-- a month earlier ---
Miguel's two brothers, Aurélio and Humberto, were seated in a meeting room lit by chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. At the table with them were several army officers and the king's envoy, Erondir. The atmosphere was charged with tension and expectation as Humberto explained the situation.
“We have assembled an army even larger than our initial estimates,” Humberto began, his voice filled with pride and determination. “We now have a total of 7,000 soldiers ready for the campaign. In addition, we have managed to recruit 200 mages of all types to assist in the battles. They will be essential in breaking any resistance Miguel might put up.”
Aurélio smiled, satisfied. “Excellent, Humberto. This should be more than enough to crush that bastard and his little kingdom once and for all. We cannot allow him to continue challenging our authority and the king’s.”
Erondir, the king’s envoy, nodded. “The king is eager for results. He expects this rebellion to be swiftly quelled and order restored to the duchy.”
Humberto turned to Aurélio. “I will lead the attack personally. I will be accompanied by Erondir, who will ensure that everything is in accordance with the king’s wishes. I need you to stay here in the capital, Aurélio. The administration of the duchy cannot be neglected, especially in times like these.”
Aurélio agreed, his expression turning serious. “You are right, Humberto. Someone needs to stay and ensure everything runs smoothly; for now, I will let you have all the glory of the battle.” Aurélio said with a sarcastic laugh. “I trust that you will be able to handle Miguel and restore order to our duchy.”
“Rest assured, Aurélio,” Humberto said with confidence. “I will make sure Miguel is dealt with as the traitor he is.”
The officers at the table nodded, clearly confident in the plan. Erondir looked at Humberto and said, “I will stand by your side to ensure everything goes smoothly. Let’s do this quickly and decisively.”
Erondir added, “The king wants Miguel brought to the capital to face punishment.”
Aurélio, raising his voice, protested in disagreement. “Miguel should be killed immediately here in the duchy.”
Erondir then asked, “Do you wish to contest a royal order?”
Aurélio fell silent.
“That’s what I thought,” said Erondir. “Miguel will be killed at the end of it all, whether it is here in the duchy or in the royal capital.”
---
Miguel was restless in his office, fingers drumming nervously on the table as he listened to Lysandra’s report. She stood in front of him, alongside John, with a grave expression on her face.
“A significant army is approaching,” Lysandra began. “They are almost two weeks’ travel from here.”
Beside Miguel, Ricardo remained silent, watching attentively. Miguel felt a knot form in his stomach. He looked at John and asked, “How many men can you mobilize immediately?”
John, maintaining his composure, replied, “At most 2,000 trained soldiers, if we include the troops scattered across the Drakmoor realm.”
Miguel bit his lip, knowing this number was alarmingly low. He knew he was the main target, and the city would be the first place attacked. Taking a deep breath, he ordered, “Mobilize those men immediately and call up as many soldiers as possible to defend the city. We don’t have time to waste.”
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John nodded and left the room, ready to carry out his orders. Miguel then turned to Lysandra. “How many battle-ready beastmen do we have in the city now?”
“We have only 200,” Lysandra replied, “and 70 of those are knights.”
Miguel felt a pang of frustration. It was an extremely low number, but it was what they had. “Inform Ruidahr to prepare his troops to protect the city. Unfortunately, I know he won’t be able to mobilize more soldiers in this short time.”
Lysandra nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. Miguel stood up, his eyes fixed on the window. He needed a plan, and he needed it quickly.
“Ricardo,” Miguel called, “prepare the city. And summon the two beavers, Bearnard and Bartholomew, the panther Nyall, Arthur, and Marcus here immediately.”
Ricardo nodded and left the room, leaving Miguel alone with his thoughts. The young king looked out the window, a worried expression on his face. He knew the upcoming battle would be decisive. His new kingdom was in danger, and he needed all the help he could get.
The weight of responsibility on his shoulders had never been so heavy. The city streets were quiet, but Miguel knew this tranquility was merely the calm before the storm. He needed to stay strong and determined. Every decision he made now could mean the difference between life and death for himself and his people. With one last look at the city he had fought so hard to protect, Miguel closed his eyes for a moment, seeking strength from within. He knew the challenge ahead was immense, but he was determined to fight to the end to defend his kingdom and his people.
---
The beaver brothers, Bearnard and Bartholomew, the panther Nyall, Arthur, and Marcus were gathered in front of Miguel, all with anxious expressions while he took one last sip of wine. The atmosphere was laden with tension, and Miguel felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
“Sorry for interrupting your work,” Miguel began, his voice firm but with a touch of concern. “An army is coming towards the city.”
The expressions of concern on their faces intensified. They knew the situation was serious.
Miguel continued, “I'll get straight to the point. Do any of you have experience in building catapults?”
Marcus stepped forward. “Yes, I worked for a few years in the neighboring barony on a catapult project with the local carpenters.”
Miguel felt a momentary relief. “That's good... Can you build one or more catapults in just a week, with the help of the people in this room?”
Marcus looked around, quickly assessing the available human resources. “I can make up to two catapults if everyone works exclusively on this. I can gather the city's carpenters and the rest of the workers to help.”
Miguel nodded, already forming a plan in his mind. “That will be enough. I'll inform Elnar to halt the construction and send all the necessary manpower to you.”
He turned to Arthur and Nyall. “You two will help with any metalwork that Marcus needs.”
Both nodded, determination in their eyes. They knew the importance of their tasks.
Then Miguel looked at the beaver brothers, Bearnard and Bartholomew. “You will assist Marcus as well. Your woodwork experience will be vital.”
Arthur raised a crucial question. “What are we going to fire with the catapults? We don't have large enough stones...”
Miguel smiled despite the gravity of the situation. “I'll take care of that.”
Everyone left the room, leaving Miguel alone with his thoughts. He looked out the window, contemplating the city he had worked so hard to protect. The challenge ahead was immense, but he was determined to use every available resource to defend his kingdom.
He knew that every decision he made now could mean the difference between victory and defeat, between life and death. With one last sip of wine, Miguel mentally prepared for the impending battle, confident that, with the help of his allies, he could face any adversity.
---
Miguel stood with his back to the window, sipping wine and reflecting on the challenges he faced. He wondered why his brothers wouldn't leave him in peace. The weight of responsibilities and the imminent threat of the duchy's army left him restless.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Then, his sister Amelia entered and closed the door behind her. Miguel glanced over his shoulder and let out a heavy sigh. “Oh, it's you, Amelia.”
She made a sarcastic remark, “Not happy to see me, little brother?”
Miguel, lacking patience for her jokes, replied seriously, “I'm not in the mood for your jokes, Amelia. We're in a very serious situation.”
Amelia laughed, noticing the change in her brother. “You're quite different now. Not the coward I used to know.”
Miguel laughed too, but with a melancholic tone. “We all change, sometimes...”
She asked directly, “What are you going to do, Miguel? You don't think you can defeat the duchy's army, do you?”
Miguel sighed, thinking about the complexity of his situation. “I'm not thinking of defeating anyone, Amelia. I just want to live in peace... far from all the kingdom's problems. But here I am, at war again with my own brothers. And for what?”
Amelia stood up, went to a table, picked up a glass and a bottle of wine. She filled the glass and approached Miguel, both looking out the window. The peaceful landscape contrasted with the turmoil inside Miguel.
“I don't understand what you see in this place, Miguel. We banished you here; theoretically, you were supposed to hate it all.”
Miguel smiled softly and took a sip of wine. “This is my home now. And also for these people. They have nothing to do with our family's political disputes, but here they are.”
Amelia remained silent for a moment, absorbing her brother's words. Then, she asked about the beastmen. “You not only provoked the king but also the church, Miguel. They won't rest until you're dead for heresy.”
Miguel shrugged, with a firm determination in his eyes. “They can try, but they won't take my life. The freedom of an entire race is more important than my safety.”
He then turned to her and asked directly, “Do you think it's right to enslave an entire species, Amelia?”
She hesitated before responding, aware of the implications of her words. “That's how the world works, Miguel. Trying to change that is meddling with powerful people.”
Miguel shook his head, disappointed by her response. “I know it's dangerous, but someone has to do something. And I'm willing to risk my life for it. These people, humans and beastmen, deserve a chance to live in peace and freedom.”
Amelia took a long sip of wine, reflecting on her brother's words. She knew Miguel had changed, becoming a leader willing to face the greatest challenges for a greater ideal. And, though she didn't want to admit it, she respected that in him.
They remained silent, side by side, looking at the landscape beyond the window. The impending battle was inevitable, but at that moment, there was a silent understanding between the two. Miguel was determined to fight, and Amelia, despite all her doubts, knew he wouldn't back down.