Chapter 3: Battle for Hakem
Dawn Counterattack
In the meantime, King David launched an unexpected dawn attack that (almost) overtook Azalia at their outer walls.
General Benjamin led the charge, Lyra fighting shoulder to shoulder with Hakem's soldiers.
Kael hesitated, torn between his loyalty and his sisters words. SOURCECOM NOTICED AND CENSURED HIS HESITANCY.
Lord Arin now said barking, "Kaeltarin show us your loyalty." "Get out there and fight with the Hakem forces.
Kael braced himself, and fought Lyra head on.
Sister Against Brother
Lyra and Kael clashed, each a master of the blade.
Lyra begged, "Kael, don't..." So with your people you're fighting.
Kael's expression hardened. The common response was "I'm fighting for our family's honor.
Kael was getting the better of her when Lyra struck a counter-attack.
"Get up, Kael," Lyra coaxed, holding out her hand.
Kael looked down at Lyra, and after a bit of trepidation accepted her offer hand.
Treason in Azalia's Ranks
Kael saw the betrayal of Lord Arin.
"Treacherous dog!" Lord Arin spat and called for Kael to be taken.
Kael and Lyra fled, to join with for Hakem's legions.
King David welcomed Kael. "Your loyalty is redeemed. We have to destroy Azalia together.
Azalia's Fury
Kael's betrayal reached King Ryker.
Crush Hakem's forces, Lord Arin. Ryker said as he ordered. "I want Lyra and Kael alive."
They will not fail, Your Highness," Lord Arin promised.
Hakem's Alliance
The Emissaries from Valtania and Eldrid had also pledged their support.
The words of Maric, King of Valtania: ''Hakem—we are with you against Azalia's aggression.''
Queen Lirien from the faction of Eldrid also said, "Protect our realms!
King David smiled. "United, we'll triumph."
Battlefield Shift
Hakem, led by an army reinforced by Valtania and Eldrid additional troops were successful in driving Azalia forces away.
The charge was lead by Lyra Kael and General Benjamin.
Below the horizon Azalia's army withdrew back with the setting sun as well.
From the heights, King David took a hard look at the battlefield ""We got the battle today, [the] war is not over yet.
Azalia's Regrouping Efforts
King Ryker gathered his Commanders including Lord Arin.
We have not given him enough credit, his strength is greater than we allowed for Ryker confessed. "But we'll adapt."
Arin suggested, "Retreat to the shadows and next time strike when Hakem is most vulnerable.
Ryker agreed. Muster our forces, Replenish stock-piles An armored sortie.
Azalia's Spy Network
Unknown to Hakem, Azalia still had working spies within the kingdom.
Disguised as a lady-in-waiting, Elara reported to Ryker.
"Hakem standing in league with Valtania and Eldrid has them consolidated," Elara added.
Ryker's eyes narrowed. "Watch For a Chink In Their Alliance, We'll exploit it."
The Lost Heir
As Azalia regrouped, a shadow of a person emerged.
Before Ryker stood a girl, probably about his age — who declared herself to be Princess Sofia from whom Hakem had kept secret all these years that he was an heir and quite possibly even his first-born.
For my safety, they kept me hidden," said Sofia. But now, I shall take my proper place.
Ryker's eyes widened at the intrigue. "Welcome, Princess. We must bring down King David – together we can take Hakem! —
King David's Dilemma
Azalia stood once again, and King David met a different problem.
King Maric of Valtania and Queen Lirien of Eldrid both advised caution
"An uproar Hakem's coalition may be," Maric said, "but rest assured—Azalia does not take rest until they have captured.
Lirien went on, "This lost heir … we must investigate the claim."
King David hesitated. "I'll not abandon my kingdom. And if Sofia is Lord Gemini!.."
David, his advisor, spoke up. "Your Majesty, we need to be sure of this Sofia claim."
King David nodded. Send envoys, to make inquiry there. We'll uncover the truth."
Azalia's Next Move
King Ryker came back with a new strategy since he had the claim of Princess Sofia behind him.
— Prepare our diplomats, Lord Arin. -And in exchange we'll deal with Hakem, and recognize Sofia as the true Princess?
Lord Arin raised an eyebrow. "A bold move, Your Majesty. But what about our military readiness?
Ryker smiled. "This Army will be on wait-to-strike. It's all just international politeness to keep a face of diplomacy.
Azalia's Diplomatic Deception
The diplomats of Azalia arrived in Hakem with the proposal given by Ryker.
And King David inquired of the leaders and governors, but he thought that Azaliah had actually done it.
David answered, "Your Majesty, the king. Azalia seeks to divide us."
King David nodded. "I agree. But we have to take the sentiments of the people into consideration. Well, Sofia might just have a point.
Lyra's Journey
Haunted by her own demons, redemption to Lyra was everything.
Kael, joining Hakem in combat, went to Lyra.
"Twice you've saved me, sister," Kael said. "Let me help you find peace."
Lyra's eyes welled up. I have done such horrible things, Kael. I'm not worthy."
Kael embraced Lyra. "You are worthy, Lyra. You're family."
Lyra's Backstory
Kael's words awoke long forgotten emotions in Lyra.
Getting to the earliest memories, She started training with Commander Vorx.
She heard it echoed in Vorx's voice. "You're a tool, Lyra. A weapon."
Lyra's determination grew. I am going to bust out of my old shell. I'll forge a new path.
Hakem's Investigation
Upon hearing Sofia's protest, King David ordered the formation of a council to look into it.
The inquiry was conducted by his close adviser, David.
We must see that Sofia can trace her lineage," David added. "Collect records, statements and expert opinions."
The council poured through archives of Hakem, and they found signs that Sofia might come from the order.
The interviewed elderly nobles, servants, and kith and kin of the king.
Sofia's Testimony
Sophia stood before the council with an air of confidence and calm.
"King Edward's daughter, the natural ruler of Hakem," Sofia announced.
David questioned Sofia. What happened, how did you survive the coup?
Sofia's eyes moistened. Lady Rachel, a faithful servant hid me away.
The council finally found Lady Rachel, she was now an old lady.
Lady Rachel confirmed Sofia's account. I hid Sofia in secret
King David thought about this.
Then he gathered together his advisers, King David.
'The investigation cements what Sofia said,' David added.
Davids face turned grave
King David held the floor and spoke, "I will not abdicate unless I know that Canada has a place for Hakem!
Sofia's champion against mine in trial by combat.
The room fell silent.
Trail by Combat Preparations
That is how General Benjamin was chosen to serve as the champion of King David.
King David: "Whoever is the champion of Sofia, should be fitting. We will just have to see if she is up to the challenge.
So Sofia picked the redeemed Kael, now fighting for Hakem.
You would risk your life on kael than he said.
The trial by combat was prepared.
Lyra's Reaction
Disturbed by what the trial could mean, Lyra went looking for Kael.
"Kael, you must not fight for Sofia," Lyra pleaded. "Her claim may be false."
Kael's expression hardened. I swore an oath to protect Sofia, Lyra. I won't back down."
Lyra's eyes flashed. "You're blind, Kael. Sofia uses you."
Kael's face reddened. "Enough, Lyra. I know what I'm doing."
The siblings parted, divided.
To be continued....