93

Cain sat in the makeshift war council tent, surrounded by the leaders of the rebellion. The atmosphere was heavy with tension as they discussed their next move.

One of the scouts rushed into the tent, breathless and disheveled. "Cain, we've received word. King Crowell's army is on the march. They're headed straight for us."

Cain's jaw clenched as he absorbed the news. "How many men does he have?"

The scout took a moment to catch his breath. "They say it's an army of ten thousand strong, Cain. Ten thousand."

A murmur of alarm rippled through the council members. Ten thousand soldiers was a formidable force, one that could easily overwhelm their rebellion.

Cain leaned forward, his voice steady but laced with concern. "We knew this day might come. We must prepare for battle. Send word to all our allies in the region. We'll need every able-bodied fighter we can muster."

The leaders nodded in agreement, but worry etched their faces. They had fought bravely for their freedom, but the odds w