Bearers of Bad News

In the palace of the city lord of Iztil, Prince Cedric and Seraphina mobilized a search party to track down Crowley, their primary target. They knew time was of the essence, as Crowley's escape was a temporary setback that needed to be swiftly rectified.

The search party consisted of skilled soldiers, chosen for their expertise in tracking and capturing elusive targets. Led by Seraphina, they planned to first search the palace and then the city, their footsteps echoing through the corridors of the palace.

One hour into the search, a hushed murmur spread through the group as they stumbled upon a dimly lit corridor on the other side of the massive palace. There, lying unconscious on the ground, was Philip, the man consumed by vengeance. Beside him, was Crowley, or rather what remained of him, his once imposing figure reduced to such a defeated state.

Seraphina signaled for the soldiers to approach cautiously. With practiced precision, they swiftly surrounded the two men, weapons drawn and ready for any sign of resistance.

Prince Cedric, who had joined the search party, stepped forward and bore witness to the beheaded, limbless figure of the man he had just fought so fiercely.

Seraphina turned her attention to Philip, whose unconscious form lay on the ground. It was clear that he had exhausted himself in his pursuit of revenge. Seraphina knelt beside him, checking his vital signs.

"He's alive but unconscious," Seraphina reported, her voice filled with a mix of concern and understanding. "Get a Physician now, I'll do what I can in the meantime"

Half an hour later, Lucius, one of Prince Cedric's most trusted advisors, had returned from the battlefield. His arrival brought a mixture of relief and somber news.

Lucius approached Prince Cedric, his face lined with exhaustion and sorrow. "Your Highness, the battle was fierce," he continued, his voice heavy. "We managed to repel the enemy forces, but not without casualties."

"Casualties were expected, what's the estimate?"

"So far we've managed to identify around six thousand dead and a further two thousand injured, we are however still counting Your Highness"

"Let us gather the names of those who fought valiantly," Prince Cedric said, his voice resolute. "We will honor their memory and ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain, and what of the enemy"

"They have suffered a lot worse all thanks to Lady Coaltan's spell and once we took the west gate they surrendered and now we have full control of the city"

"Excellent work, distribute commanders to different sectors of the city and let it be known that we have taken this city and send a messenger to the capital of the Capatian Divine Kingdom and make them aware of our position, also round up the nobles and merchants who live in the second ring and invite them here to pay their respects, and I shall address the soldiers while they gather."

Meanwhile, Prince Cedric went to the Brizian camp outside the city and addressed the gathered soldiers, his voice resonating with gratitude and determination. "Today, we have achieved a significant victory," he began, his voice projecting strength and resolve. "But let us not forget the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers. They fought with valor and unwavering loyalty."

He continued, "In their memory, we shall rebuild and fortify our kingdom. We shall honor their sacrifice by ensuring that justice prevails and that the darkness that these people who abducted my son represented is forever banished from our land."

The soldiers stood tall, their faces reflecting a mix of grief and determination.

**IN ANOTHER PART OF THE DIVINE KINGDOM**

The messenger from the Brizian army stood at the capital's gates, his eyes widening in awe at its magnificence. Long shadows were cast over the busy streets below by the spires' towering height and exquisite carvings. The brilliant colors and active markets painted an image of affluence and harmony as the city buzzed with activity.

As the messenger made his way through the bustling streets, he couldn't help but feel anxious. He had traveled for days to deliver important news to the king, and now he stood at the threshold of the court of the divine kingdom, waiting anxiously for an audience.

After what seemed like an eternity, the grand doors to the throne room swung open, revealing a sight that took the messenger's breath away. The throne room stretched out before him, lined with nobles in resplendent attire, their eyes fixed upon him with curiosity and anticipation.

At the far end of the room, seated upon a magnificent golden throne, was the king of the divine kingdom. Flanked by his two princes, he exuded an aura of regality and power. The messenger's heart raced as he stepped forward, his footsteps echoing through the vast chamber.

An official announcer's voice boomed through the room, breaking the silence. "Presenting the messenger from the Brizian Kingdom," the announcer proclaimed, his voice resonating with authority.

The messenger knelt before the throne; his head bowed in respect. "Your Majesty," he spoke, his voice clear and unwavering, "I bring news from the frontlines of the battle."

The king leaned forward; his piercing gaze fixed upon the messenger. "Speak," he commanded, his tone demanding both attention and respect.

"Your Majesty, the kingdom of Brizia has successfully taken the city of Iztil and the surrounding Iztitlantza province," he began, his voice ringing through the hall. "Prince Cedric Al-Briz, second Prince of the Kingdom of Brizia and Lord of Coyuc extends an invitation for negotiations to ensure a peaceful resolution."

A murmur erupted among the nobles, their voices rising in disbelief and consternation. The king's expression hardened, his face etched with anger and concern.

"How dare they lay claim to our lands!" the king thundered, his voice echoing through the hall. "We have shed blood and toiled for generations to establish our dominion."

One of the princes remarked, "Father, we must consider the offer," looking unwaveringly in the king's direction. "If we can settle this issue peacefully, it will protect our people from more bloodshed."

The nobles voice their dissent, their objections growing louder by the second. The king, his patience wearing thin, raised his hand, silencing the room.

"I will not entertain negotiations with usurpers," the king declared, his voice filled with unwavering authority. "Our armies will march, and we will show them the might of the divine kingdom."

The court erupted in a mix of agreement and apprehension and the messenger was dismissed.