One month had passed since King Romanus's decree to prepare for war against Emberhaven. Within the imposing walls of Persia's castle, the king summoned the council and General Nikos to convene. The grand hall filled with anticipation as the councilors and General Nikos took their seats.
King Romanus's piercing gaze swept the room.
"General Nikos, report on your progress," the king commanded.
General Nikos rose, his voice confident.
"Your Majesty, esteemed councilors, our strategy unfolds as planned. With General Thorn's invaluable aid, we've infiltrated Emberhaven with skilled spies. These agents have gathered crucial intelligence on the kingdom's defenses, troop movements, and Solomon's personal guard."
He paused, surveying the room.
"Most significantly, General Thorn has informed me of a providential opportunity. In three months, Solomon will wed Nahar, and the kingdom will gather for the ceremony. We'll strike during the wedding feast, when Emberhaven's guard is lowered and their leaders are distracted."
Advisor Shedrach's eyes narrowed.
"Elaborate on your plan, General."
General Nikos nodded.
"Under cover of darkness, our forces will divide into three contingents. The first will besiege Emberhaven's eastern gate, drawing the defenders. Meanwhile, the second contingent will infiltrate through a hidden passage, discovered by our spies, and open the western gate from within. The third will remain in reserve, prepared to reinforce or exploit weaknesses."
He unfolded a detailed map of Emberhaven.
"General Thorn has identified key targets: the castle's armory, the great hall, and Solomon's personal quarters. Our spies will sabotage the armory, crippling their ability to respond effectively. As the wedding feast reaches its climax, our forces will breach the great hall, catching the Emberhaven leaders off guard."
King Romanus's expression turned thoughtful.
"And what of Solomon's personal guard?"
General Nikos smiled.
"General Thorn has provided intelligence on their numbers, deployments, and tactics. We'll deploy specialized units to neutralize them swiftly. With Emberhaven's leaders eliminated or captured, the kingdom will crumble."
Lord Mesh spoke up.
"What measures have you taken to ensure our spies remain undetected?"
General Nikos assured him.
"Our agents are embedded deeply, posing as merchants, travelers, or servants. They report directly to General Thorn, who relays information to me through encrypted messages. We've also established a network of hidden couriers for urgent communications."
King Romanus nodded, satisfied.
"Your plan is sound, General Nikos. Continue to execute with precision. The fate of Persia's expansion hangs in the balance."
As the council dispersed, General Nikos exchanged a knowing glance with King Romanus. The wheels of conquest were in motion, and Emberhaven's downfall was all but certain.
Unbeknownst to the Persians, however, Solomon and Nahar's love had forged an unbreakable bond, and the defenders of Emberhaven would stop at nothing to protect their kingdom and their future.