Baron Loust's brows furrowed in slight confusion, but he nodded solemnly. "I swear by the name of Oridon that I will keep your secret, Lord Mordian."However, Lord Mordian's unease was palpable. He recognized the gravity of what he was about to disclose, and he wanted to ensure that Baron Loust truly understood the weight of his words. "Barthine Loust, this is not a simple matter. Swear to me that you will uphold this secrecy with unwavering dedication, even if the stakes become dire."Baron Loust's expression shifted from confusion to a deeper understanding of Lord Mordian's concern. His voice held a solemn tone as he repeated, "I swear by the name of Oridon that I will keep your secret, no matter the circumstances."Satisfied that he had secured the vow he needed, Lord Mordian took a deep breath and finally revealed his well-guarded truth. "Barthine Loust, the magic I mentioned earlier... I am not just aware of it; I possess the ability to wield it. And I am not too perfect but I be
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 eyes scanned the rows of cots, each occupied by a soldier in various states of recovery. His gaze settled on a young soldier whose face was etched with pain, his features contorted as he grappled with the discomfort of his wounds.Approaching the cot, Lord Mordian's footsteps were quiet but determined. He stopped beside the soldier's bed, his presence casting a gentle shadow over the young man.With a soft yet steady voice, Lord Mordian addressed the soldier. "My friend, I see that you are enduring a difficult path to healing. Your bravery in the face of pain is commendable. You need to stay strong okay."The soldier's gaze shifted from his struggles to the lord standing before him, surprise and gratitude flickering in his eyes. "My lord," he rasped, his voice strained but full of respect. "Your words mean more than you know."Lord Mordian's expression conveyed empathy as he continued, "I understand the trials and pain you face, I sustained injuries too, and I want you
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
Approximately eight hundred men were gathered, their weary and travel-worn appearances made evident the trials they had endured. Some of them leaned on makeshift crutches, while others bore bandages that wrapped around their limbs. The ravages of battle and a treacherous journey were evident in their exhausted expressions and tattered clothing.Lord Mordian's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions as he walked among the soldiers, his gaze locking onto theirs. Each soldier carried a story of survival, each face a reflection of their shared determination to reach the prodloust gates against all odds.The courtyard was a tableau of resilience, an evidence of the human spirit's capacity to endure. Lord Mordian moved among the soldiers, his gaze steady as he took in the scene before him. Their faces were etched with exhaustion, their eyes carrying a mixture of relief and weariness.Some of the soldiers were bruised and battered, their faces smeared with dirt and sweat, their armor d
Now Inside a spacious study chamber within the palace walls, the atmosphere was heavy with anticipation and concern. Tall bookshelves lined the walls, laden with tomes of history, strategy, and tactics. The room was adorned with intricate tapestries that depicted scenes of valor and triumph from the city's storied past.A large, ornate wooden table dominated the center of the chamber, its polished surface reflecting the warm glow of candles that illuminated the room. Seated across from each other at this table were Lord Mordian and Lord Barthine Loust. They were flanked by maps of the city, intricate drawings of the landscape, and strategic sketches that depicted possible scenarios.The sunlight cast intricate shadows across the room, and the occasional flicker of the candle flames lent an almost ethereal quality to the scene. The room was cocooned in an air of gravity, each detail a reminder of the imminent challenge they now faced.As the heavy silence lingered between them, Lo
The next day, Lord Mordian was in the room within the palace, that had been assigned to him by Lord Barthine Loust It was a chamber adorned with subdued embroideries depicting scenes of valor, much like the main study chamber. A large table was spread with maps, scrolls, and parchments detailing the layout of Prodloust and its defensive structures.Lord Mordian's sharp eyes scanned the maps, absorbing every detail. He meticulously examined the positions of the walls, towers, and gates. His mind was a battlefield of possibilities, considering various scenarios and counter-strategies.As he traced his finger along the fortified walls and the locations of the defensive artillery, he contemplated ways to exploit the city's advantages and mitigate its vulnerabilities. His tactical acumen was at its peak, and he was determined to contribute to the city's defense in any way he could.Hours passed as Lord Mordian immersed himself in the maps, mentally maneuvering troops and devising strat
As the door to Lord Mordian's chamber creaked open, and Lord Barthine Loust entered with a measured stride. His gaze swept across the room, taking in the maps, scrolls, and parchments scattered across the large table. He noticed Lord Mordian's intense concentration, his brow furrowed with the weight of his thoughts."Lord Mordian," Barthine Loust's voice broke the silence, drawing Lord Mordian's attention. He looked up, his sharp eyes meeting those of Lord Barthine Loust.Barthine's expression softened as he took in the tired lines on Lord Mordian's face. "You look overworked. What have you been doing. Is it sorcery?""Yes Lord Barthine Loust." Lord Mordian began. His gaze shifted to the live rat atop the oak table, a sense of pride and accomplishment in his eyes. He gestured towards the creature and said, "I've finally managed to master the regeneration spell."Lord Barthine Loust furrowed his eyebrow. "I thought that you have already mastered it?""No I didn't Barthine Loust. I hav