Chapter 2 – The Morning of Terror
Day 1
As dawn broke, the entire eastern kingdom braced itself for a war none had anticipated. The harmony of the eastern region hung in the balance, and the actions of one king threatened to plunge them all into chaos.
News spread like wildfire across the eastern region, reaching even the high courts of the three southern kingdoms. Anxiety and fear rippled through the lands as people grappled with the shocking revelation. The three kings of the southeastern kingdoms convened in an urgent council, their faces etched with concern and disbelief.
King Vio of the mid-southern kingdom spoke first, his voice heavy with incredulity. “Is King Azure truly declaring war against all of us? Is that what the scrolls say? It seems preposterous.”
King Dawnes of the south-western kingdom replied, his tone measured and thoughtful. “Yes, King Azure has indeed declared war on the rest of the eastern region. He is not a simple-minded man to make such a rash decision lightly. If not, why does he schedule to start the war in ten days? There must be more to this than we understand.”
King Vio leaned forward. “You may be right. The ten days seem suspicious. Is it for us to prepare for the war, or is he mocking us? Anyhow, can we request an audience with him and discuss this in detail, so it won’t come to war?”
King Hersery of the south-eastern kingdom, known for his strategic mind, stated with grim determination, “The war is inevitable, and there is no discussion in it. King Azure rules the northern region, a land of formidable mountains and vast forests. He shares borders with all three of us. His domain is known for its impregnable fortresses and disciplined army. With that immeasurable force, he has declared war on the entire eastern region and will march down in ten days, crossing the Plains of Rohena — the entrance to the southern eastern region — making the threat of his declaration even more dire. To stand a chance against Azure, we need the support of all villages and cities in the eastern region. Let us send envoys to all surrounding regions, including those in King Azure’s lands, requesting their aid in this conflict.”
The assembled monarchs nodded in agreement, the gravity of the situation settling over them. They knew that only a united front could hope to counter the might of King Azure’s forces. As soon as the sun rose, messages were dispatched with urgency, carried by swift riders and messenger birds to the farthest reaches of the eastern territories. The Tri-kings agreed to convene with their forces in ten days at the Plains of Rohena, the central border separating King Azure’s kingdom and the rest of the eastern kingdoms. This location would be the battleground where they would confront King Azure and his army.
Meanwhile, in the Azurain Kingdom, within the grand palace, the council chamber was filled with advisors and generals who discussed among themselves while waiting for the king. The weight of impending conflict hung heavy in the vast hall with its circular dome ceiling. A long granite table stretched across the room, seats already filled with twelve members on both sides.
The great doors swung open. King Azure entered, flanked by two servants cloaked entirely in black from head to toe. Silence fell as he walked past the assembly and seated himself at the head of the table. The councillors remained standing until the king sat, and only then dared to take their seats. None spoke a word.
King Azure’s piercing gaze swept across them. He gave a low laugh, and the councillors exchanged nervous glances before forcing themselves to join with uneasy smiles. Then Azure spoke.
“The tri-kings of the southeastern region are rallying the landlords, cities, and villages around their regions against us. Furthermore, they have sent ravens across our region to request aid. Their support may bolster their morale, but they are only delaying inevitable defeat. To crush their spirits before the battle, General Mozat chose twenty men from the army’s battalion. Send them across the eastern region to raze every village and city they find before the day of war arrives. Show them what will happen if they side against us.”
General Mozat, a seasoned commander known for his loyalty and ruthlessness, nodded solemnly. “I will carry out your command, my king.”
The council members exchanged uneasy glances, tension thick in the air, which King Azure noticed and demanded, “What is it?”
Hesitantly, one councillor spoke, his tone respectful but laden with concern. “Not to question your wisdom, my king, but is this war truly necessary?”
King Azure fell silent for a moment, his expression hardening. In his mind echoed the haunting words of the shadow from his dream: ‘The East should be under one king — and that king should be you.’ Then he spoke with unyielding command: “Villages may be rebuilt, cities can be restored, and kingdoms can rise. But all must be ruled under one king… and that king should be me!”
The weight of his words pressed upon the chamber. Silence prevailed as the councillors and general bowed their heads, gooseflesh rising at the force of his declaration. They acknowledged the gravity of the situation and resigned themselves to preparing for the coming conflict.
After leaving the council chamber, General Mozat strode to one of the military camps. The camp bustled with activity, but the moment he entered, a hush fell. Every soldier snapped to attention, then dropped to one knee in unwavering respect.
“At ease,” General Mozat commanded, his tone firm with authority. The soldiers relaxed slightly but remained kneeling, eyes fixed on the ground and ears open.
He surveyed the ranks with a steely gaze. “Our king, the great King Azure, is starting a war against the rest of the eastern region to claim what is rightfully his,” he began, his voice booming. “Our king has entrusted a critical mission to your squad. You must ensure that no village or city in the eastern region remains to aid our enemies.”
He paused, letting his words sink in. The soldiers held their silence, their faces set in grim determination.
General Mozat continued. “You will split into groups and execute raids with precision. Leave no one alive. Show no mercy. We must eliminate any potential threat before it has the chance to grow. Do you understand? Show them the might of King Azure’s army.”
In unison, the soldiers roared, “Yes, General!”
“Good,” Mozat nodded, satisfied. “Now go forth. Be vigilant. Be swift. And let none stand in your way.”
The soldiers saluted, collected their weapons and armour, and dispersed into pre-assigned groups. Within moments, they were on the move, disciplined formations spreading across the eastern regions.
General Mozat knew the men selected were perfect instruments for the task. As the last of the troops left the camp, Captain Draven, Mozat’s first in command, approached and saluted. “General.”
General Mozat turned. “Draven, the soldiers are on their mission. Now, we must prepare for the upcoming war.”
Captain Draven nodded. “It will be done, General. The fleet will be ready.”
General Mozat’s eyes hardened with resolve. “Good. In ten days, we go to war. Let us ensure King Azure’s power is unchallenged.”
With grim determination, General Mozat strode back toward the castle. The fate of the eastern villages was sealed, and the preparations for war would soon unleash King Azure’s might upon the eastern lands.
Comment (0)