The room was silent, save for the rustling of maps and the occasional murmur of discussion, as the nobles studied the layout of Ardentia, their eyes tracing the paths of the enemy armies. The air was thick with tension, the weight of the impending battle hanging over them like a shroud.
Suddenly, Lord Thane Stonefist's voice boomed through the room, his words like a crack of thunder. "Wait, the army in the south is a lot closer to Dragon's Teeth, my seat, than Burning Valley. If Corvus moves quickly, he could reach my fortress before we can respond."
The nobles' eyes snapped to the map, their faces set in concern. The Dragon's Teeth were a crucial stronghold, and if Corvus were to capture it, the entire kingdom would be at risk.
Sir Garrick Blaze nodded, a fierce glint in his eye. "And before Valen reaches Erenhall, he will have to face Redkeep, my fortress. We can use it to slow his advance and buy time for our defenses."
The room erupted into a flurry of discussion, the nobles debating and planning, their voices rising and falling as they weighed their options. The possibilities seemed endless, and the stakes were higher than ever before.
Cyrin Darkfire watched the exchange, his eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew that the fate of Ardentia hung in the balance, and the next move would be crucial.
Duke Harlen's voice cut through the din, his words commanding attention. "We must prioritize our defenses. Lord Thane, can you hold the Dragon's Teeth?"
Lord Thane nodded, his face set in a fierce expression. "I can hold it, but I will need reinforcements. The walls are strong, but Corvus is not one to be underestimated."
The room fell silent, the nobles weighing their options, their faces set in determination. The battle for Ardentia was about to begin, and the stakes were higher than ever before.
King Kael's voice boomed through the chamber, his words like a clarion call to battle. "Sir Ryker Blackwood, I order you to take your Blackwood Knight Order and Lord Maric Oakenshield's Armored Knight Order to Redkeep as soon as possible. You must reinforce Sir Garrick Blaze and prepare to face Valen Ashencrow's army."
Sir Ryker Blackwood nodded, his face set in a grim expression, his eyes gleaming with a fierce intensity. "It will be done, Your Majesty. We will hold Redkeep and crush Valen's forces."
King Kael continued, his voice unwavering. "I will send half my Holy Flame Knights to Dragon's Teeth, to reinforce Lord Thane Stonefist and defend his stronghold against Corvus's attack."
The nobles nodded, their faces set, as they scribbled notes and whispered orders to their aides. The plan was taking shape, and the armies of Ardentia were preparing to face the enemy.
Lord Maric Oakenshield spoke up, his voice like a shield slamming into place. "We will ride at once, Your Majesty. Redkeep will be defended."
As the nobles began to disperse, Cyrin Darkfire caught King Kael's eye, his gaze burning with a fierce intensity. The fate of Ardentia hung in the balance, and the battle for the kingdom was about to begin.
The room emptied, the nobles and knights rushing to their posts, their hearts pounding with anticipation. The armies of darkness were closing in, but the defenders of Ardentia were ready to stand firm.
Harlen's voice rose in objection, his face red with concern. "Your Majesty, these reinforcements are not enough! We can't split our forces too thin, or we'll be vulnerable to attack on all fronts."
King Kael's expression was resolute, but he listened to Harlen's concerns, his eyes narrowing as he weighed the options.
Just then, Lord Arin of the Unyielding spoke up, his voice like a battle cry. "I will go to Burning Valley myself, with my Crimson Shield Knights. We'll defend it to the death."
Sir Bracken, the gruff but loyal leader of the Warhammer Knight Order, nodded in agreement. "I'll go to Dragon's Teeth with my Warhammer Knights, Your Majesty. We'll crush Corvus's army and hold the fortress."
The room fell silent, the nobles looking at each other, weighing the risks and benefits. King Kael's eyes swept the room, his gaze lingering on the determined faces of his lords and knights.
"Very well," he said finally, his voice firm. "Lord Arin, take your Crimson Shield Knights to Burning Valley. Sir Bracken, take your Warhammer Knights to Dragon's Teeth. We'll do everything we can to hold our ground."
The nobles nodded, their faces set, as they prepared to ride into battle. The fate of Ardentia hung in the balance, and the armies of darkness were closing in.