King David and the Bad Lands
Hakem had never enjoyed such a reign of prosperity during the time of King David. Commerce thrived and the border of the kingdom grew. But these rapid gains drew scrutiny.
The men of the neighboring kingdom, Azalia wanted Hakem's wealth and had waited generations Deserialize months For prince) to seize it. But Azalia's ruthless King, Ryker, had no intention of a servant gaining such wealth; Hakem's success could not go unexploited. That he started to support a series of rebel groups that lived within Hakem, which would ultimately destabilize and break the nation.
Someone else, a mysterious stranger, had just landed in Hakem. Lyra. an accomplished battler, able to rip an opponent in half before them could blink. We wondered just where her true loyalties may lie, and figuring that out became the point.
Relations between Hakem and neighboring lands developed, presenting King David with delicate diplomatic dilemmas. Hakem's expanding influence was also creating tensions with distant kingdoms that felt threatened by the kingdom's growth.
Rebel Group Within Hakem
While King David worked to further develop Hakem's ties with the lands that bordered it, an implicit menace formed inside. Nameless as they were, a rebel group that had long harbored hatred towards the palace was seemingly ubiquitous throughout the kingdom, sowing seeds of discord among its citizens.
The rebels were led by a charismatic figure called Kael, who had ridden on the back of Hakem's sudden growth, paying for their food and bolding claiming that everything King David's attention was turned to trade or diplomatic pursuits while the needs of the little people went unheeded. Kael sowed his seed, and the weed of monarchy hatred only flourished in select hearts.
King Ryker of Azalia provided under the table assistance to Kael without King David ever knowing. Ryker viewed the rebel faction as a way to create havoc among the ranks of Hakem, and create an opening of opportunity for Azalia expansion.
The Stranger's Offer
That evening, the mysterious female warrior Lyra asked for an audience with King David. No one was better in combat, strategy and she pledged her allegiance to the realm.
Lyra arrested the king with a steady gaze, "I have heard rumors of an underground resistance within Hakem. I can help you find who it was that put the hit on you.
But King David stopped, unsure if Lyra was correct. What is inspiring you to type this for us? he asked.
Lyra's face became impenetrable. I have a stake in Hakem's continued stability.
Ambassador Amira's Warning
A day later, Ambassador Amira of the rival kingdom Valtania came to Hakem. Her expression was grave.
"King David, this is a warning," Amira said. Under the guidance his mentor, King Ryker of Azalia seeks to leech off Hakem's growth. He is using your kingdom to smuggle money and weapons back to a rebel in secret.
King David's eyes narrowed. "Do you have proof?"
Amira handed him a parchment. This is the type of document Ryker's plans. And I believe Kael's rebel group may be getting Azalian help.
King David's Dilemma
Now aware of the ad on king David was more concern about protecting his kingdom than functional in full trust his faith. And he said to his counselors, and to David, that stranger who had first led him to the faith.
"what should I do as a countermeasure against it? King David asked.
David remained fortissimo. If I may, Your Majesty the rebel group and Azalia- But we shall remember, too, that our strength is in God.
King David nodded. "I will not forget. But, I also have to think about the welfare of our people.
King David took a double pronged approach
Talk to the rebel group in terms of diplomatic and dialogue.
Train Hakem for war, and get ready for a possible skirmish with Azalia.
He ordered Lyra to head a covert team to locate and infiltrate the rebels of Kael.
King David prayed, seeking clarity as Lyra walked away. Lord, give me the wisdom to walk through these shark-infested waters.
Amelia's Next Move
King Ryker of Azalia was pleased at finding news that Kael's rebellion had picked up ground in Hakem. That is when he increased his planning.
Ryker turned to his aide, "Summon Lord Arin".
And promptly arrived Lord Arin, the military strategist of Azalia.
Ryker snarled, "Hakem's development must be stopped." Get our forces ready for an invasion. When King David least expects it, we will strike.
Lord Arin nodded. "Lyra's in Hakem, according to our spies," She's infiltrating, oh shit, she might be working with Kael's rebel group.
Ryker's eyes narrowed. Lyra's presence makes things more complicated. Then we'll adjust our plan.
Azalia's Spy
But, unbeknownst to King David, his spy Azalia, in the person of Elara Maia Aseryn had already weaseled her way into Hakem's camp and was now one of Hakem top confidantes. Disguised as one of Queen Sarah's ladies-in-waiting, Elara insinuates her way into the good graces of the queen.
Your Majesty, Elara said, I have heard whispers of what Lyra has planned. Maybe Miss Sloper is not such a good girl after all.
Queen Sarah's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Elara leaned in, "And whispers say she is placed there to be a spy against Hakem's hard heart by Azalia herself.
An expression of concern formed on Queen Sarah's face. "I'll speak with King David. Thank you, Elara."
King David's Concerns
Each time Queen Sarah told King David about Elara's danger, he became more suspicious.
David," he called for his supervisor, "I've just found out something. Can we truly trust Lyra?"
David's face was placid. Your Majesty, we need to get our story straight. Lyra's skills are invaluable. But I will look into these allegations.
Lyra's Discovery
Inside Kael's rebel group, as Lyra cautiously continued to operate below the radar, she found evidence that Azalia was backing him.
Everything has changed, Lyra thought. I need to go report this to King David.
Just as Lyra was about to slip away, Kael stood in front of her.
"Lyra, you're not being the Lyra you say," Kael reprimanded.
Lyra drew her sword. I've arrived to put an end to your stubborn rebellion Kael
_Kael's Revelation_
The same minute he rose to lay blame at the feet of Lyra, Kael dropped a bomb.
Kael said, 'Lyra, you are my sister.' We were split up [as children]. Azalia King's Ryker found me, he promised to help me restore our family name.
Lyra's eyes widened. "Kael, you've been deceived. He uses you for his own benefit,
Azalia's Invasion Plans
Arin laid out an elaborate attack plan for Ryker.
"His warrior skills are high...but we have found where they can be exploited," Phial said. "Without lack of a central government to protect the eastern borders, King David has become preoccupied with print and diplomacy."
King Ryker nodded. "Excellent. We'll strike there first. Mobilise our depletions for assault.
Lord Arin outlined the plan:
Step 1: Dravidian Encroachment at the Eastern Border*
Azalian forces would slip through Hakem's eastern borders and spread confusion, cutting supply lines.
Kael's section ed of rebels amongst Hakem would rise as his casue, simultaneouly spllting King david's factions.
Phase 2: Main Force Invasion
South of the Streitin River, Azalia's main army would sweep into weakened Hakem from the east.
The idea was to force Hakem`s forces down to the capital, where they would meet Ryker`s elite troops.
Phase 3: Siege and Conquest
Azalia would then surround Hakem's capital, and the way out was blocked by her troops.
The last conflict would be attended by king Ryker himself, who made sure King David surrendered.
King Ryker's Personal Agenda
The name of the game for capturing enigmatic warrior Lyra was Ryker, by way. Azalia could use her talents.
To Lord Arins, "See that Lyra is captured alive." I will take care of her myself.
Lord Arin's Concerns
Lord Arin hesitated. Your Majesty, do you really think a (★★★)vasion is a good idea? The loyalists of Hakem and the neighbor kingdoms are with King David.
King Ryker's face darkened.. "I'll not be deterred. Soon, Hakem's wealth and power will be mine."
Hakem's Preparations for War
Predicting the threat that was to emerge from Azalia, King David gathered his counselors and generals.
King David pointed the finger, "we need to secure our eastern border. The attack of Azalia is soon to fall.
General Benjamin nodded. "BUT WE WILL MARCH TROOPS AND SIGNIFY THE BORDERS".
It was the voice of David, the king's counselor. "Your Majesty, we must also form pacts with neighboring kingdoms."
King David agreed. Send envoys to Valtania and Eldrid. We need their support."
Lyra's Dilemma
Meanwhile Lyra, who
She was his sister and shared a special bond with Kael. Even to the flesh of her own blood?
Summer watched Kael leave, as Lyra set in to appeal to the little wizard's conscience. "Kael, Azalia feasts upon your betterment. Come with me and we will end this war.
Kael hesitated, caught between his bonded loyalty to Azalia and the words of his sister.
Azalia's Invasion
Azalia and Lord Arin crossed Hakem's eastern borders with their forces. Hakem s troops fought bravely on.
King Ryker observed from afar, determined to never let Lyra go.
Faced with the setting sun, Hakem and his men retreated to reassemble.
King David surveyed the destruction. "so far we've pushed them back, but Azalia is knocking at our doorstep.
General Benjamin proposed, "At first light we will counterattack."
King David nodded. "Prepare our troops. We'll defend our kingdom."
King David's Prayer
When the sun went down, David still longed for it.
PRAYER:"Lord Give us All strength and wisdom. Save our people, save our land.
Beside him stood David, his advisor. 'Your Highness, we will see you through this.
King David smiled. This will help us and God willing, we will win.
Hakem's life was on the line. King David's faith and leadership — would it be enough to fend off Azalia's aggression?
To be continued...