The dawn broke over Vel Dragan, painting the palace walls in gold and crimson. Mist hovered over the River's Crescent, curling like spectral fingers. Silas stood atop the eastern balcony, watching the distant horizon where the first banners of Arizon's army could be seen creeping across the plains. His golden eyes narrowed, the weight of command settling over him like a living thing.
Behind him, Damian waited silently, ever the shadow, ever alert. The city was alive with movement—messengers rushing through cobbled streets, soldiers sharpening blades, training drills echoing against the marble halls—but Silas' focus was on the war that had been looming for months.
He turned to his generals gathered at the palace courtyard: Alberto, Gregor, Marvus, Ryker, and Alric, each standing at attention.
"Alberto, Gregor," Silas said, voice even but cold, "you will each take 500 men and advance to Draw the Arizon army toward Arcan Plains. Keep them moving, engage if necessary, but do not allow yourselves to be pinned. Their supreme commander, Argen Lamenos, will be watching. Make sure you lead him exactly where I want."
Alberto cracked a confident smirk. "Understood, my Emperor leave it to us
Gregor, older, disciplined, and calculating, simply nodded. "We'll drive them towards arcane plains without fail
Silas' gaze shifted to Marvus, who stood slightly apart, calm and measured. "Marvus, Vel Dragan remains under your supervision. Some of the Draken Vanguard will stay with you. If Arizon detaches troops toward the city, you'll intercept. Discretion and readiness are paramount."
Marvus inclined his head. "Vel Dragan is secure, Your Majesty."
Silas finally turned back to Damian. "You remain with me I will be theone taking command of the entire army
With that, the war plan was set. Alberto and Gregor gathered their forces—1,000 men in total—half-mounted, half-infantry, their spears and armor glinting in the early sun, mana coursing faintly along their weapons.
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The Visit to Empress Dowager Catalina
Before the march, Silas sought the counsel of his mother, Empress Dowager Catalina. In the quiet chambers of her private wing, the room smelled of polished wood and aged parchment, sunlight streaming through embroidered drapes.
"My son," Catalina said softly, though her eyes were sharp and alert. " i hear You will march to war while the throne remains vulnerable what will you do if the nobles decide to rebel while your gone
Silas' voice was calm but commanding. " i know Mother, that is why I have come to ask that you hold the empire in my absence. Keep the council in line. I will leave members of the Shadow Intelligence with you. If any noble dares move against the crown just give the order they will know what to do
Catalina's lips curved into a small, proud smile. "ok if your sure my son Leave them to me. I will see to it that the throne will not fall while I watch over it.
Silas nodded, placing a hand briefly over hers. "Good I will leave the empire in your capable hands mother I trust you will be safe
Silas then turns and walks away
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The March
By mid-morning, Silas' main army assembled at the River Crescent plains, the banners of Eldarion snapping in the wind. Draken Vanguard at the forefront, followed by infantry, cavalry, and mage units, each moving with disciplined precision.
Alberto and Gregor rode ahead, leading their 1,000-man detachment toward Arizon's scouts. Every movement, every skirmish, every false retreat was calculated, designed to bait Arizon deeper into the open terrain of Arcan Plains, where Silas' full might would be unleashed.
Alberto's cavalry surged in sudden bursts, charging forward just long enough to provoke arrows and mana spells from the Arizon skirmishers before pulling back in perfect timing, leaving gaps for pursuit. Gregor's infantry formed staggered defensive lines, trading blows with enemy detachments, then retreating in measured steps, luring Arizon's forces farther into the plains. Mana flares lit the horizon as Alberto's and Gregor's men used spells sparingly, enough to create the illusion of a larger, more aggressive force.
Arizon scouts reported back constantly to their commander, Supreme Commander Argen Lamenos, who began to shift his main force toward the chase. Each feint, each controlled engagement, was a thread pulling the Arizon army deeper into the trap Silas had prepared.
Along the way, Silas rode with Damian, their eyes scanning the horizon. "Argen Lamenos," Silas murmured, tracing the expected location of Arizon's commander with a finger on the map, "if he is as strong as they say this will be a challenge. Alberto and Gregor must keep him distracted while also drawing him arcan plains
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The Gathering Storm at Arcan Plains
By the afternoon, the flat expanse of Arcan Plains stretched endlessly, tall grass whispering in the wind. Mist from the morning had lifted, leaving heat and tension thick in the air.
In the distance, Arizon's banners appeared, the steel glinting as cavalry formed ranks, infantry tightening formation, and siege engines rumbled ominously. At the center, Supreme Commander Argen Lamenos rode atop a black destrier, cloak snapping in the wind, eyes scanning for weakness.
Alberto and Gregor's detachment maneuvered with precision, constantly weaving through the enemy's advance, provoking charges, pulling back, and drawing them deeper toward the open plains. Alberto's horsemen thundered across the flanks, forcing Arizon's cavalry to stretch and break formation, while Gregor's men feigned disorder, enticing infantry units to follow blindly. Skirmishes erupted along the edges of the plains—lightning-quick cavalry clashes, flares of mana illuminating the dusky horizon. Every attack, every feint, every withdrawal was orchestrated to lead Argen exactly where Silas wanted.
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Silas' Army Approaches
As the sun dipped toward evening, Silas surveyed the plains from a nearby ridge. His army moved into position, banners unfurled, the ground trembling with the march of thousands. Magic wards shimmered faintly along the flanks, set by General Alric Vey and Julian Hartmann, while artillery and siege units readied themselves in silence.
Damian rode alongside him, voice low. They've are approaching my Emperor Alberto and Gregor have uphold there end now it our time
Silas' lips curved slightly. "listen up my soldiers the time is now steel your resolve and harden your battle spirit for today eldarion will rise a step further.
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