A general born to rule

special look at the other kingdoms

(Author note happy birthday AmbarAnak for being one of my best readers I give you a special page.)

Reynolds’s grand dining hall buzzed with laughter and conversation as Marcus, Empress Valdrianna, Queen Elandra, Sam, Alara, Aislin, Seraphine, and Lira gathered for a celebratory feast. Their recent victory against the slave traders was fresh in their minds, the success creating a sense of unity and triumph among them. Luxurious Valorcrest liquor flowed freely as they enjoyed a rare moment of peace and camaraderie.

As they laughed, a messenger hurried in, presenting Reynolds with a sealed letter bearing the late King Orisi XIV’s mark. The room grew quiet as Reynolds broke the seal, his expression darkening as he read. "It’s from King Orisi XIV,” he began, his tone heavy with both sorrow and anger. “He warned us of treachery. His son—Orisi XV—murdered him, poisoned him to seize the throne. And now he plans to expand his empire through conquest and slavery, undoing his father's legacy.”

A tense silence fell over the table, each of them absorbing the weight of the betrayal. Empress Valdrianna shook her head, her golden eyes flashing with disdain. “To murder your own father for power… Orisi XV is no leader. He’s a tyrant in the making, a danger to all.”

Queen Elandra frowned, her gaze steely. “We know the pain such cruelty brings to families and lands alike. We cannot let this man have free rein.”

Reynolds nodded solemnly. “Orisi XIV was an ally, a monarch who believed in progress and peace, even if his empire was larger than ours. To see his own son turn against him and choose the path of oppression is a cruel reminder of the darkness that ambition can breed.”

Marcus, his jaw set, took a deep breath. “This isn’t just about Orisi XV or his empire. It’s about what we stand for—a future where peace and freedom, not fear and chains, rule. If Orisi XV rises to power unchecked, he will trample every nation that values justice, including ours.”

Sam nodded firmly. “Agreed. Orisi XV is everything we’ve fought against. The alliance we’ve built here is strong, but it’s time to strengthen it further. We can’t ignore this threat.”

Marcus stood, raising his glass as his voice resonated with determination. “Valorcrest and our allies have something he will never have—a shared commitment to freedom and justice. We’ll use every advantage we have, every bit of technology, every ally, to stop him. I’ll send out orders to every unit, from dragonkin to elves, dwarves, and every free nation that stands with us.”

He turned to the communications officer nearby and issued the command, his voice steady and resolute. “Relay the call to arms to Valorcrest and every allied kingdom. Empress Valdrianna’s dragonkin, Queen Elandra’s elves and dark elves, the dwarves, the Freehold Republic, and any others willing to stand against tyranny. Spread the word that we fight not for power but for freedom itself.”

Alara, her hand resting on Sam’s, looked around at the gathered leaders. “Orisi XV may have inherited his father’s title, but he lacks the honor to wield it justly. His hunger for power will be his undoing.”

Reynolds, setting the letter down with finality, looked at each of them, conviction in his eyes. “This is a fight we must win, not just for our kingdoms but for every soul who seeks peace and safety in this world. We’ll make Orisi XV understand that this alliance is more than just politics—it’s a promise to protect the innocent.”

Marcus’s gaze swept the room, his heart swelling with pride and purpose. “Together, we’ll show the people of Valorcrest and beyond that there is still hope. And we will remind Orisi XV that his father’s ideals live on—through us.”

The mood in the hall was no longer simply celebratory. Now, it held a steely resolve and purpose, an unbreakable determination to see this alliance triumph over the looming threat. They toasted together, ready to face the dark days ahead with courage and conviction, their alliance standing as a beacon of hope against the forces of oppression.