Chapter 38: Nameless Swordsman
The cold air reeked of sweat, blood, and smoldering wood. Orion wiped a streak of dirt from his cheek as he scanned the battlefield. The River Kingdom had fallen, but it wasn't enough.
Securing one more castle wouldn't seal their victory.
That meant only one thing.
He needed both.
He turned to his commanders—Juno, Isolde, Felix, and Darius. They were battered, bruised, streaked with dirt and blood, but their eyes still burned with fire.
"The Mountain Kingdom and the Plains Kingdom," Orion said, his voice calm but firm. "We take them both."
Juno scoffed, cracking her knuckles. "You sure about that? We're barely holding together as it is."
"We don't have a choice," Orion replied. "If we take just one, someone else might snatch first place. We split up. Juno, you will lead the attack on the Mountain Kingdom. I'll take the Plains Kingdom."
Felix let out a slow breath. "So we're spreading ourselves thin?"
"We don't need to hold them long," Orion said, brushing his fingers over his chin in thought. "Just keep the Mountain Kingdom busy long enough for me to take the Plains Kingdom. Their walls are too strong for a fast assault, so you don't attack—just lock them down."
Silence stretched between them. Then Juno's slow, wolfish grin broke the tension.