FIORA: DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN

VOL 1 - Chapter 10 - The Ultimate Resolve

Antrodos' voice trailed off as a bloodied ranger burst into the room, his breath ragged and his face etched with despair. "Sir Antrodos! We desperately need your help! The town is in chaos, and our forces are being overwhelmed. Most of our people have been killed or have fled, and we're losing ground by the minute. You are the last remaining Royal Guard, and our only hope."

Antrodos, battered and severely injured, missing his right arm, rose to his feet with determination. He tried to muster the strength to reassure the ranger. "I will do everything in my power to protect our kingdom, even if it costs me my life. But first, I must ensure the safety of my children."

The ranger's eyes flickered towards Max and Agnes, who stood watching their father, fear and uncertainty etched on their faces. "Sir, I understand your concerns, but we have no time to lose. The fate of our kingdom hangs in the balance."

Antrodos glanced at his children, his heart heavy with the weight of the impossible choice he faced. Would he answer the call of duty, risking his life for the kingdom, or would he flee with his children, ensuring their safety but abandoning the people he had sworn to protect?

Max and Agnes stared back at him, their eyes brimming with a mix of fear and determination. They knew their father was torn between his responsibilities, but they also knew that they needed him now more than ever.

"Father," Max began, his voice trembling, "I understand that the kingdom needs you, but we need you too. If you go, who will protect us? We've already lost so much today. Please, don't leave us behind."

Agnes nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Please, Father, we need you. We can't bear to lose you as well."

Antrodos' chest tightened with anguish, his heart torn between duty and family. As he looked into the faces of his beloved children, the enormity of his decision weighed upon him like a crushing burden. He knew that whatever he chose, the consequences would haunt him for the rest of his days.

With a deep, shuddering breath, he reached for the courage to make his choice.

Antrodos looked deep into his children's eyes, his heart aching with the weight of his decision. He knew that his duty to the kingdom demanded his unwavering loyalty and courage, but the thought of leaving his children filled him with unbearable sorrow.

"Max, Agnes," he began, his voice strained with emotion, "I have made my decision. I must fight for our kingdom. It is my sworn duty, and I cannot turn my back on our people in their hour of greatest need."

Max and Agnes stared at their father, aghast. Their eyes pleaded with him to reconsider, to stay with them and protect them from the dangers that now threatened their very lives.

"But, Father," Max cried out, his voice trembling with fear and frustration, "you are in no condition to fight! Your injuries are severe, and you've already lost so much. Please, don't leave us now."

Agnes, her cheeks wet with tears, clung to her brother's arm, her voice barely a whisper as she begged, "Father, we can't lose you too. We've already lost Mother and Illyanna. We need you with us. Please, stay."

Antrodos closed his eyes, his entire being wracked with the torment of his decision. But he knew that he had no other choice. His kingdom, his people, and the legacy of his family were at stake. He could not falter now.

With a heavy heart, Antrodos gently pushed Max and Agnes aside. "I am so sorry, my dear children," he whispered, his voice thick with regret. "You must understand that I am doing this for our people, for the kingdom that your mother and I have sworn to protect. I love you both more than anything in this world, but I cannot abandon my duty."