"RESTORING THE BALANCE"
The house butler bowed respectfully before Lord Arin, then began to make his report. "My lord," he said, "as per your request, I have compiled a list of the Divine Families and their respective Dragon Kin protectors."
Lord Arin nodded, listening intently as the butler continued. "The Divine Families include the Amsterdam family, with their Protector the White Dragon Clan, the Ruland family, with their Protector the Red Dragon Clan, the Orla Family, with their protector the Blue dragon clan, and the Delfin Family, with their protector the Green Dragon clan."
Lord Arin absorbed the information, then thanked the butler for his report. He knew that the Divine Families and their Dragon Kin protectors were the most powerful and respected families in the kingdom, and that they held a great deal of responsibility in maintaining peace and order.
"Can you also provide me with the list of the 12 Great Houses and their respective cities?" Lord Arin asked the butler.
The butler nodded and replied, "Of course, my lord. The 12 Great Houses and their respective cities are as follows:
House Faldor - City of Brightwater
House Valtor - City of Ironhold
House Kaelor - City of Suncrest
House Orell - City of Frosthold
House Veritas - City of Starfall
House Torin - City of Ravenwood
House Kyros - City of Stormhaven
House Gallant - City of Silvercrest
House Delacroix - City of Moonstone
House Valerius - City of Firewatch
House Arden - City of Greenwood
House Noir - City of Shadowbrook"
Lord Arin thanked the butler and took note of the information. He knew that the 12 Great Houses held significant power and influence in the kingdom, and that they would also play a crucial role in the ongoing conflict.
Lord Arin turned to the butler and asked, "Do we have any loyal vassals among the 12 Great Houses?"
The butler replied, "Yes, my lord. House Torin, the rulers of Ravenwood, has been a loyal vassal of the Amsterdam family for generations. They have always supported and stood by the Amsterdam family in times of need."
Lord Arin nodded, pleased to hear that they had at least one loyal ally among the Great Houses. He knew that having the support of a powerful House like Torin could be crucial in times of conflict.
"Thank you for the information, butler," he said. "Please make sure to keep me updated on any developments within the other Great Houses, especially if any of them begin to show signs of hostility towards us."
Lord Arin and his cousin Rian stood facing each other, their dragon kins, Zephyr and Blaze, at their sides. They had been practicing their magic together since they were young, and their skills had only improved over time.
Lord Arin was an expert in earth and light magic, while Rian had a natural affinity for fire magic. As they began their duel, Lord Arin summoned a shield of earth and light to protect himself and Zephyr, while Rian conjured a ball of flame in his hand.
Zephyr took to the air, circling around Blaze as Lord Arin continued to defend himself against Rian's attacks. The air around them crackled with magic as the two cousins continued to duel.
Rian sent a blast of flame towards Lord Arin, who countered with a beam of light that illuminated the entire room. The two magics collided, creating a bright explosion that sent both dragon kins tumbling to the ground.
But the dragons quickly regained their footing and continued to circle each other, while their masters continued their magical duel. The air grew hotter as Rian's flames intensified, but Lord Arin was able to neutralize the heat with his earth magic.
Finally, after several minutes of intense magic, Lord Arin emerged victorious. Rian fell to his knees, panting heavily as his flames flickered and died out. Lord Arin approached him, extending a hand to help him up.
"Good duel, cousin," he said with a grin.
Rian nodded, smiling back at him. "You always were the better mage," he admitted.
Lord Arin shrugged modestly. "Maybe, but you're still the best fire mage I know," he said.
As Lord Arin and Rian walked towards the garden, they were greeted by the sweet fragrance of the blooming flowers and the gentle rustling of the trees. The sun was shining brightly in the sky, casting a warm glow over the manor.
As they took a seat at a nearby table, a servant brought them tea and some snacks. Lord Arin took a sip of his tea and sighed contentedly. "It's good to take a break once in a while," he said, looking out at the beautiful scenery.
Rian nodded in agreement, munching on a piece of pastry. "It's been a long day. But the duel was invigorating," he added with a grin.
Lord Arin chuckled. "You always enjoy a good challenge, don't you?"
Rian shrugged. "What can I say? I love the thrill of the fight."
They continued to chat and enjoy their tea, basking in the peaceful atmosphere of the garden.
when suddenly a guard with a sweat all over his face made a report that the Crown Prince arrive at the Manor with a heavy wounds all over his body
Lord Arin's expression immediately turned serious as he stood up from his seat. "What happened to the Crown Prince? Quickly, show us the way."
Rian followed suit, and they both followed the guard towards the entrance of the manor. As they approached, they could see the Crown Prince's carriage, parked outside the gate. The Prince was being carried on a stretcher, his face pale and his breathing shallow. His body was covered in wounds, some of them still bleeding profusely.
Lord Arin's heart sank at the sight, and he quickly ordered his own Dragon Kin, Zephyr, to help carry the stretcher into the manor's medical ward. Rian helped to clear the way, shouting for the medical team to come to the aid of the Crown Prince.
As they entered the ward, Lord Arin's family physician, Lady Adela, and her team of healers immediately began to tend to the Crown Prince's wounds. Lord Arin stood by, anxiously watching as the healers worked to save the Prince's life.
After several hours of intense treatment, the healers finally emerged from the medical ward with news. The Crown Prince's wounds were severe, but they were not life-threatening. He would need plenty of rest and time to recover, but he was out of immediate danger.
Lord Arin breathed a sigh of relief and approached the physician. "Thank you for your hard work, Lady Adela. Is there anything else we can do to assist with the Prince's recovery?"
Lady Adela nodded. "He will need plenty of rest and care. We will continue to monitor his condition, but for now, he should be left to rest."
Lord Arin nodded in understanding and turned to leave the ward.
As he arrive at his chamber as he stand by the window he summon his Personal Aide, Kleyman the Saint of Shadows
"Come forth Kleyman!" Lord Arin said, and a shadow like figure appear kneeling before him
"Reporting My Lord!" The Shadow figure said
"Speak" Arin said in a cold voice
"The Crown prince was ambushed in the feet of the Greenwoods forest, the attacker is using Dagger infused with paralysis substance as what I have retrieved in the scene!" the shadow knight reported
"what is the reason for his travel?" Arin asked " in the looks of it, it seems like the Prince is going to aid support in the northern fortress!" the Shadow Knight answered
"It seems that the Empress is on the moved" Arin said, the Shadow Knight was puzzled in his master words but never did he asked for it
"you dismissed now, I will call you again when I need you!" Arin said, and the Shadow knight vanished in thin air
"Butler come!" Arin shouted "HEED MY COMMAND, THE ORDER OF THE GRIFFIN WILL DEPART IMMEDIATELY TO THE NORTHERN FORTRESS TO AID SUPPORT IN REPELING THE ENEMY AWAY AS A PROXY FOR THE CROWN PRINCE!!" Lord Arin exclaimed, the Butler bowed and rush towards the Camp of the Order of the Griffin
"it seems like one of the Five Brains in Leondell, the Cunning Connoisseur, Minister Ruefing is on the move!. since the Crown Prince knock on my Door, I have him entered and offer him help, planting seed of gratitude towards him and have him nurtured to fight against for those who want him dead" Lord Arin uttered while his eyes close in front of the human size glass windows in his chamber, as he then recite a poem;
Oh, the cunning of the heartless mind, That would seek to use another kind, To gain advantage at their expense, And leave them with no recompense.
With honeyed words and a helping hand, You seek to weave your selfish strand, Into the fabric of their trust, Until they crumble and turn to dust.
But oh, the price you will pay, When the truth comes to light one day, And the ones you used and cast aside, Rise up against you, with anger and pride.
For true kindness knows no hidden aim, No ulterior motive to its game, It gives without expectation of return, And from its blessings, we all can learn.
So let your heart be pure and true, And seek to help for love, not for you, For the rewards of genuine aid, Are greater than any you could have made.