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The journey to unite the kingdoms was far from over. After their meeting with Queen Vira, Chirag and his companions continued to travel, seeking out other rulers who might stand with them against the gods. Each kingdom they visited brought its own challenges, its own tests of patience and persuasion. Some were easier to sway than others, but none were willing to offer their full support without seeing the threat for themselves.
As they made their way to the Kingdom of Iskar, Chirag could sense that time was running out. The gods' armies were growing stronger with each passing day, and the longer they waited, the harder it would be to unite the world.
Iskar was known for its strategic location and powerful military. Its ruler, King Alistair, was a man of great influence, feared and respected by his enemies. He had always remained neutral in the struggles between the gods, focusing instead on the power of his kingdom.
But Chirag knew that neutrality wouldn't be enough this time. The gods wouldn't let anyone sit on the sidelines.
They arrived at the gates of Iskar with the dawn, the city sprawling beneath them, built into the sides of towering cliffs. The guards were immediately suspicious of their presence, but word of their travels had already spread, and they were allowed in without much resistance.
King Alistair's palace was grand, made of stone and glass, with high ceilings and sweeping staircases. It was a place of wealth and power, but also one of isolation. The king's advisors were wary of outsiders, and it was clear that they preferred things to remain as they were.
When they entered the throne room, King Alistair was seated on his high chair, his expression unreadable. He was tall, with dark hair streaked with silver, and his eyes held the weight of many years of leadership. He looked at Chirag, Siya, and Kael with a calmness that belied the tension in the air.
"I know why you're here," King Alistair said, his voice steady but cold. "You want my kingdom's support. You want me to take a side in this war you speak of. But you must understand—Iskar has always kept to itself. We do not involve ourselves in the affairs of gods."
Siya stepped forward. "This is not just a war between gods, King Alistair. This is a war for the survival of everyone—human, demon, and ruler alike. If we don't stand together, there will be nothing left to protect."
King Alistair raised an eyebrow. "And why should I trust you? What guarantees do I have that your cause is worth the risk? You may be gathering relics and rallying the people, but in the end, it's the gods who hold all the power."
Chirag stepped forward, his voice firm but respectful. "I don't ask for your trust, King Alistair. I ask for your help. We don't need to defeat the gods on our own. If we can unite the kingdoms, we can force them to listen. But we need your strength. Without it, we'll fall."
The king stared at Chirag for a long moment, his eyes piercing, calculating. "And what of your alliances with the demons? Do you truly believe the people of Iskar will fight alongside them? They fear demons more than they fear the gods."
Chirag clenched his fists, but he kept his composure. "Not all demons are enemies. Some of us, like Siya, fight for peace. We have to show the world that we can overcome our differences, that unity is the only way forward."
King Alistair leaned back in his throne, his fingers tapping against the armrest. "You make a compelling argument, but I cannot make this decision lightly. I will not commit Iskar to a war based on your word alone. I must see the gods' intentions for myself."
Chirag felt a surge of frustration, but he kept his calm. "Then send your scouts. Send someone to witness what's happening in the world. But know this—if you wait too long, it may be too late."
King Alistair's gaze softened, just for a moment. "You speak with the fire of someone who has lost much. I understand that. But war is not something to rush into. If I am to act, it will be with careful consideration."
Chirag bowed his head, understanding that this was as far as he could push for now. "I understand, King Alistair. But we will not wait forever. When the gods strike, we will be ready. And I hope, for the sake of your kingdom, you will stand with us."
The king nodded, though it was clear that he was still undecided. "We will see, Chirag. We will see."
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As they left the palace, the weight of the conversation lingered in Chirag's mind. King Alistair was a man of reason, but also one of caution. It was clear that Iskar's neutrality was deeply ingrained, and convincing him to join the fight would be no easy task.
Siya walked beside Chirag, her eyes thoughtful. "That didn't go as smoothly as I hoped."
"No," Chirag said, "but it wasn't a failure. We've planted the seed. Now we have to wait."
Kael, always the strategist, added, "King Alistair is a powerful ally to have, but he's not going to jump into the fight without solid proof. We'll need to gather more support—both from the rulers and the people."
Chirag nodded. "I know. But we're closer than we've ever been. We can't give up now."
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The days that followed were a blur of travel, discussions, and more attempts to sway rulers to their cause. Each meeting felt more urgent than the last, and the tension in the air was becoming unbearable. Chirag knew they were running out of time. The gods were preparing for war, and they had to act fast.
One evening, as they sat around a campfire, Kael spoke up. "Do you ever wonder if we're doing the right thing? All this fighting, all this traveling… Is it really worth it?"
Chirag looked at him, his expression serious. "It has to be. We can't let the gods win. If we don't fight for what's right, everything we've built will be destroyed. This is our last chance."
Siya, her face lit by the fire, added, "We're not just fighting for ourselves. We're fighting for everyone who can't fight for themselves. For the future of the world."
Chirag nodded. "And we'll fight together. We'll make sure no one is left behind."
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