The Stronger It Becomes

CHAPTER ONE: {King Roberto's Spies}

Hello fellow readers. Lovers of art and talents. I've packed a well historical story for the audience to see. I hope you will love it. Please feel free to comment and like it.

Year 768,
*Queen Isabella's Quarters*

The clatter of horse hooves and the rattle of chariots filled the air as soldiers rushed towards the queen's chambers, their swords and shields at the ready. The aroma of sweat and leather wafted through the crowd.

The chief executor's voice boomed, "Brave warriors of Wonderful, gather 'round! Our kingdom faces an unprecedented threat." His words sparked murmurs and worried glances among the assembled troops.

Queen Isabella rose from her throne, her gaze locking onto Lieutenant Antonio's. A shiver ran down her spine, but she held his gaze, her eyes flashing with determination.

"My loyal subjects," she began, her voice steady, "our magistrate has informed you of the danger lurking in our midst. Soul shifters have infiltrated our realm, disguising themselves as our own people. They have taken someone dear to me." Her voice cracked, betraying her emotions.

Antonio's eyes searched hers, sensing the depth of her pain.

Suddenly, an arrow hurtled towards the queen. With lightning reflexes, she drew her sword, deflecting the attack. Pandemonium erupted as soldiers scrambled to locate the assassin.
A soul shifter materialized, unleashing a maelstrom of death. The whirlwind cut down soldiers, but Antonio stood firm, his eyes blazing with resistance. The air seemed to shimmer around him as he transformed into a powerful swordsman.

With a fierce battle cry, he charged towards the soul shifter. Clashing steel and swirling winds filled the quarters. The soul shifter summoned a poisonous flame, but Antonio countered with a blazing blue fire, neutralizing the attack.
As Antonio approached the quarters, the Soul Shifter's malevolent presence intensified, unleashing a maelstrom of poisonous flames. "You asked for this," Antonio coughed, the gusty wind buffeting him.

Queen Isabella, battered and bruised, struggled to rise from the ground, her armies still clashing with the enemy. Yet, she persevered, her indomitable spirit unbroken.

A blinding light enveloped Queen Isabella, reflecting the Soul Shifter's eyes and searing her own. Antonio's invisible shield protected him from the radiant force.

As the light dissipated, Antonio rushed to Queen Isabella's side, lifting her gently. Her frail form leaned against him, defeated and weakened. He swept her into his arms and strode toward the royal chariots.

During the tumultuous ride to his humble abode, Antonio cradled Queen Isabella, pressing a towel to her forehead and holding her close. A faint mark on her chest caught his eye, stirring memories and tears.

As he tended to her wounds, Queen Isabella's gaze locked onto Antonio's. Her fingers traced his cheek, drawing his face closer. Their lips met in a tender, passionate kiss.

The curtains drew shut, lanterns dimmed, and the room succumbed to darkness. The air thickened with tension, whispers, and soft murmurs.

Outside, a curious passerby caught a fleeting glimpse through the ajar curtain. His eyes widened as he hastened to inform the king, unaware of the clandestine tryst.

"We must part before we're discovered," Queen Isabella whispered, her voice husky. The door creaked shut, leaving Antonio with a lasting glance.
As Antonio emerged from the room, he spotted a guard lurking nearby, suspicion etched on his face. His eyes narrowed, and he trailed the guard, convinced he had eavesdropped on the clandestine encounter.

With swift precision, Antonio unsheathed his sword and struck the guard down. The lifeless body crumpled to the ground. Antonio dragged it to a nearby grave, two meters deep, and swiftly buried it. Under the cloak of darkness, he crept back to his humble abode.

Meanwhile, Queen Isabella rode her horse back to her quarters, the Soul Shifter's lifeless body en route to the enchanted room. There, she would unravel its secrets and master its dark powers. Swords in hand, she began to dissect the corpse.

A guard approached, his voice trembling. "Your Highness, I witnessed a military man eavesdropping on your intimate moment with Lieutenant Antonio."

Queen Isabella's eyes widened in shock and amusement. "Who was it?" she demanded.

The palace door swung open, revealing Corporal Louis, her brother. Tears streamed down her face as she grappled with guilt and anguish.

With a heavy heart, she unsheathed her sword, its tip pointing directly at Louis. "Kill him," she ordered, her voice laced with pain.

But Louis, once the king's spy, now stood before her, his loyalty tested. A guard ignited fireworks, signaling danger at the King's Quarters.

Antonio, fortunate to witness the warning, galloped toward the Queen's Quarters. The armies of Jabel halted their rallies and converged on the palace.

Trumpets blared, casting the environment into chaos. Louis engaged Queen Isabella's troops in a fierce swordfight, his movements fluid and deadly.

As darkness enveloped them, Louis summoned a malevolent flame, entrapping survivors against the walls. He closed in on Queen Isabella, sword poised at her throat.

"Are you certain, brother?" she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

"I will not shield a relative who defies the law," Louis declared.

Just as Antonio arrived at the palace, Queen Isabella unleashed a swirling wind, repelling Louis. The force shattered wooden jugs and plates.

Louis regained his footing, unleashing his dark powers, binding Queen Isabella to the wall.

As Antonio burst into the palace, the sound of clashing swords filled the air. Blood splattered the floor. Eyes were quite opened and stiffness engulfed the room.

Thank you guys for reading this story. Of course this is not the end. A second chapter is up next. And of course I knew you enjoyed it. However in order for me to continue, please share the story to friends, love one's and family members. I will not be posting until I get at least 80 views.

In the next chapter, talks more about what happened in the past before year 768. And how it all started. However Antonio is soon to realize his true and exact enemy.
Please make sure to share. Love you guys and next time....