Chapter 421: The Start of The South Eastern War
The dawn was gentle, a pale golden light stretching across the fields, revealing a hazy, mist-covered world. The early morning mist hovered above the ground, turning the surroundings into an ethereal painting. Lyan stood silently at the front of his troops, watching the distant movements of the Varzadian forces. His eyes narrowed, his gaze focused and calculating, the edges of his lips turned downward in a slight frown. This was it—the moment he had been preparing for, the beginning of their stand against the invading Varzadians.
His elite soldiers, hardened fighters with years of experience, remained quiet and calm behind him, their expressions ranging from stoic determination to barely-contained anticipation. They were ready. This wasn’t just about a kingdom or territory. It was about defending their people, their families, their homes. The soldiers were armed and prepared, each one knowing their role in the fight to come.
Beside Lyan stood Wilhelmina, her armor gleaming in the faint light of dawn. She carried herself with the confidence of a seasoned warrior, her eyes sharp as she scanned the enemy lines. The Valkyries—Surena, Emilia, and Alice—took their positions with precision, their armor shining under the early morning sun. The way they moved, with practiced ease and perfect coordination, was proof of their readiness.
Lyan’s mind drifted back to the conversation he’d had with the rest of his companions before dawn. They had gathered in the large tent, the air thick with tension. Belle, Xena, Alina, and the others had all insisted on joining him on the battlefield, their eyes filled with determination. It had taken all of Lyan’s patience and authority to convince them otherwise. He had explained, in as calm a tone as he could muster, that their strength would be far more valuable supporting from behind—using their magic and tactics to aid the main forces.
"Please, understand," Lyan had said, his voice steady but with an undertone of urgency. "I can’t afford to have any of you at the front lines. Not today. We need every bit of support we can get, and that means you stay here."
Belle had crossed her arms, her expression defiant. "You think we can’t handle ourselves out there?"
Lyan had given her a small smile, shaking his head. "I know you can handle yourselves. That’s not the point. The point is that I need you alive, Belle. All of you. I need you where you can make the most difference."
There had been a long pause, and then Alina had nodded, her eyes softening. "We trust you, Lyan," she had said quietly. "Just... come back to us."
He had nodded, a weight lifting off his chest as they finally agreed. He knew they didn’t like it, but they trusted him, and that was enough. They were his family, and he’d protect them at all costs—even if it meant keeping them away from the fight.