Chapter 53: Whispers of Rebellion**
In the heart of Eldoria Kingdom, within the heavily guarded prison, an unexpected event unfolded. A massive whirlwind swept through the narrow passage, rendering all soldiers and guards into a deep slumber. As the whirlwind dissipated, it transformed into the figure of the general.
"General!" Lord Cedric exclaimed, surprised by the sudden appearance of the commanding figure.
"How did you come in?" Lord Cedric inquired, his astonishment evident.
"You underestimate the initiation I've undergone, blending the forces of the heavenly realm and the earth. I am as immovable as the mountains untouched by thunder," the general proclaimed confidently.
Lord Cedric, still puzzled, questioned, "What about the guards and soldiers?"
"Ah, sleep has overtaken both the old and the young. They all rest now," the general explained with a smirk.
Skeptical of any potential alliance, Lord Cedric expressed his reluctance, "If you're here to seek my cooperation, I cannot serve such a cruel king."
"You have no choice. Our queen is missing, bounties are on the heads of the sixth and seventh princes who have fled, and the youth are being forcibly conscripted into the military. The kingdom is in disarray, and we need to restore balance. Join me, and together we can plan to retrieve our queen and bring stability back to Eldoria," the general urged.
Curious, Lord Cedric inquired about the plan.
"The crime minister has initiated a secret search for the queen. There are talks of faking her death to confuse Maximus. I'll arrange for your release by appealing to Maximus, but once out, follow my lead. I plan to free the mage to aid in the queen's search, as I do not trust the crime minister. Maximus is also amassing forces to invade Polasis Kingdom, and he's forcefully growing the army," the general disclosed.
Lord Cedric, reflecting on the historical ties with Polasis Kingdom, expressed surprise, "Polasis was once part of our kingdom, and we've maintained a good relationship. Why would Maximus invade them?"
"Maximus's greed knows no bounds. With control over the troops, manipulation becomes easy. Stick to the plan; we can dethrone him together. Trust in your wisdom; we can bring about change," the general asserted.
Lord Cedric, understanding the gravity of the situation, reluctantly agreed. The general, satisfied with the alliance, materialized away, leaving the prison in an eerie silence, harboring the whispers of rebellion that echoed through the stone walls.