“Lord Wilson,” Dario called out calmly. But he didn’t answer. “Lord Wilson,” he called out again, shaking his hand, but he still didn’t answer. He didn’t open his eyes either. At that moment, they could all tell that he had truly passed. Natalie’s cries surprisingly went silent as she slowly walked to her father’s lifeless body, her eyes wide open. She then knelt beside the bed.“Dad,” she called. She called again, her body visibly trembling as she shook his body with the little strength she had left in her. She put her ear on his chest to hear his heartbeat but there was nothing. She slowly looked up to meet Dario’s gaze, “Is he really gone,” she asked, pain filled in her eyes.Dario nodded slowly and suddenly, she screamed. Her screams echoed through the sterile hospital room, a raw and heart breaking sound that showed the depths of her hurt.She didn’t stop screaming. She couldn’t stop screaming. “Oh my god! Natalie!” her older brother, Justin, exclaimed softly as he rushed to
The letter read; To Emperor Dario of the Persian Empire,The time has come. For decades, the Ashton Kingdom, Richmond Kingdom, and Hudson Kingdom have harbored a deep hostility against the Persian Empire due to the acts of your father, Lord Reynolds in the past. Our grievances have grown, and now, United by a common purpose, we declare our intention to join forces and fight the Persian Empire. Our combined armies are prepared to strike with full force and make sure Persian crumbles and turns to dust! The Clandestine Kingdom, formally an ally of yours is now one in our shared hatred, and has pledged its support in this endeavor.This is not a mere threat but a promise of war. We challenge you to meet us on the chosen battlefield; Ironclad plains, in one month's time, where our might will clash with yours. Failure to comply will only cause relentless attacks on your borders, cities and people, sparing none in our path of retribution.Prepare your forces, Emperor Dario, for we come no
“We have a month. Just a month,” Dario said.“I’m sorry, but how are we supposed to be ready in just a month?”“Well we don't have a choice. Our people will be used as collateral damage if we are not ready by then! We can’t just stand by and watch that happen,” another member replied. “Yes, I agree. Even if this battle does not seem like something we are very sure of winning, we have to try.”“I’m sure we can do this. Victory has always been ours and it will forever be!”Dario stood at the head of the council chamber as his eyes swept over the gathered members as they offered words of encouragement to each other.The tension in the room still lingered but the aura of defeat was now being replaced by an aura of strength and determination.“Like I said before, we are the Persians,” he said, his voice firm. “We do not quit. We never lose. They believe they can tear us apart, but they are mistaken. We have fought battles and come out victorious, this time will be no different.”“Yes!” Th
Dario sat at one side of a round polished table in the neutral grand chamber. The neutral grand chamber was a location used specifically to host diplomatic meetings. Alongside Dario, the kings from Ashton, Richmond, Hudson and Clandestine were seated around the table, their faces stern and seeming uninterested. Each of them brought their most trusted advisors and the air was thick with unresolved grudge and conflict. No one wanted to speak as they all glared at Dario, waiting for him to begin.‘I don’t know if this will go as I hope,’ Dario thought when he scanned their facial expressions. They all had an unyielding expression plastered on their faces like they knew exactly what Dario wanted to talk about and they had their answers ready.Dario began regardless, ‘there’s no harm in trying.’ His voice was calm but firm as he began, “Thank you for agreeing to this meeting-”Just as Dario dropped his first sentence, King Samuel of Hudson let out a very loud hiss, eyeing Dario from up
Dario left the neutral chamber with a heavy heart and made his way back to the mansion after the meeting with the king. On his way, his mind raced with thoughts of the war as it was getting closer by the day. As the car drove into the premises, he was surprised to see Claire just walking in as well. She had not informed him that she was coming today. What information does she have for him today?“Greetings, Your Majesty,” Claire greeted normally without any seductive gestures attached which was quite surprising.Her presence was unexpected, but the urgency in her eyes told him she had vital information.Dario acknowledged her greetings and they both went inside the mansion. He took a seat on his throne while she stood before him instead of sitting. “Your Majesty,” she began, her voice low and urgent. “I have news. The kingdoms are not just planning a standard battle. They have brought up a series of strategic maneuvers to dismantle your empire from within.”Dario’s eyes narrowed i
The following day, Dario was on his way to assess the readiness of the forces himself. Earlier, he had addressed the people of the empire on a raised platform in the main square, about the coming battle. Before them, he said, “My people, as many of you may have heard, there is a battle approaching. This is not a war we sought, but one that has been brought to our doorstep. I assure you, however, this is an arranged battle and as long as our enemies keep to the terms, you are not at risk during its course.”He took it upon himself to reassure them of their safety and let them know that the war would take place on a battlefield. He also informed that at that moment, preparations were made for civilians in vulnerable areas to be evacuated to safer areas within the empire. “The people seemed to be in more relief after the address,” Bruce said to Dario on their way.Dario nodded, allowing the breeze from outside to caress his face. “It was like they collectively heaved a sigh of relief
It was finally the day of the battle… Dario sat on his throne in the throne room very early in the morning. “The big day is finally here,” he muttered to himself. He heaved a sigh, staring into the blank space and lost in thoughts. He prayed to the spirits of his father, Lord Reynolds and Lord Wilson to go with him and grant him victory. He then averted his gaze to his finger and stared at his special ring. “I’m definitely coming back alive,” he murmured and smiled. “But this battle is ours to win, no matter the odds!” He brought his hand to his mouth and placed a quick kiss on the ring finger. “Greetings, Your Majesty,” a voice from across the room spoke. Dario turned and saw Blake approaching him, his expression was a mix of curiosity and concern. Dario didn’t realize when he walked into the throne room because he was lost in thoughts. “Your Majesty. Today is the big day. I assumed you would be leaving soon so as your right hand man, I decided to come and give my ble
“Charge!” Dario shouted, his voice loud, deep and powerful.“Ahhhhh!” The Persian soldiers roared in unison. Before the day of the battle, they had carefully orchestrated their first strategy which was a swift and coordinated assault on the sides of the enemies formation. This strategy was to break the lines of the enemies and create chaos. They moved with precision with their shields raised and their swords drawn while the archers also began to release arrows at the enemies. But as they neared the enemies’ lines, a chilling realization hit Dario. The enemies did not scatter or fall back like they expected.Instead, they stood firm in place with their shields locked forming an impenetrable wall. It was as if they knew the exact move Dario’s soldiers would make. “Hold the line!” the overall commander of enemies shouted and the next second, a hail of arrows from the enemy side met the advancing Persian troops, completely catching them off guard. The front lines immediately faltered