"King Rynden," Igdaliah called out, his voice carrying above the chaos. "This bloodshed need not continue. Retreat your forces, and all can be forgiven. Your kingdom can find a path to peace, and we can avoid further senseless loss."
King Rynden, his eyes filled with a chilling resolve, regarded Igdaliah with a mixture of scorn and defiance. His grip on his sword remained firm as he bellowed back, "Merynia offers me forgiveness? I have conquered lands, marked them with the heads of your people, and brought glory to Astor. There is no forgiveness in the hearts of kings like us, Igdaliah."
A tense silence hung over the battlefield, the fate of countless lives balanced on the edge of King Rynden's decision. The soldiers from both sides watched with bated breath, their swords held at the ready
