The night was cold, but Aron's heart burned with new fire. Around him, the rescued farmers sat in a small circle beneath the trees. They spoke in low voices, faces lit by a small, hidden flame.
Lina kept watch at the edge of the camp. Her sharp eyes scanned the dark, ready for danger.
One of the farmers, a man named Garron, spoke first.
"You saved us, Your Highness. I never thought I'd see a son of the king again."
"I didn't save you alone," Aron said. "Lina fought beside me."
Garron nodded to her. "A brave lass. But what now, prince? We can't run forever."
---
Aron looked at the worn faces around him. Men who had lost everything — homes, families, hope.
"I will not run," he said. His voice was steady, though fear still gripped his heart. "We must gather others. Farmers, hunters, anyone who will stand. We can't let the Puppet Master take more."
Garron's brow furrowed. "You want to fight him? With what? These hands?" He held up his scarred fists.
"With courage. With the will to be free," Aron said. "The Puppet Master wins because we let him. It must stop."
The men looked at each other. Slowly, Garron nodded.
"Aye. I'll stand with you. Even if it means my life."
One by one, the others agreed.
---
At dawn, Lina returned from her watch.
"The land ahead is rough," she said. "Old forests. Small villages. Good places to hide — or to raise a banner."
Aron smiled. "Then that is where we go."
---
Days passed as they traveled east. Word spread, whispered from farm to farm, village to village:
The prince lives. The prince fights. The prince calls for men to join him.
And some did. A hunter with a sharp eye. A smith who knew how to shape blades. A boy who had nothing but a sling and a brave heart.
The band grew. Still small, but no longer alone.
---
Far across the land, in the dark hall of the fallen palace, Jaren listened as a messenger spoke.
"The prince gathers men. He means to rise against you."
Jaren's masked face showed no sign of anger. Only a cold amusement.
"Let him gather," Jaren said. "Let him hope. When the time comes, I will crush him — and all who stand with him."
He turned back to his map. The game board was set. And soon, the next move would be his.