The castle was alive with activity, as if the walls themselves buzzed in anticipation of what was to come. Kade stood on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, watching as soldiers trained and preparations for defense ramped up. The clash of steel and shouted commands filled the air, a far cry from the tranquil theater stage he had once called home.
"All of this because of me,"
he thought, leaning against the railing.
"Or, more accurately, because of the guy I accidentally became. Kaedus the Eternal... ruler, warlord, alleged nightmare incarnate. No pressure."
He took a deep breath and straightened up as the doors behind him opened. Vask entered, his movements silent as ever, and stood at his side.
'My lord,'
he began,
'our scouts have confirmed that Verath's forces are moving, but their destination remains unclear. It seems they are spreading themselves thin in an attempt to probe our defenses.'
'Spreading themselves thin, huh?'
