[Bonus Chapter] King Notos of Ironfort

The gloomy and ghost like wind blew into the beyond, carrying sadness that had casted a spell of depression within the land.

What was left on the horizon was, the once glorious and thriving kingdom that had now become ruins, a shelter for misfits and bandits.

Ironfort has now become a crude fort for brigands that robs and ambushes those merchants that comes across the vast rolling hills of Ironfort kingdom.

On a hill before the ruins of Ironfort, Notos stood melancholic; the world he knew had crumbled into ruins; the home that he always returned to after a long journey and training had become haven for brigands; the people who adored and celebrated their kingdom is gone; the soldiers, who felt immense joy in providing wholehearted service for the kingdom, dead and those who remained alive was scattered across the land.

'Was this the warm welcome I ought to receive after becoming the Ruler of this land? Was these all that I deserve?' Notos thought to himself.

He had been away from his home for six months already, as he was busy rallying his men and allies to put a stand against the injustice that they had received from Hazel Grove. He had gathered five thousand strong men to fight under his name, and among them was representatives of what remained from the old subsidiary kingdoms of Ethos that had become victims, like Ironfort was.

These people were once Royalties from their own kingdoms; who became victims of the unprecedented Hazel Grove incursions; and now, Survivors. They had rallied behind King Notos, who had carried their deep agonies and had given them hope and protection in these troubled times.

Before them, the kingdom was polluted with corrupted and foul atmosphere. As Notos gaze pierced towards his home, the fury and resentments he had built to fuel his resolution and determination grew like wildfire. And at this moment, the sight before him had triggered all of these together and erupted in furious fixation; to rid of his home of these imbeciles that had latched onto his home.

"Impudence!" Notos declared. Behind him were his close aides' and trusted commanders.

Warlord Rayan and Hajim who also share the same sentiments and feelings as their King, felt anger and offense. Warlord Rayan had once was deployed to garrison Ironfort's walls, and he valued his time as much as he valued the kingdom. The sight of it now, flared up his emotions. He stood beside his King, expressing his eagerness to do the bidding of clearing up these brigands and bandits. "My Lord…"

King Notos understood Warlord Rayan's intentions, his gaze affixed to the ruins and its occupants and after a few seconds, he nodded and acknowledged Warlord Rayan's rage. He too carried the same rage, he looked seriously into Warlord Rayan and said with an intimidating smile, "Shall we clean this place up?"

Warlord Rayan was caught off guard, he understood his King's eagerness to join the battle. And he was delighted by this personality of his King. Warlord Rayan replied with boisterous laugh, "My Lord, it is our honor to have you lead us in battle!"

"Men, to arms!" Warlord Rayan commanded the army and ordered them to battle.

The five thousand men army swept the unorganized group of brigands and bandits. King Notos was like a burning lion leading the army into battle. His movements exuded grace and authority, his commanding presence combined with his mastery in sword arts. Movements like a flowing river, as his sword became an extension of his will that carried his pent-up emotions.

With each of his strike, brought immense power that brought justice upon the wicked. Slicing through the ranks of his enemies with precision and might. King Notos single-handedly led the tide of the battle, and not one of his enemies stood equal against his skill and prowess. The scene depicted how destruction could also lead to cleansing, the land was purified off of its corruption.

The wind whispered his name as he fought, its as if the land of Ironfort celebrated his return that even nature itself commemorated his presence, as if Ironfort itself recognized its true ruler. With every swing of his sword, felt a sense of relief and catharsis, as if King Notos was shedding the weight of his past as he was about to create a new beginning.

The rest of the army fought side-by-side their King, displaying a ferocity like a raging storm, they tear down the remnants of the old to pave the way for a new future. Warlord Rayan and Hajim displayed their own skillful grace and ferocity in battle, the same with the rest of the army commanders, the royals from other kingdoms.

The rest of the army bore witness to King Notos's fiery determination; Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, their King soared through the chaotic battlefield and fought like a true god of war. The men fought with renewed vigor, inspired by their king's display of power and bravery. They rallied around him, their hearts filled with hope and determination. The kingdom they once cherished may have fallen into ruins, but now, with their king leading the charge, they saw a glimpse of a brighter and promising tomorrow.

…

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the battlefield. King Notos stood victorious and behind him was his army who have accompanied him to this fateful day. King Notos gripped his sword with his only remaining arm, his left arm. And although he had lost his sword arm, in these past few months, he had drowned himself in training with his left arm.

What King Notos displayed during the battle, was the fruit of his hard-earned efforts in training. He had succumbed in defeat after he lost everything, but now, he had a new sense of hope and determination. King Notos raised his sword with his left arm and called to his army,

"My fellow warriors, my brothers and sisters in arms, today we stand victorious, not just in battle, but in the face of adversity and despair! We have faced hardships and trials, but we have emerged stronger, united as one unstoppable force!" King Notos' voice rang out with pride and conviction, echoing across the battlefield.

Before him, his army stood tall and resolute, their faces reflecting the same determination that burned within their king. They had witnessed the transformation of King Notos, his unwavering spirit and undying will to fight for the future of their kingdom.

"We have faced countless trials, lost loved ones, and suffered unimaginable pain, but we have not faltered. We have risen from the ashes of our defeats and emerged stronger than ever before!" King Notos declared, his words stirring the hearts of his soldiers.

He looked out at his army, knowing that they were more than just soldiers fighting for a cause. They were a family, bound by the shared goal of rebuilding a new Ironfort, a kingdom that would rise from the ruins like a phoenix reborn.

"This victory is not just for me or for our kingdom, but for every soul that has suffered under the darkness of Hazel Grove! We carry their hopes and dreams with us, and we will not rest until justice is served!" King Notos' voice rang out with a fierce determination, his eyes blazing with passion.

The soldiers cheered, their voices echoing across the battlefield, filling the air with a thunderous roar. The victory was not just King Notos's alone; it belonged to every single one of them who had fought with unwavering courage and determination. They had fought together, bled together, and now they celebrated together, knowing that their hard-fought triumph was a testament to their unity and strength.

King Notos's eyes scanned the faces of his soldiers, filled with pride and gratitude. Each of them had their own stories of pain, loss, and struggle. They had all come together, bound by a common purpose, to reclaim their kingdom and forge a new future.

"Our journey has been arduous, and there are still challenges ahead. But as long as we stand together, as one united force, there is nothing we cannot overcome!" King Notos declared, his voice carrying the weight of his convictions.

He could see hope in the eyes of his soldiers, a renewed sense of purpose burning within them. They had fought for their kingdom, their families, and for the future they believed in. King Notos knew that he was not just a king leading an army; he was a symbol of resilience and determination for his people.

"We have endured the darkness of defeat, but like the sun setting behind us, we rise anew, stronger and brighter than ever before! Let this victory be a testament to our strength and unity, and let it guide us as we rebuild our kingdom! From this day forth, Ironfort will rise anew!" he proclaimed, his voice rising with passion and determination.

The soldiers raised their weapons high, their hearts filled with pride and devotion. They knew that their king would lead them to a brighter future, where the winds of change blew with hope and prosperity.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, King Notos and his army stood tall, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. They were no longer a kingdom defeated and broken; they were a kingdom reborn, united in spirit and bound by their unwavering loyalty to their king. As the evening celebration continued, King Notos found himself surrounded by his loyal soldiers. They cheered and toasted to their victory, sharing stories of their triumphs and struggles on the battlefield. The camaraderie among them was palpable, and King Notos felt a deep sense of attachment to his men.

As he observed their jubilation, a wave of doubt washed over him. Could he truly lead these people to a better future? Could he live up to the expectations they had placed upon him? The weight of responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders.

Deep in thought, King Notos wandered away from the revelry and found a quiet spot under the starlit sky. The wind whispered softly, carrying the echoes of laughter and celebration. He gazed up at the stars, their brilliance seeming to offer guidance and reassurance.

In the stillness of the night, King Notos reflected on the journey that had led him here. He recalled the hardships, the losses, and the moments of despair. But he also remembered the unwavering support and loyalty of his soldiers, the unyielding spirit that had carried them through the darkest times.

With determination, King Notos realized that he had to believe in himself and in his ability to lead. He had faced adversity and emerged stronger, and he knew that he could draw strength from the unity and loyalty of his army. Their bond was not just one of ruler and subjects; it was one of family and brotherhood.

As he sat there, a quote came to his mind: "The strength of a kingdom lies not only in its ruler but in the unity and courage of its people." King Notos understood the profound truth in those words. He wasn't alone in this journey; he had an army of devoted soldiers standing beside him, ready to follow his lead.

With a renewed sense of purpose, King Notos rose to his feet and walked back to the celebration. He joined in the festivities with a newfound lightness in his heart. The doubts that had clouded his mind were replaced with determination and resolve.

As he danced and laughed with his men, King Notos knew that leading them was not just about making grand decisions or strategizing on the battlefield. It was about being their beacon of hope, their source of inspiration, and their unwavering support.

As the night wore on, the celebration continued, and King Notos embraced his role as their leader. He realized that leadership was not just about having all the answers, but about forging a path together, one step at a time.

In the embrace of his loyal soldiers and the whispers of the wind, King Notos found the strength to rise to the occasion and become the leader his people needed. With the wind blowing with motivation and fury, he embraced his destiny with open arms, knowing that together, they were destined for greatness.