Emperor Stormfist's encrypted letter endorsed the alliance proposed by King Lionshield. After both sides engaged in extensive deception campaigns to foster the illusion of escalating tensions, the two armies confronted each other across the river a week later.
Both leaders met on the bridge over the Silvergleam River to shake hands. They issued joint commands for their armies to cross their respective borders and march into the Sultanate of Creston.
Facing the threat of annihilation, the Sultanate of Creston fiercely battled both armies for seven months. Their tenacity proved the tiny nation might have defeated the weakened and exhausted victor of a war between Argonia and Brindle.
Samuel spent the war in Northold training up a new spymaster for Brindle. During the war, both nations had to defend against spies and saboteurs from Creston.
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When the sultan finally capitulated and accepted exile overseas, the triumphant countries divided up the territory of the former Sultanate of Creston. Argonia annexed South Creston, while Brindle claimed North Creston.
The shared sacrifices and loss of life by both countries served to strengthen their ties. Both countries experienced a minor renaissance fueled by the advanced knowledge and technologies seized from Creston. With access to the warm waters of the Western Sea, both countries embarked on a collaborative endeavor to build a fleet for ocean farming, ultimately realizing the long-held dream of Argonia's founder.
When the war ended, the fallen were honored, medals were handed out, and life returned to normal. Samuel returned to the peace and quiet of his bookstore. Ean remained busy as the Spymaster of Argonia, engaging in a friendly rivalry with his counterpart in Brindle. Even during peacetime, spies from both nations played a vital role in diplomacy between the allies.
On the yearly anniversary of the end of the war, Ean, Aria, and their children joined Samuel, and thousands of households in both nations, for a celebratory breakfast of cake and bacon.