30. BOMB

In the North, there is a mountain with an altitude of three thousand one hundred and ten meters not far from Valliant. It only took about two hours to reach the foot of the mountain and eight hours to reach the top. The mountain was filled with shady trees. It was only when one reached the top that one would know that there was a guard post surrounding a castle.

It may not be widely known, but the mountain was one of the territories captured by King Leopard. Pascal found out at the age of five from reading his grandfather's secret book and King Lumiere confirmed it when the inquisitive prince asked.

From the beginning, Pascal did not intend to go to the North alone. Especially to visit King Silva. He had no intention of dealing with the obscene king.

Arriving at the foot of the mountain, the Andromeda cavalry formed a long line. Titan led at the front. Climbing the path after path that could only be passed by one horse. And anyone would fall if they couldn't control their horse carefully.

''Faster, Titan,'' he said as he neared the top a few hours later. From up there, he saw bright lights from three points. One in the west and two in the east. One of them was the light from his men's camp.

Pascal squinted. But not once did he grasp the restraining ropes in both hands firmly. There was no sign of fear in his heart. He even picked up a chocolate bar and popped it into his mouth calmly, then returned his attention to the road.

''This will be the biggest war ever. The bloody north war won't be able to compete with this one.'' Bold looked at the back of Pascal who was ten meters away from him. The sight that Pascal had also seen earlier made his breathing a little heavy. And his heart was beating fast. Bold was quite nervous. But his courage was in no way undermined by the number of enemy troops.

The night air was getting colder. Even the breath of the soldiers emitted smoke because of it. Only the sound of a horse and Titan's steps could be heard. After several hours passed, they finally arrived. Armor with blue robes symbolizing shells had filled the castle courtyard.

''My Prince. Welcome to Grevorn.'' Just as Pascal dismounted from his tiger and opened his leather gloves.

SRTTT! A map unfolded. Pawns were arranged and a big meeting was held.

''The Western army will halve its forces to attack Calvard and Argorn first. After conquering the border, they will immediately attack Valliant.''

''Generals Alvar, Bridgen, Ezkiel and Robin sent a message. They are already in position.''

Pascal popped another chocolate ball into his mouth. There were many of the man's favorite snacks there. But Pascal preferred the one that Crysta had given him. His tall, stout body was still listening while paying attention to the signs on the illustrated paper.

Calvard and Argorn were two hundred and four hundred kilometers from West Lake. Which meant it would take approximately twelve to twenty-four hours for the Western forces to attack one of them.

''The captains are also in place where they will signal, Your Highness. We await your further orders.''

''Very well,'' Pascal grabbed Lucard's pawn in East Wood. ''When will Prince Raphael and Arthur arrive?''

''A few more hours. It will take two to three days for the Eastern troops to gather.''

''Then, start signaling Calvard. We will leave the Eastern troops alone for the time being. We will prepare a funeral for the sheep that have made the flock.'' Pascal sat on the map table. Put the chocolate back in his mouth. Looked at his men with a readable gaze. " Execute.''

"Aye, Your Highness.

A captain at the Western guard post poured several barrels of oil into the firewood pile. And threw a bag full of powder containing red-colored sand grains. Flames formed as soon as the captain threw a match into it.

From afar, the light seemed to blend into the sky. It resembled a red star when seen from the soldiers who set foot on earth. No one noticed. Including the soldiers on guard, the troops on the way, the generals, and even the princes on their horses.

It coincided with two hours before sunrise.

DING DONG DING DONG...

The palace bells rang loudly. The Kingdom of Medellin had been attacked.

''Protect Her Majesty the Queen and the young princes.''

Swiftly, all the remaining troops visited the room where there were already bloodied soldiers in front of them. Lying on the floor. The steel door was also wide open.

The troop leader's throat rose and fell with fear. He saw that the queen and Prince Drake's brother were already prisoners when they reached the doorway.

At least twenty people filled the place.

''Drop your weapons or these two will die right now.'' General Alvar said from where he stood. Each soldier had a dagger pointed at the neck of the queen and the stomach of the prince who was now crying loudly.

Medellin's soldiers glanced at the queen, asking for approval. And the queen nodded her head. After all, there was nothing they could do. Valliant's soldiers had surrounded the palace without touching the residential areas. Within seconds, the clang of swords could be heard falling.

General Alvar approached the queen, bowing to her. But a look of hatred was what Alvar got.

''Your Majesty, I bring a message from Prince Valliant- Your Highness Pascal Tristan.''

''That tyrant prince asked you to kill me? Take the life of a prince who can't even hold a sword?'' she snapped angrily.

''The prince asked me to treat you well. Also Prince Damien,'' Alvar glanced at the baby basket. Then looked at Queen Letizia again. ''Provided that you send a letter to King Gerold, asking him not to continue the invasion.''

''Do you think my husband would do that? He even beats me every time he hears Damien cry. I'm nothing more than a whore in the guise of a queen.''

''The prince knows that. But King Gerold will not let his flesh and blood die at the hands of the enemy.''

The woman in the plain white dress fell silent. Swallowed her saliva deeply. Staring at Alvar without blinking.

''If you please, Your Majesty...'' Raising a feathered pen in front of the queen's face.

I fell asleep early after nursing Damien. When I opened my eyes, hundreds of daggers were in our son's baby basket. Right now, a bunch of humans from the sea have seen my sleeping clothes. Please, come back to our bed. I want to fall asleep next to you like last night before we both parted ways. Let go of your responsibilities. And come back to me.

''They came into Mother's room?'' Drake raised his eyes at the king. Asking for justification for his question.

''Let go of your responsibility... let go of your responsibility...'' King Gerold laughed like crazy.

''They will kill my mother and brother too, Father.''

''You think I don't know?" he shouted. ''They could have both been killed by now.''

''I know Pascal although not as well as those closest to him. But if he's asking you to return to Medellin, that means Pascal wants to negotiate. Mother and Damien must be alive when I say this.''

He also held that belief. The agitation in his heart made King Gerold take a deep breath. He rubbed his worried face. He was uneasy. He might not love Letizia. But he loved Damien very much. Just like he loved Drake. Early on, he should have listened to his son's advice to tighten up the kingdom first and postpone all this.

''Do I have to apologize to you, Drake?'' The king sat up in his bed.

''I don't need that. What I need is your decision regarding the fate of Mother and Damien.''

''What do you think?''

''You're asking me?''

''I've made one mistake by not listening to your advice. Now, let this old man decide to follow whatever your advice is.

Drake paused for a moment. Then took a few steps forward. ''If that is Valliant's wish. Do it. You are appointed leader of this army. They will listen,'' Drake assured. ''Medellin's decree is the ultimate decree. Whatever, wherever and however, we will follow it.'' That was the oath taken by the royal officials some time ago.

King Gerold gathered the kings and princes. Conducting a surprise meeting in his tent. But in that meeting, there were two kings and their sons who were not seen there.

''Where are Ingard and Credence?''

''Your Majesty. You don't remember? They are on their way to Argorn and Calvard. They are carrying out orders according to your plan.''

Drake and King Gerold exchanged glances. Realizing, that the lives of their loved ones, would not be spared once they heard the two kingdoms were under invasion.

Oh, God.