Sigmond Rygorn

"No, It was enough for you saving us but this time is different." The commander hurriedly deny the proposal without even knowing what the plan was.

"I know of what your thinking commander...Part of the plan would be to keep your son at harms way." As Zion spoke of his son, the eyes of the commander budged as if to burst in disbelief.

"You truly are the Devil...but if it would save many lives including my people and my son's even if in exchange for my soul, I would gladly accept." The commander after kneeling with one foot like a knight, bowed and swear fealty "I promise on my faith and honor that I will in the future be faithful to the lord, never cause him harm and will observe my homage to him completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit."

The nobles were shock at the event but one by followed to kneel also swearing their allegiance.

Drake City.

"Sir we are two days away from Snow Fort, and there is no changes in news. Snow Fort is still on lockdown. They might really be planning to fight and rebel." The soldier who entered the tent reported to a valiant looking knight around 40 years old.

"Hahahahaha...Foolish Duke, he has gone insane. His Pride has affected his sanity. Though he won a battle against 10 thousand strong, he should not underestimate us." "Announce my command: Alert and make preparations for battle prepare for any traps and ambush, deploy all scouts and report any suspicious activity no matter how small." The Royal Knight Commander, was cautious as he has intelligence of what happened to the battle and how Sigmond defeated the enemy.

Snow City

"Commander, there are no movement from the fort. Even during the night activities were the same." The Scout leader commanded, as he observe a normal daily routine from the people there. Though he has difficulty infiltrating, even in a distance he can see smoke from chimneys indicative of cooking, and even occasional patrol change by the guards. "There is only a minor issue with the range of our observation. We could only observe this side of the fort because of the high mountains, it would take at least a week to traverse to the other side." "there is also no news of surrender, we tried sending a messenger but would not answer."

"That is enough information, It is futile for them to escape. The forest is very unforgiving, and even if they survive the harsh forest. The tribes and the enemies outside would prey on them, it is simply suicide to escape. They better surrender or fight the death." "Let the men rest for tonight, they must eat and sleep well. We attack at the break of dawn."

The sun slowly peak at the horizon as the silhouette of the army was in the horizon. Ladders, trebuchets, and many other machinery for siege was ready. And so it started at the first load horn, a barrage of stone was constantly hurled at the fort but there are no reply. Even a single squeak could not be heard. It was a bit awkward situation and the officers of the Royal Knight was in doubt. And so they investigated.

The fort was completely abandoned, there was no single soul at the gates, and everywhere. After careful investigation not only on the fort but the surrounding area finding any means of trap or ambush, they find none.

"Sire, it really was abandoned. but I have news of the commander. Please follow me" A knight escorted the commander to the military office and found the dead body of Sigmond and some of his loyal knights and nobles. The room was chaotic, and gruesome to see.

"The people might have rebelled, and escaped into the woods. We have checked and some tracks are visible that the people escaped. What will we do Commander."

"Let them be, there will be no hope for them at the other side. We will take the fort temporarily until further instructions, and for now prepare the commander and all nobles dead body to be traveled to the capital. Send some messenger birds to the capital of what happened here, and also find some loots that we can use and divide it to the soldiers. Man the walls and all areas" Although the city was small, the soldiers alone could not operate the whole city without people, so they temporarily man the fort for a possible enemy attack.

The commander looked at the dead body of Sigmond but he did not felt anything, he thought that the duke was a nobody at the first place and his faith was inevitable. "If only you have not fall in love with our princess. You would have been a great man." he felt pity and regret after thinking of what could have been the future if not for the princess.

White Stone City (Capital of Luxlor Kingdom)

"You highness, news from Snow Fort. The fort was empty and abandoned, Duke Sigmond Rygorn with his loyal knights and nobles was found dead at the military office. Their dead body is on the now as we speak, the Royal Knight Commander have temporarily taken over the Fort but need further instructions. And as for the citizens, he decided not to follow them inside the dark forest as it will be hazardous to the army." The king was silent at the news, at seems to not be a mistake. He never have imagined an outcome like this. He could not believe that the man he hated the most was dealt by the people he protected all his life, He felt conflicted. His emotions want him not to pity but upon knowing his faith, he could only accept the reality.

"Welcome the generals body, prepare a simple ceremony to honor him. Even though his achievements could not outweigh his mistakes, he still serve the kingdom for a long time." The King after ordering stood up and entered a chamber behind the throne without any facial expression.

At the back of the the chamber the old king looked at a painting of a girl. "Its all your fault, now both of you can enjoy eternity in hell." The king was still in regret of the failed marriage of his daughter. It would have ascended him as undisputed ruler of Luxlor Kingdom.