Juri knew the rebellion couldn’t survive a two-front conflict. To preserve everything they had built, he needed to act swiftly and decisively, both on the battlefield and in the courts of foreign rulers.
Juri called a meeting with his core leadership in the war room at Freehold Keep. The map of the western kingdoms was laid out before them, marked with the sigils of neighboring rulers.
“These kingdoms aren’t our enemies—yet,” Juri began, his sharp blue eyes scanning the room. “But they’re watching us closely, and if they think we’re a threat to their stability, they’ll intervene. We need to convince them that the rebellion isn’t about conquest—it’s about peace.”
Valeria Eldryn, ever the strategist, nodded. “We have allies within some of these courts—traders, defectors, even a few nobles sympathetic to our cause. If we play this right, we could secure their neutrality or even their support.”
Kira leaned against the table, her expression skeptical. “And if they don’t want to listen? What then?”
Juri’s jaw tightened. “Then we make them listen. But diplomacy comes first.”
He looked to Garrick. “You’ll lead the defensive efforts while I’m gone. Kira, you’re coming with me. If this turns hostile, I’ll need someone I can trust.”
Juri and Kira set out for Ashridge, the capital of the western kingdom of Volteria. Volteria was one of the most powerful states in the region, known for its skilled cavalry and wealth from trade. If Juri could secure their neutrality—or better yet, their support—it would send a strong message to other kingdoms.
The journey to Ashridge was tense. The roads were watched by spies, and rumors of the rebellion’s diplomatic mission had already begun to spread.
Kira rode beside Juri, her daggers concealed beneath her cloak. “Do you think this is going to work?” she asked, breaking the silence.
Juri’s sharp blue eyes remained fixed on the horizon. “It has to. If Volteria sides with Edrik, we’ll be fighting on two fronts. That’s a war we can’t win.”
When Juri and Kira arrived in Ashridge, they were escorted to the royal court. The Great Hall of Volteria was a place of grandeur and opulence, its high ceilings adorned with intricate tapestries and its marble floors gleaming under the light of massive chandeliers.
King Leovan Rynar sat on the throne, his piercing gray eyes studying Juri as the rebel leader approached. Leovan was a shrewd ruler, known for his pragmatism and sharp wit.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
“You stand before the court of Volteria,” Leovan said, his voice calm but commanding. “State your purpose, Juri Winkler.”
Juri bowed slightly, his tone respectful but firm. “I come seeking peace, Your Majesty. The rebellion has no quarrel with Volteria or its neighbors. Our fight is against the nobles who oppressed our people—not against the kingdoms that stand beyond our borders.”
Leovan raised an eyebrow. “A noble sentiment, but one that rings hollow. Your rebellion has destabilized the region. Trade routes have been disrupted, refugees are spilling across borders, and now I hear whispers of a new war brewing in the north. Why should Volteria trust you?”
Juri met the king’s gaze, his sharp blue eyes unwavering. “Because the alternative is worse. Edrik of the Blood is rallying the remnants of the nobles, and he’s not just interested in taking back what he’s lost. He wants to unite the region under his rule—and if he succeeds, he won’t stop there. He’ll come for you next.”
The court murmured at Juri’s words, but Leovan remained impassive.
“And what do you propose?” the king asked.
“Neutrality,” Juri said. “Stay out of this conflict, and we’ll ensure that Volteria’s trade routes are protected and its borders remain secure. In return, you won’t face the consequences of aligning with a false king.”
Leovan leaned back in his throne, his expression thoughtful. “You speak with conviction, Winkler. But words are cheap. How do I know you’re capable of delivering on these promises?”
Juri gestured to Kira, who stepped forward and placed a small leather-bound ledger on the table before the king.
“That’s a detailed account of Edrik’s plans,” Juri explained. “Movements, supply lines, and the names of noble families backing him. Information we’ve gathered through our network of scouts and defectors. Use it as you will, but know this: Edrik is a greater threat to your kingdom than we ever could be.”
After hours of deliberation, King Leovan gave his answer.
“Very well, Winkler,” he said. “Volteria will remain neutral—for now. But understand this: if your rebellion falters, and if Edrik grows too strong, Volteria will act to protect its interests.”
Juri nodded. “That’s all I ask.”
As Juri and Kira left the court, Kira glanced at him, her expression cautious. “Do you think he’ll keep his word?”
“No,” Juri admitted. “But we’ve bought ourselves time, and that’s all we need.”
While Juri worked to secure diplomatic neutrality in the west, Edrik of the Blood made his first major move. Loyalist forces descended from the Wintermark Range, launching a surprise attack on a rebel-held town near the northern border.
The town, Havenfield, was small but strategically important. Its loss sent a ripple of fear through the rebellion, and Garrick, now in charge of the northern defenses, scrambled to respond.
“We’re stretched thin,” Garrick said in a report sent to Freehold Keep. “If Edrik continues his advance, we’ll lose the northern territories.”
When Juri received the report upon his return, he immediately called a council meeting.
“Edrik’s testing us,” Juri said, his voice cold. “He wants to see how quickly we respond. If we let this stand, he’ll keep pushing until we’re too weak to fight back.”
Juri’s plan was ambitious:
- Phase One: Halt Edrik’s advance by fortifying the northern territories and deploying Bastion Walkers to key defensive points.
- Phase Two: Launch a targeted strike against Edrik’s supply lines, cutting off his forces from reinforcements and resources.
- Phase Three: Lure Edrik into a decisive battle on ground of the rebellion’s choosing, where his advantages could be neutralized.
“We’re not just fighting an army,” Juri said during the meeting. “We’re fighting the idea that the nobles can rise again. If we defeat Edrik, we break their momentum—and their spirit.”