Negotiations Pt. 1

The clash of steel filled the air, intermingled with the desperate cries of the Capatian soldiers. Fear now gripped their hearts, for the tables had turned against them. They found themselves outnumbered, outmatched, and overcome by a united front of Brizian soldiers.

The arrival of Lucius and his force of 30,000 warriors breathed new life into the battle-scarred battlefield. The momentum shifted in favor of the Brizian forces as they rallied around their newfound strength. The clash of weapons and the cries of war filled the air, drowning out all other sounds.

Amidst the chaos, Lucius, his gaze keen and sharp, spotted a figure unleashing the [Blade of Arcane] Fury, a skill he recognized well. Determined to find its wielder, he fought his way through the chaotic melee, his elite soldiers forming a protective ring around him.

Finally, Lucius reached the location where Prince Cedric stood, his body weary but his spirit unwavering. Lucius approached, concern etched on his face. "Your Highness, are you alright?" he asked, his voice barely audible amidst the cacophony of battle.

Cedric, his breath labored, nodded weakly. "Lucius, good timing. We need reinforcements at the eastern and western gates. Instruct the commanders to keep their distance from the wall to avoid friendly fire," he commanded, his voice filled with determination.

Lucius nodded in understanding, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Understood. I will relay your orders immediately. We also need physician mages deployed across the battlefield, accompanied by sufficient protection," he replied, his voice resolute.

Cedric's eyes gleamed with a mix of exhaustion and resolve. "Ensure we drive the enemy out. But if they retreat, do not pursue. Allow them to retreat," he instructed, his voice firm.

With the assistance of his loyal soldiers, Cedric was carefully lifted onto a horse, his body weakened but his spirit unbroken. As he was carried back into the city, Lucius swiftly issued the orders he had just received, dispatching messengers to relay the crucial commands to the commanders on the field.

The ensuing battle was tumultuous, a savage dance of steel and magic. Corpses flew through the air, with casualties from both sides. However, it was the forces of the Divine Kingdom that suffered the most, their ranks thinning rapidly. The ferocity of the Brizian warriors, combined with the strategic maneuvers devised by their leaders, proved to be a devastating force.

Screams pierced the air as enemy soldiers were maimed, burned alive, or encased in earth and ice. The once-proud soldiers of the Divine Kingdom now lay broken and defeated. The battlefield was a pitiful scene of desperation and agony.

Realizing their impending defeat, the Capatians began to withdraw from the battlefield, their retreat marked by confusion and panic. Some Brizian soldiers, fueled by their thirst for vengeance, initially pursued the retreating forces. However, the commanders swiftly issued orders to halt the pursuit, recognizing the need to regroup and consolidate their gains.

The once-boisterous battlefield descended into an eerie silence as the remnants of the Divine Kingdom's forces retreated in disarray. The Brizian soldiers, their hearts heavy with the toll of battle, maintained their formations, ready to defend their newly claimed city.

Prince Cedric's orders had been executed, and the battlefield lay strewn with the fallen. The Brizian forces, triumphant but weary, regrouped and made their way back to the city.

Hours had passed since the fierce battle had subsided, leaving behind a somber aftermath. In a chamber within the palace, the generals who commanded the different units of the Brizian army gathered to report to Prince Cedric about their losses. General Aric Hawthorne, the commander of the infantry, General Elara Valerius, in charge of the archers, General Reynard Firebrand, the leader of the cavalry, and the formidable Seraphina Coaltan, who commanded the mages, stood before Cedric, their expressions heavy with sorrow.

"We have suffered significant losses, Your Highness," General Aric Hawthorne began, his voice tinged with grief. "The infantry has lost approximately 3,000 soldiers, and the count is still rising as we gather the fallen."

General Elara Valerius added, her voice strained, "The archers have incurred losses of around 2,000 brave souls, my Prince. Their sacrifice shall not be forgotten."

Reynard Firebrand spoke next, his face etched with determination despite the losses. "The cavalry has faced heavy casualties as well, my Lord. We mourn the loss of 1,500 of our finest riders."

Finally, Seraphina Coaltan, her presence radiating power, addressed Prince Cedric. "The mages have suffered losses of approximately 500, my Prince. Their magical prowess will be sorely missed."

Cedric listened attentively, his heart heavy with the weight of the fallen. "Have their bodies been recovered and preserved?" he asked, his voice filled with both sorrow and determination.

One of the attendants nodded solemnly. "Yes, Your Highness. Their bodies have been respectfully retrieved and preserved."

Cedric's gaze turned resolute as he issued a command. "Each fallen soldier is to be returned to their family with honor. Arrange for their proper rites and ensure that their families are given the support they need in this time of grief."

As the generals departed to carry out their orders, Lucius, standing at Cedric's side, stepped forward. "Your Highness, allow me to introduce the five legion commanders of the Royal Army," he spoke, his voice steady and respectful. "General Tyrell Ironside, General Selene Blackthorn, General Leander Nuxius, General Aria Nightingale, and General Maximus Straniel."

Cedric nodded, acknowledging their presence. "Welcome, commanders. Your leadership and valor have proven instrumental in our victories today."

Turning his attention to Lucius, Cedric continued, "Lucius, it is time to send an envoy to the Capat Divine Kingdom. We shall offer a truce and begin negotiations to end this conflict."

Lucius bowed, his eyes reflecting determination. "Understood, Your Highness. I shall dispatch the envoy immediately."

With Lucius attending to his duties, Cedric retired to a room within the palace, prepared for his trusted advisor. Two hours later, a gentle knock resonated through the chamber, and Cedric called for the visitor to enter.

Lucius stepped inside, his gaze focused yet weary. "Your Highness, I bring news. The Capat Divine Kingdom has accepted our offer for negotiations. They are willing to meet tomorrow on neutral ground."

Cedric's eyes gleamed with a mix of resolve and cautious hope. "Neutral ground, you say?"

Lucius nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. They proposed the middle of the battlefield we have just fought upon."

Cedric's expression hardened. "Very well. Let it be so. Tomorrow, we shall seek an end to this conflict"