County of Emberwood.
The Coalition Army, fleeing the siege of Oscana City, has now taken refuge in Emberwood County, and the priest in Emberwood City brings bad news to Father Matthias.
"Brother Matthias, there is news that our Coalition Army has failed to take the Barony of Oscana, I am afraid that Priestess Isabella and Priest Samuel have died in battle." The priest tells him about the bad news in Oscana Barony with a worried tone.
"What! 20,000 soldiers have failed to take Oscana Barony, and now Priestess Isabella and Priest Samuel have high probability of dying in battle." Brother Matthias was incredulous that the Coalition Army would be defeated by a small fiefdom like Oscana Barony with a small army.
"How is that possible, what about General Cedric and Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy?" He asked the priest about their condition, there was no way that master level knights could be defeated by small fiefdoms like the Baron, who probably only had an army of 1000 or so, not to mention their cultivation level.
"T-that it's likely they'll meet the same fate as Priestess Isabella and Priest Samuel, I heard a rumor from the Coalition Army that Lord Gareth Miller can resurrect people." The priest also does not believe that Lord Gareth Miller can use such a technique.
Father Matthias clasped his hands in disbelief. "Resurrection? Are you sure? Only His Holiness can use such a divine spell, how can Lord Gareth Miller, who has chaotic energy, use such a divine spell?"
"Heresy! How can such a person use divine spell like resurrection?" Father Matthias refused to believe that this was a resurrection technique.
The priest nodded solemnly. "I think it's not Resurrection technique it's probably like some short like necromancy technique."
Father Matthias furrowed his brow, troubled by the disturbing news. "Necromancy? it makes more sense a person who can use chaotic energy is probably a necromancer, but it's been while since the holy war in 500 years ago Church of Light fought a lich king, but how someone can still use such ancient magic, hasn't we already burned their book and killed everyone who had ties to the Scourge?"
The priest shrugged helplessly. "I do not have all the answers, Brother Matthias. The situation is dire, and we need to focus on protecting Emberwood County now."
"Anyway, we should see the countess and tell her everything we know before we take any measures to defend Emberwood County." Father Matthias feels that he should inform the countess of the situation so that she can deliver the message to His Majesty and His Holiness about what is happening to the Barony of Oscana.
Father Matthias and the priest quickly make their way to Emberwood Castle. "Stop who are you? and why do you want to enter to Emberwood Castle. "
Father Matthias stepped forward, his priestly robes identifying him as a man of the cloth. "I am Father Matthias, and this is my fellow clergyman. We bring urgent news regarding the Coalition Army and the Barony of Oscana. It is crucial that we speak with the countess immediately."
The guards at the castle gate exchanged glances, clearly unsure of whether to allow them entry. After a moment of hesitation, one of the guards stepped forward, eyeing the duo cautiously. "Father Matthias, you say? What kind of news is so urgent that it requires immediate attention from the countess?"
"The Coalition Army, including General Cedric and Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy, has faced defeat at Oscana Barony. There are rumors of Lord Gareth Miller using some form of necromancy, and we fear for the lives of Priestess Isabella and Priest Samuel," Father Matthias explained, urgency in his voice.
The guards exchanged another set of glances, now more concerned than before. "Wait here. I'll inform the countess of your arrival and the urgency of your message," the guard said before disappearing behind the castle gates.
After a brief wait, the gates creaked open, and the guards motioned for Father Matthias and the priest to enter. They were escorted through the castle grounds, eventually reaching the Countess's chambers. Inside, Countess Maresha Emberwood, a regal woman with a stern expression, awaited them.
"Father Matthias, what brings you here with such urgency?" she inquired, her eyes narrowing.
"Countess Maresha, the Coalition Army has suffered a defeat at Oscana Barony. There are reports of Lord Gareth Miller using what seems to be a form of necromancy. General Cedric, Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy, and our own priests may already dead." Father Matthias relayed the dire news.
Countess Maresha expression hardened, and she rose from her seat. "Necromancy? The coalition army are defeated?"
Yes, Countess. The situation is dire, and we felt it necessary to inform you immediately. We fear that Lord Gareth Miller may pose a significant threat, and we must take measures to protect Emberwood County," Father Matthias explained solemnly.
Countess Maresha eyes flashed with concern, but she composed herself quickly. "This is troubling news indeed. Father Matthias, I appreciate your promptness in informing me, I don't think we can defend our fiefdom if Baron Gareth want to invade my county, I have to inform his majesty and His Holiness to deal with Baron Gareth."
'If he can defeat the coalition army, which has 20,000 soldiers, not to mention our army, can they even defend their attack? of course, no, I can only hope that His Majesty and His Holiness can send their army to defeat Baron Gareth.'
her mind clearly racing with thoughts on how to handle the situation. "Father Matthias, you have done well to bring this information to me. We must act swiftly. I will dispatch messengers to both His Majesty and His Holiness, informing them of the dire circumstances and requesting immediate assistance. Meanwhile, we must strengthen our defenses and prepare for the worst."
Father Matthias bowed his head in agreement. "Countess Maresha, we are at your service. We will assist in any way we can to protect Emberwood County."
The countess turned to the priest accompanying Father Matthias. "Thank you, Father Matthias, I hope you will create a barrier formation so that the enemy cannot easily invade our city."
The priest nodded solemnly. "I will do my best, countess. May the Light guide us in these dark times."