The Absolute Surrender

Chapter 29: The Rise of Prophecy

As dawn broke, the soldiers of Ardan's army prepared for their departure, each commander leading their men toward the palace gates. Ardan and Kalen, mounted on their horses, offered final instructions to the commanders. The air crackled with anticipation, and a few encouraging words were exchanged, igniting a fierce resolve in each soldier.

Lilian, Noah, and Roma stood at the rear, watching as the disciplined ranks of soldiers began their march toward Lavitica. Lilian took a deep breath, savoring the peaceful mist of the morning. The tranquility of the dawn made her emotional, and she thought of preserving this peace for the kingdoms. Her mind wandered to Obene and the villagers, wondering where he was now. Despite her pleas, Ardan had insisted on giving Obene time to process his new reality.

The moment was shattered by the sound of running footsteps and galloping horses. Panic surged through Lilian as soldiers scrambled to arm themselves. Emerging from the darkness was Lavitica's flag, and at its center was Marlin, clad in golden plate armor.

"This is an ambush!" Ladryl's voice rang out, amplifying Lilian's fear. Marlin's laughter echoed ominously. "Surprise!" he taunted, his amusement clear as he observed Ardan's shocked expression.

"Did the humans betray us?" Tassein echoed Marlin's implication. Silla's soldiers stared at Victoria and Lilian, twisting the story that was being formulated in their minds.

"Hand Lilian over to me! And maybe, I will end your life painlessly," Marlin threatened with chilling conviction.

Noah stepped in front of Lilian, his body a shield as he sensed the aggression from Ardan's men who were beginning to waver.

"Back off!" Noah called out angrily.

"Let's come to terms, Marlin," Ardan's voice cut through the murmurs, silencing the air and halting his troops.

"You are in no position to negotiate, boy. You are surrounded, and there is no way out for your troops but death," Marlin sneered.

"How dare you insult our King!" Videre shouted at Marlin, his voice filled with rage.

Ardan raised a hand to stop Videre, his eyes locked on Marlin. Before he could respond, a large blazing stone hurtled through the air, landing amid Marlin's men and disrupting their formation.

That was their opening.

Kalen seized the moment, swinging his sword with precision, cutting down soldiers as they approached. Another firestone arced through the night sky, adding chaos to the enemy ranks. The screams of battle filled the air as combat erupted, and Lilian felt herself being pulled away. Her gaze was locked on Victoria, desperately trying to catch her mother's attention, but Victoria was also being removed from the scene.

"Noah, we need to get my mother back!" Lilian said in utter desperation.

Noah understood her plea but, glancing sideways, saw two enemies advancing toward them. He had no choice but to focus on their immediate threat.

Kalen saw Lilian's distress and turned to her. "Is it true?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Lilian's heart raced. Facing the harsh reality of her lineage, she felt the weight of the truth bearing down on her. Her hands trembled as she swallowed nervously, her gaze reflecting a painful resignation. "Yes," she managed to say, her voice barely a whisper.

Ardan, spotting the dark-haired man maneuvering the catapult, felt a surge of recognition. "Obene..." he whispered.

Obene saw Ardan's gaze and smiled back. He saw Ardan raise his bow and release an arrow, which narrowly missed him but struck an enemy behind. Obene caught his breath, realizing how close he had come to being hit.