Duncan woke up very early that morning. He picked up his sword and carefully sharpened it before heading out to meet the guards for their early-morning training. With war approaching, there was no time for rest.
He moved swiftly, swinging his sword from one position to another, blocking attacks with precision. Each guard struck at him in turn, but Duncan defended himself effortlessly. In the blink of an eye, all six guards lay flat on the ground. Duncan had won.
"You know, practicing this early in the morning is not good for you," Ruby said as she approached, accompanied by her maid. "It weakens you—especially when you have not eaten at all."
"Mother, there is a war coming," Duncan replied fiercely, sweat dripping down his face as he continued to swing his sword. "Either we win or we lose. There is no time to waste. As for food, a warrior thinks of eating only after the enemy has been defeated."
Ruby sighed. "Then eat and preserve your strength and strategy until the battle begins. For now, food is very important—unless you plan to fight with no energy at all." She signaled for him to follow her to the dining hall.
"Alright, Mother. I will join you shortly," Duncan said, helping the guards back to their feet.
After assisting them, Duncan rushed to the dining hall where his mother awaited him. The food was served, and once he had eaten, he took a quick bath. Soon after, he mounted his horse and rode to the palace for the war council.
After several minutes of discussion, the king entered the chamber.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," the lords and chiefs greeted in unison as King Alexander took his seat on the throne.
"Do any of you have a plan for the upcoming war?" King Alexander asked. "We need a solid strategy. We cannot afford to lose this battle—no matter the cost."
"Do not worry, Your Majesty," Lord Aiden said confidently. "I have arranged for additional soldiers, cannons, swords, horses, and arrows. Everything will be delivered in no time. We have nothing to fear."
"This war is not about weapons alone," Lord William countered. "We need a strong strategy and skilled soldiers to execute it. This is war—not a royal display."
After a long hour of debate, it was finally agreed that more soldiers would be recruited, weapons secured, and a solid strategy put in place for the coming battle.
Following the meeting, Duncan went to visit Lord Skender at his mansion.
"It has been a long time since you last saw your sister," Lord Skender said as they walked inside. "She misses you."
"I know," Duncan replied. "That is why I came to surprise her. I even brought her gifts as an apology."
"Well, look who we have here," Althaia said angrily, folding her arms. "So you finally remembered me?"
"Are you upset because I did not visit?" Duncan asked nervously. "I have been busy, but I am here now to make it up to you. Look—I brought you flowers. I know you will love them."
There was a moment of silence. Then Althaia burst into laughter, followed by Lord Skender. Duncan stood there confused—until they all began laughing together.
"Look at you," Lord Skender said jokingly. "You frightened the boy. Even I was scared for him."
"Never mind," Althaia said warmly. "I know my brother is now a man. He would never forget me on purpose. Besides, he works at the palace—it is normal for him to be busy. I am not angry with you."
"I truly thought you wanted to throw me out of your house," Duncan said, turning to Lord Skender.
"Well, if we keep talking, the food will grow cold," Althaia said with a smile. "Come on—let us eat."
They all walked toward the dining table together.