Chapter 72:Whispers of Betrayal: Unraveling Secrets in the Mystic Tempest

The tension in the witch's realm heightened as the queen moved to a sphere-shaped mirror, casting spells that transformed everything into smoke. The scenes unveiled from where Prince Rogba invoked the gods—a tumultuous battlefield filled with thunderstorms, heavy rain, and winds colliding. Chaos ensued, destroying everything and everyone, with rain so scorching it turned deadly. The enemies perished, spiritual forces disappeared, and spells broke, rendering charms useless. Witches struggled, unable to fly or disappear, trapped in the winds. Amidst this, the wounded general crawled desperately, covered in blood.As the magical mirror shattered and returned to its normal form, Prince Rogba questioned the unfolding events. "What just happened?" he asked, his voice betraying confusion.

"Someone is behind his absence. The tracking spells show a magic user, likely responsible for forbidden magic. It might be him or another kingdom holding the general hostage," the queen revealed, her tone dripping with suspicion."How can I trust you?" Prince Rogba challenged, skepticism evident in his voice."You can see we are struggling to survive as well. Now, my ancient staff," she demanded, her eyes locking onto the prince."I can't unless you help us find the general," Prince Rogba retorted, chuckling. "You didn't keep your promise. I do. You failed us first, so it's a conditional deal or not," he asserted.

"Our lives and safety rest in your hands. We'll accept your deal," the queen said, though the discomfort among the other witches was palpable.

Back in the north, armies prepared to march back to their respective regions, including other kingdoms. The second prince arranged alliances with other kingdoms, and the soldiers chanted songs of victory. The wounded received care from doctors as priests fortified the troops.

Prince Rogba materialized in the royal palace, where an air of anticipation enveloped the waiting royal subjects and advisors. The king, filled with both curiosity and pride, rose from his throne and called out to his son.

"Son!" The king's voice echoed through the hall.

"Father," Prince Rogba responded, demonstrating respect by prostrating. However, the king halted him from completing the gesture, his expression a mixture of inquiry and concern.

"What happened? I heard of victory. Why did you invoke the gods? We've trespassed forbidden acts. We don't consider the kingdom safe from the wrath of the great Oyo empire and other kingdoms with whom we have mutual relationships from afar," the king expressed his apprehension.

"Yeah, that's the truth..." The subjects and council echoed in chorus.

"We had no choice!" Prince Rogba's voice rose, cutting through the anticipatory silence. "The battlefield was not for the amateur. We fought with our lives to defend our kingdom. It wasn't easy. I thought we'd perish, but we made it. The witches betrayed us; the wizards remained silent. All other forces stayed quiet. They used forbidden spells. The dead awakened and fought mercilessly. It seemed like the world was ending, but they can't break the spell unless their queen dies. You know how valuable their queen is. Once she dies, the witches will be attacked. Many homes will be destroyed, and other wars will begin. We humans won't stay silent. Where two elephants fight, the grass suffers most. I was left with no choice. We fear no one; we don't fear the empire," his words resonated, and a tangible tension surged through the Oyo empire.

"Our general is missing!" The atmosphere shifted dramatically as Prince Rogba revealed the unsettling truth. The tension in the room escalated, leaving the royal subjects and advisors grappling with the realization that victory came at a heavy cost – the absence of their esteemed general. The once-celebratory mood transformed into a somber acknowledgment of the challenges that lay ahead. The fate of the general and the looming threat from the Oyo empire hung heavily in the air, casting a shadow over the kingdom's recent triumph.