The heavy oak doors slammed shut behind them, leaving the throne room and the chilling gaze of Chris Blackwood behind. Soren and Daniel walked in silence, their boots echoing against the marble halls until they reached the war chamber.
There, with generals and aides gathered, Soren broke the seal of the scroll. The wax snapped, the parchment unrolled, and every eye in the room fixed on the words written in Chris's hand.
"By decree of the Throne of Blackwood:
The BAM and the Soldiers shall march together — not divided — into the Darnovan Highlands.
There lies a fortress long abandoned, now occupied by rebels and foreign mercenaries.
You will reclaim it.
You will build upon its ashes a Blackwood Stronghold.
You will return not only with victory, but with proof that the Militia and the Soldiers bleed one blood.
Failure is treason. Rivalry is weakness. Betrayal is death."
The chamber went still.
Daniel's heart hammered. This wasn't just another mission — it was Chris forcing them to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, testing whether unity could be forged from rivalry.
Soren's jaw tightened, eyes scanning the room. His voice broke the silence.
Soren Vask:
"You heard the King. This is no longer about who is greater. The throne demands results. We will move as one."
A murmur rippled through the BAM generals, uneasy. Soldiers stiffened, pride bristling. The air was thick with distrust.
Daniel stepped forward, his voice cutting clean.
Daniel Blackwood:
"Then let it be so. My men will march with yours. But hear me, Soren—" he locked eyes with him "—if even one order puts my men at risk for the sake of your pride, I will defy you openly, even if it means facing the throne itself."
The hall fell silent. Soldiers shifted, some proud, some afraid.
Soren stared long and hard at him, then gave the faintest nod.
Soren:
"Good. Then let us test if your blood is worth the throne's gamble."
---
That night, the fortress name was whispered across the empire: Fort Karion — a place known for swallowing armies whole.
And as the news spread, citizens whispered too. Some said Chris was forcing BAM and soldiers into unity. Others said he was setting them up to destroy each other.
At the Blackwood Castle, Chris sat with Amara by his side, staring out at the night sky.
Chris:
"Fear. Blood. They both claim to serve me. Let us see which one survives the fire… or if both are worthy."
Amara's voice was soft but sharp.
Amara:
"And if they fail?"
Chris's smile was cold as the crown on his head.
Chris:
"Then the world will learn that Blackwood does not forgive weakness. Not even in those closest to me."
---