2025-05-11 20:45:55Two days later, Ethan and Celestia traveled a winding trade road outside Avelline as hired escorts for a merchant caravan. This mission—guarding a wagon of fine glassware bound for a nearby city—served a dual purpose. Guild Master Regnas had encouraged them to take it, giving the pair a reason to be outside the city walls and out of Malric’s immediate reach for a short while.
The merchant, a nervous fellow named Halwin, drove the horse-drawn wagon. Walking alongside were Ethan, Celestia, and Marina—a skilled A-rank adventurer with cropped auburn hair. Marina had readily volunteered to join after hearing Ethan would lead the escort. He had saved her life on a prior quest, and she clearly held him in high regard.
“I never did properly thank you for pulling me out of that rockslide, Ethan,” Marina said as they moved along. She gave him a warm, grateful smile. “I owe you one. Again.”
Ethan waved a hand dismissively. &l
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CHAPTER 79: Assault on Northfort
The midday sun blazed in a hazy sky as Northfort shuddered under the barrage of siege engines. Kaelthorne’s catapults battered the fortress walls, each impact sending stone dust and shards showering down on the defenders. On the ramparts, Ethan wiped grit from his eyes and peered at the battlefield beyond. Enemy soldiers encircled the fortress in a bristling ring—infantry massed behind shield walls, archers trading arrows with the North’s bowmen, and two massive siege towers lumbering slowly forward on groaning wheels.“Brace!” a watch captain bellowed. A boulder struck with a teeth-rattling boom, but the walls held—for now.Nina emerged through the swirling smoke to Ethan’s side, flushed but determined. “They’re moving siege towers to the east wall,” she panted, just as a war horn’s blast signaled a renewed enemy push. “They’ll try to storm us any moment!”Ethan grimaced at the
CHAPTER 78: Blackwood Plains
Dawn broke cold and grey over the Blackwood Plains. Ethan’s forces stood arrayed at the northern end of the field, backs to the river. Across the southern horizon stretched Kaelthorne’s army—a dark tide of soldiers and banners beneath the rising sun.Ethan sat astride his warhorse at the center of his line, armor gleaming dully in the weak light. Celestia was mounted beside him, violet cloak rippling as she fixed her eyes on the enemy ranks ahead. Further back by the supply wagons, Nina watched anxiously, clutching her reins.A horn sounded from the Carosso side—long and low. The enemy vanguard began to advance, a bristling wall of spears and shields. Behind them, rows of conscripted infantry and knights on horseback moved in step. Ethan’s jaw tightened as he saw collared beastkin fighters being driven at spear-point to the front. The sight sickened him.Ethan raised a gauntleted hand, signaling his front line of pikemen to hold ste
CHAPTER 77: War Council
The heavy oaken doors of Northfort’s great hall groaned open, admitting a lone royal messenger clad in Carosso’s colors. Ethan rose from the high table as the man strode forward across the stone floor. Around Ethan, a ring of his closest advisors—Celestia, Nina, and several northern commanders—stood in tense silence.The courier halted and unfurled a parchment scroll emblazoned with King Aldric’s seal. His gaze swept the hall, taking in the stern faces and the silver dragon banners draped on the walls. He cleared his throat. "By decree of His Majesty King Aldric," the messenger announced, voice echoing, "Lord Ethan Blackthorne is hereby commanded to disband all armed forces under his command and present himself at Castle Carosso to reaffirm his fealty. Failure to comply will mark him and his followers as traitors to the crown."A flicker of outrage crossed Ethan’s face. He stepped forward, accepting the parchment from the messenger’s hand. The hall was deathly still as
CHAPTER 76: Kingdom Divided (2)
Prince Edwin paced the length of the royal solar, the afternoon sun painting streaks of light across the marble floor. His face was pale, eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep. Outside the open balcony, the city of Carosso sprawled under a haze of tension. From the streets below rose the distant clamor of unrest—voices raised in anger and fear.Kaelthorne watched the young prince silently from a corner of the chamber. He stood quietly in the corner, the picture of calm control. Finally, Edwin spun on him, voice shaking. "Lord Kaelthorne, what in the world is happening out there? The people... they're saying the North is withholding grain. That Lord Ethan means to rebel. Half the city is in panic."Kaelthorne inclined his head, feigning concern. "Your Highness, I won't lie to you. The rumors are spreading quickly." He moved toward the balcony, as if listening to the distant shouts. In truth, his agents had seeded those very rumors since dawn: whispers that Ethan hoar
CHAPTER 75: Kingdom Divided (1)
Sunrise cast a golden glow over the northern fields as Ethan rode along a dirt path, flanked by Nina. Rows upon rows of green potato plants stretched out on either side. Villagers were already at work, tending the rich soil. The air was crisp and filled with the promise of a bountiful harvest.Ethan dismounted near a bustling field. A group of children ran by, giggling, their arms full of freshly dug potatoes. Nina laughed softly at the sight. Her cheeks were rosy from the morning chill, and a smudge of dirt streaked her forehead from an earlier inspection."Lord Ethan!" An elderly farmer approached, wiping his brow. "Look at this!" He proudly held up an enormous potato, soil crumbling off its dimpled skin. "Never seen yields like this in all my years."Ethan grinned and clapped the man on the shoulder. "It’s incredible. This will keep every belly in the North full through winter." He glanced at Nina, who stood shyly by his side. "We have Lady Nina to than
CHAPTER 74: Shadow of Kaelthorne
Kaelthorne stood in the dimly lit throne room, a wraith-like figure draped in midnight robes. The torches flickered against stone walls, casting long shadows that danced around him. King Aldric lay slumped on his golden throne, face ashen with illness. Kaelthorne leaned close, voice a silken whisper."Your Majesty, rest," Kaelthorne cooed softly, placing a hand on the sickly king’s shoulder. His other hand subtly tipped a vial into the goblet of wine at Aldric’s side. "I will handle today's affairs. You need only conserve your strength."King Aldric nodded weakly, too frail to protest. Kaelthorne's lips curled into a satisfied smirk as the king sipped. Each dose of poison did its work, keeping Aldric docile and dependent. Soon, the throne will effectively be mine, Kaelthorne thought, eyes glinting in the half-light.Across the hall, a pair of guards exchanged uneasy glances. They sensed something amiss, but none dared question the king’s favore
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