soldiers were equally unyielding, their determination matched by their skill in combat. They held their ground within the shield wall, forming an unbroken line of defense against the relentless Quanian assault.Spears jabbed forward, aiming for gaps in the enemy's armor, while swords swung with calculated force to strike at vulnerable spots. Every inch of ground was contested, every clash of steel a struggle for survival.Lord Mordian charged at the forefront on horseback,