Chapter 29 - The Battle Beyond the GatesBy sunrise, the capital was surrounded.
Three armies stood beyond the city walls.
Their banners belonged to kingdoms that had been enemies for centuries.
Yet they had come together for one purpose.
To capture Ethan Cole.
King Aldric watched the enemy forces from the battlements.
Beside him stood Sir Garran.
"They've never formed an alliance before," the king said.
"They aren't here to fight you."
"Then why bring an army?"
Garran pointed toward the distant siege towers.
"Because they're afraid of what the boy can become."
Inside the castle, Ethan sat beside Rowan.
The older boy examined the black iron crown.
"Did you see him?"
Ethan nodded.
"The first king."
Rowan's expression tightened.
"What did he tell you?"
"That I sent myself here."
Rowan became silent.
Ethan leaned forward.
"What's wrong?"
Rowan looked toward the door.
"I was told the same thing."
Before Ethan could question him further, a horn sounded.
An enemy messenger had approached the gates.
He carried a white flag.
King Aldric ordered the gates opened just enough for the man to enter.
The messenger knelt and presented a sealed parchment.
Aldric broke the seal.
His expression changed as he read.
The letter contained a single demand.
Deliver the twelfth child before sunset, or the sky above your kingdom will open.
Beneath the message was a familiar signature.
QUEEN ELEANOR.
Aldric crushed the parchment.
"Impossible."
But at that moment, a woman emerged from the distant enemy camp.
She wore a white gown.
Her dark hair blew in the wind.
And although thirty years had passed, she had not aged a single day.
The king whispered her name.
"Eleanor."
May you like
The woman raised her hand.
Then, before both armies, she pointed directly at Ethan.
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