Sir Luis, his heart racing with adrenaline, stood ready to face the unknown threat. His grip on his large sword tightened, and he focused intently on the door, bracing for the impending confrontation.
The thuds and sounds of approaching footsteps grew louder, heightening the tension in the air.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and a figure emerged, brandishing a flaming sword. Sir Luis's instinct kicked in, and he prepared to strike, but he halted abruptly, recognizing the person before him.
It was Arthur, who had just cleared another room of enemy soldiers.
Relief washed over Sir Luis as he lowered his sword, realizing that Arthur's timely arrival meant additional strength and security for their small group.
His gaze fell on Sir Troy, then on Artemis, who was still focused on healing the injured knight.
"Arthur!" exclaimed Artemis, his voice brimming with relief upon seeing his brother. He quickly approached Arthur to check if he was okay.
Upon confirming that Artemis was unharmed, Arthur's attention immediately turned to the seated and wounded Sir Troy.
"Sir Troy, you're hurt," Arthur expressed with concern, observing Sir Troy's condition.
"I'll survive, thanks to his highness," Sir Troy responded, acknowledging the healing he had received from Artemis. The worst of his wounds had closed, and his condition was no longer critical.
"Your Grace! Lord Van!" Sir Luis shouted as another group arrived. It was none other than King Dwight and Commander Lord Van.
They appeared unscathed, likely having successfully dealt with their own adversaries in a different part of the castle.
Upon seeing Sir Troy's condition, King Dwight showed a flash of concern. However, Sir Troy responded with a nod, signaling that he was alright, thanks to Artemis' intervention.
Commander Lord Van approached Sir Luis, expressing his gratitude.
"You rescued the young prince. Well done, Sir Luis!" he said, patting him on the shoulder.
King Dwight also acknowledged Sir Luis's bravery.
"I am in your debt, soldier," the king added, showing his appreciation for Sir Luis's role in ensuring Prince Artemis's safety.
Sir Luis bowed respectfully in response to the king and commander's commendations.
The group, while wanting to rest after the exhausting ordeal, realized the urgency of their situation as parts of the castle continued to collapse due to the spreading fire.
Arthur took charge, advising against staying any longer in the increasingly hazardous area.
"We can't stay here; the smoke and fire could overpower us," he warned, highlighting the risk of suffocation if the fire intensified.
A few minutes into their hurried movement, they located the furthest exit, a door leading out of the castle to a less affected area by the fire.
Arthur cautiously opened the door to check for any lurking enemies outside. Once he confirmed it was clear, the group proceeded to exit in quick succession.
Arthur stayed close to Artemis, ready to protect his brother, while Commander Lord Van remained on high alert, guarding King Dwight.
Sir Luis, supporting the injured Sir Troy, ensured he was safely escorted out.
Alert and vigilant, Arthur scanned their surroundings, noting the eerie silence that seemed out of place, suggesting a potential hidden danger.
King Dwight, utilizing his unique power, summoned a spirit dove. His arm illuminated, and a glowing blue spirit dove materialized. The King whispered a spell into the dove, intending to send a distress signal to their capital, Chyros Desi, for reinforcement.
"May the winds speed you to Chyros Desi," the King uttered, releasing the spirit dove into the air.
The dove soared away, carrying their urgent call for help, as they hoped for a swift response and backup from their kingdom.
As soon as King Dwight's spirit dove took flight, a sudden commotion broke the silence. Voices of enemy soldiers echoed nearby, filled with frustration and anger.
"How could you let the king and the Chyrum escape?! Find them!" shouted a voice that seemed to belong to the commander of the enemy forces.
This revealed that their primary targets were King Dwight and Artemis, the Chyrum.
Alarmed by the hostile voices, Artemis instinctively sought refuge behind Arthur. Arthur gently tapped Artemis, signaling the need for silence and caution to avoid detection by their pursuers. They knew staying undetected was crucial for their survival and escape.
Arthur, determined to ensure the safety of his family, stood firm in his decision to stay behind and confront the enemies. He knew his duty as a vanguard was to protect the Chyrum at all costs.
"The North Gate's up ahead. There are Stags in the stables," Arthur instructed his father, emphasizing the urgency of their escape. His voice was steady, betraying no hint of fear, only a resolve as steadfast as iron.
King Dwight, looking into his son's eyes, saw the unwavering determination that had always defined Arthur.
He felt a surge of pride, yet his heart was heavy with the weight of a father's concern.
Artemis, however, was reluctant to leave his brother behind.
"You're supposed to be my Vanguard, remember?" he protested, hoping to sway Arthur to escape with them.
But Arthur's decision was unshakable.
"It's part of my duty to ensure your safety," Arthur replied firmly, his gaze locked with Artemis'.
"I'll hold them off while you escape with Father."
With a heavy heart, Artemis accepted the necessity of their situation. Commander Lord Van, ready to stay behind as well, announced his plan to send orders to their remaining forces, directing them to rally at the main gate to divert the enemies' attention.
Arthur, with a look of solemn determination, turned to Artemis one last time.
"I will do my duty. You must do your duty too," he said firmly, acknowledging the weight of their respective responsibilities.
Artemis, fighting back tears, understood the gravity of the moment. He nodded, silently vowing to ensure the safety of their father, King Dwight. Arthur's final request was clear - protect the king at all costs.
As Arthur and Commander Lord Van retreated back into the castle to confront the imminent threat, Artemis stood by the closing door, giving a final nod to his brother.
This silent exchange was a promise - a vow that each would fulfill their duty with bravery and honor. The moment was poignant, marking not just a physical separation, but a deep commitment to their roles in the kingdom.