The tent, massive and imposing, stood amidst the vast plains like a lone sentinel against the encroaching darkness.
Inside, the air was thick with tension as Lord Achilles, clad in regal red armor, stood at the center, surrounded by his trusted advisors, nobles and warriors.
"The men are ready, Lord Achilles. The army of Styx has mobilized, and it seems they have us cornered in these plains," a soldier rushed inside the tent and announced, his voice tinged with urgency.
"Who gave you the right to enter this tent, you lowly scum, bow to us immediately!!!." Victor, a general of the nobility faction, shouted at the soldier who barged in, clearly he felt insulted by his presence. 'These days anyone can be a soldier.' He thought and looked at Achilles, his gaze mocking him as he blamed him for these social changes.
"Let him in Victor Theodore gildengurd, he is a messenger, no matter if he brings us the news of doom, come child approach the table." Said one of the generals who wore the insignia of the redhearts family, flamis redheart. Clearly he was from the faction of nobles that supported achilles.
The soldier found these words encouraging and approached the table, his hands shivering picked the quill and dipped it into red ink and on the map draws 3 lines near their current position, showing that they are really surrounded.
Those in the tent gasped and choked on Their salivas, gulping a mouthful of saliva, they looked towards Achilles,"my lord this is a dire situation." The noble faction shouted.
Achilles, his features chiseled with determination, surveyed the room. His gaze fell upon Apollo, his second in command, whose eyes burned with a fierce resolve.
"Have the League of Light arrived?" Achilles inquired, his voice echoing with authority.
Apollo's jaw tightened. "I fear they won't come. The elves have turned a blind eye to our plight, even when our lives are at stake," he replied, his voice edged with bitterness.
"Calm yourself, Apollo," Achilles said, his tone firm yet reassuring. "Anger and rage will not serve us now. We must focus on the task at hand."
Apollo knew that nobility was a curse and Achilles had to make a hard decision for the kingdom.
Achilles turned to face the gathering. "The situation is dire indeed...," he began, his voice ringing out with a commanding presence.
"....But we will not falter. We are the defenders of the Phoenix Kingdom, and we will fight to the last breath. Most of you here are born of high blood, nobel, fierce protectors of the previous empire. I, who is born of low blood you so call king today, am a humble being compared to you. Will having a noble blood save you from the coming disaster?!!.... " Achilles paused and then continued.
"....But today is a day we cast aside these blood ties, throw away the pride, and burn your privilege, today we fight for one land, for one people, for hope. Will you spill your blood for me and this land?" As Achilles roared, his heart raced and even seconds seems like lifetimes as he waited for the crowd to answer.
"We will, for the kingdom!!!! For Achilles!!!" The noble crowd who supported him roared.
With this the tension in the room seemed to dissipate, replaced by a sense of grim determination. The warriors nodded, their eyes ablaze with a fierce loyalty to their king.
" Now all of you, Please see to it that we are prepared for the coming fight." Achilles ordered.
But as the noble faction against him filed out of the tent, their faces sour with the current information of impending doom, their faces showed despair. Victor leading the charge rushed out of the tent.
"Apollo my brother, lets have a walk to the Drag-hangars." Achilles motioned.
"As you wish my king."Apollo exclaimed, much to his surprise, As Apollo was from the faction that opposed Achilles but their personal ties were strong.
With a solemn expression, Achilles approached his trusted companion.
"There is something you must know, Apollo..." Achilles began, his voice low and urgent.
"...Should the worst come to pass, there is a task that only you can fulfill."
Achilles took out a scroll with the seal of phoenix, and passed it to Apollo.
Apollo's brow furrowed in confusion, he knew what the seal meant, but he nodded, his gaze unwavering from the scroll and accepted it, he knew this could only be opened it with the embers from the eternal fire, that was in the capital city.
"Can I trust you with this, Apollo?" Achilles continued, his eyes searching Apollo's for understanding.
" I will Protect the kingdom, no matter the cost." Apollo's resolve hardened, his jaw set with determination.
"You have my word, Lord Achilles. I will not fail you." With a nod of acknowledgment, Achilles continued to walk with Apollo.
They left the tent and continued walking.
Outside the tent, the sounds of injured echoed across the plains, These were the soldiers who were injured in the previous battle, a constant reminder of the impending threat to both the men.
"The fate of the kingdom is hanging in the balance, only through courage and sacrifice could we hope to emerge victorious." Achilles mumbled as he surveyed his surroundings.
' These people fight in my name, ready to give their lives for me, I must do what needs to be done...!!!' Achilles thought in his head, while walking with a sad face.
Apollo noticed this and he too surveyed the injured, the sheer number was staggering, the last battle with the forces of styx was devastating.
"Lord Ach....iles..." A soldier laying on the bed made with straws, he was missing an eye and with burnt marks, He tried to get up but failed, nonetheless he saluted with fervor even though he was in pain.
"At ease, you need to rest. What's your name soldier? " Apollo asked while holding the soldier's hand.
"Gavius, my lord." Said the soldier with whatever energy he could muster.
"Gavius, son, i bless you for you have served the kingdom valiantly. I shall see to it that your family is well kept, Get well fast, we have a lot to do." Apollo stoked Gavius's head softly and turned around to look at Apollo and said "Apollo arrange it."
Apollo nods and waves to his attendants who were standing a few feet behind. 'Pompous fu'k, ordering me around when your going to fight your last battle.!'
Achilles and apollo continued their walk to the drag hangars. As they reached the drag'hangars A man fully clocked in black leather, his features hidden with a black mask, approached Achilles along with two others in the same attire.
"Lets talk up there." Achilles said with a nonchalant face and raised his hand signalling everyone around to give them space.