Episode 20

Continuation

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The days of preparation were a blur. Scouts brought back reports of Lucien’s scattered allies gathering under a new banner—a shadowy figure known only as The Reaver. Rumors painted him as a ruthless tactician, one who thrived on chaos and destruction. Valerie couldn’t afford to underestimate him.

In the great hall, maps covered the long oak table, marked with troop movements and key locations. Valerie stood at its head, her expression unyielding as her commanders debated strategies. Liam sat to her right, his sharp gaze scanning the maps, his presence a quiet anchor amidst the storm of voices.

“This is no longer just a defense,” Valerie said, silencing the room with her commanding tone. “If we wait for The Reaver to strike, we’ll lose the element of surprise. We take the fight to him.”

A seasoned knight, Sir Aldric, frowned. “Do we have the numbers? Reports suggest his forces are growing daily.”

Valerie’s lips thinned. “We may not match him in size, but we’ve fought together, bled together. We’ve won against worse odds.”

“And we have her,” Liam added, his voice calm but firm. “Valerie’s leadership has already brought down one tyrant. We can do it again.”

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room, but the weight of responsibility hung heavy in the air.

“Then it’s settled,” Valerie said. “We march at first light. Dismissed.”

The commanders filed out, leaving Valerie and Liam alone in the hall. She leaned heavily against the table, the mask of confidence slipping for a moment.

“You’re doubting yourself,” Liam observed quietly.

She glanced at him, her exhaustion evident. “I can’t help but wonder if I’m leading these people into another massacre.”

Liam stepped closer, his voice steady. “You’re giving them a chance. A chance to fight for their future, for their freedom. That’s worth the risk.”

She met his gaze, searching for reassurance. “And if we fail?”

His hand rested lightly on hers. “Then we’ll fail together. But we won’t fail.”

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The army set out at dawn, a disciplined force moving through the rolling hills and dense forests. Valerie rode at the front, her crimson cloak billowing behind her, a banner of defiance against the looming threat. Liam rode beside her, his sword ready and his expression focused.

They reached The Reaver’s encampment by dusk on the third day. From their vantage point atop a hill, they could see the enemy’s sprawling camp—a sea of tents and roaring fires. The sight was enough to make even the bravest soldier pause.

“They’ve fortified their position well,” Liam remarked, his tone grim.

Valerie’s mind worked quickly, analyzing every detail. “We’ll split into three groups. One will draw their attention at the northern edge, while the other two flank from the east and west.”

“And you?” Liam asked, though he already knew the answer.

“I’ll lead the eastern flank,” she said. “The Reaver will be there. I can feel it.”

His jaw tightened. “Then I’m coming with you.”

“You need to lead the western flank,” she countered. “I trust you, Liam. You’ve never let me down.”

He hesitated, his frustration evident, but he nodded. “Just don’t make me regret it.”

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The attack began under the cover of darkness. Valerie’s forces moved like shadows through the trees, their movements precise and deliberate. The first clash of steel against steel shattered the silence, and chaos erupted.

Valerie fought like a force of nature, her blade cutting through enemy after enemy. She moved with purpose, her focus singular: find The Reaver.

She didn’t have to search long.

A figure emerged from the shadows, tall and imposing, his armor blackened and scarred. The Reaver’s helm bore a menacing design, his face obscured, but his presence radiated power.

“So, you’re the one who killed Lucien,” he said, his voice deep and cold. “I was wondering when you’d show yourself.”

Valerie raised her blade, her stance unwavering. “And you’re the coward who hides behind his men.”

The Reaver chuckled darkly. “Bold words for someone who doesn’t know what she’s up against.”

“Then show me,” she challenged.

Their swords clashed, the force of the impact reverberating through her arms. The Reaver was a formidable opponent, his strikes heavy and precise. But Valerie was relentless, every movement driven by determination.

Around them, the battle raged on. Liam’s flank had joined the fray, their arrival turning the tide in Valerie’s favor. But she couldn’t focus on anything other than the enemy before her.

“You think you’ve won,” The Reaver taunted as their blades locked. “But you’ve only delayed the inevitable.”

“We’ll see about that,” Valerie shot back, shoving him away.

The fight was brutal, every strike a test of strength and skill. But Valerie’s resolve was unbreakable. With a final, calculated strike, she drove her blade through his chest.

The Reaver staggered, his hand clutching at the wound. “This… isn’t over,” he rasped, echoing Lucien’s final words.

Valerie stepped back, her chest heaving. “It is for you.”

As he collapsed, the remaining enemy forces began to scatter, their morale shattered. Cheers erupted from her soldiers, their victory undeniable.

But Valerie didn’t celebrate. She stood amidst the chaos, her gaze fixed on the horizon. This battle was won, but she knew the scars it left would take far longer to heal.

Liam found her moments later, his armor bloodied but his expression relieved. “It’s over,” he said.

“For now,” she replied, her voice heavy with exhaustion.

He placed a hand on her shoulder, grounding her. “You’ve done more than enough, Valerie. Let’s go home.”

She nodded, allowing herself to believe, if only for a moment, that peace might finally be within reach.

To be continued...

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