As the sun sank behind the hills, the lords and captains gathered in the war room.
A large round table made of hardened wood and reinforced metal stood in the center—its surface carved with the fortress layout, soldier positions, weak points, and enemy camps. It was built for one purpose alone: war.
"The right tower is the perfect spot for an assault," one captain said, pointing sharply. "The foundation there is older than the rest. The walls are rotten. We attack from there."
Another man shook his head.
"No. We starve them. Cutting their supply lines is the best option."
"Shut it," a third snapped. "A direct strike at the gate is better. Those doors are weak and easy to break."
The room descended into chaos—men shouting over each other, throwing out ideas that were as reckless as they were foolish.
Only after several loud seconds did Regis finally raise his voice.
"My lord. Knights. Everyone present here—this is not how we plan a siege."
He turned to Jim. "We scouted the fortress a week ago. Jim. Tell them what you saw."
Jim pushed himself up from his chair, cleared his throat, and drew every eye in the room.
"Well… I did scout the enemy," he began. "And let me tell you, none of the so-called 'weak spots' you mentioned are real. The fortress has been rebuilt—almost like new. Starving them could work, yes… but they receive constant reinforcements. The moment we start a siege, they'll march on us. We have, at best, one week to take the place before their backup arrives."
A tense murmur spread across the chamber, but before it grew louder, Jim stepped closer to the table and pointed at a small mark carved near the wall.
"However… during my scouting, I found a narrow pipe. Three or four men could crawl through without being noticed. I don't know what's on the other side—but it's the best chance we have."
Silence fell. Confusion rippled through the room.
Lord Losh was the first to speak.
"Send four people through a pipe? And what exactly will they do once they're inside? And who would even go?" He raised his hands in disbelief. "There are over a thousand orcs in that fortress. It's suicide."
Regis rose to his feet—anger sharp in his eyes. He marched toward Losh, grabbed him by the collar, and hissed:
"Then fuck off, you cowardly cunt. We don't need men like you here. Even my niece has more courage."
He shoved Losh backward and turned to the others.
"This is our best shot to take the fortress and secure our border. It's risky—yes. But if you're scared, then leave the godsdamned room and spare us your whining."
Silence returned. Heavy. Unmoving. Even the wind didn't dare slip through the cracks of the walls.
"Lord Regis speaks truth," said a young man seated in the corner.
He stood. "I'll volunteer."
"I will go as well," an older man added.
"So will I."
"And me."
Edward, who had been leaning against the doorway, finally stepped forward and approached the map.
"I'll go inside too," he said calmly. "But we need to move fast. Before the rains come and block the roads. We will discuss rest of the plan when we reach the place and examine the pipes up close"
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Then let's kill these bastards," Regis growled. "And show them who we are—once and for all."
The army was prepared by dawn. More than twelve hundred trained men, armed and armored, ready for war. Their marching echoed like thunder—the kind poets and bards would sing of for years.
"My lady, you cannot come. It's far too dangerous," Regis pleaded, kneeling with worry carved into his face.
Edward watched from the side. Jim drank from a bottle—maybe the last drink he'd enjoy for a while.
"Uncle," the Duchess said firmly, "I cannot send my soldiers to battle while I sit behind walls in safety. I will come. And nothing can change my mind."
"It's dangerous," Regis insisted. "Orcs are filthy creatures. If one of them somehow slips past our lines and takes you—"
His eyes shifted toward Edward.
"Edward. Help me. Tell her how dangerous this is."
Edward studied her quietly.
"Well… it is dangerous. And stupid for you to come, my lady."
He took a bite of meat. "But your presence will boost morale. Soldiers fight harder when their ruler stands with them."
Jim raised his bottle.
"Still a massive risk, miss. If we lose… gods know what they'll do to you. Actually, you already know."
"I'm aware," she said, unwavering. "And I still choose to come. No—I will come. That is an order from the duchess."
Her gaze moved from Regis to Edward—sharp, serious, determined.
Edward sighed. "If you insist, then there's no stopping you. But being among soldiers is rarely pleasant."
She turned to her uncle. "Please, Uncle. I'll be fine."
No one could resist that face—not even Regis. After a long breath, he finally nodded.
"Fine, my lady. But you'll have extra guards at all times."
Her face lit with joy.
At noon, they finally departed. Most of the army had already advanced.
Edward rode behind the lead column—Regis and the Duchess at the front, Jim to his right.
Together, they marched toward the Jin Mountain Fortress—a mission that would decide the fate of the land.