The evening faded into a restless night. Amena, who was pregnant and in need of peaceful sleep for the well-being of her child, insisted that John leave aside all war strategies and rest. Reluctantly, John agreed and took a nap with her, unaware that their brief nap would turn out to be a grave mistake. Though John couldn't sleep fully due to his concern for his wife's advancing pregnancy, he remained alert. Suddenly, a soldier stationed at the main door looked up in horror as an arrow swiftly approached and struck him, causing him to fall lifeless. Within minutes, a volley of arrows rained down from all directions, killing the guards positioned on watchtowers, at the main door, and throughout the castle. Upon hearing the chaos outside, John jolted awake and drew his sword. He decided not to disturb his wife, so he secretly locked her in their room and ventured out to investigate. As he made his way through the castle, a troop of soldiers brought the news, "My Lord! The castle is under attack!" Determined to protect his kingdom, John sought out his brother, Waiden James, who was fiercely defending against the enemy's onslaught, preventing them from breaching the castle walls. The Magmodean ruler, Gandar Hawk, father of Death Knight, had only a thousand troops at his disposal, some of whom were busy trying to break down the castle doors with a massive log. The true mastermind behind the attack was Hercedera Meracoras, a slave who possessed the ability to overthrow even the mightiest rulers with his cunning and conspiration. His army comprised a motley crew of dacoits, thieves, killers, and monstrous creatures recruited from various prisons across the country. Hercedera wielded mythical powers that granted him an edge in battle.

As John faced the imminent threat, he knew he had to rally his forces and defend his kingdom against this formidable enemy.

© Abhijit: A hardworking writer