Misbegotten world

Chapter 27: Kings and Demigods

The sun dipped below the jagged peaks of the Forsaken Highlands, casting long shadows across the snow-laden ground. As the armies of the Golden Order descended into the lower lands, the cold wind swept around them, a reminder of the harsh conditions they had endured. After two long months of traversing treacherous terrain, they had finally set foot on stable ground, though the remnants of winter still clung to the landscape.

As the Demigod of War dismounted, he was greeted by Kings Tall and Freyl, their expressions a mix of relief and determination. The two kings exchanged solemn looks before Tall spoke.

"The dwarves have offered their farewells, as well as their hopes for the treaty to remain unbroken," King Tall said, his voice steady despite the cold. "Their departure weighs heavy on our hearts; their strength and wisdom will be missed on this campaign."

"Indeed," King Freyl added, his brow furrowed. "But we must not let their absence deter us. We have a strong alliance here, and we must uphold our end of the bargain. Our first goal is the City of Duval, to reinforce our ranks with House Duven."

The Demigod of War nodded. "You're right. Our unity is our greatest strength. We must make our presence felt in Duval, for the sake of all the houses that stand with us. We may not have the dwarves by our side, but we carry their spirit in our hearts."

As they began to set up camp for the night, the fires were lit, and the soldiers bustled about, eager to prepare for a well-deserved rest. The flickering flames danced against the backdrop of the darkening sky, and the aroma of roasted game filled the air.

As the three leaders gathered around the main fire, the Demigod of War leaned forward, his expression serious. "We must discuss our strategy for tomorrow. Once we reach Duval, we need to assert our authority immediately. The rebel houses will be watching our every move."

King Freyl took a deep breath, glancing around at the gathered soldiers. "We need to send a clear message. Our forces may be fewer in number, but our resolve is unshakeable. The rebels will be hesitant to engage if they see the strength of our combined forces."

"Exactly," the Demigod replied. "But we cannot underestimate them. They have the advantage of familiarity with the land. We must ensure that our scouts are diligent in their tasks, gathering intelligence on any potential threats."

King Tall nodded in agreement. "I will dispatch a unit of winged knights to reconnoiter the area surrounding Duval. They will report back on any enemy movements, and we'll adjust our plans accordingly."

As the fire crackled and the stars began to twinkle overhead, a sense of camaraderie grew among the gathered leaders. They shared stories of past victories, laughter ringing out in the chill of the night.

After a time, King Freyl turned to the Demigod of War. "What do you think the King of House Duven will say when we arrive? He's known for his pride and stubbornness. Do you think he'll welcome us with open arms?"

The Demigod chuckled lightly. "Pride can be a double-edged sword. It can lead to strength, but it can also blind one to reason. We must appeal to his sense of duty to the Golden Order. If we remind him of the stakes involved, he may see that joining forces is in his best interest."

"Let's hope you're right," King Tall replied, his eyes reflecting the firelight. "We have much to gain from our alliance. If we can secure Duval, we can create a stronghold from which to launch our next steps against the rebels."

As the night wore on, the soldiers gathered around the fires, their voices a low hum of camaraderie and anticipation. The Demigod of War watched them, feeling a sense of pride swell within him.