"Today is yet another day of peace."

Atop a natural tower length of stone, Crown Prince Saldeon stood against the crisp, gusting winds. An open sky blanketed over the sprawling warcamps scattered across the lower region of the High Plateau. The seams of his military uniform—commonly worn within His Majesty's imperial court—flapped in the wind. The silver medal on his chest gleamed, reflecting the rays of sunlight.

Saldeon set his gaze below his vantage. A wall of stone surrounded the warcamps, ten meters high and two meters thick. Within was the bustle of the warcamps were tents meant to house soldiers in the outskirts. A smaller ring was formed in the middle, with stone barracks erected for the officers and sorcerers. Banners bearing the Lethos Empire's symbol were hoisted into the air, a warning to any intruders who might dare attempt to infiltrate the encampment.

Soldiers trained with each other on the grounds. The clang of steel rung throughout, and the shouts of commands echoed. Archers shot volleys of arrows into makeshift targets made out of wood. Some relaxed under the shade of a tent or inside the mess hall, eating, drinking, or simply indulging in idle chatter. Others sharpened their blades or practiced the empire's different sword styles.

A blacksmith's hammer struck a glowing blade over and over, forming dents that would be the foundation for a magnificent weapon. A leatherworker cut pieces of leather, then stitched it together to form protection. Grooms combed through the manes of horses, feeding them so that they were ready at a moment's notice. Cooks cut up the meat and vegetables, and prepared the day's meals. All was calm in the encampment.

Saldeon pried his eye away from the camp and looked onward to the High Plateau. It was a landscape of expansive grasslands where herds of red bison roamed free; brackish lakes dotted the land. Forests grew along the valleys, and chasms too deep to peer into the bottom.

To the north of the High Plateaus were mountain ranges too perilous and tall to attempt to traverse, and further south lie the Scarlet Sands, a region named after the crimson color of the sands and the scorching heat that scorched everything in sight.

Beyond the horizon, where the sky and earth met, the Beastfolk Kingdom loomed. Saldeon was not aware of the exact distance, but the maps told him it would take at least a three-month travel from Valis on foot. A one-month trip by wagon, a journey that would undoubtedly be rife with dangers from beasts and men. Reaching the Beastfolk Kingdom wouldn't be a problem if it wasn't for the fact that one obstacle stood in their way.

Past a chasm that hindered troops from advancing further was another warcamp, not fashioned out of tents or stone barracks, but of wood. A wooden palisade with towers wrapped around the camp. Trenches with sharpened wood spikes were dug along the southern walls, at the base of the hill. Wooden shacks and buildings were built within the camp, and a stone path was carved around the camp, allowing for easy access. Banners of gold were hung on the front entrance of the camp, depicting the face of a snarling beast with fangs: the black tiger.

Strolling in the camp and rooted in the towers vigilantly were none other than the Beastfolk, creatures of all manner. Saldeon saw muscular lions standing on their own two feet, their fur, golden, and manes that ruffled with the wind. Wolves with hunched backs and dark grey coats prowled the camp. There were even a handful of monkeys who rested their heads on the ground, eyes closed, sleeping. And within the towers were humanoid birds with plumage as dark as the night and angular-faces, watching the enemy camp as their wings poked out from the side.

For months, both sides were at a standstill, refusing to make the first move. For Saldeon, this was a good thing. It meant that no blood would have to be spilled. War would only bring chaos and destruction between the two nations. The Lethos Empire and the Beastfolk Kingdom both had a history of peace and prosperity. It would be a shame to destroy a legacy that was centuries in the making.

Stolen story; please report.

Trade between the two was an important source of income and resources for the empire. Lethos traded its metals, lumber, and fish in exchange for the Beastfolk's crops and fur. It was an agreement that benefited both sides, and it was one the citizens were thankful for. But for whatever reason, envoys that were sent to negotiate for the reopening of trade routes were refused. The Beastfolk Kingdom closed their borders and barred any merchants and explorers from entering their lands. And now through these recently built warcamps, the Beastfolk have inched closer to the empire.

Saldeon was tasked with finding the reason the Beastfolk had cut off their relations with the Lethos Empire. It was a decision Saldeon could not understand. It was almost like they wanted a war. Why else would the Beastfolk choose to cut ties with Lethos when their relationship was as strong as ever? And why build camps so near the border when their capital was far off? It was the very definition of provocation.

"What are you up to, King Murus?" Saldeon wondered.

Saldeon's thoughts were interrupted by a beam of light emanating from below. The light ascended the rocky pillar and settled in front of him. Gradually, the light transformed into the shape of a young man, who knelt down as the radiance subsided. Rising to his feet, the man's features became visible - a striking face with a clean-shaven appearance and golden eyes. He was dressed in the same uniform as Saldeon, except for the absence of a medal on his chest. A plain sword was securely sheathed at his waist.

"Gulinar," Saldeon said, nodding his way. "Do you need something?"

Gulinar approached Saldeon and stood next to him, eyeing the Beastfolk camp. "Every morning, you stand up here, watching the camp. Why is that so, brother?"

"There must always be a commander who is ever vigilant, watching their enemies for signs of activity," Saldeon explained. "It is a duty I must fulfill."

"A duty that brings no results," Gulinar said with a sigh. "We have been here for months, and the Beastfolk have yet to make the first move. We could attack first, brother. It is what the other soldiers have been discussing. There have been whispers that the Beastfolk are attacking villages along the border, pillaging and killing our people."

"Lies crafted by men with hatred in their hearts," Saldeon said. "We are not the aggressors here, Gulinar. We are the protectors of our homeland. The Beastfolk Kingdom has yet to do anything to warrant such hostility, and I will not order my men to attack first. It is not my place to start a war."

"So, you're saying that you'll just stand by and let our fellow countrymen suffer before taking action?" Gulinar inquired. "Are you really willing to wait until they occupy land right in front of us? I hate to say this, brother, but that decision seems incredibly foolish."

Saldeon shook his head. "Your words are filled with passion, but misplaced. As I have said, the Beastfolk have not made a single move since their arrival at Mevena's Scar. A war would not only affect our two countries, but the surrounding nations as well. The other kingdoms will no doubt join in the fray, whether for their self interests or for the sake of justice. No one wants to see the world plunged into an age of destruction."

Gulinar's eyebrows scrunched together. "And how are you so certain that the Beastfolk would not be the first to attack us? How can you be sure that the rumors of Beastfolk raiding villages are nothing more than falsehoods?"

"To soothe your worries, I have sent men beforehand to the villages closest to the warcamps. They reported no sightings of Beastfolk or any form of damages. In addition, there have been no reports from the local villages about the Beastfolk attacking the citizens or pillaging the land. There has been no action on their part, and while it is worrisome, I'd rather that than the alternative."

Gulinar fell silent for a moment before speaking up. "The soldiers are becoming restless. If we do not plan to launch an attack, perhaps it would be wise for us to withdraw and head back to the capital. It has been quite some time since they last saw their families."

"We will remain stationed here, Gulinar. My decision is final. Father has sent me here to watch over the situation and report any changes. I will not disappoint him by failing to see this task through. Now, leave me be. I must focus."

"...As you wish, Saldeon," Gulinar said, frowning. He transformed back into a ray of light and disappeared.

Saldeon sighed, turning his attention back to the Beastfolk warcamp. He could only hope his decision would be the correct one and that this whole mess be resolved peacefully.