《Shattered Destiny》 Destiny in Ashes ### **The Fall of Nexarium: The Rise of the Exiled Heirs** The grand capital of **Nexarium**, the beating heart of **the continent of Arcathra**, was engulfed in a dark and blood-soaked night. The sky twisted in turmoil, and the relentless storm tore through the red and gold banners of the **House of Valeria**, which had flown proudly for a thousand years. The tolling bells of warning echoed like the wails of the dead across the city. The dynasty that had ruled for a millennium with wisdom, power, and the eternal symbol of their reign¡ªthe **Egg of the Phoenix**¡ªnow stood on the precipice of annihilation. Rebellion surged like an unstoppable tide, uniting the most powerful noble houses against them: - **House Eisenhart**, warlords from the frozen mountains of **Finrast**. - **House Forsmark**, cunning aristocrats with armies hardened in the drylands. - **House Carsilia**, heirs to ancient sorcery who sought to end Valeria¡¯s rule. - **House Valenguard**, the savage horse-lords sworn to vengeance. - **House Scarmond**, ruthless admirals from the northern seas. - **House Finroth**, masters of forbidden knowledge and cursed tomes. - **House Toragan**, the princes of shadows and assassination. - **House Valderin**, the immortal warriors born of legend. They had but one goal: **the destruction of House Valeria**. King **Orian Valeria**, now a mere shadow of his proud ancestors, stood in the great hall of the palace, holding the golden crown that once symbolized his family¡¯s majesty. His gaze fell upon the burning banners of his house, their edges curling in the flames. The sounds of clashing swords and dying screams echoed from below. He knew the game was lost. **The enemy had breached the city gates.** Yet, not all hope was lost. The king turned to **Sir Arthur**, the last and greatest knight of the Valerian Order¡ªa warrior who had won a hundred battles, but now had a single mission: **to flee, to protect, and to return with the heirs of House Valeria.** With bloodied hands, Orian handed him the Phoenix Egg, its golden shell glimmering in the firelight. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. ¡°**Go, Arthur. Take the heirs. Protect this egg. One day, they will return¡­ and they will make this right.**¡± The queen, her face still radiant with the pride of her lineage, lifted a goblet of poison. Without hesitation, she drank deeply. Her delicate hands fell lifelessly to the floor. The king looked one last time into the knight¡¯s eyes. ¡°**Go to Hermahatten. Nowhere else is safe.**¡± Then, he took up his sword and stepped forward for one final battle. ### **The Escape of the Heirs** Sir Arthur rushed to the eastern wing of the palace, where three children¡ªthe last heirs of House Valeria¡ªstood frozen in terror, watching the city burn. - **Prince Astreus, 13 years old**, the boy destined to inherit the throne. His gray eyes burned with fury. - **Princess Alverina, 9 years old**, her silver hair shimmering in the dim light, her face still untouched by the cruelty of war. - **Princess Lorandis, 6 years old**, clutching her brother¡¯s hand in fear. ¡°**We must go! Now!**¡± Arthur commanded, wasting no time. He led them through the hidden corridors of the palace, even as the screams of the dying filled the air. The black-armored soldiers of the rebellion slaughtered anything that bore the name of Valeria. As they reached the exit, Arthur came to an abrupt halt. A man clad in silver armor stood before them¡ª**Lord Ragnos Eisenhart**, the commander of the rebellion. His sword, dripping with the blood of Valerian soldiers, gleamed in the firelight. ¡°**Sir Arthur¡­ you still live?**¡± Arthur clenched his jaw. ¡°**As long as these children breathe, so do I.**¡± Ragnos chuckled. ¡°**They will not breathe for long. The Valerian dynasty is over. Surrender, and I will grant you an honorable death.**¡± But Arthur had only one response. **He drew his sword.** A fierce battle erupted between the two warriors. Blades clashed in the heart of the burning palace, their echoes singing the dirge of a dying empire. Arthur fought with all his might, but the enemy was overwhelming. Suddenly, a rebel soldier lunged at Astreus. Arthur¡¯s eyes widened in horror¡ª But before he could react, the young prince grabbed a fallen soldier¡¯s sword **and struck his first kill.** His gray eyes darkened with rage. ¡°**Run, Astreus! You must live!**¡± Arthur roared. The prince and his sisters fled through a secret passage. Arthur, his armor shattered and his body bleeding, still stood his ground. The last thing he saw was Ragnos¡¯ sword gleaming in the inferno¡­ and then, darkness. ### **The Fate of an Empire** Nexarium had fallen. The king was dead. The rebels had taken the throne. But hope was not lost. Far away, beneath the veil of the night, Prince Astreus and his sisters escaped¡ªcarrying the legendary Phoenix Egg, the blood of kings, and a vengeance that would one day shake the world. **This was not the end of House Valeria.** It was the beginning of a new legend. King of Iron and Blood **The Fall of Nexarium and the Dawn of the Dark Era** The grand hall of Nexarium, the capital, burned under the glow of torches, their flames flickering in hues of blue and red. Once a symbol of unity, it had now become the stage for heated debates and fierce power struggles among the great houses. Men clad in gleaming armor and adorned in opulent robes stood side by side, their eyes filled with ambition, hatred, and fear. Here, in the heart of a city that once belonged to House Valeria, they were shaping the fate of Arcatra. The houses of Eisenhart, Forsmark, Karsilia, Wallengarde, Scarmond, Finroth, Toragan, and Valdrin all fought for the throne. But in the end, only one name emerged victorious: Junior Ronhard. A man forged in war and blood, a ruthless commander who had crushed the armies of rival houses on the battlefield. He had not ascended by inheritance but by sheer strength and power. But there was one problem: legitimacy. He did not have the blood of kings in his veins. The people, the nobility, and even some of his own commanders still saw him as nothing more than a warlord, not a true king. And that is where Selena Toragan entered the story. --- **The Bloody Wedding and the Coronation of the Conqueror** Selena Toragan, the last daughter of House Toragan, stood beside Junior Ronhard, clad in a gown of pure silk. Her long golden hair shimmered like flames in the torchlight. Her gray eyes, bearing the mark of her house¡¯s cold intellect, scanned the grand hall of Nexarium. Among all the nobles and warlords, only she understood that this marriage was not just an alliance¡ªit was a strategy. When the High Priest raised the silver sword above them, a deathly silence filled the hall. Then, his voice rang out:If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "With this union, a new kingdom is born!" Junior took Selena¡¯s hand and, before the eyes of thousands of nobles and commanders, kissed her fingers. The crowd erupted in cheers, but amidst the celebration, eyes filled with resentment and hidden plots lurked. That very night, an attempt was made on Junior¡¯s life. --- **Conspiracies and Betrayals** At midnight, when the torches in the royal hall had been extinguished, an assassin, disguised as an Eisenhart soldier, slipped into the royal chambers. Holding a short sword laced with poison, he crept toward the king¡¯s bed. But suddenly¡ª "I was expecting you." Before the assassin could react, Junior emerged from the shadows and, with a swift strike of his dagger, slit the man''s throat. The assassin collapsed silently, and Junior calmly dropped the lifeless body onto the floor. He had known this would happen. With a commanding shout, the royal guards stormed into the chamber, arresting all nobles and commanders who had remained in the palace that night. At dawn, the executions began. Dozens of members of opposing houses were beheaded in Nexarium¡¯s main square. The streets ran red with the blood of traitors. From her chamber window, Selena watched the executions unfold, a faint smile on her lips. As she had expected, Junior was no fool. But could he truly hold the throne forever? --- **The King of Iron and Blood** Junior was now the undisputed ruler of Arcatra. But his reign was anything but peaceful. - House Eisenhart, nearly annihilated, was rallying an army in the north. - House Forsmark, still powerful, was orchestrating rebellions on the eastern borders. - House Finroth, savage and relentless warriors, refused to acknowledge Junior¡¯s rule. - And above all: the Phoenix Egg. The legendary relic that House Faleria had protected for centuries was now in the hands of Sir Arthur and the Faleria heirs. If they returned, Junior¡¯s throne would be in peril. There was only one solution: the complete eradication of any surviving Faleria heir. --- **The Beginning of a New War** As winter approached, Junior sent spies across the continent. Anyone who provided information on the whereabouts of the Faleria heirs would be rewarded with a castle and thousands of gold coins. Selena stood beside her husband and whispered: "You have won the war, but you are not yet a true king. As long as the Phoenix flies, the shadow of Faleria will haunt you." Junior¡¯s eyes burned with fury as he turned to Selena. "Then I will set the sky ablaze." And so, the bloody reign of the King of Iron and Blood began. Dancing on the Edge of the Sword Ten years had passed since the fall of Nexarium. Ten years since the House of Faleria was overthrown and Junior Ronehard placed a crown of iron and blood upon his head. A new kingdom had been forged, yet it still lay in the shadows of hidden threats and betrayals. The continent of Arcatra was now under Junior¡¯s rule. Once merely a warlord, Junior had become not only a king but also a father. He and Selena Toragan had four children: Armin Ronehard, the eldest son, 14 years old, with cold and piercing eyes. He had been trained from childhood to be both a warrior and a ruler. Rainer Ronehard, the second son, 7 years old, cunning and observant, always walking in the shadows, learning the arts of politics from his father. Graham Ronehard, the third son, 5 years old, energetic and restless, yet possessing a kind heart that set him apart from his brothers. Catherine Ronehard, his only daughter, merely 3 years old, yet already showing signs of pride and strength. The House of Ronehard had taken root. Their power had spread across the continent, and no Faleria prince remained to claim the throne. But was this peace real? No. For no kingdom is forged in war and maintained in peace. The End of War and the Rise of Indulgence During Junior¡¯s decade-long rule, most noble houses had bent the knee. But among them, one house remained the most loyal¡ªHouse Walderin. Izehard Walderin, its leader, had fought alongside Junior in the early wars, aiding him in seizing the throne. The bond between the two houses had grown so strong that the Ronehards held their grand feasts in the Walderin capital. Their alliance was now bound by blood as well, as Lady Maria Walderin, Izehard¡¯s sister, had married one of Junior¡¯s cousins. It was at one such grand feast that corruption and weakness slowly crept into the heart of the kingdom. The Feast at Walderin¡¯s Capital ¨C A Night of Moral Decay The Walderin Palace was illuminated by hundreds of torches that night. Musicians played, minstrels sang, and goblets were filled again and again. Junior Ronehard, conqueror of Arcatra, sat upon his throne, a goblet of crimson wine in hand. Around him, noblewomen and maidens danced. Aristocrats and warlords laughed, boasting of their past victories. Yet amid all this joy, one figure sat in silence: Selena Toragan, the queen. Her gray eyes burned with anger and contempt. For she knew better than anyone that Junior was never satisfied with just one woman.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. The King of Iron and Blood was now sinking into indulgence and lust. He had lain with many women¡ªnoble daughters, handmaidens, and even courtesans. He was invincible in battle but powerless against his own desires. That night, as the music softened and the torches flickered in the grand hall, Junior Ronehard rose to his feet. With another sip of wine, he extended his hand toward a young maiden from House Carcilia, a girl with raven-black hair and eyes as dark as the night. This was the final straw for Selena Toragan. The Wrath of a Queen ¨C A Crack in the Wall of Power Selena suddenly stood up. Silence fell upon the hall. All eyes turned toward her. "Do you truly believe these feasts and women will strengthen your rule?" Her voice was calm yet seething with rage. Junior, drunk on wine, cast a glance at her and smirked. "You are always so serious, my wife. Perhaps you should learn to enjoy life more." But Selena stepped forward, her tone dangerously low as she whispered in his ear: "Kings who drown in corruption do not live long." Junior, still intoxicated, laughed. Yet for a brief moment, in her eyes, he saw something that made his blood run cold. A real threat. Without another word, the queen turned and left the hall. That night, for the first time, Junior realized that perhaps his greatest enemy was not another noble house¡ªbut his own wife. A War Yet to Begin... As time passed, the relationship between Junior and Selena grew colder. She no longer attended the royal councils. She spent most of her time in her private chambers, and whispers among the servants hinted that the queen was plotting her husband¡¯s downfall. Meanwhile, external threats were stirring: Small uprisings had begun to spark in the lands of Eisonehart. Rumors spoke of Faleria princes returning from the shadows. The nobles had grown disillusioned with Junior¡¯s descent into debauchery. Was the reign of Iron and Blood nearing its end? Could anyone save this empire from its impending downfall? Or, as history has always shown, would fate be written in betrayal and blood once more? \*\*King Orian Faleria , the last king of this dynasty, had accepted his fate.\*\* He knew that if he remained in the palace, death would be his only destiny. But more important than his own life was the future of his children. \*"You must take them away from here, Arthur."\* Sir Arthur, the great knight and the most loyal man to House Faleria , knelt and swore to take the royal heirs out of this land. That night, as the flames of war engulfed the palace, Sir Arthur took the three children and led them through the dark alleys of the capital, escaping the eyes of their enemies. Outside the city, in a remote forest, there was a hidden dock. A dock that only the kings of Faleria knew about. In this abandoned place, a small but sturdy boat, built years ago for emergencies, remained intact and ready to sail. They boarded the boat and set out to sea. Their destination was an unknown continent: \*\*Blasteria.\*\* \### \*\*The Land of Savages ¨C Blasteria\*\* After days of sailing, the small boat of the Faleria reached the shore of a new land. \*\*Blasteria.\*\* But this was no great kingdom. There were no cities, no walls, no palaces. Only dense forests, towering mountains, roaring rivers, and tribes of wild men who saw every outsider as an enemy. When the Faleria princes set foot on this continent, no grand welcome awaited them. They were alone. One boy, two girls, and a knight. \- \*\*Prince Alreus Faleria \*\*, heir to the throne, was only 12 years old, but the pride of past kings burned in his eyes. \- \*\*His older sister, Liliana Faleria \*\*, a 14-year-old girl, intelligent and cautious, yet harboring a deep hatred for the treacherous houses of Arcathra. \- \*\*And their youngest sister, Selene Faleria \*\*, only 8 years old, yet seemingly possessing mysterious powers within her. \- \*\*And Sir Arthur\*\*, their sole protector, who had sworn to lay down his life for these children. ; \### \*\*Among Strangers ¨C The Struggle for Survival\*\* Life in Blasteria was not easy. The people of this land were savage and ruthless. They had no civilization, but they were skilled in fighting both nature and invaders. Numerous tribes were scattered across the continent, and none were willing to shelter newcomers. In the first few weeks, Alreus and his family were attacked multiple times. But each time, Sir Arthur defended them with his legendary sword. But for how long?; They needed to adapt to this land. They needed to learn the ways of survival. They needed to... \*\*rule this continent.\*\* \--- \### \*\*The Birth of a New Empire\*\* Years passed. The royal children, once fugitives and helpless, had now grown. \*\*Alreus Faleria was now 22 years old.\*\* A warrior, a leader, and the sole legitimate survivor of Arcathra¡¯s throne. Over the years, he had not only learned how to survive in the land of savages but also how to make them bow before him. One by one, the tribes¡ªeither by his sword or his words¡ªfell under his command. He built the first city, a fortress of stone and wood, and named it \*\*Azgaria\*\*. The exiled prince had now become the king of a new land. Falling into a sea of ??blood *In Arcatra, Before the Reign of Junior Junior** From a young age, Junior Junior had a deep passion for hunting sea creatures and a profound love for the ocean itself. When he ascended to the throne, he ordered the construction of a powerful nation. He boarded his ship and set sail for the Pearl Sea, leaving behind his kingdom, his wife, and his children. The Grey Sea, the royal ship *Valeria*... The night was calm and silent. The moonlight shimmered on the surface of the sea, and a cold wind blew from the north. King Junior Ronehard, draped in a velvet blue cloak, stood on the deck, gazing into the depths of the ocean. His eyes searched for the shadow of a giant whale, the hunt of which would showcase his authority to the great families. But he never imagined that on this night, he himself would become prey for the hunters in the shadows. Minutes later, the mutiny began. Everything happened with eerie speed. Sailors, who moments ago had been the most loyal members of the court, drew their swords and with precise, merciless movements, slaughtered the royal soldiers one by one. Blood stained the deck. Junior, shocked by the sudden betrayal, drew his sword and fought skillfully, but the number of enemies was overwhelming. The fleet admiral¡ªthe one who had always been by his side¡ªstepped forward calmly. "Your time has come, Your Majesty." Before Junior could even respond, the admiral''s sword pierced his chest from behind. The king, with wide eyes, staggered back. Blood gushed from his mouth, and moments later, with a look of disbelief still on his face, he fell into the cold sea. And so, the king who believed himself worthy of the crown disappeared into the depths. **Nexarium ¨C Betrayal in the Shadows** In the capital, Selena Torgan sat on the throne. Beside her stood Izhard Valdrin, the leader of the royal army. As a heavy silence filled the room, the door opened, and one of the sailors who had participated in the mutiny entered. "It is done. The ship was lost in the storm, and the king... drowned at sea." Selena, with perfect composure, nodded. "Did anyone survive?" "No one." Izhard clenched his fists. "Then no one will know that House Torgan was behind this." Selena smiled. "An incompetent king is dead... and now, the crown belongs to those who deserve it." But she did not know that in the darkness, eyes were watching, waiting for their moment... and this fall would mark the beginning of a new battle. **Crown and Betrayal ¨C The Start of a Civil War** **The Royal Palace of Nexarium ¨C The Coronation Day of Armin Ronehard** Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. The coronation hall was adorned with unparalleled grandeur. Torch flames danced on the stone walls, and the royal crown, the same crown forged fifteen centuries ago from the skulls and blood of enemies, was placed on the head of the young heir of House Ronehard, Armin Ronehard. He was only 14 years old. But as the young king proudly sat on the throne, a shadow of doubt lingered in the eyes of the nobles present. No one was sure if a teenage boy could rule this empire. And one of them was Izhard Valdrin. Izhard, a tall man with cold eyes, wearing armor bearing the sigil of House Valdrin, stepped forward and said: "Boy, you are still green. The crown is heavier than you can bear." A heavy silence fell over the hall. Glances shifted between the young king, Izhard, and his mother, Queen Selena Torgan. Selena, enraged, stood up. Her gray eyes shone like a storm of anger. "How dare you defy tradition and insult the king?!" Izhard smirked and said in a voice that echoed through the hall: "No, my queen. But it is my duty to protect this kingdom. And I cannot allow an inexperienced boy to wear the crown." With a wave of his hand, his soldiers entered the hall. The sound of swords scraping against stone reverberated. "Take the queen and her children to their chambers and keep them under guard." Moments later, swords were drawn. But before Izhard''s soldiers could act, shadows moved in the hall. The assassins of House Torgan had arrived. Men who moved like ghosts in the darkness emerged from the columns, ceiling, and velvet curtains. Swords swung through the air, and before Izhard''s soldiers could react, their heads fell one by one. The hall turned into a slaughterhouse. Izhard, now standing alone, with his sword still sheathed, looked at Queen Selena. Selena stepped forward. Her steps were calm and silent, but each step spelled death for her enemies. "Arrest him for treason." Izhard gritted his teeth but offered no resistance. He was a warrior and knew that any resistance now would only lead to a futile death. The soldiers of House Torgan stepped forward, bound his hands with steel chains, and forced him to his knees. Selena leaned down, stared into his eyes, and said: "Anyone who stands against House Torgan will face nothing but imprisonment... or death." **Years After the Fall of Nexarium** Years had passed since the fall of Nexarium. During this time, Asterios had united the native people of Blastria, transforming them from savage tribes into an organized civilization. He built a city named Novaleria, a symbol of the lost glory of the Faleria. The people called him the "Wise King," but in Lorandis''s eyes, he was a coward. Every night, when the sky turned red, Lorandis would go to the tall tower of their palace and gaze toward the continent of Arcatra. He clutched the dagger left by his father and swore that one day he would avenge his family''s blood. Alorina, however, had a more logical mind. She knew that without a strong army, reclaiming the throne would be impossible. So, for years, she trained the Blastrian army, turning men who were once savages into ironclad warriors. But to launch an attack, Asterios''s command was needed, and he remained silent. **The Fire of Revenge and the Flame of Betrayal** One night, under a full moon, Lorandis went to see Asterios. He slammed a dagger on the table and said: "Brother, how long will you hide in this continent? We are the princes of Faleria ; this is not our land! Our parents were massacred, our family destroyed! Is that not enough for you?" Asterios, still calm, looked at his sister and said: "I understand your anger, but war only brings destruction. If we attack Nexarium with an army, thousands will die, and even if we win, the cycle of blood and betrayal will continue." Lorandis narrowed his eyes and shouted: "Then let me do it in your place!" But Asterios firmly replied: "As long as I live, no Faleria will start a war!" That moment changed fate. Lorandis knew that if he wanted to reclaim the throne, he would have to find another way... perhaps without his brother. **A Conspiracy in the Darkness** A few days later, Lorandis secretly met with the army commanders. He knew that many soldiers, unlike Asterios, were eager for war. Among the men who were once savages and had now become loyal warriors to Alorina, he sought allies. And that night, a new oath was sworn. Lorandis, along with a group of officers, devised a plan to start a war without Asterios''s permission. He knew his brother stood in his way. There was only one path to power: betrayal. Would he spill his brother''s blood to restore the Faleria to their rightful place? Would Alorina join him on this path, or would she protect the king? Bloody Winter of Nexarium While the House of Faleria endured exile in distant lands, a storm of wrath and power was brewing in the heart of Arcatra, the majestic capital of Nexarium. King Armin Runehard, newly ascended to the throne, now saw himself as an invincible ruler. Arrogant and intoxicated by the crown he wore, he not only disrespected former allies but also sought to bring the great houses to their knees. However, his fatal mistake was sending a letter to the House of Izhard Valdrin. In the letter, he arrogantly commanded: "All sons of Izhard must kneel before me and swear allegiance!" But this humiliation ignited the fury of "Bill Valdrin" and "Krait Valdrin," the two powerful sons of Izhard. They not only refused to respond to this shameless demand but also vowed to burn the throne to ashes. The Izhard Valdrin War Alliance Bill and Krait, who could no longer endure the tyranny of the Runehard house, called their house to arms. But they were not alone. In silence, the houses of Forsmark and Finroth also welcomed this chaos. "The throne has fallen to the unworthy, but we will reclaim it!" ¡ª Lord Wilhelm Forsmark Soon, an army of 30,000 soldiers was formed. The forces of Valdrin, Forsmark, and Finroth, with banners raised, were ready for a bloody war. The Royal Alliance But the Runehard house could not tolerate this rebellion. Queen Selena Torgan, the true power behind the throne, acted swiftly. She not only rallied the Torgan house but also brought the house of Valengard into the war. "We will drown them in their own blood. The kingdom has only one ruler!" ¡ª Selena Torgan Within months, the royal army grew to 40,000 soldiers. The Beginning of the Civil War Nexarium stood on the brink of civil war. Two massive armies faced each other. On one side, the rebel houses seeking to wrest the crown from the Runehards, and on the other, the royal houses fighting to maintain their power. And in the midst of it all, the fate of Izhard Valdrin, still imprisoned in the dungeons of Nexarium, remained uncertain... Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. The Epic of the House Wars: Shadows in the Night The war had finally begun. Two colossal factions stood against each other; the houses of Runehard, Torgan, and Valengard on one side, and the houses of Valdrin, Forsmark, and Finroth on the other. The battlefield of Nexarium once again witnessed the flames of war, and blood was spilled. But amidst this chaos, Bill Valdrin, heir to the Valdrin house, and Krait Valdrin, his brother, had a sinister and precise plan. They knew they could not overcome the enemy''s forces directly, but through weakening and causing chaos, victory was possible. The Shadows'' Attack on the Torgan Camp The target was the strategic camp of the Torgan house, where William Torgan, brother of Tad Torgan and uncle of Selena Torgan, was stationed. This camp was the main command center of the Torgan army, and its destruction could be a fatal blow. A thousand brave Valdrin warriors volunteered for this mission, fully aware that they would not return alive. Under the cover of night, they moved in complete silence, their banners burned and armor darkened, reaching the camp''s walls. Suddenly, with war cries, the assault began. A surprise attack from the southern gates left the Torgan soldiers bewildered. Flames roared, and cries were lost amidst the clashing of swords and spears. But this was merely a diversion. An assassin moved through the flames, cloaked in the darkness of night. His face was concealed, and a poisoned blade was in his hand. William Torgan, seated in the heart of the camp, still unaware of what was happening, shouted: "This is just a minor attack! We will prevail!" A moment later, he felt a cold blade pierce his heart. His eyes widened in shock... Then the assassin, too, was struck by a spear from behind and fell to the ground. William Torgan was dead, but with his death, the Torgan house trembled. News of his demise spread throughout the Torgan army, causing chaos. Despite the enemy''s losses, all thousand Valdrin soldiers also perished to the last man. The Torgan House''s Response: Blood for Blood At dawn, Selena Torgan, now the king''s wife, swore vengeance. Armin Runehard, more arrogant than ever, ordered the allied armies to advance for revenge. The armies of Torgan, Runehard, and Valengard prepared with full force. On the other side, Bill and Krait Valdrin waited. Their army was outnumbered, but they had stronger allies, experience, and strategy. Most importantly, they wondered if the Valerias, the forgotten ghosts, would return. The Beginning of the Great Battle The two armies lined up on the plains of Nexarium. Bloodied banners danced in the wind, and commanders on their horses, with stone faces and fiery eyes, stared at each other. The sound of war horns echoed. The Torgan cavalry launched the first wave of attack. Their gleaming blades shone in the morning sun, and the hooves of their horses shook the ground. In response, the cavalry of Finroth prepared to counter. Their spears rose, and with a loud cry, they braced for impact. A moment later, two massive waves of soldiers collided with staggering force. The sound of swords piercing armor, the groans of the wounded, and the cries of warriors shook the sky in an instant. The war had just begun... and this was only the first battle of a great storm. Blood and Betrayal: The Price of a Crown **Blood in the Town Square: The Fall of Izhard Valderin** The city of Nexarium was enveloped in a deathly silence. The sun shone mercilessly in the sky, but no warmth was felt in the hearts of the people. Everyone knew that today, one of the greatest men in history, Izhard Valderin, would fall before their eyes. Armin Ronhard, the proud and furious king, stood atop the execution platform. His face was as hard and impenetrable as steel, but deep within his eyes, a storm of hatred, fear, and pride raged. He knew that Izhard Valderin, even in his final moments, would not yield. Two soldiers dragged Izhard''s wounded and bloodied body from the dungeon into the square. The people watched in silence; some with fear and terror, some with a sense of betrayal, and others with hatred and anger. Izhard Valderin, with a bruised and broken body but his head held high, locked eyes with Armin. In his gaze, there was disdain and indifference toward the man who called himself king. **The King''s Cry: Betrayal and Revenge** Armin''s voice echoed through the square: "People! This wretch refused to acknowledge my kingship! Even though he knew I am the true heir to the throne!" All eyes turned to Izhard. But he remained indifferent, silent, and proud. Armin continued: "Not only that, but his sons, these traitors, killed my mother''s uncle! This disgrace will never be erased! Today, justice will be served!" Suddenly, the voice of Selena Torgan rang out in the square. She had pushed her way through the crowd, her face filled with terror and anger, and stared at Armin. "No! You don''t understand, Armin! If he dies, we will lose our last bargaining chip! You can''t do this!" But Armin didn''t even glance at his mother. He had made his decision. His eyes flashed, and with a swift motion, he signaled the executioner. **The Death of Izhard Valderin: The Fall of the Last Hope for Peace** The executioner raised his massive axe. For a moment, the sunlight reflected off its sharp edge. A heavy silence filled the square. Izhard smiled faintly. He looked up at the sky and whispered: "Goodbye..." The axe came down with full force. A spray of blood splattered on the stones of the square. Izhard''s head fell to the ground, and his lifeless body remained on the execution block. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Suddenly, cries erupted from the crowd. Some were filled with terror and sorrow, others with anger and hatred. But among them all, Selena Torgan''s voice was the loudest. "You fool, Armin! You''ve doomed this war with your own hands!" **The Aftermath of Izhard''s Death** But Armin, ignoring his mother, took a step forward. He looked at the people and said in a cold, firm tone: "Anyone who does not accept my kingship will meet the same fate." But he had failed to realize one thing. With Izhard''s death, the Valderin family had become a legend. His sons, Bill and Krait Valderin, had now drawn their swords not only for revenge but to restore their family''s honor. And worse... this war was no longer just between the Ronhard and Valderin families. In the shadows, eyes were watching. **The Kidnapping of Princess Alorina: The Fury of the Faleria** In the exiled lands of the Faleria , in the White Dragon Castle, bitter news spread like a storm of sand and blood through the royal hall. A soldier knelt, panting, and said: "Your Highness! Princess Alorina... she has been taken! The Nortans, those cursed savages, have captured her!" For a moment, a heavy silence filled the hall. It was as if even the torch flames trembled in fear. All eyes turned to Astrios Faleria. The exiled king, the prince of the scorched lands, the heir to the blood of the war gods. Astrios clenched his fists. His eyes turned red with rage. The girl who had been taken was not just a princess; she was his sister. In an icy voice, he said: "We must move. We will take 30,000 soldiers and destroy them." But the king, in a calm yet firm voice, objected: "No. That''s too many. The Nortans are as cunning as desert hyenas. They have many traps in their mountains. If we take that many, much blood will be shed." Suddenly, the silence broke. Lorandis, his face red with anger, shouted: "Brother! Enough! Our sister has been taken hostage, and you speak with such caution?! We are Valerians! True warriors! Not cautious cowards!" Astrios took a deep breath. But this time, something in his gaze changed. Something dangerous. With firm steps, he walked toward Lorandis. For a moment, he looked into his brother''s eyes, then raised his hand and called the guards. "Take him. Lock him in his room." Lorandis jumped back, his eyes wide with shock and anger: "You dare imprison me?! For speaking the truth?!" But Astrios was no longer listening. The guards took Lorandis by the arms and led him away. A moment later, Astrios turned and said in a firm voice: "5,000 will be enough. I will personally lead the assault on the Nortans. If anyone has questions, ask them now." But no one dared to speak. The war had begun. And this time, Astrios Faleria was on the front lines. **Old Wounds, a New War** The darkness of the night was cold and heavy. The moon, like a silent eye, cast shadows over the quiet plains. In a room lit only by flickering torches, Lorandis woke up. Cold sweat dripped from his forehead. The same nightmare again... That cursed night. The screams of his parents, the fire and blood, the escape from Nexarium. But this time, there was no one to comfort him. Alorina wasn''t there. Since childhood, whenever he was terrified by his nightmares, his older sister would hold him, stroke his hair, and sing him a lullaby. But now, she was the one captured. Lorandis closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. "No. Not this time." Suddenly, the sound of hooves echoed. He jumped up in terror and rushed to the window. The soldiers were on the move. Astrios¡­ had left! 5,000 men. Without him. Lorandis punched the wall. "Damn it, you didn''t even tell me..." His eyes burned with anger and sorrow. If he couldn''t go with his brother, he would find his own way to free Alorina. Because a Faleria never lets their family be taken from them. The Letter Sealed in Blood *The Cold Wind of the Forest** The cold wind of the forest blew across Asterius''s face, as his horse calmly made its way along the narrow path. The sky above him was filled with gray clouds, as if nature itself sensed his sorrow and anger. His war minister, Haruvan, rode alongside him on horseback. A veteran with scars, each telling a story of war. "Your Majesty... if I may be so bold, may I ask how you came to be here?" Asterius glanced at him. His eyes were cold and piercing. "Have you ever heard of the Faleria family?" Haruvan shook his head. "Then listen... because this story is the story of the birth of an empire." He took a deep breath and stared at the forest that stretched out before them. "When the world was still in darkness, when people were scattered in tribes and fought only with wood and stone... my ancestors were the first to find civilization." "They rose from the chaos, from the ashes." "They learned how to unify lands, how to build cities, how to unite people." "And among all this, the most important thing they learned was the ''art of war.''" Asterius looked at the sword strapped to his saddle. "The Faleria were unmatched in war. They were never defeated on a battlefield. Every time a king knelt before them, they asked only one thing: ''How can I resist you?''" Haruvan was engrossed in the story. Asterius continued: "And finally, my ancestors built the first city... a city whose name is still whispered among the people: ''Nexarium.''" "All the families knelt. They were afraid of our power." But suddenly, Asterius''s face darkened. "But, as every glory comes to an end, so did ours." "The great rebellion." "A family built on power was shaken by betrayal." He continued with hatred: "They attacked my father. They killed him right in the heart of his palace. They slaughtered my mother. And I..." "I could only escape." A heavy silence echoed among the trees. Haruvan stared at the ground. Now he understood why this man, this king, was so cold and determined. "But, my king... you survived. You and your sisters. And now you have returned." Asterius raised his head. "Yes. I have returned." "And this time, I will not run away." **Battle in the Dark Forest** The sound of horses neighing and warriors screaming shattered the silence of the forest. In the midst of tall trees and dark shadows, the Nortans emerged from the darkness, like wild and hungry ghosts. They wore leather armor, each rushing towards the Faleria army with a bloody ax, sword, or spear. Asterius drew his sword from atop his horse. The steel blade flashed in the dim sunlight. "Hold your positions! Push them back!" The Nortans, like a roaring wave, crashed down upon them. The Faleria soldiers raised their shields and went into battle. One of the Nortan savages attacked from the mist. A tall man, with eyes red with anger, who had raised a large ax and was rushing directly towards Asterius. "Die!" The ax fell towards Asterius with a savage force, but he nimbly dodged to the side. The Nortan man prepared for another blow, but Asterius was faster. He raised his sword, turned, and with a precise blow, slit the enemy''s throat. Blood splashed on the forest leaves, and the Nortan man, choking on his own blood, fell to his knees. Another soldier attacked Asterius from behind, but he suddenly turned and with a sudden blow, ripped open the man''s stomach. The enemy cried out in pain and staggered back. Meanwhile, Haruvan, the war minister, was also fighting. He deflected attacks with a large shield and killed the Nortans one after another with his spear. One of the Nortans, with a dagger in his hand, ran towards him, but Haruvan slammed his shield into his face with force. The savage man fell to the ground, and before he could get up, the tip of Haruvan''s spear pierced his heart. "Show no mercy! Destroy them!" Asterius shouted. The forest was filled with the sound of clashing swords, cries of pain, and roars of anger. One of the Faleria warriors was engaged next to Asterius. The Nortan plunged his sword into his stomach, and the soldier screamed, but before he fell, Asterius plunged his sword into the enemy''s neck and severed his head from his body. The clash continued for several minutes. Bodies lay on the ground, blood staining the forest path. The Nortans gradually retreated. Their numbers had dwindled, their morale was broken. Their leader, who was watching the carnage from afar, shouted angrily: "Retreat! Retreat!" The remaining savages fled in terror. Asterius, with blood-stained clothes and a sword dripping with the blood of his enemies, looked around, panting. "We have won." But he knew this was just the beginning... **Bloody Dawn** The sun was slowly rising from behind the dark forests. The faint morning light shone on the blood-soaked ground, where the bodies of the warriors still lay on the soil. The smell of blood, fire, and death filled the air. Faleria soldiers moved among the bodies. Some carried their comrades on their shoulders and took them to a corner, while others piled up the bodies of the Nortans. The sound of crows that had swarmed to the battlefield created an eerie atmosphere. Asterius stood in the midst of this scene of death. His golden armor was stained with the blood of his enemies and comrades, but his gaze, still dignified and proud, was fixed on the battlefield. One of the Faleria commanders came to the king and said: "My lord, we lost 340 of our men." Asterius took a deep breath and sadly lowered his head. Then he looked around with a determined face. "They paid the price for their attack. Pay respect to the bodies of our soldiers. But the enemies? Burn them in the fire." The soldiers bowed their heads respectfully and began to carry out the king''s orders. Meanwhile, a few soldiers dragged a wounded man across the ground towards Asterius. One of the commanders said: "My lord, we captured one of the Nortans alive. But he lost his leg and can no longer fight." Asterius looked at the Nortan man. His face was covered with dried blood, he had deep wounds on his body, and one leg was missing. However, his wild eyes were full of anger. He glared at Asterius with hatred and said in a dry, harsh voice: "Damn you, stranger! You and your soldiers have conquered this land, looted our homes, and now you are massacring us! You are a devil who came from across the seas!" Asterius, calmly but powerfully, took a step forward. He drew his sword from its sheath and placed the tip on the Nortan man''s neck. "I have not conquered anything." He leaned forward slightly and continued in a firm and measured voice: "This land was full of tribes who lived in darkness and savagery for centuries. But we, the Faleria people, came and brought civilization to this land. We built cities, made laws, gave science and progress to the people. Most tribes accepted this truth and now live in peace and power. But you, the Nortans, still resist change. You are still bound by your rotten ideas." The Nortan man laughed contemptuously and spat on the ground. "You think we will kneel before you? We are the descendants of warriors, not your slaves! This land belongs to us!" Asterius stepped back, put his sword in its sheath, and stared at the Nortan man with piercing eyes. "Very well. If so, why did you lose?" A heavy silence settled between them. The Nortan man averted his eyes. He knew he could not answer. "Guards, send him to their commander," Asterius raised his hand. One of the guards said in surprise: "My lord, do you want to release him?" Asterius nodded: "Send him to his master and tell him that I want to negotiate. No more people should be killed." The Nortan man grinned and said: "They will not negotiate with you, they will kill you!" Asterius smiled and said: "Then let them try." The Nortan soldiers, with eyes full of doubt and fear, took their prisoner away. As they took the prisoner towards the Nortan lands, Asterius stared at the horizon. He knew that this negotiation would only be the beginning of a greater battle... **Ambassadors in the Land of Savages** A few days had passed since the bloody battle. The five Faleria soldiers, carrying Asterius''s message, had moved towards the Nortan lands. They had traveled for days through dense forests, raging rivers, and misty mountains to reach the enemy''s headquarters. But all this time, the shadow of death hung over them. They were only five, and before them was an army of savage warriors. But their king''s order was clear: "Go to their leader. Give him my message. If he accepts, there will be no war. If he refuses... then know that peace is no longer possible." During this perilous journey Ambassadors in the Land of Savages (Continued) Amidst this perilous journey, they had only one other companion: the Nortan prisoner who had lost his leg in the battle. He was mounted on a horse, but his hands were kept bound. Throughout the journey, his piercing and savage gaze never left the Faleria soldiers. One of the Faleria soldiers, Marcus, the youngest member of the group, finally broke the silence. Marcus: "It''s strange... you didn''t feel fear for even a moment. Even when you were dying." Nortan: "Fear?!" (with a contemptuous tone) "The Faleria know nothing of real war. You grew up in your stone palaces, while we grew up on the battlefield. Fear? We have nothing to lose." Another soldier, Gallius, gave a bitter smile. Gallius: "Just like us. We fight every day too. For something greater than ourselves. You talk about fighting for your lord, but the difference is that we fight for something called ''the future.''" The Nortan sneered. Nortan: "The future? You think building cities and your ridiculous laws creates the future? You don''t even know that in the real world, there is only one law: the law of power. The weak die. The strong survive." A heavy silence settled between them. Marcus looked towards the horizon, where the Nortan camp appeared in the morning mist. Eye to Eye with the Nortan Leader Upon reaching the camp, the Faleria soldiers felt as if they had stepped into a den full of hungry wolves. Nortan archers from atop the camp''s wooden walls aimed their arrows at them. But after inspections, they were allowed entry. When they entered the Nortan leader''s large tent, the first thing they saw was a colossal man. Leonheid Draxler. A man who stood before them like a mountain of flesh and muscle. He was taller than all of them, his long golden beard flowed like a mane of gold around his face. His heavy, gray eyes looked at them like small prey. "So, you are the Faleria soldiers..." His voice was like the roar of a giant bear. One of the soldiers, in a trembling but firm voice, said: "Yes, we have come from King Asterius. He has a message for you." Leonheid smiled. "From that foolish foreigner?! You are very brave to come to the wolf''s den." The soldiers remained silent, but their hands rested on the hilts of their swords. Leonheid said with a loud laugh: "Negotiation?! What does he think?! That we will give up the war? I can cut off your heads right now and send your body parts to your king!" The Faleria soldiers took a deep breath. But Leonheid suddenly ordered wine to be brought. "Well, he still provided me with good entertainment... let me write him a letter." He wrote something on a piece of leather with a large and rough hand and sealed it. Then, he gave the letter to one of the soldiers and said with a mocking laugh: "Give this to your king. But I warn you, do not open it... unless you want to die before you reach home." The soldiers, with hidden fear, took the letter and left the tent. The real adventure had just begun... Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! The fire of war is still burning. The Battle at Arkater Castle Arkater Castle stood massive and firm atop the northern hills. The banners of the great houses danced in the wind. The sounds of horses neighing and warriors shouting split the air. Two armies of 9,000 men each were arrayed against each other: ? The Valengard Riders, led by Nicholas Valengard, who had come to crush their old enemy. ? The Finroth Riders, ready to fight for the blood of their house. The battlefield trembled with the hoofprints of horses and the heavy steps of heavily armored soldiers. Nicholas Valengard, in the heart of the battlefield, drew his sword from its scabbard. "This is our war! The House of Finroth will be destroyed!" "Victory or death!" With this cry, his soldiers also drew their swords and their riders charged forward. The First Attack ¨C Finroth Riders vs. Valengard The two armies clashed like a storm. The sound of shields breaking and blades clashing shook the ground. Lancer riders mercilessly tore each other apart. A Finroth rider plunged his spear into the heart of a Valengard knight, pulling his body from the saddle. At the same moment, a Valengard knight struck off the head of a Finroth warrior with his long sword, blood splattering on his armor. No one retreated. The ground was covered with blood and corpses, but the battle continued. The Entry of House Shadowgard ¨C A Thousand Archers in Ambush As the battle between Valengard and Finroth reached its peak, suddenly a thousand archers from House Shadowgard, who had been neutral until then, entered the field. ? A rain of arrows fell upon the Finroths from the hills. The Finroth riders raised their shields, but many of them fell under the rain of arrows. An arrow struck a Finroth commander directly in the neck. He cried out and fell from his horse. Another tried to raise his shield, but two arrows pierced his body from both sides, and he fell lifeless to the ground. But the Finroths did not surrender. Eisencruger ¨C A Surprising Counterattack Just when everyone thought Finroth was about to fall, suddenly an army of Eisencruger cavalry attacked from behind the hills! ? Two thousand heavily armored riders, like a flood of steel, charged the Shadowgard archers from behind. The battle descended into chaos. The Eisencruger riders crushed the archers with their heavy swords. An Eisencruger knight, with savage power, pulled a Shadowgard rider off his horse and severed his head with an axe blow. A Shadowgard warrior, in a desperate moment, plunged his sword into the stomach of an Eisencruger rider, but moments later, the blow of an iron mace crushed his skull. The Battlefield in Fire and Blood Valengard fought Finroth. Shadowgard resisted Eisencruger. The roar of war drums and trumpets echoed in the sky. No one knew how this battle would end... but only one house would emerge victorious. Nicholas Valengard''s Retreat ¨C The Shadow of a Greater War In the midst of the storm of war, as blood and dust swirled in the air, Nicholas Valengard slammed his bloodied sword into the ground and took a deep breath. The battle at Arkater Castle had reached its peak, but now a breathless commander had reached him. "My lord! This war only weakens our alliance. Give the order to retreat!" Nicholas, with sweat and blood dripping from his armor, fixed his angry eyes on the commander. "What happened? Why should we retreat?" You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. The commander said, his voice barely audible amidst the din of battle: "The House of Turgan, with 13,000 soldiers, will attack the House of Valdrin. This is King Armin''s order. He has summoned you!" Nicholas was silent for a moment. His eyes darkened. "Tad Turgan... what is he doing? This is a mistake! This war will bring nothing but disaster!" But he knew that if he ignored the king''s order, he would be accused of treason. Retreat from the Bloody Field Nicholas turned to his army''s trumpeter and said with a cry that echoed through the battle: "Retreat! Pull back the forces!" The loud trumpet of retreat sounded on the battlefield. The Valengard riders, still fighting in the blood and dust, quickly began to retreat. Some soldiers were still engaged, but when they heard the command, they tried to fight their way back. The Finroth riders, believing they had won, pursued the retreating forces with cries of joy, but the Valengard knights quickly created defensive lines. Nicholas, riding his horse, looked at the battlefield. 5,000 of his men had died in this war. Their bodies, along with the Finroth dead, covered the ground. But he had no choice. A greater war was coming... Movement Towards a New Battle ¨C The Shadow of House Turgan When the Valengard forces reached the camp, Nicholas dismounted and stared at the map spread out on the table. "House Turgan... 13,000 soldiers... and Armin has summoned me." He knew that if this war started, much blood would be shed. But could he stop it? Or would he be forced to fight as well? A Storm Was Coming... Nicholas slammed his helmet on the table and said: "Then we must move... the war has just begun." War Council at the King''s Camp ¨C Nicholas Valengard''s Fateful Decision The sound of Nicholas Valengard''s boots echoed on the stone floor of the command tent. The torchlight fell on his tired and angry face. He entered with firm and steady steps and scanned the commanders sitting around the war table. Runehard, the king''s chief commander, placed his hand on the map spread out on the table and turned to Nicholas: "You''ve finally arrived, Duke Nicholas. Now tell me, what do you think?" Nicholas fixed his sharp eyes on the map. Battle lines, troop positions, and key areas of the continent were marked on it. He placed his hand on the Grimwood area and murmured under his breath: "So you want to attack from here?" One of the commanders, Varnick, replied excitedly: "Yes, my lord. As the king has ordered, we can bypass the Valdrin route through Grimwood Forest and launch a surprise attack. This will allow our forces to reach them ahead of schedule, just when they least expect it." "How many soldiers do we have?" Nicholas asked in his heavy voice. Varnick smiled and said: "13,000 on our side, 15,000 on the Valdrin side. But they are preparing for war, we can defeat them with a surprise attack before their allies arrive!" Nicholas narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath. He remembered all the wars he had seen in his life. This plan smelled more of disaster and bloodshed than victory. "No. This is suicide." A heavy silence enveloped the room. All the commanders looked at each other. Wolfgar, one of the veteran commanders, stepped forward. "But my lord, if the Valengard riders join us, our force will reach 16,000 men. Then we can bring Valdrin to its knees." Nicholas, still panting from the fatigue of the previous battle, looked at Wolfgar. Then he placed his hands on the table and leaned forward slightly. "I will not involve my soldiers in this foolishness." Wolfgar frowned. Varnick protested: "But this is the king''s order!" Nicholas said firmly: "I promised Queen Selena and her son that I would protect the alliance. This alliance is the only thing that keeps us safe from our real enemies. We are already engaged with the Finroths, and the Eisencrugers and Shadowgard are almost destroyed. There is no hope of support for this war. If we do this, we will only bring ourselves to ruin!" Runehard took a deep breath and said: "But if we retreat, the Valdrins will become more powerful than ever." "And if we attack, it will only start another pointless war that will result in nothing but the weakness and exhaustion of our army!" Nicholas interrupted him. All the commanders fell silent. Nicholas didn''t wait for an answer. "I will not participate in this madness." Without looking at the commanders again, he left the tent. In the cold night wind, he took a deep breath. He knew that with this decision, he had put himself against some of the commanders and even the king. But he was not willing to sacrifice his soldiers for a foolish battle. End of Act One - The fire of war still burns... The Shadow of Hunger over Nexarium ¨C The Gradual Fall of an Empire The magnificent capital of Nexarium, a jewel in the heart of the continent of Arcatra, was now nothing but a ghost town. The marble streets, once filled with merchants, nobles, and knights, were now filled with the bodies of the starving, people suffering from disease, and children crying in the corners for a piece of bread. Since King Armin led the country to war, the situation had changed rapidly. The great houses, which once supplied Nexarium with gold, food, and rare spices, had stopped their trade. Trade caravan routes were closed, and food storage warehouses were emptying day by day. A rebellion was forming. The People in Front of the Palace ¨C Cries That Are Not Heard In front of the massive Arkaterin Palace, thousands of people had gathered. The sound of the people''s cries filled the square: "We are hungry!" "The king has abandoned us!" "Our children are dying!" Eyes were fixed on the tall towers of the royal palace, where King Armin lived in complete safety within the thick walls. But he didn''t even bother to look at the crowd. Inside the palace, in a golden and magnificent room, Armin sat on his throne. In front of him, the commander of the royal guard, Lord Gildern, knelt. "Your Majesty, the people are rebelling. They want to see you." Armin, dressed in beautiful royal clothes and holding a goblet of wine, shrugged indifferently. "Let them shout. Do I care?" Lord Gildern took a deep breath. "But my lord, if this continues, the people will attack the palace!" Armin, with a bitter smile, poured his goblet of wine on the ground and said: "And what do you think the walls of this palace were built for? If they want to die, let them die. This war must continue." Lord Gildern felt like he was standing in front of a mad king. In the Dark Streets of Nexarium ¨C The Spark of a Revolution In the narrow alleys of Nexarium, where even the royal soldiers dared not enter, a man stood in tattered clothes but with fiery eyes. His name was Leonart Finroth, one of the sons of the Finroth family, who now lived among the people. He shouted among the crowd: "We should not die in silence anymore! The king has forgotten us, but we are still alive! If he doesn''t care about us, then we must take this kingdom back from him ourselves!" The crowd, driven to despair by hunger and humiliation, joined him with cries full of anger. The flames of revolution flared in the shadows of the night... To be continued... Battle for the throne The Fire of Pride and the Shadow of Destruction ¨C Armin and the Fate of Arcatra The Grand Nexarium Palace, Night Shadows danced on the walls of the royal hall. The flames of the torches flickered in the wind, as if they themselves were afraid of what was happening. Amidst this darkness, two figures, two generations of the Turgan family, stood facing each other. Selena Turgan, a queen who was once the wife of the great king, now stood before her son, Armin Turgan, her face filled with anger and sorrow. "You foolish boy, do you know what you''re doing? If your father were here, he would throw you into the dungeon!" Armin, wearing the long royal robe, turned to his mother. His gaze was cold and emotionless. "Mother, stop. These people are used to betrayal. They have never understood a true king. They must understand that we are at war and we are defending them." "What war? The war you started?" Selena moved closer. Her eyes shone like a flame that had not yet been extinguished. "Armin, Izehard violated your kingdom, but should thousands die because of it? You killed my uncle, but at what cost?!" Armin, with an icy voice, took a step forward: "He betrayed us. I ordered him imprisoned, but they killed your uncle. So I killed Izehard. Now we''re even. If they had only knelt, so much blood would not have been shed." "My son, please, don''t risk your life. There is still a way to peace. Let them be independent. They only want their freedom." Armin shook his head with a bitter laugh: "No, this entire continent and its families must remain loyal to me. This kingdom must be united, not fragmented and broken!" Shadows of the Past ¨C A Memory of a Bloody Night Selena, in a soft but trembling voice, said: "You weren''t there that night, the night your father and all the families united against the Valerians and drove them out of the kingdom. Right here, where you now rule, Orian was also there, but look what happened... he''s been dead for decades." Armin, whose face had been emotionless until that moment, suddenly changed his gaze. A face caught between anger and pain. "I am not like the Valerians!" "The Valerians?" Selena smirked. "Do you know what they''re rumored to be doing? They say the Valerians have brought an army from the sea to take revenge on us!" Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! "That''s just a rumor! A rumor that the Valdrin family and their allies have spread to weaken our morale." Selena sighed and said: "And what if it''s true?" Armin smiled coldly and said: "Then we must prepare for another war." "My son, never forget... pride has led many kings to their downfall." But Armin was no longer listening to his mother''s words. He had made his decision. Escape from Blasteria ¨C Return to the Ancestral Land The Valerian Palace, Capital of Blasteria ¨C Midnight The moon, like an emotionless eye, shone in the dark sky. The cold wind passed through the stone windows of the palace, but inside a room that was once built for rest, a storm was brewing. Lorandis Valeria, the warrior princess, was imprisoned in her bedroom. Her brother, Asterius, the exiled king, had confined her for disobeying his command. But she could no longer wait. She had to escape. She had to return to Arcatra, the land she had once left. A plan formed in her mind. She had to exploit the guards'' hesitation... The Escape Plan Dawn was approaching. Two guards, standing outside her room, spoke softly to each other. "Do you hear anything? There''s no sound in the room." "Maybe she''s asleep... or maybe..." Suddenly, a sound came from inside the room. A sound that resembled a faint moan. "We should check. Maybe something happened." The guards hesitated. They were ordered not to open the door. But if the princess was dead, Asterius would be furious? Finally, they decided to enter. They opened the door... and what they saw was just a bed with a blanket pulled over it. "Princess?" One of the guards approached the bed and reached out to pull the blanket aside. But suddenly... ? "Whoosh!" A knife flew out of the darkness and plunged into the first guard''s thigh. He screamed in pain and fell back. The second guard, who had drawn his sword in terror, could only brace himself for a moment before Lorandis leapt out of the shadows. A quick and precise strike, and the second guard''s hands were severed from behind. Blood splattered on the stone walls, and the man''s screams echoed in the hallway. But it was too late. Lorandis, with cold and merciless eyes, picked up the guard''s sword and ran into the darkness. Confrontation with Sir Arthur Everything was going well. She had escaped her prison, knew the way to the dock, and no one had noticed her escape yet. But just as she was passing through the palace corridors... A firm and familiar step echoed at the end of the corridor. "Lorandis..." Sir Arthur. The old knight, the man who had once saved her as a child, stood in her path. His armor was still shining, but the wrinkles on his face were a sign of years of war and heavy fates. "What are you doing? Why are you running away?" Lorandis was silent for a moment. Her gaze was fixed on the man who had treated her like his own child for years. But she was no longer a child. "Arthur... I have to go back." Sir Arthur took a step forward. "You shouldn''t do this. Your brother has ordered you to stay here. If you return to Arcatra, you will put yourself in danger." Lorandis took a deep breath. "I am not afraid of danger." Arthur drew his sword. "Then I have to stop you." But Lorandis was faster. With a sudden movement, she threw her cloak at Arthur. The old knight lost his sight for a moment, and at that very moment, Lorandis struck him quickly on the neck with the back of her sword. Arthur groaned, his eyes went black, and before he could react, he fell unconscious to the ground. "I''m sorry... but I have to go." Escape to Destiny Lorandis, breathing heavily, ran towards the secret dock. A small boat was ready at the end of the pier. She untied the ropes, grabbed the oars, and saw the sea before her. Hours passed. She was still rowing as the sun slowly rose from the horizon. Suddenly, in the distance, the flames of torches shining in the darkness appeared. Sir Arthur had come to the dock with several soldiers! "Come back, Lorandis!" But it was too late. The waves were carrying her away from the shore. She was returning... to Arcatra. "Home... I''m coming back." To be continued... Battle for the throne The Fire of Pride and the Shadow of Destruction ¨C Armin and the Fate of Arcatra The Grand Nexarium Palace, Night Shadows danced on the walls of the royal hall. The flames of the torches flickered in the wind, as if they themselves were afraid of what was happening. Amidst this darkness, two figures, two generations of the Turgan family, stood facing each other. Selena Turgan, a queen who was once the wife of the great king, now stood before her son, Armin Turgan, her face filled with anger and sorrow. "You foolish boy, do you know what you''re doing? If your father were here, he would throw you into the dungeon!" Armin, wearing the long royal robe, turned to his mother. His gaze was cold and emotionless. "Mother, stop. These people are used to betrayal. They have never understood a true king. They must understand that we are at war and we are defending them." "What war? The war you started?" Selena moved closer. Her eyes shone like a flame that had not yet been extinguished. "Armin, Izehard violated your kingdom, but should thousands die because of it? You killed my uncle, but at what cost?!" Armin, with an icy voice, took a step forward: "He betrayed us. I ordered him imprisoned, but they killed your uncle. So I killed Izehard. Now we''re even. If they had only knelt, so much blood would not have been shed." "My son, please, don''t risk your life. There is still a way to peace. Let them be independent. They only want their freedom." Armin shook his head with a bitter laugh: "No, this entire continent and its families must remain loyal to me. This kingdom must be united, not fragmented and broken!" Shadows of the Past ¨C A Memory of a Bloody Night Selena, in a soft but trembling voice, said: "You weren''t there that night, the night your father and all the families united against the Valerians and drove them out of the kingdom. Right here, where you now rule, Orian was also there, but look what happened... he''s been dead for decades." Armin, whose face had been emotionless until that moment, suddenly changed his gaze. A face caught between anger and pain. "I am not like the Valerians!" "The Valerians?" Selena smirked. "Do you know what they''re rumored to be doing? They say the Valerians have brought an army from the sea to take revenge on us!" Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. "That''s just a rumor! A rumor that the Valdrin family and their allies have spread to weaken our morale." Selena sighed and said: "And what if it''s true?" Armin smiled coldly and said: "Then we must prepare for another war." "My son, never forget... pride has led many kings to their downfall." But Armin was no longer listening to his mother''s words. He had made his decision. Escape from Blasteria ¨C Return to the Ancestral Land The Valerian Palace, Capital of Blasteria ¨C Midnight The moon, like an emotionless eye, shone in the dark sky. The cold wind passed through the stone windows of the palace, but inside a room that was once built for rest, a storm was brewing. Lorandis Valeria, the warrior princess, was imprisoned in her bedroom. Her brother, Asterius, the exiled king, had confined her for disobeying his command. But she could no longer wait. She had to escape. She had to return to Arcatra, the land she had once left. A plan formed in her mind. She had to exploit the guards'' hesitation... The Escape Plan Dawn was approaching. Two guards, standing outside her room, spoke softly to each other. "Do you hear anything? There''s no sound in the room." "Maybe she''s asleep... or maybe..." Suddenly, a sound came from inside the room. A sound that resembled a faint moan. "We should check. Maybe something happened." The guards hesitated. They were ordered not to open the door. But if the princess was dead, Asterius would be furious? Finally, they decided to enter. They opened the door... and what they saw was just a bed with a blanket pulled over it. "Princess?" One of the guards approached the bed and reached out to pull the blanket aside. But suddenly... ? "Whoosh!" A knife flew out of the darkness and plunged into the first guard''s thigh. He screamed in pain and fell back. The second guard, who had drawn his sword in terror, could only brace himself for a moment before Lorandis leapt out of the shadows. A quick and precise strike, and the second guard''s hands were severed from behind. Blood splattered on the stone walls, and the man''s screams echoed in the hallway. But it was too late. Lorandis, with cold and merciless eyes, picked up the guard''s sword and ran into the darkness. Confrontation with Sir Arthur Everything was going well. She had escaped her prison, knew the way to the dock, and no one had noticed her escape yet. But just as she was passing through the palace corridors... A firm and familiar step echoed at the end of the corridor. "Lorandis..." Sir Arthur. The old knight, the man who had once saved her as a child, stood in her path. His armor was still shining, but the wrinkles on his face were a sign of years of war and heavy fates. "What are you doing? Why are you running away?" Lorandis was silent for a moment. Her gaze was fixed on the man who had treated her like his own child for years. But she was no longer a child. "Arthur... I have to go back." Sir Arthur took a step forward. "You shouldn''t do this. Your brother has ordered you to stay here. If you return to Arcatra, you will put yourself in danger." Lorandis took a deep breath. "I am not afraid of danger." Arthur drew his sword. "Then I have to stop you." But Lorandis was faster. With a sudden movement, she threw her cloak at Arthur. The old knight lost his sight for a moment, and at that very moment, Lorandis struck him quickly on the neck with the back of her sword. Arthur groaned, his eyes went black, and before he could react, he fell unconscious to the ground. "I''m sorry... but I have to go." Escape to Destiny Lorandis, breathing heavily, ran towards the secret dock. A small boat was ready at the end of the pier. She untied the ropes, grabbed the oars, and saw the sea before her. Hours passed. She was still rowing as the sun slowly rose from the horizon. Suddenly, in the distance, the flames of torches shining in the darkness appeared. Sir Arthur had come to the dock with several soldiers! "Come back, Lorandis!" But it was too late. The waves were carrying her away from the shore. She was returning... to Arcatra. "Home... I''m coming back." To be continued...