Kael's Pov
The palace felt different today and everyone moved quietly like they were afraid to make noise.
I walked through the halls doing final inspections and everywhere I looked I saw warriors sharpening weapons and checking armor.
The eastern wall was still broken and workers were trying to patch it but they would not finish in time.
"My king" a young warrior named Derek said when he saw me "is it true we leave for the Black Woods tomorrow"
"Some of us do" I said "but most of you will stay here to defend the palace"
"We will not let you down" Derek said and the other warriors nearby nodded.
"I know you will not" I said "and I want to thank all of you for your loyalty and for fighting even when you are afraid"
"We are not afraid" one warrior said but his voice shook.
