Chapter 4: The King's Declaration

The black-cloaked hero then led the warriors to the highest point of the mountain range and pointed to what lay beyond the range. The warriors were shocked to see thousands of demons marching toward the mountain range. This was a force much larger than they had anticipated and they braced themselves for what was yet to come.

"Do not fear," the hero said in a deep, resonating voice. "They shall not conquer the Splintered spire this day."

The warriors had never seen so much destruction and destruction in their lives. But the mysterious hero would not allow them to be discouraged - he raised his hand and pointed towards the horizon, speaking words of encouragement and strength.

"Though they are many, they will not prevail. Have faith, courage, and stand fast - together, we can turn the tide of this war."

The warriors stood tall and proud, ready to fight despite the danger and their fear. With a collective nod of agreement, they asked the mysterious hero how they were to begin their assault.

The hero calmly outlined his plan, speaking as though reciting from a script as he gestured to the land before them. He began by explaining that the greatest threat in the coming battle was the beast, Daemetul.

"We will not have to fight thousands of demons; instead, we should focus our efforts on finding and destroying the one who summoned them. Daemetul is larger and more powerful than any other beast you have ever seen. Standing at least twenty feet tall, it is covered in thick black scales and possesses four powerful arms ending in razor-sharp claws. It can spew streams of molten lava from its mouth. If we can manage to sneak to the flank of the army, I can set a shadow barrier around us and Daemetul to prevent the demons from joining the fight. Let us move quickly and with caution!"

The warriors nodded in approval of the plan and, with a battle cry, began to march toward their destiny.

Meanwhile at the King's castle

The sun had just set over the castle of Valeria and the citizens could feel an unearthly chill in the air. In the courtyard of the castle, they had gathered around, hundreds of them, ready to hear the king's words. The guards had cleared a path through the crowd and now the King of Valeria stood before the people, the expression on his face one of grave solemnity.

The King then returned his gaze to his subjects, his voice haggard and weary as he spoke.

"My people, I regret to inform you that an ancient terror has arisen. The demon-summoner Daemetul has aimed its full strength against our kingdom, and all that can be done is to prepare ourselves for the impending devastation. Nevertheless, I remain steadfast in my faith: I have sent the mysterious hero, accompanied by our twenty strongest warriors, on a quest to the Splintered Spire. They go with but one mission: to prevent the destruction of our kingdom.

To those who doubt, I can only tell you that this is not our only hope. I have also ordered four of our provinces to dispatch troops, who will fight for us with whatever strength they can muster.

So, I ask all of you: Be of stout heart. Fight with courage, and may the gods be with us all."

At this, many of the citizens bowed their heads in silent reverence, and the King's words reverberated through the crowd. With confidence and hope, the King of Valeria turned and strode away, ready to take on any burden that may come his way.

The King spoke again. "People of Valeria! I understand this is a difficult time. The fate of the kingdom is uncertain but I am sure in the mysterious hero and the twenty brave warriors. Together, with the mightiness of our army, we can fight to protect our kingdom. Even in the face of destruction, do not lose hope, and stay strong. I assure you they will not fail."

The crowd put aside their doubts and cheered in support of the King. They all knew that this was their last hope, and they put their faith in the King, who had done so much for them.

The King then concluded his speech. “Fear not! For I have faith in our future and I know that victory will be ours!”

The crowd responded by erupting with cheers and cries of support. The King lifted his sword and declared that victory would soon be theirs.

The King then sent out messengers to the four provinces and ordered them to spread the word throughout the kingdom that Valeria would stand strong against Daemetul and his army of demons!

TO BE CONTINUED.

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