"Silence!" King Erian's thunderous voice echoed through the throne room, commanding immediate attention.
The murmurs ceased, and the assembly fell silent.
"We are a strong kingdom," King Erian declared, his eyes sweeping the room. "Not being able to hear the gods should never make us desperate and weak."
Minister Ravenswood nodded in agreement, while Lady Nightshade's expression remained skeptical.
"My lords and ministers," King Erian continued, "and Lady Nightshade, let us consider this gathering as if it never happened."
He gestured to the guards. "See that our... this psychic is securely imprisoned."
The guards bowed and exited, Gaius in tow.
"Everyone is dismissed," King Erian decreed.
The assembly began to disperse, whispers and glances exchanged.
Queen Xaren approached King Erian, her voice barely audible. "My lord, are you certain—"
King Erian's expression turned stern. "We will not be swayed by the words of a stranger, my queen."
As the throne room emptied, the weight of Gaius's warning lingered.
****************************
In the ravaged kingdom of Kragnir, King Kael sat amidst his loyal generals and commanders. The grand hall, once filled with laughter and splendor, now bore scars of war and sorrow.
"Brothers," King Kael began, his voice laced with determination, "we've endured unimaginable hardship since my father's assassination. Our kingdom, once thriving, struggles to survive."
General Thane nodded gravely. "We've rebuilt our forces, Your Majesty, but Kragnir needs justice."
Commander Lyrien spoke up, "The scout's message from Eridoria—"
King Kael's eyes narrowed. "Yes, the scout soldier. Rumors speak of Eridorians' involvement in my father's murder."
General Thane's face twisted in anger. "King Erian, Ryker Maya, Arin the Sage, and Thorne – we've long suspected their treachery."
King Kael's jaw clenched. "I've sent six spies to confirm the truth. If these strangers are indeed from Eridoria, we'll uncover their role in my father's death."
The door burst open, and a guard announced, "Your Majesty, our spies have returned."
King Kael's heart quickened. "Bring them forth."
The spies entered, their faces etched with exhaustion and determination.
"Speak," King Kael commanded.
The lead spy, Zephyr, bowed. "Your Majesty, we've confirmed the strangers' origin: Eridoria."
King Kael's eyes locked onto Zephyr. "What do you know, Zephyr? Speak the truth."
Zephyr bowed, one knee touching the ground. "My king, Your Majesty, I have discovered a grave truth."
King Kael's voice urged, "Continue."
Zephyr's words spilled forth, laced with reverence. "The assassination of our beloved King Tharius was not an isolated act, but a twisted tradition in Eridoria's royal selection."
The room fell silent, outrage and shock etched on every face.
King Kael's grip on his throne tightened. "Explain. Royal selection like a king?"
Zephyr's voice trembled. "To prove their strength, potential heirs must conquer a formidable kingdom, slay its ruler, and claim its throne. Our king's murder was merely a stepping stone for their ambitions."
General Thane's anger boiled over. "By the gods, this is monstrous!"
Commander Lyrien's face darkened. "And now they hold power in Eridoria."
Zephyr's words dripped with venom. "Yes, Your Majesty. King Erian, Ryker Maya, Arin the Sage, and Thorne as I heard that may be their real names or maybe not – each has emerged in a position of power, their hands stained with our king's blood."
King Kael's eyes blazed with determination. "We will bring them to justice, no matter the cost."
The council erupted into a flurry of strategy and planning.
King Kael's voice echoed through the grand hall, summoning his most trusted advisors. "Commanders, Generals, gather 'round. We have three days to prepare for war. Can we do it?"
General Thane stepped forward, his rugged face set in determination. "Your Majesty, with utmost haste, we can mobilize our armies. But we must consider the risks."
Commander Lyrien nodded in agreement. "Eridoria's forces are formidable. We'll need strategic planning to ensure victory."
King Kael's eyes scanned the room, seeking counsel. "Lay out our options, general. What are our chances?"
General Thane unfolded a large map of Kragnir and Eridoria. "We can deploy our infantry along the eastern border, utilizing the mountains for cover. Our archers will provide ranged support."
Commander Lyrien pointed to the map. "However, Eridoria's cavalry is unmatched. We'll need to counter with our own mounted units."
King Kael's brow furrowed. "What of our northern border? Can we secure it?"
General Thane nodded. "Our fortifications are strong, Your Majesty. But Eridoria may attempt to breach them with siege engines."
Commander Lyrien cautioned, "We risk being flanked if we focus solely on the eastern border."
King Kael's jaw clenched. "I want contingency plans for every scenario. Prepare our armies for battle."
The commanders and generals dispersed, their faces set with determination.
As the night wore on, King Kael pored over battle strategies, his mind racing with possibilities.
The fate of Kragnir hung in the balance, as King Kael steeled himself for the impending war.
While they were preparing their weapons for war, one of the scout soldiers, sent as spy to Eridoria rushed into the city gate with his horse, dismounting from the horse, he ran towards the generals.
General Thane's eyes widened as the scout, cloaked in shadows, delivered his report. "What news do you bring, brother?"
The scout's voice barely above a whisper, "Eridoria's strength is waning, General. I walked among them, unseen, and heard their fears."
Commander Lyrien leaned in, intrigued. "Speak quickly, man."
The scout's words spilled forth, "Their people whisper of a divine abandonment. The gods no longer speak to them, and their power dwindles. That's to say, that they can't win any war without the help of their gods."
General Thane's face lit with excitement. "By the gods, this changes everything!"
One of the generals, Thorold, burst into laughter. "Hahaha! The heavens themselves have turned against Eridoria!"
Commander Lyrien's eyes sparkled. "This is a sign, General Thane. Our king must know."
General Thane nodded, urgency in his voice. "Summon the other generals, we must see King Kael. We must re-strategize."
As the scout departed, General Thane rushed to find King Kael, accompanied by Commander Lyrien and Thorold, and some generals of lower ranks.
Upon reaching the throne room, General Thane bowed. "Your Majesty, we've received intel that shifts the balance in our favor."
King Kael's eyes narrowed. "Speak."
General Thane relayed the scout's report, and the room erupted into murmurs.
King Kael's face set in determination. "This is no coincidence. The gods themselves have given us this opportunity."
Commander Lyrien suggested, "With Eridoria weakened, a surprise attack could end this war before it begins."
Thorold grinned. "We'll catch them off guard, and their divine abandonment will be our victory."
King Kael's voice thundered. "Mobilize our armies. We strike in five days."
The fate of Eridoria hung in the balance, as Kragnir's forces prepared to seize the advantage.