The Storm Arrives

Two days had passed since the scouts reported the Lyrion Empire's military massing on the border, and now a great storm spread its dark reach over the Golden Marches and the cities closest to it. The sky was an ominous gray, and the howling wind carried the scent of rain and conflict.

In the heart of the Asterios Empire's palace, the council chamber was filled with the empire's highest-ranking officials. Emperor Thalor sat at the head of the grand table, his presence commanding and authoritative. Beside him stood Xerxes Ironheart, the Emperor's Champion, and Lyra Sunblade, Sentinel of the Imperial Guard. Aero Stormwing, Sky Marshall of the Imperial Fleet, stood nearby, his expression grave. Duke Briston, Khione's father, was present along with the other Dukes and Duchesses, and the two Great Dukes, whose territories bordered the Golden Marches.

The air was thick with tension as the council members discussed the storm that had encroached upon their lands.

"This storm is unlike any we've seen before," said Duke Andros, his voice edged with concern. "It covers the entirety of the Golden Marches and stretches over our cities. The people are fearful."

Duchess Celeste nodded in agreement. "There are reports of lightning and thunder day and night, yet no rain. It's as if the storm is biding its time."

Emperor Thalor leaned forward, his eyes sharp and focused. "This is no ordinary storm. The Lyrion Empire has the blessing of the Storm Goddess, Kapheira. I suspected as much from their boldness, and this storm confirms it."

A murmur of agreement and unease swept through the chamber. The Dukes and Duchesses exchanged worried glances, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Great Duke Valen, whose territory bordered the Golden Marches, spoke up. "If Kapheira is aiding them, then we must be prepared for anything. Her blessings could turn the tide of battle in their favor."

The Emperor nodded solemnly. "Indeed. But remember, we have our own divine protectors. Astraeus, the Celestial Sovereign, and Artemisia, the War Goddess, watch over us. We must trust in their guidance and our own strength."

Xerxes stepped forward, his voice steady and reassuring. "Our forces are ready, Your Majesty. The Imperial Guard and the fleet are prepared for any eventuality."

Lyra nodded in agreement. "We have been training tirelessly for this moment. The soldiers are disciplined and resolute. They will not falter."

Aero Stormwing added, "The skies are under constant surveillance. Any movement by the Lyrion forces will be detected immediately."

Duke Briston cleared his throat, drawing the council's attention. "What are your orders, Your Majesty? How should we proceed?"

Emperor Thalor rose from his seat, his presence commanding the room's attention. "The appearance of this storm means that the Lyrion Empire is close to their invasion. We must put all our forces on high alert. I want every city, every outpost, prepared for an attack at any moment. Our defenses must be impenetrable."

The council members nodded in agreement, understanding the urgency of the Emperor's command. The room buzzed with the rustle of robes and the clink of armor as the Dukes and Duchesses prepared to carry out their orders.

Thalor continued, his voice firm and resolute. "We will not be caught off guard. Let the Lyrion Empire come. They believe they have the upper hand with Kapheira's blessing, but they underestimate our resolve and the power of the Golden Marches."

Duchess Celeste looked puzzled. "The Golden Marches?"

A knowing smile played on the Emperor's lips. "Exactly. The Ret Raja, or Sand Kings, they are  mythical creatures, giant centipede-like beasts with a potent venom affinity. The land remains uninhabited precisely because of their presence. These creatures have been slumbering beneath the sands of the Golden Marches for centuries, which is why knowledge of their existence is scarce."

The council members exchanged astonished glances. Duchess Celeste spoke up, her voice filled with awe. "I've read about the Ret Raja in my family's records. They're fearsome creatures, truly a force to be reckoned with."

Emperor Thalor nodded. "Indeed. When the Lyrion armies march through the Golden Marches, they will awaken the Ret Raja. These creatures will decimate their forces, weakening them before they can even reach our borders."

Great Duke Valen nodded in understanding. "A brilliant strategy, Your Majesty. The Ret Raja will be our first line of defense."

The Emperor's expression turned grim. "Remember, this is only the beginning. We must remain vigilant. Even if they attack first, we will not push into the Lyrion Empire until the time is right. Their empire will crumble in due time, but now is not the moment for our offensive. We will wait a few more years until the opportune time to strike."

With the Emperor's orders clear, the council dispersed to relay the commands to their respective regions. The storm outside continued to rage, a foreboding reminder of the impending conflict. The Asterios Empire braced itself for the storm to come, knowing that their strength and unity would be tested like never before.

As the council members departed, Emperor Thalor stood silently, gazing out at the darkened sky. Xerxes approached, his voice low and respectful. "We will be ready, Your Majesty."

Thalor nodded, his expression resolute. "Yes, we will. Let them come. The Asterios Empire will stand firm, and the storm will break upon us like waves upon the shore."