The 14,000-strong Thornvile soldiers, gathered in front of Ardun, the bustling logistics stronghold of today, embarked on an expedition at the top of a great plain towards Ardun Castle.
The main army of Orkney, led by the Black Knight Norman, had shown the audacity to march westward towards the kingdom's western counties, attempting to invade them.
With the civil war ongoing, people were fleeing the country. This situation displeased Duke Louis of Orkney. Using this as a pretext, he launched a swift campaign westward, forcing the counts to submit, and was preparing to invade the Thornvile lands located in the southeast.
Lord Alfred, leaving the main army under Captain Knight Mikail in the north of his lands, aimed to seize Ardun Castle, which was located near his lands.
Ardun Castle had long served the kingdom well. It was a special fortress built by King Arthur against Morgana. Though it had lost its former glory, it remained a popular castle.