TKP Ruination Ch. 4

Chapter 4
After giving their answer to the dastardly duo that they would rather fight than submit to them, war was declared on Thanesan, the entire army to descend upon them within a week’s time. A panic began to erupt through the town and castle, people condemning Jurian and Idelisa for not sacrificing themselves for the safety of the people. With such hateful thoughts and speech running through the population, Idelisa called forth the people to gather in the town square, standing in the center alone while Jurian, Jal, and Sycamore watched from the rooftops as she gathered everyone’s attention. “People of Thanesan! I call forth your attention as I wish to speak to you from the heart. Word of impeding war is upon is, the vile Malice Wing of ancient lore wishes to destroy not only myself but the entire land. I know word of a possible resolution with myself and my lover submitting to her minions’ desires. These are pretty lies because she would’ve still destroyed our home.”
As she continued on, murmurs of agreement began to spread amongst the people until an older woman stepped forward. “What about us? Do you expect us to fight a war so you two can be together?” “No, I don’t expect you to do anything but we are beginning to prepare an escape route for the general population so if the castle does fall, you will not be here to die along with it,” said Idelisa as she looked to the people, feeling as if they were family. The murmurs became almost deafening while Idelisa turned her gaze to see Jurian smiling at her, seeing her rally morale was going beautifully. It was then some of the men of the town stepped forward, carrying farming tools. “My lady, for all the good you’ve done for the kingdom, we would like to volunteer to help against this demon threat.” Idelisa was taken aback, unsure what to say as the entire crowd began to agree, erupting into a cheer to aid in the fight. She fought back tears of happiness but calmed them down so she could speak once more. “Thank you my brethren, if you wish to help, we will let you know best to aid in the coming battle.”
With that, the crowd dispersed, Jurian rushed to her side as he saw the tears in her eyes but smiling warmly. “These people, they truly have faith in us. We mustn’t let them down.” “We won’t but let us return because your father wanted to speak to us about the coming fight and I was going to summon forth the Sworn Brothers to help us prepare for the coming fight,” said Jurian, taking her hand in his. Jal and Sycamore had already left back to the castle while the young lovers walk back together, seeing people cheer, not for them but for the Kingdom of Thanesan. Jurian smiled while Idelisa felt pride in her people, wanting to get back so they can get prepared for the coming war so peace may reign. As they returned, they were met by the King and Sycamore while Jal, Zahee and Lilly were caring for Sera and checking for everyone’s equipment. They sat down together, speaking of plans and possible ways for the townsfolk to assist them in the fight, able to use the farmhands as back up fighters and utilizing everyone’s skill in town to better their chances.
They began talks, unable to hear back from any of their allies but with the supplies they had on hand, they prepared for the worse, making a strong perimeter around the castle. Meanwhile, Jurian was in the courtyard of the castle, beginning the summoning ritual to bring the Sworn Brothers in to assist them in the coming battle. He had cleared the area out, craving sigils in the dirt then placing the summoning stone in the center. As he moved to the side, channeling his chakra into it, Idelisa looked at him strangely as Sera was cooing softly. “How did you learn to do summonings? I figured you were strictly melee in your studies?” “Sycamore is to thank for that, just because I can’t do any actual magic doesn’t mean I can’t learn to do summonings,” said Jurian during his concentrations. Idelisa smiled, looking down as Sera, admiring her special eyes until a crash of lightning hit the sigil, causing Sera to cry while there stood four men in unique armor.
Idelisa looked on in horror at the men for only a moment before quieting down Sera as Jurian looked to the four with a smile. “Good to see you four again. I have summoned you here because the army of Argosia is upon us and we need your strength.” Ironface stepped forward, kneeling before him and smiled respectfully, “Yes, I would gladly fight along side you. You were the first good fight I had in my life and would love to call you my comrade.” “Agreed, you fought valiantly and were an honorable opponent, let us destroy our enemies without mercy,” spoke the Overseer as he lifted his hat a bit. Idelisa walked up to Jurian’s side, curtsy a bit and introduced herself to the four and each greeted back respectfully to her. After the greetings were finished, they retired to the castle so they could plan for the best method of attack and how each brother could be of best help in the assault from Argosia.
The days passed with a quiet sense of dread, the looming dark clouds slowly descending upon the castle as everyone prepared for the battle. The Sworn Brothers had summoned in their own allies to help, bringing forth great beings of metal and steam while every able bodied person trained to fight in one form or another. Barricades were erected and areas were set up for those unable to fight to stay safely and aid by caring for the soldiers. Upon the morning of the coming battle, Jurian was up early, sitting on the edge of the bed while Idelisa and Sera slept soundly. He was looking down at his hands, thinking about the lives he had taken in the time he had been alive. Having so many thoughts in his mind, thinking back to the orphanage, when he first saw Idelisa, and holding Seraphina for the first time. He then felt a hand on his shoulder and a kiss upon his cheek, looking to see Idelisa looking at him with great concern. “Promise me that you will return from the fight today?” He nodded quietly, pulling her into his embrace and holding her close, for as strong as he was, he still felt fear in his heart for the fight was uncertain today.