Kael tightened the strap on his gloves as he stood at the head of the assembled squad. The Blue Knights had already lined up in formation, their armor glinting under the bright summer sun. Wagons and mounts stood ready. The clatter of last-minute preparations echoed across the open field outside the duchy gates. The dry wind carried both heat and anticipation.
Ruth had not skimped on resources. The force he assigned was strong—disciplined knights, elite vanguard, logistical support, and well-forged arms. Kael appreciated it… but it was the mysterious "helper" Ruth mentioned that kept nagging at him.
"Helper?" he had asked earlier, raising an eyebrow as Ruth handed him a sealed scroll with a single key attached.
"There is someone who will assist you during your stay in the capital," Ruth replied, tone clipped and unyielding, revealing nothing more.
