The Call to Arms

Narrator: The air in the Rose Empire buzzed with tension as Emperor Sei, with a heavy heart, summoned his sons to gather the army for an imminent conflict with the Lu Empire. The news of the impending war had spread like wildfire, and the soldiers awaited their Emperor's command.

Emperor Sei: (addressing Jara and the First Prince) Gather the army. We must prepare for war.

First Prince: (nodding) As you command, Father.

Narrator: The brothers, driven by a sense of duty and determination, set out to assemble the Rose Empire's forces.

Chapter 32: A Father's Speech

Narrator: As the army assembled, Emperor Sei, flanked by his sons, stood before the soldiers. The weight of his words hung heavy in the air.

Emperor Sei: (addressing the troops) My sons, we face a grave threat. The Lu Empire demands the enslavement of Prince Jara, and we cannot yield to such tyranny.

Narrator: The soldiers listened in somber silence, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation.

Emperor Sei: (continuing) If we fail, Jara will become a slave. But I ask you to remember who Jara is, not just as a prince, but as a comrade who fought alongside you in the past.

Narrator: Emperor Sei's words triggered a collective flashback for the soldiers, transporting them to a time five years ago when the Rose Empire faced a formidable orc threat. Jara, then not as a prince but as a partner in arms, had left an indelible mark on each soldier.

Soldier 1: (remembering) Jara fought with us in the orc war. He ate the same rations, faced the same hardships.

Soldier 2: (recalling) I remember when he jumped to protect us from an orc, risking his life.

Narrator: The soldiers reminisced about Jara's equality, humility, and selfless acts during that harrowing time. The camaraderie they shared forged a bond beyond the prince-subject relationship.

Narrator: The soldiers, fueled by memories of Jara's leadership, felt a surge of determination.

Soldier 3: (pounding his chest) We won't let Jara become a slave! We'll fight with everything we have!

Soldier 4: (nodding) For Jara!

Narrator: The fire of loyalty and brotherhood blazed within the soldiers, ready to face any adversary for the sake of their prince .

Narrator: As the soldiers rallied behind the cause, emotions ran high among the leaders. Emperor Sei, the First Prince, and Jara himself witnessed the fervor of their army.

First Prince: (whispering to Jara) Look at them, Jara. You've earned their respect not as a prince, but as a true leader.

Jara: (moved) I never thought they'd remember.

Narrator: Tears glistened in their eyes as they observed the soldiers' unwavering commitment.

Narrator: Emperor Sei, although deeply moved, maintained a stoic demeanor, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Emperor Sei: (raising his voice) Soldiers of the Rose Empire! We shall face this threat together. If we must fight, we fight for our freedom and for the integrity of our family.

Narrator: The soldiers, their spirits ignited by the Emperor's words, raised their weapons in unison.

Narrator: The air resonated with the collective shout of the Rose Empire's army, a proclamation of their unity and determination.

Soldiers: (shouting) For Jara! For the Rose Empire!

Narrator: The resounding cry echoed through the empire, a testament to the unyielding spirit of a people ready to defend their prince and their way of life.

Narrator: As the soldiers prepared for the impending conflict, Emperor Sei, the First Prince, and Jara exchanged a silent vow amidst the clamor.

Emperor Sei: (looking at his sons) We will not cry. Only the Lu Empire's soldiers will shed tears.

First Prince: (resolute) Even if we must face the harshest of fates, we shall protect Jara.

Jara: (with determination) I am proud to lead such a brave and loyal army.

Narrator: The unspoken commitment forged in that moment fueled the Rose Empire's resolve, setting the stage for the impending clash that would determine the fate of Jara and the kingdom.