Chapter XXI: Fire
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the palace grounds, the king convened with his council and generals to finalize their strategy. The air in the grand hall was tense, filled with the low murmurs of seasoned warriors and wise advisors. Maps and charts covered the table, detailing the terrain and enemy positions. After a series of intense deliberations and strategic negotiations, it was decided—the Fire Army would march south to defend the borders from the encroaching threat of the Therian Army. The plan was meticulously crafted, taking into account every possible scenario and contingency.
With the weight of impending conflict heavy upon his shoulders, the king resolved to lead his troops personally, determined to safeguard his kingdom from the looming menace. His decision was met with a mix of admiration and concern from his council, who knew the risks involved. Amidst the preparations for departure, he made a solemn vow to crush the Therian forces and reclaim what was rightfully his. This vow was not just a promise to his people but a personal commitment to uphold the legacy of his ancestors and the honor of his throne.
But before he departed, there was one final duty to attend to—a visit to the harem, where his concubines awaited his presence. The harem, a luxurious haven within the palace, was an opulent chamber adorned with rich tapestries, intricate mosaics, and the soft glow of lanterns. As he entered, the air thick with anticipation, his gaze swept over the line of women, each adorned in silks and jewels, awaiting his farewell. Their expressions ranged from hope to resignation, each woman eager to capture a moment of his attention.
Despite her recent fall from favor, Lady Dara stood proudly at the head of the line, her demeanor regal and assured. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of defiance and expectation. As the king approached, she extended her cheek, accepting his courtly kiss with a smug smile of satisfaction. Her pride was evident, a silent reminder of her prestigious position within the harem. She was the very first queen to fall under the Dragon King's might, a beautiful, seductive and, above everything else, ambitious woman. Yet, Alaric could never fully trust her, her demeanour, her temper... He knew she never had the composture of a true queen, but she was too good to not keep around.
However, it was the last concubine in line who captured the king's attention—a piercing gaze met his own, holding his stare with a quiet intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. Isabella's eyes bore into his, betraying a depth of emotion that left him unsettled, stirring something within him that he couldn't quite comprehend. Her presence was a stark contrast to the others, her calm demeanor masking a wellspring of inner strength and unspoken thoughts. With a lingering glance, the king tore his gaze away, a sense of foreboding lingering in the air as he turned to depart. He left the harem with a heavy heart, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down upon him.
As the clash of steel and cries of battle echoed across the battlefield, the king soared through the sky atop his mighty black dragon, Thanatos. From their vantage point high above, they surveyed the chaos unfolding below as the armies clashed in a frenzied dance of death and destruction. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, a testament to the ferocity of war.
The southern border, a vital stronghold of his kingdom, was under siege by the relentless advance of the Therian forces. Determined to defend his territory without resorting to wanton destruction, the king issued strict orders to his fellow dragonriders—to refrain from unleashing the fiery wrath of their dragons upon the land. His strategy aimed to preserve the land and its resources, knowing that a scorched earth would offer little solace in victory.
But amidst the fury of combat, disaster struck. A massive harpoon, launched by enemy artillery, pierced Thanatos's eye with deadly accuracy, sending the mighty creature plummeting from the sky. The impact was sudden and brutal, a jarring shift from dominance to vulnerability. With grim resolve, Thanatos managed to glide to safety, ensuring his king's survival even as his own life ebbed away. The dragon's loyalty and sacrifice were palpable, a heartbreaking testament to their bond.
As the king landed heavily upon the blood-soaked earth, he watched in anguish as the life drained from his loyal companion. The sight of Thanatos's lifeless form ignited a fierce determination within him, a burning resolve that eclipsed his grief. With a heavy heart and a fierce determination burning in his soul, he issued a new command to his fellow dragonriders—a command born of grief and rage: "Burn everything to the ground!” His voice rang out with a mixture of sorrow and fury, a declaration of unrelenting vengeance.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
