Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
-Sun Tzu
Mengus rode at the head of his army, the sun setting behind them, casting a golden glow on the city of Marunath. The gates of the capital swung open, and the people of Barrania surged forward, cheering their hero. Mengus, their savior, had led them to victory after victory against the Stargian forces, and now only the enemy’s capital stood unconquered.
As Mengus dismounted, the crowd's cheers grew louder. He looked every inch the hero: tall and broad-shouldered, his armor gleaming, and his eyes fierce yet kind. Beside him rode his trusted general and secret lover, Lysa. She was as fierce and determined as Mengus, her presence a pillar of strength throughout the campaign. But today, there was a shadow in her eyes, a hint of the heartbreak to come.
Inside the royal palace, King Kaladogg awaited Mengus with a reward fit for a hero. The grand hall was filled with nobles and courtiers, all eager to celebrate the man who had brought them so close to victory. The king, a stout man with a regal bearing, rose from his throne as Mengus approached.
“Welcome, Mengus,” King Kaladogg boomed. “You have brought us glory and honor. For your bravery and unwavering dedication, I offer you the highest reward I can bestow.”
Mengus knelt before the king, his heart pounding. He had heard rumors of this reward but had dismissed them as idle court gossip. But as the king continued, Mengus knew the rumors were true.
“I offer you the hand of my daughter, Princess Karin, in marriage.”
A murmur of approval rippled through the hall. Princess Karin, known for her beauty and grace, stepped forward.
She smiled at Mengus, a smile that held the promise of a future filled with joy.
Mengus glanced at Lysa, who stood at the edge of the room, her expression unreadable. He felt a pang of sorrow. He loved Lysa deeply, but he knew his duty to the kingdom must come first. Accepting the king’s offer would solidify his position and ensure the kingdom's future. He took a deep breath and rose to his feet.
“I am honored, Your Majesty,” Mengus said, his voice steady. “I accept your generous offer.”
The hall erupted in applause. The people of Barrania were overjoyed. To them, this union was a symbol of the kingdom’s future – a future where Mengus, their hero, would lead them to an era of peace.
As the celebrations continued, Mengus couldn’t help but feel a heavy weight on his heart. He excused himself from the festivities, needing a moment alone. He found a quiet corner in the palace gardens, the sounds of the revelry faint in the background. He was not alone for long.
“Mengus,” Lysa’s voice was soft, yet sad.
He turned to see her standing a few steps away, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Lysa,” he began, his voice faltering. “You know why I had to do it.”
She nodded, stepping closer. “I do. But it doesn’t make it hurt any less.”
Mengus reached out, taking her hand in his. The calluses on their palms told the story of countless battles fought together. “I never wanted to hurt you.”
“I know,” she whispered, squeezing his hand. “But you had to do what was right for the kingdom. I understand that.”
Mengus pulled her into an embrace, holding her tightly. “We will always have our bond, Lysa. No matter what happens.”
She rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes. “I’ll always be by your side, Mengus. As your general, and as your friend.”
The days that followed were filled with preparations for the grand wedding. The palace buzzed with activity as every corner was adorned with flowers and banners. The people of Barrania were eager to celebrate the union of their hero with the princess.
Mengus fulfilled his obligations with the king, discussing the final strategies for the impending battle against Stargia’s capital. He attended meetings, oversaw the training of new recruits, and prepared for the next phase of the war. But his thoughts often drifted to Lysa.
Late at night, when the palace was quiet and the moon cast a silver glow over the gardens, Mengus would find peace in the company of his closest comrades. Around a crackling fire, they would share stories of past battles, victories, and losses. Lysa was always there, her presence a comfort to Mengus, even if their conversations were now filled with an unspoken sadness.
One evening, as the wedding day drew near, Mengus found Lysa sitting by the fire, her gaze lost in the dancing flames. He sat down beside her, the silence between them heavy with unsaid words.
“Lysa,” he began softly. “I wish things were different.”
She looked at him, her eyes reflecting the firelight. “So do I, Mengus. But we both know our duty.”
He nodded, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. “I need you by my side, Lysa. Not just as my general, but as the one who knows me better than anyone.”
She gave him a sad smile. “I’ll always be here, Mengus. But you have to embrace your new role. Princess Karin is your future now.”
Mengus reached out, taking her hand in his. “I’ll never forget what we had, Lysa. You mean the world to me.”
She squeezed his hand, her grip firm and reassuring. “And you to me. Let’s win this war, Mengus. For Barrania.”
The wedding day arrived with the sun shining brightly in a clear blue sky. The palace was a sight to behold, adorned with flowers of every color and banners fluttering in the breeze. Nobles from across the kingdom had gathered, their finest attire adding to the splendor of the occasion.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Mengus stood at the altar, his heart pounding. He wore a ceremonial armor that gleamed in the sunlight, a symbol of his valor and heroism. As he waited for Karin, his thoughts were a tumultuous mix of duty, honor, and a lingering ache for Lysa.
The doors at the end of the grand hall opened, and Princess Karin appeared, escorted by King Kaladogg. She was a vision of beauty, her gown flowing like a river of silk, her golden hair adorned with delicate flowers. The crowd gasped in admiration as she walked down the aisle, her steps light and graceful.
Mengus watched her approach, his heart heavy
This was the path he had chosen for the good of the kingdom. When Karin reached the altar, she smiled at him, her eyes filled with hope and affection.
The ceremony proceeded with grandeur. The high priest spoke of unity, strength, and the bright future that lay ahead for Barrania. Mengus and Karin exchanged vows, their voices steady and clear. As they placed rings on each other’s fingers, the crowd erupted in applause.
Mengus stole a glance at Lysa, who stood among the guests. She wore her formal uniform, her expression composed but her eyes betraying her emotions. Their gazes met, and in that brief moment, Mengus felt a connection stronger than any vow spoken aloud.
The celebrations continued late into the night. The grand hall was filled with laughter, music, and dancing. Mengus and Karin moved through the crowd, accepting congratulations and well wishes. Karin’s genuine happiness was evident, and Mengus found himself admiring her resilience and grace.
Yet, amidst the revelry, Mengus felt a constant pull toward Lysa. He watched her from afar, noting how she interacted with the soldiers and nobles, her presence a reminder of the life they had shared on the battlefield.
As the night wore on, Mengus found a moment to slip away from the festivities. He made his way to a quiet balcony overlooking the palace gardens. The cool night air was a welcome relief, and he took a deep breath.
He wasn’t alone for long. Lysa appeared beside him, her steps silent and sure. They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the celebration faint in the background.
“Mengus,” Lysa finally said, her voice soft. “Are you happy?”
He turned to her, his expression conflicted. “I don’t know, Lysa. I’m doing what’s right for the kingdom, but it feels like a part of me is missing.”
She nodded, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. “You have a great responsibility now. But don’t forget who you are, Mengus. You’re not just a hero; you’re a man with a heart.”
He reached out, taking her hand in his. “I need you, Lysa. More than ever.”
She squeezed his hand, her grip firm and reassuring. “I’ll always be here, Mengus. As your general, and as your friend.”
In that quiet moment, they found a semblance of peace. The path ahead was uncertain, but they knew they would face it together, bound by a bond that went beyond titles and duties.
The days following the wedding were filled with preparations for the final battle against Stargia. Mengus and his commanders, including Lysa, strategized and planned with meticulous detail. The fate of Barrania hung in the balance, and failure was not an option.
Princess Karin proved to be more than just a figurehead. She took an active interest in the preparations, offering insights and showing a keen understanding of politics and diplomacy. Mengus found himself growing to respect her more with each passing day.
Despite his growing respect for Karin, Mengus couldn’t shake the longing he felt for Lysa. Their bond, forged in the crucible of war, was something unique and irreplaceable. They spent hours discussing strategies, their conversations filled with a familiar ease and mutual respect.
One evening, as they reviewed maps and battle plans in the war room, Mengus spoke, his voice tinged with uncertainty. “Lysa, do you think we’re ready?”
She looked up from the map, her eyes meeting his. “We’ve faced worse odds, Mengus. We’re ready. And with you leading us, we’ll succeed.”
He nodded, taking comfort in her confidence. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, Lysa.”
She smiled, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “And I couldn’t imagine fighting for anyone else.”
As dawn broke, the army of Barrania gathered at the gates of Marunath, ready to march toward the Stargian capital. Mengus rode at the front, his armor gleaming in the early morning light. Lysa was at his side, her presence a source of strength. The soldiers were weary, but their spirits were high, bolstered by Mengus’s leadership and the knowledge that victory was within reach.
Just as they were about to depart, King Kaladogg approached, clad in his own battle armor. His face was set with determination, and his eyes held a steely resolve. “Mengus,” he called out, causing the general to halt and turn.
“Your Majesty,” Mengus replied, bowing slightly.
Kaladogg surveyed the assembled troops before turning back to Mengus. “I will join you in this final battle.”
Mengus was taken aback. “Your Majesty, it’s too dangerous. Your place is here, leading the kingdom.”
Kaladogg shook his head. “I will not sit idly by while my people fight for our future. I may be a king, but I am also a warrior. And I will fight alongside my men.”
Mengus glanced at Lysa, who gave him a nod of support. “Very well, Your Majesty. We are honored to have you with us.”
The king mounted his horse, and with him riding alongside Mengus and Lysa, the army set out. The march to the Stargian capital was long and arduous. As they neared the enemy’s stronghold, Mengus and his commanders held one final strategy meeting.
The battle was fierce and relentless. The Stargian forces were desperate, fighting with the ferocity of those who knew they had everything to lose. Mengus led his troops with unwavering courage, his sword flashing in the sunlight as he cut through the enemy ranks. Lysa was a whirlwind of strength and precision, her every move calculated and deadly.
King Kaladogg fought with the vigor of a man half his age. His presence on the battlefield inspired the troops, and his valor was evident in every swing of his sword. The battle raged on for hours, the clang of steel and the cries of the wounded filling the air.
As the tide began to turn in Barrania’s favor, Mengus spotted the enemy king, King Borak of Stargia, fighting at the heart of the battle. He was surrounded by his elite guard, but Mengus saw an opportunity. He signaled to Lysa and Kaladogg, and they began to cut a path through the enemy lines, determined to reach Borak.
In the chaos of battle, King Kaladogg was struck by an enemy spear. He staggered, but with a roar of defiance, he pulled the spear from his side and continued to fight. Mengus and Lysa fought their way to his side, protecting him as they advanced.
Finally, they reached King Borak. Mengus engaged him in a fierce duel, their swords clashing with deadly precision. Lysa and Kaladogg held off the enemy guards, their movements synchronized from years of fighting together.
With a final, powerful strike, Mengus disarmed Borak and knocked him to the ground. The Stargian king glared up at him, hatred burning in his eyes, but he knew he was defeated. Mengus placed his sword at Borak’s throat, his voice cold and commanding. “Surrender, or die.”
Borak spat at Mengus’s feet but nodded reluctantly. “I surrender.”
Mengus signaled to his men, and they swiftly bound Borak in chains. The sight of their king in captivity caused the remaining Stargian forces to falter, and soon they were surrendering en masse.
The battlefield grew quiet as the last of the enemy laid down their arms. Mengus turned to King Kaladogg, who was pale and swaying on his feet. “Your Majesty, you’re injured. We need to get you back to camp.”
Kaladogg nodded weakly, his strength waning. “We’ve done it, Mengus. We’ve won.”
Mengus and Lysa supported the king as they made their way back to the camp. Medics rushed to tend to Kaladogg’s wounds.
Mengus watched anxiously as they worked, his heart heavy with worry for the man who had become both his king and his friend.
With the enemy king in chains and the Stargian capital under Barranian control, the war was finally over. The soldiers of Barrania cheered and celebrated their hard-fought victory, their spirits lifted by the knowledge that peace was now within reach.
Mengus stood by Kaladogg’s side as the medics stabilized his condition. The king’s face was pale, but his eyes were bright with pride. “You’ve done it, Mengus. You’ve brought peace to Barrania.”
Mengus bowed his head, his voice filled with gratitude and respect. “We did it together, Your Majesty. For Barrania.”
As the sun set over the battlefield, casting a golden glow over the land, Mengus knew that the future of Barrania was secure. The bonds of friendship, loyalty, and love had carried them through the darkest of times, and now they faced a new dawn filled with hope and promise.