The grand council chamber of Erenhall was a hub of tension, the air thick with the weight of impending doom. Duke Harlen Vexar, his face grave, stood before the gathered nobles of Ardentia, his voice echoing off the stone walls as he relayed the dire news.
"My lords and ladies, I bring grave tidings. Two armies march upon our kingdom, one led by Duchess Ravenna Nightshade and the other by Lord Corvus Nightwing. A third army, its allegiance unknown, gathers at our western border."
The council erupted into a cacophony of gasps, murmurs, and urgent whispers, their faces etched with shock and concern. Lord Kael Flameheart, his eyes narrowed, spoke up, his voice like a bellows stoking the flames of urgency. "How far away are these armies, Your Grace?"
Duke Harlen's face was a map of worry, his eyes etched with the weight of responsibility. "Ravenna's army is a day's ride from Erenhall, Corvus's forces are closing in from the south, and the western army... we are unsure of their exact position, but they will likely arrive within the same timeframe."
Lady Selene Sunforge, her voice like molten steel, spoke up, her words dripping with conviction. "We must prepare the defenses. Erenhall cannot fall."
Sir Garrick Blaze, his face set in a determined scowl, nodded, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "I will lead the charge against Corvus's army. We will not let them breach our walls."
Lord Thane Stonefist, his voice like thunder, growled, his massive frame seeming to swell with anticipation. "I will defend the city's gates. No enemy shall pass."
As the council continued to discuss strategy, Lord Cyrin Darkfire slipped into the chamber, his presence barely noticed as he took his place beside Duke Harlen. His eyes met Kael Flameheart's, and he nodded, a silent understanding passing between them.
Cyrin's voice was low and steady as he spoke, his words cutting through the din of the council chamber like a knife. "My lords and ladies, I have information regarding the third army."
The room fell silent, all eyes on Cyrin as he stepped forward, his face set in a grim expression. "I have received word that the third army is led by Lord Valen Ashencrow, the Second Shadow Knight of the Shadowfire Citadel."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the council, the nobles exchanging uneasy glances. Kael Flameheart's eyes narrowed, his face set in a fierce scowl. "Valen Ashencrow? I thought he was a mere rumor, a shadow of the past."
Cyrin's face was grim. "He is very real, my lord. And he is a force to be reckoned with. He is the twin brother of Corvus Nightwing, and he wields the dark arts with deadly precision."
The council erupted into chaos, the nobles arguing and shouting as they grappled with the news. Duke Harlen's voice boomed above the din, calling for order as he slammed his fist on the table.
"Silence! We will not be swayed by fear and speculation. We must stand united against this threat. Lord Kael, what is your counsel?"
Kael Flameheart's face was set, his eyes burning with determination. "We must prepare for battle, my lords. We will not be intimidated by the forces of darkness. We will defend our kingdom, our people, and our honor."
The council nodded, their faces set, as they steeled themselves for the battles ahead. The fate of Ardentia hung in the balance, and the nobles were ready to face whatever darkness lay ahead.
King Kael's voice boomed through the council chamber, commanding attention from all. "My lords and ladies, we face a grave threat, one that requires swift and decisive action. We cannot gather every lord's army here in Erenhall, for there are many potential targets, and we must ensure the safety of our people and the defense of our kingdom."
The room fell silent, all eyes on the king as he continued, his face set in a determined expression. "We must divide our forces, and defend our kingdom on multiple fronts. We will not be intimidated by the forces of darkness, and we will not yield."
The nobles nodded, their faces set, as they awaited further instructions. The king's words hung in the air, and the room was filled with a sense of purpose and determination.
"We must be strategic," Duke Harlen said, breaking the silence. "We cannot afford to have all our forces in one place. We need to defend our borders, our cities, and our people."
Lord Thane Stonefist nodded, his voice like thunder. "I will defend the Dragon's Teeth. No enemy shall pass."
Lady Selene Sunforge spoke up, her voice like molten steel. "I will lead a contingent of troops to defend the Ashwood Forest. We cannot let the enemy slip through our borders undetected."
Sir Garrick Blaze nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "I will lead a team to scout the enemy's movements and disrupt their plans."
As the nobles began to discuss and plan, Lord Cyrin Darkfire slipped into the shadows, his eyes scanning the room. He knew that he would be needed, and he was ready to serve.
The fate of Ardentia hung in the balance, and the nobles were determined to defend their kingdom against all odds. The battle was about to begin, and the stakes were higher than ever before.