Chapter 28: A King's Burden

Roland began his day with a familiar ritual. "System check-in," he muttered, hoping for something that might ease his growing burdens. As the system chimed in, Roland could only sigh, anticipating the usual assortment of useless rewards—a book on magic, perhaps, or a golden trinket of no real value.

"Sign in successful! Congratulations to the host for receiving Lagrandian City Guards*100."

Roland's eyes widened in surprise. A hundred elite guards were a formidable asset, but the reality of his situation quickly tempered his excitement. His kingdom was already stretched thin, struggling to feed its current population. Adding a hundred more mouths to the already meager rations seemed irresponsible, if not outright impossible. With winter tightening its grip, food was becoming scarcer by the day, and Rapid City was barely holding on through fishing and hunting. The influx of refugees into the city only worsened the situation.

Carlos entered the room, the creaking of the damaged wooden door reminding Roland that repairs were yet another task on the growing list. "Sir, the horses are ready."

Roland nodded, his mind already on the journey ahead. "Let's go. We need supplies, and we need them soon."

Accompanied by ten knights, Roland set off toward River Valley City. The sight of the frozen Long Lake reminded him of the devastation his kingdom had suffered. The ruins of Changhu Town loomed in the distance, a grim testament to the destruction that had ravaged his lands. Roland clenched his fists, silently vowing to rebuild what had been lost. Carlos, riding beside him, seemed eager to explore the ruins once more, hoping to scavenge anything that might be of use.

As they approached the gates of River Valley City, a lone guard stepped forward, raising his spear. "Stop here! Identify yourselves!"

The soldier squinted at the flag Roland carried, then his eyes widened in recognition. "King Roland?"

Roland smiled faintly. "I'm here to see Bard."

The guard hesitated only a moment before nodding. "I'll inform him. Please wait here."

Within minutes, Bard appeared, his face lighting up with a broad smile. "Roland! It's good to see you."

Roland returned the embrace. "And you, Bard. But I'm afraid this isn't a social visit. I've run into some serious trouble."

Bard's smile faded as he listened. "What's happened? Are you facing an orc army?"

Roland shook his head. "No, it's not orcs. It's something far more insidious—famine and cold."

Bard's expression darkened. He knew all too well the toll winter could take on a struggling kingdom. "Famine and cold..." he echoed, his voice heavy with understanding.

Roland explained his dire need for supplies. The population in Rapid City was growing faster than he could provide for, and the winter was proving harsher than anticipated. The two kings, both of whom had seen better days, exchanged a weary glance.

"After Smaug's attack, the people of Long Lake Town have been barely scraping by," Bard admitted. "Without the woodland elves, I don't know how we would've made it through."

"I was hoping to find some tools and food from the dwarves of Iruber," Roland continued, outlining his plan. "It's our only hope of making it through this winter."

Bard sighed, the weight of his own struggles evident in his eyes. "I wish I could offer more, but we're barely getting by ourselves."

After a brief but somber farewell, Roland and his knights pressed on towards Iruber. As they approached the mountain city, the dwarves' industrious nature was on full display. They worked tirelessly, hoisting stones and repairing their gates, seemingly unbothered by the biting cold.

"Greetings, King Roland!" A familiar voice called out. Balin, with his unmistakable snow-white beard, stepped forward to greet them.

"Balin!" Roland exclaimed, relieved to see a friendly face.

The dwarven leader bowed respectfully. "To what do we owe the honor of your visit?"

Roland quickly explained the dire circumstances his people faced. "My people are suffering. We need food and tools, anything you can spare."

Balin's expression grew serious as he listened. "This is indeed a grave matter. Come, I'll take you to see the king."

As they followed Balin into the heart of the mountain, Roland couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. He had always known that ruling a kingdom was no easy task, but the harsh realities of winter had brought a new understanding of just how difficult it could be to keep his people safe and fed.

For now, all he could do was hope that the dwarves would be able to provide the aid he so desperately needed.

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