The Punishment, Part I

From the towering vantage point of the castle's tower, Aideen and Yuraon watched with bated breath as Prince Valon's formidable army approached. The sight that greeted them was daunting—a seemingly endless sea of soldiers, their armor glinting menacingly in the faint moonlight. The sheer size of the approaching force sent a shiver down Aideen's spine, and she exchanged a worried glance with Yuraon beside her.

"It's larger than we anticipated," Yuraon murmured, his voice tinged with concern.

Aideen nodded grimly, her eyes narrowing as she observed the army's relentless advance. "Valon's obsession with alchemy may have turned him mad, but he remains a coward, hiding behind the backs of others."

As the army drew closer, their footsteps thundering like an approaching storm, the princess' heart raced with anticipation. She knew that their carefully laid trap awaited them—a network of disguised trenches designed to lead the enemy forces to their graves.