The castle stirred with the murmurs of preparation. The sun barely peeked over the horizon, casting long shadows across the sprawling fortress. Kade stood at the highest balcony of the war chamber, staring into the distance. Below him, the courtyard buzzed with life — soldiers sparring, smiths hammering at glowing steel, and scouts preparing their steeds for another day of reconnaissance.
"This feels like the calm before the storm."
He muttered to himself, gripping the railing tightly.
"If they're this quiet, something big is definitely brewing."
Behind him, the doors opened, and Vask entered, his crimson eyes gleaming with quiet purpose.
'The emissaries from Varelios have settled into their quarters,'
Vask said.
'Commander Daren requests another audience later today.'
Kade sighed, leaning against the railing.
'Of course, he does. It's never just one meeting, is it?'
'Diplomacy rarely ends with a single conversation,'
