In the region of Thronwood, situated to the east of Earl Lorren Thronwood's domain, preparations for a significant departure are in full swing. The atmosphere is bustling with activity as soldiers and mercenaries gather their belongings and ready themselves for the journey ahead. The main focus is on the forefront, where Earl Lorren Thronwood, accompanied by his son Den and their trusted general, is making final arrangements before setting out.
As the time for departure arrives, the city gates open, and the procession begins. Earl Lorren Thronwood raises his voice, his command echoing through the air, as he urges the troops to move forward. A substantial force of nearly 5,000 soldiers, mercenaries, and warriors promptly follows his lead. Their pace is swift and determined, as they set forth towards the battlefield to provide much-needed aid to the ongoing war.
With each step, the company covers a considerable distance. The day's journey is characterized by unrelenting movement, as Earl Lorren Thronwood, his son, and the troops push forward. Over the course of the day, they travel an impressive 90 kilometers. The speed of their march leads Earl Lorren Thronwood to believe that they will be able to reach the western front in approximately three and a half days. The urgency of the situation and the need to reinforce the embattled forces propel them forward with determination and purpose.
...
In the capital, amidst an atmosphere charged with urgency, the third prince, Lysander, stands alongside Sir Wilfred and a formidable force of nearly 20,000 troops, all prepared for departure. The dire war situation has prompted the assembly of these soldiers, leaving only the royal guards and capital reinforcement troops behind. The sizable contingent, numbering 20,000, is at the ready under the command of the third prince, awaiting his orders to embark on the journey to the battlefield.
The scene then shifts to a day prior, within the confines of Lysander's chamber. As he contemplates the gravity of the situation, his trusted guard steps forward and asks for permission to make a suggestion. Lysander looks at him attentively and signals for him to proceed. The guard speaks with deference, suggesting that the third prince himself should actively participate in the war. He reasons that Lysander's renowned prowess is known to all, and by personally taking part in the conflict, he can solidify his claim to the throne even further.
Lysander begins to assess the opportunity that lies before him, presented by the impending war. He reflects on the potential benefits of his direct involvement. If he can lead his forces to victory against the formidable empire, his reputation and influence will undoubtedly soar. This could potentially lead to wider recognition of his legitimacy as the future ruler. With these thoughts in mind, the scene shifts once again to the present, where the forces from the capital have begun their departure. It is estimated that they will require approximately nine days to reach the battlefield, where their presence and contribution will play a crucial role in the ongoing conflict.
Amidst the ranks of soldiers preparing to march towards the battlefield, a subtle and enigmatic presence lingers. Concealed within the midst of the troops, a group of mysterious figures shrouded in secrecy goes unnoticed by most. These shadows remain purposefully hidden, their intentions veiled in ambiguity.
While the true goal of these concealed entities remains unknown, their actions betray a sense of careful calculation and deliberate intent. Their choice to blend seamlessly into the multitude of troops suggests a strategy aimed at concealing their true identity and purpose. As the forces amass and the anticipation of battle hangs heavy in the air, these enigmatic shadows add an element of intrigue to the unfolding events. Their intentions and motivations remain cloaked in darkness, leaving those around them unaware of the intricate web they're weaving within the heart of the impending conflict.
...
As the troops from Thronwood marched onward, driven by their urgent mission, exhaustion began to take its toll on the soldiers. The arduous journey had drained their energy, leaving them fatigued and in need of rest. Despite the weariness that settled over the camp, there was no time to spare.
Upon their arrival at the western front, the situation demanded immediate action. The enemy's presence loomed, and the battlefield awaited their response. Given the urgency of the circumstances, the time allocated for rest was kept brief, allowing the troops only a momentary reprieve before they were thrust into the fray.
Within the command tent, Earl Lorren Thronwood, his son Den, and the assembled officers engaged in a strategic discussion. Aware of the challenges that lay ahead, they deliberated over the most suitable route to navigate, one that would minimize unnecessary obstacles and pitfalls. The weight of their decisions was palpable, as each choice carried the potential to influence the outcome of the impending clash. Amidst the tension and anticipation, the leaders sought to chart a course that would lead their forces to victory while avoiding unnecessary difficulties that could jeopardize their mission.
...
In the dense forest, the scouts from Thronwood's camp spotted a figure stumbling through the underbrush. As they closed in, their trained eyes discerned the telltale signs of the Armor worn by soldiers from the Western front. Suspicion turned to alarm as they pursued the figure, and upon reaching him, they apprehended him, his condition one of bloodied wounds and a broken hand.
The scouts wasted no time and initiated an interrogation. Their questions were fired with urgency, seeking to extract any information that could shed light on the situation at the Western front. The captured soldier, his breath labored and his expression pained, conveyed the grim tidings of the fallen defenses. His words painted a dire picture, revealing that the once formidable defense lines had been breached by the enemy's onslaught.
Back in the camp, the urgency of the situation was palpable. The scouts raced toward the command tent on their horses, their haste evident in every galloping stride. Bursting into the tent, their leader's voice rang out with a sense of urgency. "My lord!" he exclaimed, immediately capturing the attention of Earl Lorren Thronwood and his officers. The news he carried was of paramount importance, and he swiftly conveyed the results of their scouting efforts.
With a breathless urgency, the scout reported the capture of a deserter from the Western front. He recounted the dire information obtained from the deserter, his words revealing the troubling reality that the Western front had indeed fallen to the enemy. The news rippled through the tent, its gravity casting a shadow over the gathered leaders. The revelation demanded swift action and strategic decisions, as the implications of the fallen defenses would undoubtedly reverberate across the battlefield.