Chapter 226: The Duke and the King
The battlefield around the capital was a cacophony of clashing swords and battle cries. Tillian, Stanis, Kassian, and Yanad led their troops with unwavering determination, their blades gleaming under the morning sky as they pressed forward against King Euris’s forces. It seemed like victory was within their grasp, their combined might slowly but surely overpowering the enemy.
Tillian’s eyes locked onto King Euris, who stood at the heart of his faltering army. With a nod to his soldiers, he advanced, his massive black sword held high, ready to clash one-on-one with the king. The two leaders faced each other, the tension between them ready to ignite.
King Euris’s lips curled into a sneer as he lifted his sword, matching Tillian’s stance. "Even if you defeat me here, Duke Valentine, you will still lose this war."
Tillian’s eyes narrowed. "And why is that?"
Euris’s sneer deepened. "There is no way Aideen has defeated Queen Fleur. Once she returns, your victory will be meaningless. The queen will destroy you all."
A surge of anger flared within the duke, but he kept his voice steady.
"Your arrogance and reliance on others make you pathetic, Your Majesty. Without the queen, you are nothing. You’ve let yourself be bewitched, and now you resort to pathetic attempts to save yourself by hiding behind her power. You were never a good king. Once you are gone, people will finally be free. Regardless of the outcome, I will fight you. I have to."
Their swords clashed with a resounding clang, each strike filled with the fury of their convictions. The duel was fierce, their mighty swords creating sparks as they collided. The ground beneath them trembled with each powerful blow, the soldiers around them momentarily pausing to witness the epic confrontation.
Suddenly, the ground started shaking violently. Tillian paused, his sword raised mid-strike, as he felt the air grow cold. Snowflakes began to fall, swirling in the chilling breeze. Confusion spread across the battlefield, and then someone screamed, "Dragons!"