A kingdom of Ash and Echoes

Chapter 22- Prince Cedric

The Kingdom Varyndal

Prince Cedric sat in his study, sunlight spilling over polished wooden tables, maps of northern territories spread before him. A month had passed since the rebellion in Avaranth had begun to threaten the kingdom's borders, and Cedric had received the letter requesting his aid. He read it again, carefully weighing the words. The King of Avaranth, though commanding and proud in tone, had subtly requested reinforcement against the rebels, signaling urgency and a reliance on Cedric's judgment.

Cedric leaned back in his chair, swirling wine in a goblet, his sharp eyes narrowing as he considered the situation. The letter implied that the king expected to coordinate directly with Cedric's forces, to lead troops alongside him—but Cedric was not a man who followed instructions blindly. He prized strength, leadership, and capability above all else. He would only commit his army fully if the sovereign of Avaranth personally came to his kingdom to receive him and plan the campaign.

"Interesting," Cedric murmured, placing the letter on the table. "They seek my aid... yet they cannot even travel to meet me. Bold, or perhaps naïve." He tapped a finger against the seal, thinking through the implications. If the king was unwilling or unable to make the journey, it could reveal weakness, illness, or indecision—qualities Cedric could not afford to tolerate in an ally, especially with rebellion threatening the northern borders.

He called for his chief advisor, a wiry man with sharp features and an eye for strategy. "Bring the army to readiness. I will provide support to Avaranth—but only if their king comes here personally. We march together, and I must see the sovereign's strength before committing fully to battle."
The advisor hesitated. "Your Highness... the letter implies urgency. Waiting for the king's arrival could give the rebels time to fortify positions or strike further into the northern lands."
Cedric's gaze hardened, calculating. "Precisely why I require their presence. A capable leader can withstand the pressure of travel, of diplomacy, of coordination. The king must prove they are fit to command, to inspire their army, and to coordinate with mine. Otherwise, any alliance would falter at the first challenge."

He rose from his chair, pacing along the study, eyes tracing the maps before him. The northern territories were treacherous, dotted with hills, forests, and rivers that could favor ambushes. Coordination with Avaranth's army was critical, yet Cedric would not place his soldiers at risk for a sovereign whose ability to lead remained untested. He considered the route, the supplies, the contingents he would need to send to meet the northern army halfway, and the signals he would use to communicate readiness.
Cedric's mind returned to the king himself. The letter suggested confidence, perhaps bordering on arrogance, but he could detect subtle undertones. The king was aware of appearances, careful with phrasing, and likely conscious of political optics. Cedric admired the finesse, even as he remained wary. Leadership was revealed not just in words, but in action—and Cedric intended to see this king in action before committing fully.
"Marshal the army," Cedric commanded. "Ready the scouts. Gather the supply wagons and ensure every soldier is briefed for a long march. We will meet the Avaranth king here, at our stronghold, before we move to the northern borders. Every step, every route, every contingency must be planned in advance."
His chief advisor nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. Shall I prepare the royal guards as well to receive the sovereign and observe their capabilities firsthand?"
"Indeed," Cedric replied, a faint smirk forming. "I wish to see how the king carries themselves, how they command respect, and how they adapt to the unexpected. Our kingdom's strength cannot depend on appearances alone. The sovereign must prove their mettle before we risk our forces in the field."