Afterlife ✔️

Chapter 21: To The Very End

"Your Majesty!!! The flags of three kingdoms are marching toward Voreion from the west!" Baekhyun shouts as he rides his horse into the castle courtyard.

"What three kingdoms?" Yoongi asks as he approaches the beta.

"The Kingdom of Eldhellen, the Kingdom of Ohkta, and the Kingdom of Chrysos!" Baekhyun answers and quickly dismounts.

"Mount up!" Taehyung shouts as he storms out of the castle. "You all know the strategy!"

"Your Majesty, it is not safe." Yoongi bows to Taehyung.

"Captain Min, in this moment, I am your Queen." Taehyung responds as he mounts Thana. "It is my duty to protect Voreion. I swore to my husband that I will protect his birthplace."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Yoongi solemnly bows.

When Jimin walks out of the castle, he turns to a phoenix and flies to Taehyung's shoulder and perches. "Jimin, block Jungkook's and my link."

Once all of Taehyung's soldiers have mounted their war steeds, they quickly ride out of the castle. Following behind the soldiers, the people of Voreion carry their digging equipment and oil. During the night, the Queen's plan was delivered to the people of Voreion who quickly swore to help.

When they reach the large mountains that only have a few passageways into Voreion, the people begin to dig a large trench while others drench the forest with oil.

"Those two passageways are the only two that will not be burned. I want all of the archers to flank both sides of the passageways. Do not let the enemy through. Those who are mateless and without pups can volunteer to fight with me in the forest. There will be enemy soldiers who will try to brave the fire. So know that the likely hood of survival is thin." Taehyung tells his soldiers as he faces them. "The enemy is the forces of three kingdoms united to destroy Voreion. Those of you who wish to fight in the forest with me, may step forward."

To Taehyung's surprise, many soldiers step forward with fire blazing in their eyes.

"We will protect Voreion with our Queen to the death!" They all shout and bow to Taehyung.

"I will follow you to the very end, my little brother." Jin smiles as he looks at Taehyung.

"To the very end." Taehyung whispers with a nod. "Jimin, on my command, ignite the forest. I understand that the fire will harm me, but I need you to do what I ask of you. Once the fire is ignited, create a barrier and do not let the fire spread to the rest of Voreion." Taehyung explains to Jimin and gently pets his head.

"Your Majesty! The enemy will arrive at dawn!" A scout shouts as he rides towards Taehyung.

"Soldiers! Dig the trenches! Archers! Climb the mountains to your places!" Taehyung commands as he dismounts Thana. "Go home." He whispers to Thana then smacks her rear and sends her galloping home.

"Dig the trenches!" The soldiers of Voreion shout and quickly join the people of Voreion and dig the trench that is to stop the fire from spreading to the rest of the kingdom.

Taehyung and Jin quickly join the soldiers and people and dig the large trench while Jimin takes to the sky and monitors the situation. As Jimin soars through the sky, he sees the large army of thousands of enemy soldiers marching towards Voreion.

Throughout the night, the soldiers take turns with digging, so some can rest. They know to not tire themselves out since that will weaken them before battle.

The moment that the sun peaks over the horizon, Taehyung stands at the edge of the oil drenched forest and faces the direction that the enemy is coming from. He takes a deep breath when Jimin perches on his shoulder then looks at Jin who is standing by his side.