No Mercy at Sunrise

**Alec’s Perspective**

The first light of dawn broke across the sky as I advanced, my armor gleaming like polished steel in the early sun. The once peaceful landscape surrounding James’ camp was now alive with the clanking of metal, the murmur of my soldiers, and the distant groan of siege engines. My army stretched as far as the eye could see. Ranks of seasoned warriors, archers standing poised, and towering siege engines creeping forward like unstoppable beasts.

I rode at the forefront, my gaze fixed on the camp ahead, cold and determined. I had waited for this moment. James had been worn down, his supplies were cut off, his forces surrounded. Now, it was time to deliver the final blow. Beside me, Torin, my grizzled and scarred general, rode in silence. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and steady.

“The men are ready, my lord.”
“The siege weapons are in place, and the archers await your command.”
“We finish this today.”
“No more delays.”

Around me, my soldiers shifted with anticipation, their eyes locked on me, waiting for the signal that would send them charging into battle. The first rays of dawn cast an eerie light across the battlefield, stretching long shadows over the ground. I raised my hand, my voice cutting through the stillness.


“Prepare to attack!”

The order rippled through the ranks, and my army stirred to life. Archers stepped forward, their bows drawn taut, and the sound of strings stretching filled the air. Siege engines groaned as they were wheeled into position, their catapults loaded with massive stones, primed to hurl destruction at the castle walls.

I nudged my horse forward, my gaze narrowing on the camp. This moment had been a long time coming. I had schemed, strategized, and waited. James had lasted longer than expected, but now he was out of options, surrounded, and isolated. His end was inevitable. My horse trotted closer to the front lines, I turned to my soldiers, my voice rising over the clamor.

“James is weak.”
“His forces are outnumbered, trapped.”
“Today, we fight for what is ours.”
“No mercy.”
“No retreat.”

A roar erupted from my soldiers; their weapons raised high in response. They were eager, hungry for the battle, ready to tear down James' fortress and claim victory in my name. With a sharp gesture, I signaled the assault.

“Begin the attack.”

The ground shuddered as the first wave of catapult fire was unleashed. Massive stones hurtled through the sky, crashing into the earth with deafening impacts. Arrows followed, raining down like a dark cloud over the camp, the air alive with the hiss of their flight.

James’ forces retaliated. Arrows flew toward my men, clashing mid-air with the oncoming storm. My army’s sheer numbers began to crush them. Steel met steel as the first wave of my soldiers reached the camp’s edge, and the sounds of hand-to-hand combat filled the air.

I watched from my vantage point; my lips pressed into a grim line. There was no need for me to lead the charge personally. This battle was already mine by strategy and overwhelming force. My men knew their roles. I scanned the field, my gaze falling on the heart of the camp, where I suspected James would make his stand. My lips curled into a cold smile.

“You cannot hide forever, James.”

Suddenly, a rider burst through the ranks, his horse galloping at full speed. He dismounted, bowing quickly before me, breathless.

“My lord, we have received word from one of our scouts.”
“The princess has given birth.”
“Isabella is vulnerable.”

Her timing was perfect, and her weakness would only hasten my victory. I straightened in my saddle, eyes narrowing as I gave my orders.

“Double the forces on the north side.”
“That is where they will be weakest.”
“Breakthrough there, and the rest will fall.”

The rider nodded and hurried off to carry out my command. I turned back to the battlefield, watching as my army pressed the attack on all fronts. Catapult stones smashed into walls, sending plumes of smoke and debris into the air. The fire began to rise from within the camp. My forces were making their way inside.

Through the chaos, I spotted James, standing defiantly in the middle of the camp, his sword raised as he rallied his men. My jaw clenched. I respected him as a warrior, but that respect only sharpened my desire to crush him. There was no room for sentiment. Victory was the only outcome that mattered.

The cacophony of battle grew louder, the clash of metal and the cries of the wounded filling the air. My forces were relentless, pushing deeper into the camp. I dismounted, striding purposefully toward the front lines. I preferred to keep my distance from the bloodshed, but today I wanted to see James fall with my own eyes. I wanted to be there when he was dragged before me in chains.

“Today the kingdom of Vespera will be mine permanently.”



**James’s Perspective**

I watched the horizon as the first light of dawn bled into the sky, streaking it with gold and crimson. My grip tightened around the hilt of my sword, knuckles whitening, as I scanned Alec’s forces. Thousands of soldiers stood ready, their armor gleaming in the early light, banners rippling like the wings of vultures circling a dying prey.

This was it. The moment we had prepared for. Behind me, my men stood resolute, though I could feel the weariness that had settled into their bones. The archers took their positions, spearmen held their ground, and what remained of my soldiers awaited the order to fight.

Alec had outplayed me, trapping us within our camp, and cutting off supplies for days. The signs of fatigue and hunger were visible in my men’s faces, but their loyalty held firm. They stood their ground, unwavering despite the odds.

I forced myself to focus on the battlefield. Alec’s forces were moving with methodical precision—siege engines were being readied, and his troops were poised to strike. Mark approached, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air.


“They are positioning the siege engines, my lord.”
“It will not be long before they launch their first strike.”
“Get the men into position.”
“Archers at the ready.”
“We hold on as long as we can.”

Mark nodded and hurried off, shouting orders to the soldiers. The distant cries of Alec’s men filled the air, mingling with the creaking of wood and the rumble of footsteps as they prepared for war. My heart tightened at the thought of what was to come, so much bloodshed, so much loss. For what? A kingdom Alec believed was rightfully his? A crown that had already torn apart everything I held dear? A sudden cry rose from the crowd behind me.

“They are firing!”

My gaze snapped back to the battlefield. A massive boulder from one of Alec’s catapults soared through the air, crashing into the earth with a deafening impact. The ground trembled beneath my feet as stone and debris flew in all directions.

“Archers, loose!”


Mark’s voice rang out, clear and commanding. The sky darkened as our arrows arced through the air, a deadly swarm hurtling toward Alec’s forces. The battle had begun in earnest. I rushed to the front lines, joining my men as they braced for the onslaught. Arrows thudded into the ground, shields clanged as they deflected the attack, and the cacophony of war filled the air.

My jaw clenched as I took in the scene. Alec’s army was relentless, advancing with unnerving coordination. Though my men fought back fiercely, every enemy that fell was quickly replaced by two more.

“James!”

Mark’s voice called out, breathless, as he approached.

“They have spotted movement to the north.”
“Alec is concentrating his forces there.”

I should have known. The north wall was our weakest point, vulnerable despite my best efforts. With limited resources, we did not have the time to properly fortify it.

“Send every spare man we have to reinforce the north.”
“We cannot let them break through.”


Mark nodded and dashed off to relay the command. The pressure was building, and the strain was showing on my men’s faces. We were stretched too thin, our defenses weakening with every minute that passed, while Alec’s forces seemed endless.

“We hold the line,” I muttered under my breath, raising my sword high above my head, the blade catching the first light of the rising sun.

“For the kingdom!”
“For our people!”
“Charge!”

The roar of my soldiers followed, and we surged forward into the fray. The battle had truly begun.