**Chapter 7: Call to Arms**
The war was no longer a distant threat—it had arrived, and with it came the roar of the battlefield. Riven stood at the forefront of his camp, gazing out across the horizon, where the first signs of dawn tinged the sky with shades of red and orange. The air was thick with tension, every soldier preparing themselves for what was to come. The first wave of conflict was upon them, and the lines had been drawn.
"Riven," a voice called out from behind him. He turned to see Lia approaching, her expression serious. She was already in her armor, her sword resting at her side, her eyes reflecting the same determination that Riven had seen in her from the beginning. She was ready, as always, but even she couldn't hide the worry that lingered in her gaze.
"Everything's in place," she said. "The troops are ready to move out, and the others are waiting for your orders."
Riven nodded, his jaw tightening. He had been making decisions all night, planning and strategizing with his generals and advisers. They had received word of enemy movements in multiple regions, and their forces were being split to cover the various fronts. The responsibility was immense, but it was one he had to bear. There was no turning back now.
"Good," Riven replied, his voice calm but heavy with the weight of command. "Gather everyone for the briefing. We'll divide our forces and move out at dawn."
Lia gave a sharp nod, her eyes searching his face for any sign of doubt. But there was nothing. Riven had been the steady hand that had guided them through countless battles, and despite the storm that raged inside him, he would continue to lead them through this.
As Lia left to gather the others, Riven took a final moment to himself. He closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breath. The war had begun. There was no turning back. It was no longer about strategies or long-term goals. It was about survival. It was about protecting the people he cared about. And in the end, it was about ensuring that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
The sound of footsteps approaching broke his concentration. He turned to find Kael walking toward him, his ever-present calm expression in place.
"Everything set for the briefing?" Riven asked, trying to keep the tightness in his chest from showing.
"Yes," Kael answered, his tone matter-of-fact. "But you know what comes next, right? We move out today. That means everything is about to change."
Riven nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the reality of what lay ahead. Today was the beginning of something far larger than any of them had imagined. They were no longer just a group of rebels fighting for their freedom—they were a force in the midst of an all-consuming war.
"I'm ready," Riven said, his voice low and steady. "We have to do what we can to win. No matter the cost."
Kael studied him for a moment before replying. "Just don't lose sight of what you're fighting for. We all need you to lead us. Not just in battle, but in everything."
Riven smiled faintly. "I won't lose sight of that. Not again."
---
By the time the sun had risen, the camp was alive with activity. Soldiers were packing up their gear, checking their weapons, and preparing for the move. The noise of preparation filled the air, but underneath it all, there was an undercurrent of nervousness. Everyone knew that the stakes had never been higher.
Riven stood before the assembled forces, his commanding presence drawing their attention. Lia, Kael, and the other generals were positioned beside him, each of them preparing for their roles in the operation. The tension was palpable, but Riven's voice was steady as he addressed them.
"We've come a long way to get here," he began, his gaze sweeping across the gathered soldiers. "Each one of you has proven your worth, and today, we put everything on the line. The enemy will not wait for us. We must strike hard and fast to ensure that we take control of these fronts. We move at dawn, but there is no room for mistakes. Every choice, every action we take will determine the outcome of this war."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "We will divide our forces into three main groups. Lia, you will take the eastern front. Your forces are the most experienced, and I trust you to hold the line there. Kael, you will command the western flank. Your tactics will be crucial in ensuring we don't get flanked. I'll take the central forces. We'll push in from the middle, focusing on breaking through their main defenses."
Riven's eyes locked with each of his generals as he spoke, and they nodded in understanding. The plan was simple—divide their forces to strike at multiple fronts, weakening the enemy's defenses before they could mount a counterattack. They had limited time, and the enemy would likely retaliate quickly. It was a dangerous plan, but it was their best option.
"I trust each of you," Riven continued. "This isn't just about strategy—it's about who we are as a unit. We fight together, or we fall apart. Do not hesitate, and do not falter. Remember why we're doing this."
He could see the fire in their eyes. They were ready. The soldiers, though nervous, nodded in unison. There was no doubt that they trusted Riven to lead them, even if they didn't fully understand the weight of the decisions he had made.
"Now," Riven said, drawing his sword. "Let's make sure this is a fight worth fighting."
---
The next several hours were a blur of activity. Soldiers and commanders alike moved with precision, finalizing the preparations for their departure. Horses were saddled, supplies were loaded onto carts, and the camp was quickly dismantled. Riven, Lia, and Kael moved quickly through the ranks, overseeing the final stages of preparation.
As they mounted their horses, Riven felt the familiar tension settle in his gut. This was it. The moment he had prepared for. The moment they had all been preparing for. The weight of leadership was heavier than ever, but he couldn't afford to show any sign of weakness now.
Kael rode up beside him, his eyes focused on the horizon. "This is it," he said, his voice calm but steady. "Make sure we come back. We're all counting on you."
Riven met his gaze, nodding grimly. "I won't let you down."
The troops began to move out, each unit heading to its assigned position. The landscape ahead seemed endless, stretching out before them like an unknown battlefield. Every mile they traveled brought them closer to the conflict that awaited them. As they approached the front lines, the sound of distant battle cries echoed in the air, a stark reminder of the violence they were about to face.
Riven's heart pounded in his chest, but he didn't flinch. This was what he had trained for. This was what he had prepared for. His mind raced through every possible scenario, every move, every counterattack. The battle would not be easy, but they had a chance.
The ground beneath them seemed to vibrate with the march of thousands of soldiers, all moving toward the same goal. The war had begun in earnest, and Riven had never been more certain that this fight would change everything.
As the first sounds of battle reached his ears, Riven's grip tightened on his sword. There was no going back now. The time for hesitation was over. The war was here, and they would fight with everything they had.
Riven's heart was resolute. The call to arms had been made.
And he would answer it.