Five days later:

The continent of Wisenberg was in total effervescence following the recent declarations of the kingdom of Ingrissia.

In a letter sent to the kings of eight kingdoms of the continent, the kingdom of Ingrissia said this:

"On this day, me, Raphaël Ingriss, after nearly half a century of conflict, the kingdom of Ingrissia undertakes to end its war of expansion in a month to the day, starting today.

Be aware that as long as I reign over Ingrissia, no other expansion war will take place. Despite this, consider this not as a sign of weakness, but as the promise of lasting peace.

However, I would like to give you a warning. Anyone who dares to interfere, or even intervene in the cases concerning Ingrissia, whether internal or external, will have to suffer the consequences. Ingrissia's power remains intact, and if it is to be brandished again, it will be without the slightest hesitation.

May your kingdoms prosper and the continent enter an era of peace,

Raphaël Ingriss
King of Ingrissia "

This letter was sent to the kings of all the kingdoms of the continent, except the king of Glast and Darshelm.

But, several hundred kilometers from Ingrissia, in the throne room of Darshelm, a messenger in breathless light armor fell to his knees, holding in his hands a sealed roll of Ingrissia's symbol. The king, a man with ebony skin color, and a face marked by the years but with still sharp eyes, broke the seal with a dry gesture. His hands trembled slightly at the reading of the first lines. His pupils narrowed as he read, his face freezing in an icy expression.

The letter he was reading said this:

"To the king of Darshelm,

Following a massacre that took place in a village in our kingdom, we launched a thorough investigation, and this shows us that you are the culprits of this heinous act.

In response to your provocation, you have seven days to evacuate as many civilians as possible from your kingdom.

After this delay, Ingrissia will descend upon on Darshlem with the clear intention of crossing your name off the cards.

This decision is irrevocable. I don't want to shed the blood of ordinary civilians. Our kingdom is committed to welcoming as many civilians as possible with open arms.

Do not seek to negotiate or flee. Ingrissia's blade is irrevocable.

Raphaël Ingriss
King of Ingrissia "

The queen, on her right, leaned over to read over her shoulder. His eyes widened, and his hand instinctively rose to his mouth, stifling a cry.

"What is..."

The king slowly folded the letter, his features closed.

"A week..." he breathed.

"We have a week before the arrival of these Ingrissia demons. "

A heavy silence fell in the room, and around them, the advisers exchanged worried glances. A knight put his hand on the guard of his sword, as if the enemy could already emerge. In the heavy silence, the only sound presence was that of the wind against the stained glass windows of the Royal Palace.

A week later - Royal Palace of Darshelm:

The Royal Palace of Darshelm was bathed in the golden light of the afternoon. In the vast corridors of the palace echoed footsteps, mixed with a burst of youthful laughter.

Young Prince Narel, a eleven-year-old boy with bright ebony skin and deep green eyes, was desperately trying to grab the shoulder of his second brother, a young man with thin features, athletic build and short black hair.

"I told you I wanted to come with you to the West!" The cadet protested, a wide smile contrasting with his sullen tone.

The oldest of the three, a twenty-six-year-old man with an impressive stature and a calm look, put a firm hand on the little prince's shoulder.

"And I told you that we are going to work, currently the West is not a playground, Narel. "

"But you're going to leave me alone here, when I was told to go live a real adventure like the hero Zardovan!" Narel replied, crossing his arms, swelling his cheeks like an upset child.

The second brother burst out laughing, leaning over to ruffle the youngest's hair.

"Haha, what you are really stubborn... but don't worry, one day, we will all go on an adventure together, like Zardovan and his companions." he said with a reassuring smile.

A few steps away, a young woman with a slender figure arrived in front of them. She wore an elegant black military outfit with a green cape embroidered with gold that fell on her back. His dark skin reflected the light, and his amber eyes shone with an amused curiosity.

"Still talking about this hero from your book Narel?" She said a slight smile on her lips.

"Amy!" Narel exclaimed when he saw his sister.

The princess bent down to take Narel in her arms, and he snuggled up as if he were finding his natural refuge. The scene gave off an almost unreal warmth, as if the approaching war did not exist.

"Narel... we have to go now with your brothers," Amy said in a soft voice.

"But I also want to go with you! " protested the child.

Amy rested Narel on the floor, and tenderly stroked his cheek before saying:

"You can't come with us. But we promise to come back very soon, and together we will go on an adventure," she said while smiling.

After his sister's words, the young prince nodded, then watched his brothers walk away, hoping to be able to go on an adventure with them as soon as they returned. 


                          To be continued...