"We arrived in Chester to find a city of contradictions—grand buildings gleamed under the sun, yet its people starved in the streets. Our plan was taking root, but not fully. Some soldiers had joined the rebellion, driven by hunger and injustice, while others clung to their loyalty, standing firm by the lord’s side."

Collen glanced at the streets, his jaw tight. “The rebellion is on fire—we have a chance to sneak in.”

I watched the chaos unfold—the clash of steel, the shouts of the desperate, the flickering torchlight reflecting off bloodied cobblestones. But something inside me twisted. “We can’t just let them kill each other. We have to convince the remaining soldiers.”

Collen exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. “We did our best. They won’t listen.”

I met his gaze, determination burning in my chest. “Just give me one last chance.”

Without waiting for an answer, I strode toward the castle gate. The crowd swelled, voices rising in fury, fists gripping makeshift weapons. They were ready to tear down the walls with their own hands.

I shouted, but my words were swallowed by the storm of rage. Gritting my teeth, I turned to Balin. “Enhance my voice.”

Balin nodded, lifting his staff. A pulse of energy rippled through the air, and when I spoke again, my voice cracked like thunder across the battlefield.

“Enough!”

The world seemed to hold its breath. Eyes turned toward me, weapons wavered in uncertain hands. I clenched my fists, feeling the weight of the moment settle on my shoulders. And then, with every ounce of confidence I had left, I spoke.

"Brothers and Sister! You swore to protect this city, to defend its people—not to serve a lord who hoards wealth while his people starve! Look around you—do your families not suffer under his greed? A true soldier fights for justice, for those who cannot fight for themselves. Join us, and let us bring an end to this cruelty together!"

One of the soldiers stepped forward, his expression hardened with doubt. "Why do you care about us? You're not even one of us."

I met his gaze, my jaw tightening as a familiar ache settled in my chest. The memories were distant, yet the pain still lingered.

"I'm not one of you," I admitted, my voice firm but edged with something deeper. "But I care because I’ve seen this before. In my homeland, greed and cruelty destroyed everything—stole my childhood, took my people. I won’t stand by and watch it happen again."

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A brief silence followed, the weight of my words hanging in the air. I scanned their faces, hoping to spark even the smallest ember of doubt in their loyalty to the lord.

Then Lord Henry Wayne stepped forward, his voice sharp with authority. "What are you doing? End this spectacle at once! Kill those who dare oppose me—crush this rebellion!"

I turned to the soldiers. "Do you see? Your lord commands you to slaughter your own people!"

Wayne's face twisted with fury. "Silence! This outsider seeks to deceive you! Don't fall for his lies—seize him at once!"

The tension in the air thickened as the soldiers hesitated, caught between their sworn duty and the truth laid bare before them.

Soldiers stood frozen in hesitation. Henry, seething with rage, grabbed a crossbow from one of them and fired straight at me. But before the bolt could reach me, a man from the crowd threw himself in its path. The bolt struck his chest, and he collapsed into my arms.

Gasps and cries of shock rippled through the crowd. Blood stained his tunic as he clutched my arm, his breath ragged. With fading strength, he whispered, "You stood for us... Now, protect our people from the darkness ahead... You are our last hope."

I said, desperation in my voice. “Balin, help him!”

Balin knelt beside the wounded man, placing a hand over the blood-soaked wound. He hesitated, then looked up, his eyes dark with sorrow. “I’m sorry… it’s too late.”

A heavy silence fell over the crowd, broken only by the ragged breaths of the dying man.

Then, one of the soldiers stepped forward, his grip tightening around his weapon. His jaw clenched as he yanked the crossbow from Lord Henry’s hands. “We swore to protect our people, not to serve a corrupt tyrant.”

Murmurs spread among the ranks before resolve settled in. The soldiers turned on their lord, seizing him as he struggled. He thrashed, his face twisting in rage. “You fools!” he spat, his voice sharp with venom. “Eredin will end you all… He will come one day.”

His words hung in the air like a curse, but the people no longer trembled. The tide had turned.

We entered the castle, searching for Collen’s daughter, Elowen. She was locked in a room. As Collen unbolted the door, desperation filled his eyes—He felt as if he hadn't seen her in ages. The moment their eyes met, relief and happiness spread across her face.

“Father, you came for me,” she whispered.

Collen pulled her into a tight embrace. “How could I forget my promise? I will always protect you until my last breath.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “Father, I’m sorry. I couldn’t contact you. I never sent a letter… please forgive me.”

He stroked her hair gently. “You don’t have to be sorry for anything. You called for help, and that was all I needed.”

She clung to him, her voice trembling. “Please… never leave me again.”

Collen held her close and whispered, “I promise, I’ll never leave you again. And you must promise me the same.”

She nodded, holding him tighter. “I promise, I won’t.”

The man who saved my life felt strangely familiar, as if I had known him before. I asked the people of Chester who he was, but they only called him a mysterious figure—one who rarely spoke or interacted with others. He gave his life for me, and I won’t forget it.

Now, Chester stood leaderless, uncertain of its future.