Chapter 298: Holy war 36

For now, the questions could wait. The battle demanded his full attention. And Tristan, the captain, would not fail. Not again.

Amidst the battlefield, Princess Christine stood tall, her regal form hovering in the air as she cast her most powerful spells, providing crucial support to her army. Explosions echoed and swords clashed across every field, from the skies above to the ground below. Violence was rampant, sparing no corner, not even the flowing river beside them, as humans and demons alike ripped each other to shreds.

Her presence was a beacon of hope and strength, her magic lighting up the sky with brilliant, destructive energy. With each spell she cast, the demons were pushed back further, their lines breaking under the relentless assault.

"Your Highness, we are steadily pushing them back," one of her mage subordinates reported, flying close to her. "But it seems the demons are baiting us towards something. Do we proceed with our assault?"

Christine narrowed her eyes, surveying the battlefield below. The demons' retreat did seem unusually coordinated, almost as if they were leading her forces into a trap. She couldn't afford to be reckless, not when so much was at stake. But at the same time, hesitation could cost them their hard-won momentum.

"Maintain our current position," she commanded, her voice resolute. "Strengthen our defenses and prepare for any surprises. We will not be lured into their trap, but neither will we lose the ground we've gained."

Her subordinate nodded and flew off to relay her orders. Christine continued to hover, her green reptilian eyes scanning the battlefield with a predatory intensity. Her dragon blood surged with power, giving her the strength and clarity she needed in this critical moment.

As the battle raged on, Christine's thoughts drifted to her father's caution and her own drive to take decisive action. The grand sanctum had been taken back because she had dared to push forward, despite his warnings. She couldn't afford to be indecisive now, but she also had to be smart.

"Prepare the siege weapons and have the archers ready to provide cover fire," she ordered. "We'll force them to reveal their hand."

Her soldiers moved with disciplined precision, their faith in her unwavering. They knew their princess was a fierce warrior, a leader who fought alongside them and understood the stakes of this war. As they prepared for the next phase of the battle, Christine took a deep breath, channeling her magic into a protective barrier around her troops.

The demons wouldn't catch them off guard. She would see to that personally.

Back on the ground, Tristan continued to cut through the demonic ranks, his blade a blur of motion. He fought with a ferocity born of regret and determination, each swing of his sword a step towards redemption. The voices of his comrades still echoed in his ears, their pleas for assistance driving him forward.

"Hold the line!" he shouted. "We've got them on the run. Don't let up!"

Christine watched him from above, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. Tristan was a formidable warrior, and his leadership was crucial to their success. Together, they formed an unstoppable force, a blend of tactical brilliance and raw power.

Her voice carried the urgency of the situation, and her troops responded without hesitation. The mages began chanting in unison, their hands glowing as they created a protective barrier around their forces. The shimmering dome of magical energy enveloped them, providing a momentary respite from the chaos outside.

Christine's mind raced. How could she not have noticed those two demons until now? What had happened? Her instincts screamed that this was part of a larger ploy. The demons' retreat might have been a ruse to lure her forces into a false sense of security.

"Stay alert!" she called out to her soldiers. "These demons are more cunning than we anticipated."

The soldiers tightened their ranks, their expressions resolute. They trusted her judgment, and she wouldn't let them down. Christine soared higher, her eyes never leaving the two demons. She needed to understand their strategy and counter it before it was too late.

The demons continued to watch her, their smiles never wavering. They radiated an air of confidence, as if they knew something she didn't. Christine's grip on her sword tightened. She couldn't afford to let fear or doubt take hold. Her people were depending on her.

"Tristan!" she called out, summoning her most trusted knight.

Tristan appeared beside her in an instant, his sword at the ready. "Yes, Your Highness?"

"Those two demons in the distance," she pointed towards them, "they're high-ranking. I need you to lead a squad and keep an eye on them. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary. We need to know what they're planning."

Tristan nodded, his expression grim. "Understood. I'll keep you informed."

As Tristan rallied a small group of elite soldiers, Christine turned her attention back to the battlefield. The barrier was holding, and her troops were regrouping, but she knew this was just the beginning. The real battle was yet to come.

Her thoughts drifted to her father's cautious approach. Perhaps he had been right to be wary. The demons were playing a deeper game, and she needed to be one step ahead. With a deep breath, she focused on the task at hand.

"Prepare for anything!" she shouted to her troops. "We hold this line no matter what. For our kingdom, for our people!"

....

Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, two demons floated in the air, their eyes fixed upon the human army in the distance.