Miguel was in his office, absorbed in the task of signing a pile of papers accumulating on his desk. The ink of the quill glided over the paper, tracing the letters and words that would shape the future of his kingdom. His thoughts were divided between daily responsibilities and the challenges that still lay ahead.

A light knock on the door interrupted his concentration. "Enter," he said, straightening in his chair.

The soldier entered quickly, bowing before speaking. "My lord, Ruidahr is here."

Miguel nodded. "Let him in."

Ruidahr entered the office, as imposing as ever, with his upright posture and determined look. Beside him, a slim and agile figure with bright, intelligent eyes: Lysandra, the fox. Miguel stood up to greet them.

"Ruidahr, it's good to see you," said Miguel, extending his hand.

"It's good to see you too, Miguel," replied Ruidahr, shaking his hand firmly. "I brought some blacksmiths and carpenters to help you with your projects."

Miguel smiled, relieved. "Thank you very much for this, Ruidahr. They will be of great help."

Ruidahr gestured towards Lysandra. "This is Lysandra. She has been watching the borders and various regions of your kingdom with her fellow foxes. They are extremely skilled in stealth and espionage."

Miguel looked at Lysandra, impressed. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Lysandra. Your skills are very welcome here."

Lysandra bowed slightly. "It's been a long time... young king."

Ruidahr continued: "Lysandra is here because she reported a battle within your kingdom's borders. She saw some soldiers led by a woman coming this way. We couldn't identify the exact reason, but they will arrive today."

Miguel frowned, thoughtful. The only woman he knew who could lead men like that was his sister, Amelia. But why would she return? He knew she could be unpredictable, but he didn't expect something like this.

"We'll organize a defense immediately," said Miguel, determined. "If it's my sister, we need to be prepared for anything."

Ruidahr nodded. "We'll be by your side, Miguel."

Miguel looked at Lysandra. "Can you and your fellow foxes continue to watch the area and keep us informed of any suspicious movements?"

Lysandra nodded positively with a slight bow.

---

Miguel was on the wall, the cold wind hitting his face as he watched the tree line in the distance. Beside him, Ruidahr, imposing and alert, scanned the landscape with his penetrating eyes. John, the defense secretary, stood on one side, his expression serious and focused. On the other side, Ricardo, always vigilant, adjusted his posture and stared fixedly at the tree line. Above them, seven giant automatic crossbows were ready, capable of firing every two seconds. The tension was palpable, and everyone awaited the approach of the unknown.

Lysandra, the fox, reappeared with quick and silent steps, as was her custom. "They are fleeing, as they are being pursued again," she said, her voice calm and controlled. "Only eight are alive and running... I counted 60 enemies right behind them."

Miguel frowned. "Describe the woman leading the group," he requested.

Lysandra gave a detailed description, and Miguel had no doubt: it was his sister, Amelia. But why would she be pursued?

Miguel's eyes narrowed as he looked intently at the tree line. Finally, he saw the group emerge from the forest, running desperately. His sister and the few survivors were exhausted but still moved with determination. Right behind, a large number of soldiers appeared, some firing arrows and others running to catch up.

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Miguel was momentarily paralyzed by indecision. Doubt gnawed at his mind. Ricardo approached and said, "This is reckless. It could be a trap..."

Miguel knew Ricardo was right, but the sight of his sister in danger was too much for him to ignore. Even after everything, he couldn't be responsible for Amelia's death. "Open the gate!" he ordered, his voice firm despite the internal hesitation.

The gates began to open, and Amelia and her men ran inside without hesitation. For a brief moment, Miguel and Amelia exchanged looks. No expression of recognition, just a silent understanding of the situation. Immediately after the group entered, the gates were closed.

"Fire!" shouted Miguel.

The archers and soldiers manning the crossbows responded promptly. Arrows flew through the air, followed by the sharp sound of the crossbows firing. Several of the pursuing soldiers fell, and chaos ensued among the enemy ranks.

One of the enemy soldiers shouted to retreat, and in a few moments, they all disappeared among the trees. John watched intently until the last silhouette vanished, then raised his hand, ordering them to stop firing.

Miguel took a deep breath, trying to process what had just happened. He looked at Ricardo, who just nodded slightly, acknowledging the difficult decision Miguel had to make. Ruidahr watched in silence, while Lysandra remained alert, ready for any eventuality.

The tension still hung in the air, but at least for now, the immediate danger had passed. Amelia and her men were safe within the walls of the kingdom of Drakmoor.

Amelia and her soldiers were surrounded by Miguel's soldiers, all with spears pointed at the group. The sound of the newcomers' heavy breathing and the rustling of armor filled the air. Amelia, catching her breath, raised her eyes and saw Miguel approaching, accompanied by Ricardo, Ruidahr, and John. She gave a mocking smile, still trying to steady her breathing.

"It's good to see you again, little brother," she said, her tone laden with sarcasm.

Miguel stopped a few steps away, observing the situation cautiously. His soldiers kept their positions, spears firmly pointed at the intruders. Amelia looked around, assessing the spear tips too close for her liking.

"Is this how you treat your little sister?" she continued, the mockery evident in her voice.

Miguel kept his gaze fixed on her, a mix of distrust and concern in his eyes. "Given the circumstances, I can't be too careful," he responded, trying to remain calm.

Ricardo stepped forward, still with his sword in hand, and looked severely at Amelia. "What are you doing here, Amelia?" he asked, his voice laden with authority.

She sighed, as if the answer was obvious. "I was pursued by Aurelio's men. He tried to kill me, Miguel. I came here to warn you and ask for help."

Miguel narrowed his eyes, still uncertain if he should trust her. "And why would he try to kill you?"

Amelia took a step forward, making Miguel's soldiers tense their spears even more. "Because I'm not just a threat to you, Miguel. I'm a threat to him as well. He doesn't want anyone interfering with his plans."

Miguel reflected for a moment, analyzing each word said by his sister. He looked at the soldiers around and made a gesture with his hand. "Lower the spears," he ordered.

The soldiers hesitated for a moment but soon obeyed, retreating a bit and lowering their weapons. Amelia smiled slightly, still catching her breath.

"Thank you," she said, although there was still a tone of sarcasm in her voice. "Now, can we talk like civilized people?"

Miguel nodded, although his expression remained cautious. "Come. Let's go to a safer place to discuss this."

With that, he turned, indicating for her to follow him. Amelia gestured to her men, who approached closer but still maintained a respectful distance from Miguel's soldiers. The tension still hung in the air, but at least for now, the situation seemed under control.

They began to walk towards the mansion, ready to discuss the next steps and the threats approaching, both from within and outside the new kingdom of Drakmoor.

---

Amelia and Miguel were seated in the office. The candlelight cast soft shadows on the walls, giving the conversation an even more serious air. Miguel, with a closed expression, asked again why she was there. "Even if Aurelio wanted to kill you, there are other places where you could exile yourself."

She hesitated for a moment before answering. "I feel safer with you, even if you're a bastard...," she admitted, though the last part seemed difficult to say.

Miguel stood up and went to a side table, picking up a wine bottle and filling a goblet. He handed it to Amelia and then filled one for himself. "I don't understand you. Throughout my life, you ignored me while our brothers beat or mentally abused me."

She remained silent, looking at the wine in the goblet.

Miguel took a sip, observing her. "And now here you are, exiling yourself with a bastard."

She sighed. "Even if you're a bastard, I never had anything against you. I hate what our father did to your mother. No woman should go through that."

Miguel filled his goblet again, taking another deep sip. "And the region you manage? What happened to it?"

"It must have been taken by Aurelio by now," she replied, with a bitter tone.

"And you're okay with that?" he asked, curious.

"I don't care," said Amelia, shaking her head. "All those nobles tried several times to depose me in unconventional ways."

Miguel watched his sister's face, looking for some sincerity. He knew she was strong, but he also knew she hid much more than she showed. "Are you a prisoner here?" she asked.

"No," replied Miguel, firm. "As long as you follow the rules, you can live here."

She seemed relieved for a moment but soon became serious again. "I need to tell you something," she said, leaning forward

Miguel nodded and sat down, ready to listen.

"Aurelio is planning to launch an offensive against your new 'kingdom,'" she said, the words coming out as a whisper.

Miguel showed no immediate reaction, as if he had already suspected this would happen. He remained silent, letting her words settle in the heavy air of the office.

"How many men does he have?" Miguel asked finally, his voice controlled.

"I don't know exactly, but he's willing to use significant force," Amelia replied. "He doesn't just want to defeat you. He wants to annihilate you."

Miguel took a deep breath, trying to process the information. "You've brought more problems than solutions by coming here, Amelia."

"I know," she said, almost whispering. "But I can't change the past. I can only warn you about what's coming."

Miguel looked at his sister, feeling a mix of anger and compassion. He knew she was there for a reason, and although he didn't fully trust her, he couldn't ignore the warning.

"Let's get ready," he said finally. "And if he comes, i will be prepared to face him."

Amelia nodded, her expression determined. "I'll help you, Miguel. As strange as it may seem, we are on the same side now."

Miguel raised his wine goblet, silently toasting to the unexpected and uncertain alliance forming. The battle for the new kingdom of Drakmoor was just beginning.