Kantadar Kingdom, Southern Mountain Territory.
In the heartland of Duke Ablo's duchy, the oppressive storm clouds hung ominously low, as if poised to devour the fortress where the duke resided.
Duke Ablo dragged heavy steps into the castle's meeting room.
The chamber, where not long ago grand plans had been deliberated amongst many nobles and commanders, now felt eerily desolate.
Ordering the attendants and servants out, Ablo seated himself alone on the wide yet cold chair, clutching his forehead with furrowed brows.
Ever since he retreated with tens of thousands of defeated troops out of the Ustato Kingdom and back south, the Urians were the first to abandon him.
Soon after, scattered southern nobles, bloodied and battered, followed suit.
