Chereads / Throne Wars / Chapter 2 - what comes next

Chapter 2 - what comes next

Dulkin, kingdom of the Frey family, in the center of the city The royal castle stood high on a hill, overlooking the kingdom. It was a magnificent sight, with its tall towers and turrets, its sparkling windows and its grand entrance. The castle was surrounded by a lush green forest, and a sparkling river wound its way through the grounds.

Inside the castle, the rooms were decorated in the finest style. The walls were hung with tapestries, the floors were made of polished wood, and the furniture was upholstered in rich fabrics. The castle was home to many treasures, including a priceless collection of jewels and a magnificent library. In one of the chambers, a slumbering princess rested, exuding breathtaking beauty with her flowing locks and delicate features. Abruptly, she awoke, startled, and unleashed a piercing scream that pierced the tranquility of the room.

"Ahhh! Ahhh!" The princess's cries echoed, piercing the stillness. In no time, a group of maids rushed into the chamber, their footsteps quick and concerned. Together, they anxiously inquired, "Princess, what troubles you?" Their voices melded into a chorus of worry. Among them stood a tall figure, bearing the resemblance of the king and head of House Frey, exuding a regal aura. He approached the princess, his voice resonating with authority, as he sought to understand her distress. "What ails you, Issa? Have you encountered another vision?" the king questioned.

The princess locked eyes with the king, her gaze filled with a mix of fear and urgency, before she spoke, her voice trembling, "All the inhabitants of the forest prison... they're gone. The prisoners, the guards escorting them... all dead," she revealed, the weight of her revelation hanging heavily in the air.

"Well, if what you're saying is true, we could be in some serious trouble. I better send a team of escorts into the forest to check it out," the king remarked, his voice tinged with worry, as he exited the room. However, just as he was about to make his way further, a sudden scream echoed through the air once again. "Send the monster hunters into the forest, not the regular royal guards!" Princess Issa shouted, her tone filled with urgency, causing the king to pause in his tracks.

"Your Highness, if Princess Issa's words hold truth, we may find ourselves entangled in yet another conflict with the Edward family," the royal advisor voiced, his tone laced with concern. The king, upon hearing this, sank into deep contemplation, his mind consumed by the weight of such a possibility.

Meanwhile, in the distant realm of Minatoo, the kingdom of the Edward family stood resolute. Their castle, an imposing fortress, struck fear into the hearts of those who dared to consider challenging their might. With colossal walls reaching towards the sky and fortified towers that seemed to touch the heavens, the Edwards family castle emanated an aura of impenetrability. Its size was truly awe-inspiring, stretching across vast acres of land, leaving even the bravest of enemies to ponder the daunting task that lay before them.

Within the opulent throne room, Davis Edward, the esteemed ruler of the Edward family, occupied his elevated seat while his loyal subordinates gathered across the spacious hall. A lively buzz permeated the chamber, filling it with animated discussions and activity. Abruptly, the massive doors of the throne room swung open, revealing a soldier clad in armor crafted from gleaming obsidian. Hastily, he dashed into the room, dropping to one knee before the monarch, and conveyed his urgent message.

"Your Highness, I bear bad news. The prisoners from the Dulkin forest have been discovered lifeless, their bodies forcefully expelled from the heart of the Dulkin forest," the soldier reported, his voice filled with urgency.

As Davis Edwards's eyes transformed into a haunting shade of crimson, an eerie chill permeated the room, causing the temperature to plummet within a matter of seconds. Nevertheless, undeterred by the unsettling atmosphere, the soldier persisted in delivering the crucial information. "Our spies have relayed troubling news. They were unable to locate Prince Altair's body, and it seems there is a formidable force field shielding the forest," the soldier reported, unwavering in the face of the unsettling circumstances.

"Ready the army, for we shall march towards Dulkin," declared the king, rising from his seat. However, the grand maester promptly stood up and interjected, cautioning against an all-out war. "Sire, engaging in a full-scale conflict with Dulkin at this moment may incite the Clark and Lee families to retaliate, plunging us into multiple wars," advised the grand maester.

"In that case, make arrangements for a convoy and accompany me to Dulkin. I shall personally speak with the Frey family and their misguided king," resolved Davis Edwards, his voice firm with determination, before promptly exiting the room.

The news quickly reverberated across the realms of Akin, reaching the ears of every family. In response, the heads of each lineage embarked on a journey towards the kingdom of Dulkin and the ancestral residence of the Frey family. United by a shared concern, they set forth to convene and address the impending crisis.

As they made their way towards Dulkin, Edard Nelson and Arthur Snow, the heads of the Nelson and Snow families respectively, crossed paths during their journey. Looking every bit like kings in their regal attire, they exuded an air of authority and wisdom. Spotting each other, they decided to take a moment and engage in some small talk by the roadside.

Their guards quickly arranged a small table, providing a comfortable spot for both leaders to sit and chat. Seated there, Edard Nelson started to speak, his face reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. "So, if what I've heard is true," he began, only to be abruptly interrupted by Arthur Snow, who eagerly blurted out, "The rebirth of the forest child!" His eyes sparkled with intrigue as he brought up the topic.

As they engaged in conversation, Edard Nelson and Arthur Snow delved into various matters transpiring within the realm. They exchanged thoughts and insights on the current state of affairs, discussing the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. After weighing their options, the two family heads reached a unanimous decision – they would merge their respective convoys into a single united force.

With a shared purpose and a strengthened alliance, Arthur Snow resolved to continue his journey alongside Edard Nelson's convoy. The two families would march together, presenting a formidable front as they advanced towards the kingdom of Dulkin. The combined strength and camaraderie of the Nelson and Snow families would serve as a testament to their solidarity and determination in the face of the mounting crisis.

Following their decision to combine their convoys, Edard Nelson and Arthur Snow, accompanied by their loyal retinues, set forth on their journey towards Dulkin. The united procession of their forces made an imposing sight as they traversed the roads and pathways that led them closer to their destination.

Along the way, they encountered fellow travelers, villagers, and onlookers who caught sight of the approaching convoy. The news of the gathered families spread like wildfire, filling the air with whispers of anticipation and curiosity. Some expressed hope that the union of these powerful families would bring stability and resolution to the mounting concerns, while others remained cautious, aware of the delicate balance of power that now converged upon Dulkin.

As they continued their march, Edard Nelson and Arthur Snow seized the opportunity to strengthen their bonds further. They engaged in discussions, sharing their visions and strategies for the challenges that awaited them. Each leader brought their unique perspectives and experiences to the table, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation within the convoy.

Days turned into nights, and the convoy pressed on, undeterred by fatigue or the treacherous terrain. The landscape changed as they drew closer to Dulkin, with the towering castle of the Frey family becoming a more prominent silhouette against the horizon.

Soon, the convoy arrived at the outskirts of Dulkin, where they were greeted by the city's inhabitants who had gathered in anticipation of their arrival. The streets were lined with eager faces, brimming with hope and uncertainty. Word had spread throughout the kingdom, and the presence of the united families brought a newfound sense of reassurance.

Edard Nelson and Arthur Snow exchanged knowing glances, acknowledging the weight of responsibility that rested upon their shoulders. Together, they prepared to enter the kingdom, where they would face the challenges that awaited them, seek answers to the mysteries that had unfolded, and stand united in their pursuit of truth and resolution.

What lies ahead for them in Dulkin? How will the Frey family respond to their arrival? The unfolding story promises twists and turns, secrets waiting to be revealed, and a convergence of forces that will shape the fate of Akin.