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https://fictionate.me/l/b/OYYN4Z

Jason Grekor, a young knight searching for his place in the north, is tasked with a seemingly routine mission: escorting a noble mistress to Dragsula. However, as the story unfolds, Jason becomes embroiled in a dangerous conflict between Elaecia and Rhoadnia, facing threats from both within and without.

[NOTE- While the novel is filled with thrilling action, it also offers glimpses into the characters' everyday lives and exciting adventures. The climax will be a chaotic whirlwind of events.]

PROLOGUE

Merwin Dreynoer

As my eyes drifted towards the distant village, I could barely make out the faint glow of its lights. The night was pitch black, without even a sliver of moonlight. Many people believed this was a bad sign.

On the border between Rhoadnia and Elaecia, the situation was dire. The two countries were locked in a tense standoff, and war seemed imminent. The northern duchy would likely bear the brunt of the conflict.

The sacred temple of the Sunset Goddess had been a target of these extremist groups for years. Their recent activities indicated a growing desire to desecrate this holy site. Perhaps we've been too lenient with these radical rats. The Duke should have taken a firmer stance. There had been rumors about a possible military mobilization near the border in my county. There was no way my situation could possibly have worsened.

The sacred temple of the Sunset Goddess had been a target of these extremist groups for years. Their recent activities indicated a growing desire to desecrate this holy site. Perhaps we've been too lenient with these radical rats. The Duke should have taken a firmer stance. There had been rumors about a possible military mobilization near the border in my county. There was no way my situation could possibly have worsened.

Nonetheless, as if lady luck were having fun impairment in my dreams, I received some negative news. On the previous day, the Duke's mistress gave birth to a baby boy.

"Why do you torture me god, the almighty? What crime have I committed?" was my unheard reproach. An illegitimate firstborn son was a sign of catastrophe. And there was Gytha, the duke's legitimate wife, who was full of hate. She had already tried to kill Lady Rayeesi, who was naturally very much like a sister to me. Rayeesi did not deserve such pain. I had brought her to my county during her pregnancy, so that she could be away from Gytha's poisonous hand. But now, after the birth of her son, my power to keep her safe was barely intact.

A sudden, sharp rap against the heavy oak door of my private chamber jolted me from my reverie. My gaze snapped towards the entrance as the door creaked open, revealing a familiar figure. A young man, no older than twenty, stood there, his brown hair tousled and his dark eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and urgency. He was clad in gleaming steel plate armor, its edges trimmed with rich, dark fur. Beneath it, a brown gambeson provided additional warmth, while a thick fur cloak completed the ensemble.

"Your grace, how may I serve you?" His voice was low and resonant, his words dripping with respect as he knelt before me, his knee grazing the cold stone floor.