As he crested a hill, he finally spotted them: Lord Ferdinand's group, a contingent of battle-hardened mages, warriors, and strategists. They had set up a temporary camp near the entrance of the cave system, where the final battle would likely take place. Lukas' heart raced as he approached. It had been some time since he had seen his father face-to-face, but now wasn't the time for reunions or personal emotions. He had a mission, and his cover had to remain intact.
Lord Ferdinand stood at the edge of the camp, his icy aura unmistakable. His presence was commanding, as always, but there was a heaviness to his stance, a tension in the air that Lukas hadn't seen before. The man had the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders, especially now that his son, Arnold, had been linked to the Ice Dragon Lords.
