Grand Master Albert and his team had just arrived in County Emberwood, where they were warmly welcomed by Countess Maresha and Father Matthias.
"Grand Master Albert, it's an honor to have you and your team in Emberwood County," Countess Maresha greeted with a polite curtsy. She was a young and beautiful woman, with golden hair and blue eyes. She wore a simple but elegant dress of green and white, the colors of her county.
"The honor is ours, Countess Maresha. We have come to reinforce your defenses and assist in repelling any potential threats." Grand Master Albert reciprocated with a bow. He was a tall and muscular man, with silver hair and a scarred face. He wore a heavy armor of steel and leather, and a cloak of white and gold, the colors of Church of light.
Father Matthias, the spiritual leader of the county, stepped forward with a welcoming smile. He was an old and wise man, with a long beard and a gentle voice. He wore a simple robe of brown and yellow, the colors of the Light. "May the Light guide your path, Grand Master Albert. Your presence brings reassurance in these uncertain times."
"Thank you, Father Matthias. We are here to stand united against any threat to the County of Emberwood." Grand Master Albert replied with a nod. He looked around the county, admiring its beauty and prosperity. The county was known for its fertile lands and abundant crops, as well as its loyal and brave people.
As they were exchanging pleasantries, a messenger rushed in with an urgent letter. He handed it to Countess Maresha, who quickly scanned its contents. Her face turned pale as she read the news of the impending invasion of Pinnacle Republic. She looked up at Grand Master Albert with a grave expression. Her voice trembled as she spoke. "Grand Master, I'm afraid we have a serious problem. His Majesty has just informed me that Pinnacle Republic has declared war on us. They are mobilizing their forces and are already conquering Ember Ridge Barony."
She paused, as if she could not bear to say the next words. "And His Majesty said he needed half of my private army and other vassals to repel the invasion."
Grand Master Albert's expression turned somber as he absorbed the situation. The threat of Pinnacle Republic declaring war and successfully invading Ember Ridge Barony posed a direct and imminent danger to Emberwood County. He clenched his fists in anger as he heard the news.
He knew that Pinnacle Republic was a powerful enemy, that had been influence for years. He also knew that Ember Ridge Barony was a strategic and vital location, that guarded the border between the two kingdoms. He realized that this was not just a war, but a fight for survival.
He spoke with a firm and resolute voice. "First the Oscana Barony, now the Pinnacle Republic, these heretics are trying to destroy us from within and without. But we will not let them. We will stand our ground and defend our kingdom. We will fight for our king and our faith. We will show them the strength and courage of Verdant Glades Kingdom and Church of light."
"Countess Maresha, what information do you know about Baron Gareth?" Grand Master Albert asked, hoping to gain some insight into their enemy.
Countess Maresha, still grappling with the weight of the news, collected herself and responded to Grand Master Albert's inquiry about Baron Gareth.
Countess Maresha took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. She knew that Baron Gareth was one of the most dangerous and ruthless men in Verdant Glades Kingdom. She had heard rumors of his terrifying abilities, but she had never seen them with her own eyes. She hoped she never would.
"Baron Gareth is a monster, Grand Master," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "He has the power to regenerate any wound, no matter how severe. I have heard of him losing an arm in battle, and within seconds a new one sprouting from his stump, like a plant."
She shuddered at the memory and continued. "He also has the power to defy magic, Grand Master. He can absorb and manipulate the chaotic energy that flows and use it to counter any mana spell. He calls himself an anti mage, and he despises anyone who practices magic or divine spell."
She paused, as if she was reluctant to say the next words. "And he has the power to resurrect the dead, Grand Master. He can bring back anyone who has fallen in battle, He uses a dark and forbidden art, known as necromancy. He has an army of the undead, Grand Master. An army that never tires, never feels, and never stops."
Grand Master Albert listened intently to Countess Maresha's chilling description of Baron Gareth's abilities. The revelations painted a picture of a formidable adversary, one with powers that defied the conventional limits of both magic and mortality. The threat Baron Gareth posed was not just physical but extended to the very fabric of life and death.
As Countess Maresha spoke of his regenerative abilities, resistance to magic, and mastery over necromancy, Grand Master Albert's mind worked to formulate a strategy. Facing an enemy with such unique and potent skills required careful consideration and precise planning.
"I see, what about the Spear of Light that Pope Pontiff Ealdred III lends to Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy, did Baron Gareth take it as a reward for defeating the Coalition Army?"
Countess Maresha nodded in acknowledgment of Grand Master Albert's concern and inquired about the Spear of Light.
"The Spear of Light, a powerful relic of the Church, was indeed entrusted to Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy to aid in the fight against Oscana Barony. However, I have no information that Baron Gareth took possession of it as a reward."
Grand Master Albert's frown deepened at the thought that the Spear of Light, a divine artifact entrusted for a noble cause, might be in the hands of Baron Gareth. The potential consequences of such a weapon in the possession of an already formidable adversary weighed heavily on his mind.