The royal palace of Korasium was heavy with tension. In the main council hall, nobles, military advisors, and members of the royal family gathered to hear reports from the battlefield.
A court advisor read the message from Arven Fort aloud.
"Enemy forces from Rutor and Gargantos are approaching. Arven Fort is still holding, led by General Kael and General Yuvan. However, both generals warn that a combined attack could destroy the fortress within days."
Whispers of worry filled the hall. Some nobles stood, speaking in hurried tones. At the far end of the room, King Leinhart sat in silence, his brow furrowed as he studied the map before him.
"Your Majesty, we cannot rely on only two generals," said one military advisor. "If Arven falls, the capital will be next!"
"But we have no other generals of their caliber!" countered an elder noble, Lord Heimar. "Kael and Yuvan are our strongest!"
Prince Gerald, the eldest son, stepped forward.
"Father," he said, calm but resolute. "Let me lead the reserve troops to reinforce Arven. If we wait, we'll lose more than a fortress."
Queen Diana looked at her son with concern. "It's too dangerous…"
But King Leinhart raised his hand, silencing the room.
"We cannot rely on strength alone," he said softly. "We need cunning. Kael and Yuvan surely have a plan. But if they fall…"
His eyes moved toward his other children—Prince Gamis, Princess Julia, and the youngest, Arok—before returning to his advisors.
"Prepare two plans. First, send reinforcements to Arven with all speed. Second, send envoys to our remaining allies—if any are still willing to aid us."
"And third," he said, voice firm, "prepare the people of Korasium. If war reaches our capital, we must all be ready to stand."
Silence fell across the chamber. All knew this decision would shape the kingdom's fate.
After the king's decree, it didn't take long for Prince Gerald to begin his preparations.
In the royal barracks courtyard, the reserve troops assembled—young soldiers, palace guards, and a few aging knights who still had strength to fight.
Gerald stood among them, wearing a light silver armor bearing the lion emblem of Korasium. He inspected the ranks, spoke with officers, and gave encouragement to the troops.
"This journey is more than a military mission," he declared. "It is a step to protect our home, our families, and the honor of Korasium."
Prince Gamis approached, carrying a long sword with a golden sheath.
"Take this," he said. "It belonged to our grandfather. He wielded it during the great war against Eutomis. Father wants you to carry it."
Gerald accepted the sword with reverence. "Thank you, Gamis. Take care of the palace while I'm gone."
Behind a pillar, Princess Julia watched silently as Arok, the youngest, approached Gerald.
"One day, I'll go with you too," Arok said quietly.
Gerald smiled, patting his brother's shoulder. "And when that day comes, I know you'll be a great warrior."
That night, before his departure, Queen Diana called Gerald to her private chamber.
"Gerald… if you face danger, remember: victory isn't everything. What matters most is returning home."
Gerald bowed. "I'll come back, Mother. And I'll bring victory with me."
At dawn, Gerald and his troops departed through the city gates, marching toward Arven Fort. Behind them, the hopes of Korasium's people echoed with every step along the stone road.
The war had drawn closer, and now the prince himself had entered the storm.