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– We'll fight, and come what may, – said Arthur grimly.

The tent flap opened and a soldier from the King's guard entered.

– Your Majesty, Lord Murd has an important message for you.

– Let him in, – Raven said curtly.

A hunched, shifty-eyed man entered and made a deep bow.

– Greetings, Your Majesty, and to you, Your Excellency.

– Likewise, my lord, without further ado. Get straight to the point, – Robin said.

The tent flap opened the Minister of War entered the tent and he heard the conversation.

– Your Majesty, – Lord Murd continued, casting a surly glance at the newcomer. – I have every reason to believe that the alliance of the three provinces has betrayed the crown and is on the side of our enemies.

– That's a blatant lie! – The Duke of Lanber shouted.

– Your Grace, control yourself, – Raven said softly. – I hope your words are confirmed by the facts?

– Here, – The lord handed the papers to the king. – This is evidence that the army of the County of the Rhine has been put on alert and is about to march under the command of the Duke of Rathmir of Oden. Intelligence has reported that the Countess of the Rhine plans to put her nephew on the throne of Adenia. Now is the right moment. She is about to form a marriage alliance with the king of Arenia.

– Then why does she put her hopes in her nephew? If she becomes queen? Will Adenia be divided between the two powers? – Robin asked even more quietly.

– Not all of Adenia. Our army, though weak, can still fight back even against two states. Both monarchs understand this. Therefore, they claim only a part of the northern lands, wanting to expand their borders. The rest will go to Ratmir of Oden.

– It seems so, – whispered the pale Falcon.

– And this is a new map of the three future states, Your Majesty, – Lord Murd continued. – I have a suggestion on how to stop the traitors.

The young king's face took on an earthy hue.

– Tell me.

– This area needs to be hit with a magic strike. They don't have a shield-maker, so they won't be able to deflect it. The desert will be a desert again, as it should be. Ratmir of Oden will have nothing to offer the allies, they will refuse him and we will have one less enemy.

– Your Majesty, you promised to give me your word, – the Minister of War's voice rang with tension.

– Yes, – The king looked dead tired.

– All these statements of Mr. Murd are not supported by a single fact. These are just words, and the words are false!

– Your statements are also just words, – Raven's voice was still on the same note.

The Duke of Lanberg suddenly clutched at his heart. The Falcon quickly ran up to him, laying him down on the floor of the tent and giving him magical energy. The healer made sure that the life of the still unconscious man was not in danger, nodded to the soldiers, and they carried him away. Murd, still half-bowing, waited for an answer.

Robin stood up, looked at the map again for some reason, and said:

– Adenia will not strike at its own provinces. You are dismissed, my lord.

– You're making a mistake, Your Majesty, – Murd said, barely able to contain his anger. – Let me tell you that you are still too young and do not realize the situation…

– Get out.

Murd tried to say something else, but he met the gaze of the Bear Clan chief, the evil gleam in his eyes didn't bode well. So he had to quickly retreat.

– Did you believe him? – The Falcon asked the king.

– It doesn't matter. If the army has already moved out, then only women and children are left there. Will you order me to wipe them off the face of the earth?

– Yes, and the game will be even more fun than I thought, – said Arthur.

– The lord of Arenia has become Lady Raine's chosen one, – Raven said bitterly.

The young men looked away.

Three days later, the division stationed in the valley was put on alert. The enemy was operating strictly according to the plan that Robin knew, thanks to the Adenian magical intelligence. The troops of the neighboring countries had to break through the defense in this most convenient place for them – in the Cold Valley. And all of Adenia was waiting for the magical blow that the shield-maker was supposed to protect them from.

Raven watched the approaching enemy cavalry.

– We're going according to plan, – Arthur said to someone behind him. – The flank attack should only be launched on my orders.

The distance between the soldiers was closing.

– The slaughter is about to begin, – the Falcon said heavily.

Robin took hold of the hilt of his sword to give the command to attack. But Arthur suddenly stopped him. The king saw horror and despair on the faces of the young men. On the hills of the valley, numerous cavalry appeared on both sides.

– These are the warriors of Oden, – the Falcon said in a strangled voice.

– Sound the all-round defense! – Raven shouted sharply.

Realizing that they were surrounded on all sides, and there was nowhere to retreat, the Adenian soldiers rushed around. There were shouts of panic in the crowd, which even the officers could not stop. Arthur and the Falcon were already preparing to use magic to calm the soldiers. Suddenly, the Duke of Lanberg gave an exclamation of delight from behind:

– Look, they're flying the Aden flags!!! The Union has come to our aid!

The Aden army broke into a chorus of "Hurrah!" followed immediately by a loud, high-pitched, long-drawn-out shout from above. Robin looked back in surprise.

– They're dragons! – Edward shouted enthusiastically.

The beautiful creatures flew low over the ground, proudly spreading their wings. Several dozen dragons flew over the heads of the Aden, showering them with a strong current of air. The advancing enemy cavalry had not even covered half the intended distance when they were stopped by a wall of fire spewed by the winged individuals. Panic and confusion gripped the ranks of the attackers, and almost all the riders turned back. Robin heard a bugle call from the hills and knew that the allies were waiting for his orders. He turned to look at Arthur, who understood him with a half-glance.

– Chase the enemies to the border. Take the commanders prisoner.

His order was already being repeated by the buglers. Robin remembered Anna's last words, "everything will be fine," and the look in her warm eyes. After just an hour and a half, the victory was for the Adenians. The uninvited guests were driven out of the country, and the king of Arenia and the warlord of Piran were taken prisoner. The ministers had already drawn up a treaty of surrender, which was to be signed on terms favorable to Adenia. After a while, the captive mighty mage and monarch of Arenia smiled angrily at the young king and his entourage. The tall, dark-haired man looked like a seasoned wolf caught in a trap. He smelled of danger and barely contained anger. Such sentiments were understandable to the Raven, but he did not feel fear when facing more powerful enemies, so he easily withstood these heavy looks.