Caught in Time

Chapter V: The (former) Prodigy

The year was 2382, the Third Aranguiza-Erasthian War had been raging for the past two years. Aranguizans were trying to reclaim their lost lands from the Second War, but the unrelenting defense that had been set up by the Erasthians was a bit too much to handle for them. Despite their victories, the Erasthians was started racking up casualties of their own. Their weaker economy also wouldn't be able to keep up if this war was going on for even a little longer.

Both sides were in desperate need of a breakthrough. The Aranguizans were trying to show the other kingdoms that they were still a major power to be afraid of, even after their humiliating defeat at the hands of the Erasthians seven years ago. So they had devised a major offensive operation, it was their make-or-break scenario. They put everything on the line with this operation, if they managed to punch through the Erasthian defense, they'll be able to retake North Castillo and maybe even continue their invasion further eastward towards the capital. But if they fail, their losses would be too great and they had to accept defeat once again.

Once the Erasthian spies catch wind of this operation that the Aranguizans were planning, they immediately reported back to King Alexander Tuganov II. Hearing this, King Alexander II was instantly thinking that this time, the Aranguizan might be actually won. He recalled all his generals back to the capital to construct a defensive plan to stop the Aranguizans. 3 days and 3 nights they were trying to come up with something, but even their best plan might only able to slow down the Aranguizan attack.

Suddenly King Alexander II had a risky idea that might worth the gamble, hiring the mages from Radlanovia. So he wrote up a letter asking for their price and sent his fastest runner to deliver it. It was not fast enough, the Aranguizan launched their attack and easily breakthrough the Erasthian defenses along the Soca River that divided North and South Castillo. The Erasthians followed through with their defensive plan and managed to slow down the Aranguizan advance.

When the runner returned from Radlanovia, he already returned with three people with him. King Alexander II immediately ordered them to see him. Two tall wizards came into the throne room, and with them was a younger mage whose robe hoods was always hiding his face.

"Your Majesty, we've received your letter asking for our help and we are here to negotiate the price", said one of the wizard.

"I'm prepared to pay any amount of money for your services", replied Alexander II.

"Oh me and my fellow professor over here were not the ones to be helping you. It's this young prodigy here. He's Professor Bjergsen's student. If you will, Professor", the wizard said.

"Your Majesty, this young man is currently chasing a Grand Archmage title. A feat no one had even bother to go through for more than 20 years. You don't have to doubt his quality", said Prof. Bjergsen.

"I'm not doubting him, but I had my reservation. Considering he is only one man after all", said Alexander II.

"How about this, tell us about anything you know about your enemy's plan. I am sure we can come up with something despite our number", said Prof. Bjergsen.

King Alexander II proceeded to tell them what he knew, the three of them closely listened.

"Your Majesty, if I may so boldly say. You need to bait them to come to this valley where I can have a clear sight of their movement", said the younger mage while pointing at the war map.

"You're insane, we must kept that area under our control at all costs! It's a very strategic position!", exclaimed Alexander II.

"Trust me, and if you want, once they were there you can have a front-row seat to see the annihilation of their army", he added with a very assuring voice.