New beginning

After the battle, Karthas and Gunther, accompanied by the few surviving knights, returned to the village. Gunther surveyed the scene of destruction with a heavy heart. "There is much work to be done," he remarked, his voice filled with determination.

Karthas, lost in thought, gazed at the ruined village. The words of Gartak lingered in his mind, casting a shadow over his thoughts.

Noticing Karthas's troubled expression, Gunther asked, "What is bothering you?"

Karthas hesitated, then replied, "Gartak's final words... He mentioned that he wished he could see my face when I return home."

As Karthas spoke, a messenger arrived, shouting from a distance, "Urgent letter for Master Gunther!"

The urgency of the message added to the tension in the air. Gunther took the letter, his brow furrowed with concern, and read its contents. His expression grew graver as he absorbed the news.

"Our home is no longer," said Gunther, his expression grave.

"What do you mean?!" snapped Karthas.

"It's the orcs! They burned down the order! I must return!" Gunther said, his voice heavy with regret.

Karthas's eyes narrowed. "And what of me?" he demanded. "Am I to be left here, to rebuild this village alone?"

Gunther placed a hand on Karthas's shoulder, his touch gentle but firm. "You are not alone, Karthas," he said. "There are others here who need your leadership and strength. You are a prince, and this village looks to you for guidance in this dark time."

Karthas shook his head, his frustration evident. "But I want to fight alongside you," he said, his voice betraying his inner turmoil.

"I know, Karthas," Gunther replied, his tone sympathetic. "But sometimes, the greatest battles are not fought with swords and hammers. Sometimes, they are fought with compassion and rebuilding what has been lost."

Reluctantly, Karthas nodded. "I understand, master. I will stay and help rebuild the village,"

As Gunther mounted his horse and rode off towards the order, Karthas watched him disappear into the horizon. A sense of duty weighed heavily on his shoulders as he turned back to the village. He spotted a man nearby and called out to him, "Call the village chief."

The man hurried off, and soon the village chief arrived, a look of concern etched on his face. "What is it, my prince? How can I help?" he asked, approaching Karthas.

Karthas took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking. "Gunther has returned to the order," he explained. "I must stay here and help rebuild the village."

The village chief nodded understandingly. "We are grateful for your help, Karthas. The village has suffered greatly, and your leadership will be invaluable in the rebuilding efforts."

"Gather all the men in the plaza. I will be waiting there in thirty minutes," he ordered with authority.

The village chief bowed respectfully. "Yes, my prince," he replied, acknowledging the order.

Karthas then approached the remaining knights and issued a directive. "You will be tasked with training the men here in martial skills. There are six of you, and some are wounded. Choose ten villagers to train, rotating them and yourselves for breaks."

"After everything is done, vengeance awaits us!" Karthas declared, his tone tinged with fury.

He then proceeded to the plaza as planned, accompanied by the village chief, and addressed the men gathered there. "Men of the village," he began, his voice steady and strong. "We have faced a great tragedy, but we will not be defeated. Together, we will rebuild our home, stronger than ever before!" he paused, then added with determination, "and I promise you that vengeance shall be yours."

The villagers cheered for their charismatic prince, chanting, "Long live the prince!"