Aace was angry. He was angry at Hannibal for killing his wife and child and for torturing him. He was angry at himself for not protecting them. Nothing mattered to Aace but to kill Hannibal. That was the goal. They were not fighting a war. Just as Aace had said, it was a crusade.
Aace gathered his generals and the Knight's Company to give them their orders. They were going to take Servinsrad by force, and a small band of men would infiltrate Fort Mudstop and kill the commanding officers and open the gates so the army could sweep in and occupy the fort.
Sir Simon, Sir Leo, and Sir Nicholas went over to question Aace. Sir Simon began with, "Aace, you have to grieve."
"I am grieving, Simon, I am grieving."
"Sir Simon is right. You need to stop being in this stage of anger. You need to let your heart speak," Sir Nicholas added.
Sir Christopher and Sir Henry quickly ran into the chamber.
"Hannibal's army is on the march towards Academy. They ride in full force."
Aace was weary of getting caught in another head on battle with Hannibal, so he decided to take the strategic approach. He would allow them to enter the city, believing that it was fully occupied. Then, they would ignite a trap and destroy the city. When Lord John was informed, he winced at the idea.
"This is an ancient city of learning and knowledge your majesty, we can't just blow it up."
"Then what do you propose we do, Lord John."
"We take them from the side. As I kept reading Plato's notes, I realized that he left everything to Regent Titus. I was able to get from Titus' writing that in one particular battle, King Cromwell rushed the allied army from the side, causing them a devastating loss of men. I believe the same can work for us, but we must act know, as Hannibal's army is marching fast."
Aace accepted Lord John's plan, sending word to anyone who could help.
As Hannibal's army was marching, they came to the battleground where Aace first fought. Aace stood, ready to fight Hannibal one on one. Hannibal dismounted his horse, grabbed his sword, and charged Aace. Aace dodged Hannibal's attack, rolling out of the way. They began to trade blows, however Aace remained on the defence, not allowing Hannibal to get close to him. Aace then ran at Hannibal, causing them to fall into the Misted Lake.
Just as Aace and Hannibal fell, Aace's army charged through Hannibal's, catching them off guard and destroying their artillery.
Aace and Hannibal, got out of the lake and returned to fighting on the center island. Each blow connected, passion and vengeance in each man's eyes. Hannibal would swing just to be blocked by Aace. Aace would slice just to be parried by Hannibal. Then , Aace ran Hannibal through, believing the shock of his impalement would allow Aace to take his sword. Hannibal then grabbed Aace by the throat, slamming him against a tree, breaking his back. Hannibal quickly escaped, along with his army, back to Dragonrock. Aace could only lay there, unable to reach for his sword.