Inside Freehold Keep, the rebellion’s leadership gathered to discuss their next move. The weight of the rebellion’s hard-won victories now seemed lighter compared to the storm brewing on the horizon.
Valeria Eldryn stood at the head of the war room, a detailed map of the western border spread before her. Markers indicated the recent movements of Volterian forces—troop deployments, supply caravans, and the construction of new outposts along the frontier.
“Volteria has stationed nearly ten thousand soldiers near the Ashen Crossroads,” Valeria said, her voice calm but serious. “It’s not a full invasion force, but it’s more than a defensive measure. They’re preparing for something.”
Halrick scowled, his fingers tapping the hilt of his sword. “And how long before they decide to cross the border? They’ve been circling like vultures since the rebellion started.”
Kira leaned against the wall, her expression sharp. “It’s not just Volteria. If they act, the other kingdoms might follow. They’ll use the excuse of ‘stability’ to put us back in chains.”
Juri stood silently at the table, his sharp blue eyes fixed on the map. He traced a finger along the Ashen Crossroads, his mind racing. “Volteria won’t act alone,” he said finally. “Leovan is too cautious to take the lead without support. He’s waiting for an excuse—something he can justify to his allies and his people.”
As the meeting continued, a scout entered the war room, saluting sharply. “Commander Winkler, we’ve received an emissary from Tharion’s Marches. She claims to represent a faction within their government that supports the rebellion.”
Juri raised an eyebrow. Tharion’s Marches was a smaller kingdom to the northwest, known for its skilled engineers and formidable fortresses. Its rulers had remained neutral during the rebellion, but internal divisions had always been an open secret.
“Bring her in,” Juri said.
The emissary entered the room, a tall woman with sharp features and a confident stride. She introduced herself as Captain Serale Dren, a former officer in the Tharion military now aligned with a faction sympathetic to the rebellion.
“Commander Winkler,” Serale said, bowing slightly. “I bring a message from Lord Calvian, a member of the Tharion council. He believes your cause is just and is willing to provide support—covertly, of course.”
“And what does he want in return?” Juri asked, his voice even.
“Stability,” Serale replied. “Calvian sees Volteria’s movements as a threat to Tharion as much as to your rebellion. He’s offering weapons, engineers, and intelligence in exchange for an alliance against any foreign powers that seek to exploit the chaos.”
The prospect of an alliance with Tharion’s Marches sparked a heated debate in the People’s Assembly. Some representatives saw it as a vital step toward strengthening the rebellion’s position, while others feared it would drag them into a broader conflict.
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“This is exactly what we need,” Valeria argued. “Tharion’s support could tip the balance in our favor if Volteria decides to invade.”
“But at what cost?” another representative countered. “If we align ourselves with one kingdom, we risk alienating the others. We’ll be seen as just another pawn in their power games.”
Juri raised a hand, silencing the room. “This rebellion was built on the idea that we stand for the people—not the ambitions of kings or councils. If we accept Tharion’s help, it has to be on our terms. No entanglements, no compromises.”
As negotiations with Serale continued, Juri and his commanders began preparing for the possibility of a Volterian invasion. The rebellion’s forces were spread thin, with the northern territories still recovering from Edrik’s assault.
Eren Vas introduced new defensive technologies, including mana-reactive mines and portable energy barriers, designed to slow down enemy advances and protect key positions.
“The Dominion can’t be everywhere at once,” Eren said as he demonstrated the devices. “But these will give us a fighting chance if Volteria decides to push through our lines.”
At the same time, Juri ordered the construction of fortified outposts along the western border, using materials salvaged from noble strongholds. Garrick led scouting missions to monitor Volterian movements, ensuring the rebellion would not be caught off guard.
While preparations continued, Juri made the bold decision to send an envoy to King Leovan of Volteria. The message was simple but pointed:
“The rebellion has no interest in conflict with Volteria. Our fight is against tyranny, not your kingdom. But if you force our hand, we will defend what we’ve built. Choose wisely.”
Kira was skeptical of the move. “You really think Leovan’s going to back off because of a strongly worded letter?”
“It’s not about the letter,” Juri replied. “It’s about buying time. Leovan’s cautious, and if we can make him hesitate, it might be enough to shift the balance.”
Days later, the rebellion’s worst fears were realized. A Volterian force of nearly a thousand soldiers crossed the border near Grimwater Pass, claiming they were responding to “reports of unrest” in the region.
Juri immediately dispatched a strike team, led by Halrick and Kira, to intercept the invaders. The goal wasn’t to defeat the Volterians outright but to delay their advance and send a clear message that the rebellion would not be intimidated.
The battle at Grimwater Pass was fierce. Rebel sharpshooters took up positions on the cliffs, picking off Volterian officers and disrupting their formations. Kira led a team of infiltrators to sabotage the Volterian supply wagons, while Halrick held the line with his usual ferocity.
When the Dominion arrived on the battlefield, its presence alone was enough to force the Volterians to retreat. Juri piloted the mech with precision, targeting key positions and ensuring minimal losses among his own forces.
As the Volterians withdrew, Juri stood atop the Dominion, addressing the retreating soldiers through its speakers.
“This is our land,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “We didn’t fight to free ourselves from one oppressor just to bow to another. Turn back while you still can.”
Back at Freehold Keep, Juri met with Serale Dren to finalize the terms of the alliance with Tharion’s Marches.
“You’ve proven you can hold your own,” Serale said. “Calvian is prepared to send reinforcements—discreetly, of course. But he’ll expect results.”
“You’ll have them,” Juri replied, his sharp blue eyes gleaming with determination.
As the rebellion fortified its borders and prepared for the next stage of the conflict, the world seemed to hold its breath. The clash at Grimwater Pass had made one thing clear: the rebellion’s fight was no longer confined to the noble territories. It had become a struggle that would determine the future of the entire region.
Standing on the battlements of Freehold Keep, Juri stared out at the horizon, where storm clouds gathered in the distance.
“The nobles are gone,” he said quietly to Kira, who stood beside him. “But the war isn’t over. It’s just changed shape.”
Kira smirked faintly. “Good thing you’re good at adapting.”