The tension in the King's Strategy Room was palpable as Samuel began outlining the plan. A large map of the northern territories was spread out across the table, marked with the positions of Alanor's forces, the Galdorian front, and the critical location of Ashvathaa.
"Once we arrive at Arkheaven," Samuel began, his voice steady despite the weight of the situation, "the northern troops will take up defensive positions to guard the mages. We cannot afford to lose any of them before the main assault."
King Thorian, standing at the head of the table, nodded in agreement. His presence was a calming force, his confidence infectious. "Pita will apply pressure on Galdor's western front, while Reaal will strike from the northwest. This will force them to divide their forces, making it easier for us to breach their defenses at Asvathaa."
Samuel continued, "Our main force, bolstered by the mages, will focus entirely on recapturing Fort Bluehaven. Once it's under our control, Galdor won't have a place to hide and our mages can then easily take over the excavation site. Timing will be crucial. We must strike before Galdor can fully fortify their position."
The room fell silent as the gravity of the mission sank in. Every detail had been meticulously planned, yet the outcome was far from certain.
As the briefing concluded, Samuel led the group to the teleportation array located deep within the palace. The room was vast, its walls covered in ancient runes that pulsed with magical energy. In the center of the room, the array glowed with a soft, ethereal light, casting long shadows across the stone floor.
The mages from Pita and Reaal stood ready, their expressions a mix of determination and anxiety. They knew the risks of teleportation over such a vast distance, but there was no other choice.
"Everyone, take your positions," Samuel instructed, his voice echoing in the chamber. "Once we reach Arkheaven, the northern troops will be there to escort us to the front lines. We must move quickly."
The air in the room grew heavy with anticipation as the mages activated the array. The light from the runes intensified, surrounding the group in a blinding glow. With a final pulse of energy, the room disappeared, replaced by the cold, harsh landscape of Arkheaven.
The group materialized at the fortress of Arkheaven, the air thick with the scent of smoke and blood. It had been just one day since the last mission, where Alanor's knights had suffered heavy casualties. The sight of the fortress, still bearing the scars of battle, was a stark reminder of the cost of war.
Despite the losses, there was no time to mourn. The northern troops, a force of nearly nine thousand strong, were already assembled, their faces grim as they prepared for yet another confrontation. The Galdorian forces they faced were estimated to number at least several tens of thousands, perhaps more. The odds were daunting.
Discontent simmered among the soldiers, whispers of doubt and fear spreading through the ranks. They had barely recovered from the last battle, and now they were being thrust into another, even more, perilous engagement. But as King Thorian strode through the ranks, his presence seemed to bolster their spirits. The king was not content to command from the safety of the rear; he would be fighting alongside them.
Seeing the uncertainty in his men's eyes, Thorian called for attention. He stepped onto a raised platform, his voice carrying across the gathered soldiers. "Men of Alanor, I know you are weary. I know you have faced horrors that no man should ever have to endure. But I stand before you now not as your king, but as a fellow warrior. We fight not just for ourselves, but for our families, our homes, and our future."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "Our enemy is strong, yes. But we have something they do not, unity, courage, and the will to protect what is ours. We march as soon as we get the signal, and we will show Galdor that Alanor does not bow to tyranny!"
A roar of approval erupted from the soldiers, their doubts momentarily forgotten. With the king leading them, they believed that victory was within their grasp.