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The Lull Before the Storm
The Last Days of the Crown of King Marcus
King Marcus had worn the crown for many years.
He had seen wars and betrayal. Faced enemies and bitter conflicts. Crushed rebellions. Endured starvation and even disease.
The kingdom had rested upon his shoulders. Every decision he made came with a price. Every shadow that appeared carried a threat. But at last, the Northern Frontier rebels were crushed. For the first time in many years, the King felt something he had almost forgotten…relief.
It was not the old King who rode out, but his heir, Prince Liam Marcus. Beside him was the Second Liam. The disguise was seen by the people at every turn. Young, fierce, and untested, Liam led the Royal Guard through the mountain passes. For many days and nights, mountains and the valleys shook under relentless shelling.
By the dawn of the fourth month, the rebel banners had fallen. Their leaders knelt in the mud. The guns fell silent. The borders held. The banners of rebellion came down. The kingdom breathed.
For a brief moment, there was peace. It was the lull. The quiet that comes after the storm, when the world seems safe again…and yet no one knows what was in store.
The kingdom rejoiced.
