The banners of Dravencia once fluttered proudly in the winds, symbols of strength and unity. But now they hung limped under a sun, dimmed by smoke. The once lively market were hushed, the laughters of children replaced by whispers of fear. Rumors spread like wildfire- border towns razed, villages gone silent, patrols that never returns.
No one could name the enemy. Some said they were rebels, some swear they were demons of old. Yet, all agreed on one thing, Dravencia was no longer safe.
In the grand throne Hall, shadows fell long across the marble floor. King Turner sat in silence, crown heavy not with gold but regret. His eyes that once bright with wisdom, now express the weary gleamof a man who has suffered so much loss. By his side, sat Queen Ama, her hands clenched to her robes, as though holding her self from breaking apart.
Before them, generals, nobles and advisors argued- each word sharper than the former.
"They strike our borders at night and Vanished before dawn". One shouted.
"They are not humans but beasts- I saw one pierce through steel, as if it what cloth!". Another retorted.
The king raised his hand. Silence fell.
Across the table, lay a map of seven other nations with red stains- places attacked, destroyed or left in ruins. "It isn't, only us". Turner said. The same terror haunts them all, he said pointing to the map. The ruler of these realms has called for a council... and for unity.
The room mummured with disbelief. The bordering nations has never called for unity so easily before. For centuries, rivalry and pride had divided them more sharply than blade. But, desperation seem to have a way of breaking pride.
Each kingdom will send one royal blood- a heir to represent them to attack the terrorist camp. The king continued, together they would find the source to this unrest.
When the decree was read, prince Kael straightened in expectation. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, his face calm but confident. He has already been Dravencia pride- strong, composed, a soldier's prince. But when the king spoke again, his composure cracked.
"The representative of Dravencia will be Ammon".
Gasps rippled through the chamber. Kael froze, disbelief carved into his face. "Father_"
But the king, didn't waver neither did he gave a reason for his decision.
For a moment, the two brothers eyes met. Kael with a burning storm of jealousy while Ammon- a quiet resolve- one not from strength but pain.
When the council has ended, Ammon stood alone at the castle balcony, watching the evening settle over the battered kingdom. He wasn't sure what the king saw in him. Perhaps guilty for sending him to die away at Lake Orcas or faith or maybe pity. But whatever the reason, Ammon could not refuse. He had been running from his destiny long enough.
Ayden appeared behind him, silent as always. His cloak swayed lightly in the night wind. "You seem troubled", he said.
Ammon gave a faint smile. "Troubled?",maybe just wondering if the world has gone crazy.
Ayden leaned beside him, arms crossed. "It always has been, we are only seeing it now. His obsidian eyes glimmered through the moonlight."
They stood there, the silence between them left with unsaid understanding. Ayden had seen Ammon's courage, he knew he could do it. Ammon knew Ayden's heart was far from cold as it appears, as beneath his coldness was something loyal, fierce and unshakable.
The following day, the kingdom gathered at the gates. Dravencia soldiers stood in solemn lines, their armour reflecting the pale light.
As the gates opened, the wind carried the scent of ash and renewal. Ammon and Ayden rode forward, two figures against the breaking light. Behind them, Kael watched from the walls, eyes narrowed with jealousy, the one that stung deeper than blade.