Chapter 3: The Gathering Storm
810 Words
The second sunrise of the Alliance Summit brought even greater excitement to the capital.
From the palace balconies, banners representing the allied kingdoms fluttered side by side in the cool morning breeze. The streets below overflowed with travelers, merchants, performers, and nobles from every corner of the continent. For the first time in generations, the Kingdom of Azul truly felt like the center of the world.
But beneath the celebration…
Something didn’t feel right.
⸻
Master Kael stood atop the eastern watchtower, scanning the roads leading into the capital.
A young palace guard approached and saluted.
“Master Kael, scouts report that the delegations from Norhaven and Mystral are only a few hours away.”
“And Drakhar?”
The guard hesitated.
“They’ve been delayed.”
Kael frowned.
“Delayed… or waiting?”
The guard had no answer.
Kael dismissed him and continued watching the distant horizon.
His instincts had rarely failed him.
Today…
They were screaming.
⸻
Meanwhile, inside the Royal Academy courtyard, the Royal Vanguard had resumed training despite the festivities.
“Again!” Kael commanded.
Steel clashed against steel as Bashan charged toward Liora with relentless force.
She blocked his strike with the shaft of her spear before spinning gracefully behind him.
Bashan grinned.
“You’ll have to do better than that.”
“I was about to say the same thing.”
Before either could attack again, a wooden practice sword slid between them.
Azul.
“If you two break the courtyard before the summit begins, the King will make us rebuild it.”
Liora smirked.
“He’s probably right.”
Taren stretched lazily from a nearby bench.
“I vote we let Bashan rebuild it himself.”
Brakus laughed.
“I’ll help.”
Nyx, who had been quietly observing from beneath a tree, suddenly stood.
“Someone’s watching us.”
The laughter faded.
Everyone turned toward the academy gate.
A young man wearing dark crimson armor stood silently outside.
He looked no older than Bashan.
A massive sword rested across his shoulder.
His silver hair caught the sunlight as sharp amber eyes studied each member of the Vanguard.
Without asking permission, he walked through the gate.
“I’ve been looking for the Royal Vanguard.”
His voice was calm.
Confident.
Bashan stepped forward.
“You found us.”
The stranger’s gaze shifted from one face to another before stopping on Bashan.
“So…”
“You’re the famous prince.”
“And you are?”
The young man smiled.
“Cassian.”
“Crown Prince of Drakhar.”
The courtyard fell silent.
Drakhar had finally arrived.
⸻
Unlike the peaceful Kingdom of Valeris, Drakhar was known across the continent for its military strength.
Its soldiers were feared.
Its generals respected.
Its warriors rarely lost.
Cassian looked around the courtyard with mild disappointment.
“I expected more.”
Bashan folded his arms.
“What exactly were you expecting?”
“The legendary Royal Vanguard.”
Cassian shrugged.
“So far…”
“I’ve only met children.”
Before anyone could react, Bashan was already standing nose to nose with him.
“You talk too much.”
Cassian smiled.
“And you anger too easily.”
The tension between them became almost unbearable.
Brakus instinctively stepped forward.
Liora tightened her grip on her spear.
Even Nyx slowly rested a hand on one of her daggers.
Only Azul remained calm.
He stepped between the two princes.
“Welcome to Azul.”
Cassian looked at him for a long moment.
“So you’re Prince Azul.”
“I am.”
“I’ve heard stories.”
“I hope they were good ones.”
Cassian chuckled.
“That depends on who’s telling them.”
For several seconds, no one spoke.
Then Cassian laughed.
“I like this kingdom already.”
He turned and began walking toward the palace.
As he reached the gate, he stopped without looking back.
“Oh…”
“If either of you wants to test your reputation…”
He glanced over his shoulder with a confident grin.
“…I’ll be waiting.”
The gate closed behind him.
Bashan let out a slow breath.
“I don’t like him.”
Taren laughed.
“I don’t think you’re supposed to.”
Azul watched the gate thoughtfully.
“No…”
“He wanted that reaction.”
Master Kael, who had observed the entire encounter from a distance, sighed quietly.
“The summit hasn’t even begun…”
“And the first sparks have already appeared.”
Far beyond the capital walls…
A hooded rider watched the palace from a lonely hill.
He pulled a crimson mask from his satchel.
“The kingdoms gather…”
He whispered.
“Exactly as planned.”
With that, he disappeared into the forest.
The storm surrounding the Alliance Summit had begun, though no one in Azul yet realized just how dangerous it would become.
- Writer
