The arena had never been this loud before.It seemed the sight of people fighting for the throne amused the audience.Thousands of voices echoed through the massive stadium, crashing against the stone walls like waves against cliffs. Nobles filled the upper balconies. Soldiers lined the lower stands. Merchants, travelers, and commoners crowded every available space.The tournament had reached the duels aspect. No more teams or strategy, this was the time for everyone to face their fate.It was Just two people stepping into the arena and proving who deserved to remain.Kael stood near the contestant platform, his arms folded across his chest as he watched the attendants prepare the fighting grounds.Beside him, ome of the contestants leaned against the railing.“The next match should be interesting.”Kael didn’t reply because he had already seen the names and he knew exactly who was walking into the arena.Lysera and Rykal.She said she was ready, but Kael new the prince was vicious,

The morning after Lysera’s duel, the tournament grounds were louder than ever.Everywhere people gathered, they talked about the same thing.Prince Kael.Lysera said she was sure he had a fan group now, and she was trying not to get jealous.Everyone kept on speaking about the prince who had jumped into the arena. The prince who had stopped Rykal.The prince everyone had spent years calling weak.Now nobody seemed quite sure what to call him anymore.Kael ignored the stares as he made his way toward the central arena.Contestants from every kingdom were already arriving again.He realized that since Rykal almost killed a fellow player, the commander had opened a slot for new contestsants but Kael didnt know why.Some looked nervous and one even nodded at Kael respectfully. That was new.Kael found his place among the remaining competitors.There were only ten of them left now. The tournament players were getting smaller.Across the arena, Rykal stood with his arms crossed.nHis express

The valley shook beneath the thunder of charging horses.Dust rolled across the battlefield in thick clouds, swallowing the afternoon sun until everything turned a dull shade of gold and brown. Hundreds of hooves pounded against the earth, the sound growing louder with every passing heartbeat.Kael didn't move.His soldiers watched him instead of the approaching cavalry.The old veteran scratched his beard.".Prince?"Kael calmly folded the map and slipped it into his belt."Everyone's finally here."One of the younger soldiers looked horrified."There are hundreds of them!""There are," Kael agreed."And you're smiling.""I am." Kael said with a grimaceThe veteran narrowed his eyes. "You planned this."Kael looked toward the charging army. "I've been planning it since the moment I ignored the fortress."The old man blinked. "You wanted them to unite against us"Kael nodded. "They were never my target."The soldiers looked confused and Kael pointed toward the distant fortress."The f