58: TAKING ACTION

I gathered my trusted advisors, and the nobles, the weight of our situation pressing heavily on my shoulders. “We cannot abandon Border Town,” I said firmly. “But we also cannot ignore the bandits here.”

One of the nobles spoke up, his voice thoughtful. “Perhaps we can divide our forces. A small, elite team can return to Border Town to confront the protesters, while the rest of us stay here to deal with the bandits.”

It was a risky plan, but it was our best option. I nodded in agreement. “I will take the lead on organizing the team to the palace. I want to know the true situation myself. The nobles will lead the effort to secure Border Town. The rest will remain here under Torin’s command to finish off the bandits.”

As we prepared to move out, I found a moment alone with my team. “Be careful,” I told them. “We are walking a fine line. We need to trust each other now more than ever. I will not lose any of you today.”

Their expressions were serious. “We will prevail, Ava. We have come t