[SCENE ONE – INSIDE DRAKARION KEEP – THE PLANNING ROOM]

  (Trevor Drakarion appears, wearing black armor bearing the dragon sigil, standing before a map of the keep and the surrounding plains, with his military leaders behind him watching intently. The sound of an alarm bell echoes in the background.)

  Trevor (in a steady voice):

  "Before us stands a merciless enemy, eight thousand soldiers, no women among them, no children. An army forged for slaughter, armed to the teeth with swords, axes, and shields, riding horses and pushing armored bulls ahead of them. This is not just a siege, it is a message... and we are the reply."

  (He looks at the commanders of the various divisions in turn)

  "Our archers, 200 bows, you are our eyes and our first fire. The crossbowmen, your bolts show no mercy to those who approach.

  Siyavati, 400 men, a wall of shields and steel, you are the heart.

  The Armored... my beasts, 400 of you are enough to bring down an army.

  80 hounds hungry for blood,

  500 horses waiting to plunder the plains,

  And our walls... our walls will weep fire, oil, and blood."

  (Silence, then he slams his fist on the table)

  "I have only 1000 men with me, but I need no more. For every man in this keep is worth ten outside.

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  We have provisions enough for two years...

  But I do not intend to hold out for two years.

  I intend to win."

  [SCENE TWO – IN FRONT OF THE MAIN GATE OF DRAKARION KEEP]

  A heavy silence hangs in the air. The guards on the walls watch with sharp eyes. From among the enemy soldiers arrayed at a distance, a massive knight on horseback advances, his armor gleaming under the pre-sunset light, a black sigil ominous on his chest. It is Vagnar, the commander of the besieging army.

  He stops before the gate, raises his helmet slightly, and calls out in a booming voice:

  Vagnar:

  "I have no intention of treachery, I only ask to speak with some of your guards. To prove my good faith."

  A moment of silence... then the gate slowly opens, and from behind it emerges Trevor Drakarion, wearing his black armor, his sword at his hip, and a look of defiance in his eyes.

  The two leaders meet face to face, only a few steps separating them.

  Vagnar (with a cold smile):

  "You know very well that you have no chance. Surrender, and spare your men death."

  Trevor (in a voice as calm as stone):

  "With ten men from behind these walls, I bring down a hundred. With a hundred, I bring down a thousand. And with a thousand, I defeat ten thousand. Our provisions will last us two years... Tell me, Vagnar... do you have two years?"

  Vagnar (with suppressed anger):

  "I can attack now, and overthrow you in a day and a night. Much blood will be spilled."

  Trevor (coolly):

  "Dozens of us, yes... but hundreds of you, before you breach a single wall."

  Vagnar (scoffingly):

  "I will bring the catapults, and bring down the keep upon your head."

  Trevor (confidently):

  "No, you won't. You need it unharmed."

  Vagnar:

  "Your numbers are one to eight. The siege will turn into a massacre."

  Trevor:

  "I will die happy, with my sword in hand, defending my right... and my honor."

  Vagnar (in a sharper tone):

  "Am I to understand from your words that you do not intend to reach a truce? Why did you agree to see me then?"

  Trevor (staring into his eyes):

  "I merely wanted to assess your character... and unfortunately, I was not impressed."

  Trevor turns his back and walks back towards the gate. It slowly opens, and he enters with stead

  y steps, then it closes tightly behind him.