Prologue

The raging sound of hooves echoed through the valley as a group of warriors passed through it, in gleaming armor with their spears held high in the air. The afternoon sunlight reflected from their polished helmets creates a dazzling spectacle as they move toward their destination.

 The ground trembled with each powerful stride of their steeds, marching in rhythm as they moved toward the towering walls of Eldrador. The man at the front, with a stern expression on his face, is emitting an aura of leadership and determination.

As they moved, Lord Tycon's blue eyes scan everything around him, his long curly brown hair waving in the wind. His muscular physique showcasing his time to build it. And his iron armor shining in the sunlight. The long sword at his side seemed to be a part of his body, a tool honed for battle.

"Lord Tycon, what happened?" Kairos asked, his voice with a hint of curiosity, as Tycon raised a hand to slow down.

"We are near our destination," Tycon replied,

As they approached the gates, the guards on the walls got their attention, their eyes fixed on the approaching army. Tycon's gaze ran across the walls, meeting the eyes of the guards, his piercing intensity seems to pass into their very souls.

With a slow move, Tycon dismounted his horse, the weight of his armor's metal hitting each other. His men followed him.

The air was filled with a sense of tension. Tycon's gaze never flickered, his eyes fixed on the gates as the guards were opening them, to reveal the secrets that lay beyond them with a creaking sound, the gates open, revealing the crumbled city. The once-majestic capital now lay in ruin, the streets filled with rubble and dead bodies. Tycon's eyes opens fixed on the destruction before him, his mind was going to explode as he sees the streets.

"O MY GOD..." Kairos said with a low voice, barely audible over the wind.

Tycon gaze at his second-in-command, his eye showing a hint of anger. "We have work to do, Kairos."

With a nod, Kairos moves his horse forward, the army following them, their armor clanking as they move forward. Tycon's gaze never wavered. As the group passed through the ruins, they finally arrived at the Royal Palace. Tycon raised a hand, signaling his men to stop, and stepped forward alone. A soldier, with a weary smile, greeted him.

"Welcome, Lord Tycon. Lord Kael awaits your presence," the soldier said,

Tycon's eyes narrowed, as he surveyed the palace. The once-majestic structure is now no more than a ruin. With a curt nod, he followed the soldier, his men behind him.

The soldier led him through the palace's fallen halls, the silence between them made Tycon passing through the hall a spectacle to see. Finally, they arrived at the throne room, its doors hanging from their hinges like broken wings. The soldier pushed open the doors and announced Tycon's arrival, his voice echoing through the chamber.

"Lord Tycon, as requested," he declared, stepping aside to allow Tycon to enter.

With a deep breath, Tycon strode into the throne room, his eyes locking onto the figure seated upon the throne. Lord Kael, his piercing gaze radiating an aura of command, gazed at Tycon with an unreadable expression. The air was filled with tension sending a trill to the spune.

Tycon bowed his head, as he greeted Lord Kael with a respectful expression. "Lord Kael," he said, his voice echoing through the throne room. "It is an honor to finally meet you in person."

Lord Kael's expression remained unreadable, his piercing gaze never wavered from Tycon's face. "Ah, Lord Tycon," he replied. "I've heard a great deal about your... works. It's a pleasure to finally put a face to the name."

Tycon straightened, his eyes locked onto Lord Kael's, with an unwavering gaze. "I hope my reputation precedes me in a favorable light, my lord," he said, his tone neutral, yet with a little hint of defiance.

Lord Kael's smile was a thin, curve on his lips. "Oh, indeed it does, Tycon. Indeed it does."

Lord Kael's gaze narrowed, he saw Tycon as he was reading his mind. he asked, "Lord Tycon, tell me about Eldoria. Is it ours now ?"

Tycon's expression remained neutral, as he replied, "Eldoria, my lord, is a land of ancient history and forgotten lore. Its people are resilient and proud, their culture woven into the very fabric of the land itself. As for whether it is ours now or not..." Tycon paused, his eyes locked onto Lord Kael's, "It is ours to take from the beginning ."

Lord Kael's smile grew, his eyes shining with amusement. "Ah, Tycon, you lived up to your reputation. And I think we both know that the Eldorians are in no position to argue. Not after what has happened to their dear Zarkenia." His voice filled with a sense of claiming joy as he stepped up from the throne and patted Tycon.

Tycon was firm and resolute as he reported, "We have emerged victorious in Eldoria, my lord. Duke Asher Flynn and his forces were defeated, and the remaining fled to the mountain ranges. I am happy to inform you that Duke Asher himself did not survive the battle. Our forces remain stationed in Eldoria, awaiting your further instructions.

Lord Kael roams left to right before Tycon, with his expression filled with joy, his eyes never leaving Tycon's face. After a moment of silence, "I see. And what of the Eldorian people? How do they fare under our... guidance?"

Tycon's gaze never left Lord Kael's face, "The Eldorians are... adjusting to their new circumstances, my lord. Some have accepted our rule, while others... require further treatment so they can adapt to their lives. But rest assured, Lord Kael, our control is firm. Eldora is ours, and it will remain so."

Lord Kael's face smile as he continued, "Tycon, there is more at play here than just Eldoria's conquest. The Kingdom of Valtania is under attack by the Blacks from the lykaios side, and Prince Felix Calanthor has rushed back to defend the borders. By order of King himself, I am to aid Prince Felix in this struggle. And I am entrusting you, Tycon, with a crucial task."

Tycon's grip on his sword tightened as he listened intently.

"I am appointing you Lord of Eldoria, Tycon," Lord Kael declared, "In our absence, I need a trusted commander to maintain control and put down any potential revolts. You have proven your worth in battle; now, I charge you with defending our hold on Eldoria."

Tycon's expression remained steadfast, "I will not lose it, Lord Kael. Eldoria will remain under our control."

Lord Kael nodded, his eyes showing his approval. "I knew I could count on you, Tycon. And as for the lands we have conquered, we will be granting Eldrador and the central plains to the dukes and lords that help us launch an attack on the capital, as a gesture of gratitude. But the province of Eldoria and the western provinces will remain under our direct control. You will ensure our grip on this land."

With that, Lord Kael's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with a hint of cunning. "You are now the master of Eldoria's fate, Tycon. Do not disappoint me."