The morning sun broke over the horizon, casting a red glow over the city of Norvayne. The soldiers stood ready at the walls, their eyes fixed on the Vorthal army encamped in the distance. The tension in the air was palpable—every breath seemed to hold the weight of the coming battle.
Kael adjusted his armor, the polished steel gleaming in the early light. His thoughts were a whirlwind, but he forced them into focus. This was the moment that would decide the fate of his kingdom, and he couldn't afford to falter.
Eiran stood beside him, his staff glowing faintly with the remnants of his magic. The plan they had discussed the night before played over and over in Kael's mind. Eiran would summon the barrier, shielding the city long enough for their forces to regroup. But the cost of that magic was too great for Kael to ignore.
"Are you sure you can do this?" Kael asked, his voice low enough that only Eiran could hear.
Eiran glanced at him, his eyes dark with exhaustion but filled with determination. "I can. We don't have another choice."
Kael hated the situation, hated that Eiran had to risk everything again. But there was no time to dwell on what-ifs. The Vorthal army was already on the move, their battle horns echoing across the fields.
Commander Hadrin approached, his face grim. "Your Majesty, the Vorthal are advancing. They'll be at the city walls within the hour."
Kael nodded, his jaw clenched. "Then we meet them head-on."
Hadrin gave a sharp salute and turned to shout orders to the soldiers, who rushed into position along the walls. The defenders of Norvayne knew what was coming. They had seen the brutality of the Vorthal, felt the cold steel of their blades. But there was no fear in their eyes—only resolve.
Kael watched them with pride swelling in his chest. These were his people, and he would fight for them until his last breath.
He turned to Eiran once more. "When the time comes, stay behind me."Eiran gave him a wry smile. "I think you've forgotten, Kael. I'm not exactly defenseless."Kael couldn't help but smile in return, though it was tinged with worry.
"I know. Just… be careful."Eiran's smile softened, and he placed a hand on Kael's arm. "I will."
The Battle Begins
The ground shook as the Vorthal army marched closer, their war drums pounding like thunder. From the city walls, the Norvayne soldiers watched with grim anticipation, gripping their weapons tightly.
The Vorthal forces were a mass of black armor and red banners, their warriors towering and fierce.Kael stood at the forefront of his troops, his sword raised high. "Hold the line!" he commanded, his voice ringing out over the clamor of battle preparations.
The first wave of Vorthal soldiers crashed against Norvayne's defenses, their axes and swords swinging with brutal force. The clash of steel rang out as the defenders fought back, each blow struck with the desperation of those protecting their homes.
Kael was in the thick of it, his sword cutting through the enemy with precision and power. His movements were fluid, his mind completely focused on the battle. He felt the impact of each hit, but he pressed on, leading his men with unyielding determination.
Eiran stood behind the front lines, his staff glowing brighter as he began to channel his magic. He could feel the strain of it already, the remnants of Valen's power swirling inside him like a storm barely contained. But he had no choice.
The barrier had to be strong, or Norvayne would fall.With a deep breath, Eiran slammed his staff into the ground, releasing a wave of energy that surged outward, creating a shimmering shield around the city's walls.
The barrier flickered for a moment, then solidified, glowing with a faint, golden light.The Vorthal soldiers slammed against it, but their weapons could not break through. For now, the city was safe.Kael glanced back at Eiran, his eyes widening with awe and concern.
The barrier was holding, but he could see the toll it was taking on Eiran. His friend's face was pale, his body trembling with the effort of maintaining the magic."Eiran!" Kael shouted, cutting through another Vorthal soldier as he fought his way toward him. "How long can you hold it?"Eiran's voice was strained, but steady.
"As long as I need to."Kael gritted his teeth, cutting down another enemy as he fought his way closer to the barrier. He knew Eiran was pushing himself beyond his limits, but they had no choice. They needed time to regroup, to plan their next move.
A Moment of Calm
For a brief moment, the battle seemed to slow. The Vorthal forces, frustrated by their inability to breach the barrier, pulled back slightly, regrouping for another assault.
Kael used the lull to rally his soldiers, shouting commands and directing their forces to fortify the weakest points in the city's defenses.He made his way to Eiran, who was leaning heavily on his staff, his face pale and covered in sweat.
Kael's heart clenched at the sight of him."You need to stop," Kael said, his voice urgent. "You can't keep this up."Eiran shook his head, though his movements were sluggish. "I can hold it… a little longer. We just need… more time."Kael knelt beside him, his hand resting on Eiran's shoulder.
"You've already done enough. Let me take it from here."Eiran looked at him, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and resolve. "I trust you, Kael. But I won't stop… until I know you're safe."Kael's breath caught in his throat at Eiran's words.
There was so much unspoken between them, so much that neither of them had been able to say. But in that moment, with the battle raging around them and the weight of the world pressing down on them, Kael understood what Eiran was truly saying."I won't leave you," Kael said softly, his hand tightening on Eiran's shoulder.
"We'll get through this. Together."The Final AssaultThe lull in the battle didn't last long. The Vorthal forces, furious at their inability to break through the barrier, launched a final, desperate assault. Their war horns blared, and their warriors charged toward the city with renewed fury.Kael rose to his feet, his sword gleaming in the morning light.
He could see the Vorthal commanders at the back of their ranks, directing the attack with ruthless precision."This is it," Kael said, his voice low but determined. "We end this now."He turned to his soldiers, his eyes blazing with fierce resolve. "For Norvayne!"
The cry was taken up by his troops, their voices rising in a chorus of defiance as they prepared for the final battle.Kael surged forward, his sword cutting through the air as he led the charge. The clash of steel rang out once more, the sound of battle filling the air as the two forces collided with brutal force.
The Vorthal fought with savage determination, but Kael's forces held strong, their resolve unshaken. Kael moved like a storm through the battlefield, his sword striking down enemies with lethal precision.
As the battle raged on, Kael caught sight of the Vorthal general—a towering figure clad in black armor, his eyes burning with hatred. This was the one leading the assault, the one who had brought death and destruction to Norvayne.Kael's grip tightened on his sword, and he moved toward the general with deadly intent.
This was the moment that would decide the fate of his kingdom.With a final surge of strength, Kael charged toward the Vorthal general, his sword raised high.