chapter 29: visit to royal capital lycarth

The gates of Ebonwood opened to a sight that tugged at the heartstrings of every beast within the kingdom. A weary procession of immigrants, survivors of a village lost to the ravages of war, sought sanctuary within the fortified walls. Their eyes held stories of sorrow, their paws carried the weight of a past that refused to fade.

**The War's Legacy**

King Simha, known for his strength and compassion, welcomed the immigrants with open arms. The war between the beast kingdom and the elves had left deep scars, scars that Simha felt acutely. The memories of the conflict were still fresh, a bitter reminder of a time when alliances shattered and kingdoms clashed.

**The Betrothal**

Among the many burdens Simha carried was the knowledge of his sister's betrothal to the seventh elven prince, a union forged from necessity rather than love. The prince was infamous for his debauchery, his court a nest of intrigue and cruelty. Simha's sister, a beacon of grace and strength, deserved a fate far removed from the harshness of the elven court.

**The Immigrants' Plight**

The immigrants spoke of their journey, of the homes they had left behind, and of the hope that Ebonwood represented. They spoke of the beast kingdom's valiant stand against the elves, a stand that ultimately ended in loss and exile.

**Simha's Resolve**

As King Simha listened, his resolve hardened. Ebonwood would not be a mere refuge; it would be a home, a place where the scars of war could heal and where the future could be forged anew. He vowed to protect his people, to ensure that the tragedies of the past would not befall them again.

**A Kingdom's Promise**

The chapter closes with Simha addressing the immigrants, his voice a roar of promise. "Here in Ebonwood, you will find more than shelter. You will find a family, a purpose, and a kingdom that stands united. Together, we will build a future where peace reigns, and where the shadows of war are banished by the light of our unity."

And so, under the watchful eyes of the ancient trees, Ebonwood grew not just in strength, but in spirit. The immigrants found their place within the kingdom, their tales of loss woven into the tapestry of Ebonwood's history, a reminder of the cost of war and the value of peace.