After the last victory, the royal army was fully motivated. Although the news that the king had been rejected by the gods was still everywhere, the impact was not as strong.
The stalemate went on for a while, as both the royal army and Lord Aureline’s forces needed to recuperate.
The battle in the sixth region was a lot easier. First, the third prince was illegitimate, so he did not have many noble lords backing him. Once a skilled general took over the battle, his forces began to lose strength.
Moreover, the Duke of Ironhaven had led his n to ensure they stayed trapped.
After a few weeks, Lord Aureline’s side beca restless. After all, they had limited access to resources.
Lord Aureline went to see the seer.
"What are the gods saying? In two days or less there might be a battle."
The young seer looked at Lord Aureline and began to consult the gods.
"You will not die in the next battle. Prepare well," the seer said after a while.
"Death? I want victory," Lord Aureline could not stand getting half information.
"Lord Aureline, the gods reveal as much as they will. Prepare well for the battle. If you don’t trust them, they can appoint soone else," the young seer said. He was also confused. The star of a ruler no longer stayed on King Edward, but it was not resting on Lord Aureline either.
The young seer wondered if his master had made a mistake.
Lord Aureline bit his tongue to hold back his anger. Could he back out now after everything? "Of course not." He could only return and make plans with his advisors.
The battle in the second region broke out at dawn.
Mist still hung over the fields as King Edward’s army moved forward. The ground was wet with dew, and the sound of marching feet mixed with the low call of horns. Soldiers tightened their grips on spears and shields. Faces were tense but determined.
King Edward rode at the front.
He had followed the plans Ernest had sent him. Instead of attacking head-on, the army split into two groups. One moved openly, drawing the enemy’s attention. The other circled through the hills, silent and fast.
Soon, steel t steel.
Arrows flew through the air. Shields clashed. The sound of battle rose like thunder. n shouted orders, cried out in pain, and pushed forward through blood and mud.
"Hold the line!" a captain shouted.
"Advance! Don’t let them break through!" another answered.
Lord Aureline’s soldiers fought hard. At first, they gained advantage. Just when Lord Aureline saw a chance to break through, the other royal army team attacked from the other side.
This move was unexpected. "Crazy," Lord Aureline thought. He could already tell that this was not King Edward’s usual way. Soone must have advised him.
"Hold the line! We have the gods on our side!" Lord Aureline shouted.
His n were moved. It was unclear if it was because of Lord Aureline’s words or if they were just fighting to stay alive, but they were being pressed from both sides. Slowly, their lines began to break.
On a small rise, King Edward watched the field.
"They’re retreating," a general said beside him.
"Don’t let them escape," Edward replied. "Push them toward the valley."
He instructed as he joined the battle himself.
The plan worked.
Lord Aureline’s forces were driven back step by step until they were trapped between the hills and the river. Smoke rose from burning carts. Horses scread. Panic spread among the n.
Edward saw his chance.
"There," he said sharply. "That banner. Aureline is there."
King Edward understood the war would co to an end once Lord Aureline was captured or killed.
The royal guards charged forward. The fighting grew fierce around Lord Aureline’s position. Several of his n fell. For a mont—
Lord Aureline looked at King Edward and his n advancing quickly. He could tell that his n had lost the will to fight. He wanted to retreat, but they were pressed on both sides.
He had no choice but to grind his teeth and step forward to continue fighting. He would rather die fighting than be captured.
Edward drew his sword.
"This ends today," he said.
But then a horn sounded from the east.
A ssenger rode in fast, shouting warnings. Lord Aureline had received new information. A hidden mountain path had been opened to him.
"Retreat to the mountains!" Aureline shouted to his n.
Hearing there was a path to retreat, the n who had lost their will to fight pushed for a chance to escape.
A few injured soldiers from Aureline’s side also escaped. The will to live was strong.
"Pursue," King Edward instructed. He wanted to end the war.
The royal army moved forward, but when they reached the edge, they were confused, unfamiliar with the path.
"Your Majesty, I say we leave them. Given the loss today, he will lie low for a long ti. Moreover, going into the mountains might be a trap," a general advised.
King Edward balled his fist, clearly dissatisfied with the outco. But he knew the general was right and raised his hand to end the pursuit.
The royal army had won the battle, but not the war.
King Edward stood among the fallen, his sword still in hand. His jaw was tight.
"At least we have gained full control over the second region," the general encouraged.
Edward felt pleased by it. The banner of victory was raised, and the soldiers cheered.
The news of the victory spread quickly.
ssengers rode day and night, carrying word that the royal army had taken full control of the second region. Villages along the road closed their doors. It was clear that many from the second region believed that King Edward had been rejected by the gods.
Along the way, Edward even heard a few praying for Lord Aureline’s safety. They all believed that there was hope as long as he lived.
Their actions reminded King Edward not to relax.
"Send spies into the mountains," he ordered. "Watch every path."
"And if we find Aureline?" a commander asked.
"Kill him," Edward said coldly. "Do not let him escape again."
The king believed that only the death of Aureline would clear his na. As long as he breathed, there might be a chance for future war.
Small groups of soldiers were sent out. They moved quietly, following tracks, questioning villagers, watching the mountain passes. But Lord Aureline was careful. It seed he had disappeared into thin air.
King Edward remained in the second region for a few more days. Lords that betrayed the royal family were punished, and new rulers were set. After securing the region, Edward finally prepared to return to the royal city.
A ssage was sent ahead to the royal city. The news of the king’s return, after being gone for over four months, brought joy.
The army marched back in good order. Their spirits were high.
When the news reached the palace, Queen Elizabeth acted at once.
"The king is returning victorious," she announced. "The city must welco him properly."
The palace was cleaned and decorated. Banners were hung along the streets. Bells were prepared to ring. The nobles were invited to attend the welco celebration.
For ten days straight, there was celebration on every street. Queen Elizabeth set up stands and gave out free als to the poor. Prayers were held in thanksgiving.
On the day the king returned, the gates of the royal city were wide open. The streets were filled with people.
Anastasia was also dressed to enter the palace.
"Maybe you should stay back," Ernest said, looking at Anastasia’s big stomach. In the last month, her stomach had grown so large that the physician said she was likely carrying twins.
"No, I have to join the fun." Anastasia felt very restless staying at ho. She was usually soone who preferred peace. Ernest could not help but feel that her pregnancy had influenced her mood.
"Fine," he agreed, unable to refuse further. Anyway, given the situation, nothing serious should happen.
Ernest left early, as he had to welco the king at the gate, while Anastasia only needed to join the other noble won at the palace.
When the sound of marching was heard, the people gathered on both sides of the road. So cheered. So watched in silence. But all eyes were on the approaching army.
King Edward rode at the front, his armor marked by battle. Dust covered his cloak, but his back was straight and his gaze firm.
"The king has returned!"
"Victory to His Majesty!"
The cheers rose as he entered the city.
Lord Williams and the others ca out specially to welco the king and followed the group to the royal palace.
From the palace balcony, Queen Elizabeth watched him arrive, her expression calm and proud.
She hurried to welco him with the other noble won at the palace gate.
King Edward felt proud in that mont. He thanked everyone and declared the beginning of the celebration.
The celebration began at once, with music, wine, and praise for the king’s triumph.
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