บท 90: The Light that Shattered Kings

"Fear not, Your Highness," Marquis Eiger reassured him, his eyes gleaming with fervor. "The quality of our soldiers will triumph over their quantity. And don't forget—we have powerful allies."

Eiger gestured toward a cloaked figure sitting silently in the corner of the tent.

The figure nodded in acknowledgment, though they remained silent.

"This is one of the empire's finest warriors, sent to aid us by the emperor himself. With the empire backing us, we cannot lose!"

Rodell said nothing, but inwardly, a chill ran down his spine. He realized that Marquis Eiger's loyalty had never been to him. It was to his grandmother, the former queen, long dead yet still casting a shadow over everything.

"The troops are ready, my lord," a soldier reported.

"Good. Sound the charge!"

A trumpet blared, signaling the advance. But just as the troops began to move, the battlefield was suddenly bathed in darkness.

"What is this?" Eiger shouted, alarmed.