He's a battle-hardened knight; she's from the modern world.
He has faced the unthinkable, while she was sheltered in comfort.
His body and soul bear scars, but she still believes in wonders.
He seeks redemption and peace, and she craves true love.
B...
At the height of the war, the armies of Valtharia and Aradon met near the town of Nighhelm. Both armies prepared for the imminent battle, facing each other on either side of a vast field. The first rays of dawn lightened the skies, colouring them in pale red hues, and everyone anticipated the impending clash.
The Aradonian warriors bore armour and banners adorned with a golden lion. The beast stood on its hind legs against a dark blue background. This symbol of courage and regal strength steeled them to defend their homeland.
The Valtharian soldiers carried their own emblem: a majestic black eagle with wings spread wide, its claws grasping a silver sword. Above its head, a golden crown signified their aspirations for power and domination. All was set against a bold red backdrop.
At the sound of the battle horns, archers drew their bows tight and unleashed a flurry of arrows that darkened the dawn sky. They descended like hawks on both armies, mercilessly striking their prey. Screams filled the air as men fell. Some silently slumped to the ground; others clutched at arrow shafts protruding from their flesh. Amid the chaos, commanders, raising their swords high, shouted for the charge.
The warriors surged forward with deafening roars, trampling the fallen beneath their boots. As they collided at full speed, steel clashed against steel, and banners bearing the lion and the eagle fluttered wildly amidst the fierce battle.
In this chaos, William, a formidable Aradonian warrior, threw himself into the fray. His heart thundered in his chest, and a thrill surged through his veins. With nothing left to lose and everything to gain, he fought with reckless abandon, as if he were the living embodiment of the fierce lion on his chest. But though bold, he was also calculated, which helped him persevere in the most brutal fights.
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On the other side, Gerald, the young prince of Valtharia and the only son of King Hartbert, fought with prowess belying his age. Streaks of dirt and sweat marked the prince's face, yet his focus remained unbroken as his sword met each enemy with lethal accuracy.
As fate would have it, William and Gerald's paths crossed in the carnage of battle. The prince aimed his sword at William, who spurred his horse toward Gerald, ready to unseat him. As royalty and the beloved son of King Hartbert, Gerald would be a valuable capture to force the Valtharian king to make concessions.
"William of Aradon!" Gerald shouted, raising his hand as he understood William's intention. "Fight me as the warrior you claim to be, or prove yourself a coward! Only one of us walks away from this field today!"
"You'll find no coward here, Gerald!" William shouted back, pulling on the reins. "If you seek your fate, I'll gladly be the one to deliver it!"
Both knights dismounted and charged toward each other, swords brandished high.
Soldiers nearby instinctively stepped back, creating a rough circle around the combatants—the duel could decide the entire battle. Meanwhile, the broader fight continued in the distance with its cries and clamour.
