Arkan stood, arms folded, his expression grave. "Your Highness," he said, "I believe the recent strikes are a diversion, pulling our attention East. Their true aim, my instincts tell me, is the North. It's too vast, too important to ignore, and with most of our main forces are in the east and around the borders, it's the perfect time for them to strike."
Dren raised an eyebrow. "Why the North? What makes you so sure?"
Arkan's gaze didn't waver. "It's a feeling, yes,but it's built on logic. The survivors from the North will be used: as spies, guides, collaborators. The West will exploit their resentment. I believe the enemy intends a large-scale attack to reclaim it, not just by force, but from within."
Rin sat silently, processing. If Arkan had seen this, his cousins likely had too. Their next move was crucial; they couldn't afford to be caught off guard.
With calm authority, Rin's eyes sharpened. "Call all our generals back to our domain. And send the main forces of those nine traitor families to the North."
Arkan blinked, caught off guard. "Your Highness, with all due respect, we hold two key domains in the North. If we pull out now, won't we risk losing them entirely?"
Rin didn't flinch. "What's mine will stay mine," he stated plainly. He leaned forward. "You should know something, Arkan. I have a connection to the old royal family in one of those northern territories. I plan to use that link to communicate with the West, making them believe they're gaining a powerful ally in the North."
Arkan narrowed his eyes, following. Rin continued, "It's a trap. We'll bait them with the illusion of support, then use the opportunity to strike. This will not only crush any power Valen's sons and the two bastards still have, but it will also bleed the West before they realize what's happened."
Arkan gave a small nod. The plan was bold, risky,and very much in character for Rin.
Rin continued, his tone measured but firm. "But the West won't align with the weak. Right now, the North doesn't have anyone strong enough left to impress them. That's why, when we meet with the West's ambassador, Arkan, you'll be there."
Arkan tilted his head, listening closely.
"You'll disguise yourself as one of the Northern Lizards,make them believe the old royal bloodline is alive, well, and still powerful. If they think the North has teeth, they'll hesitate to strike, even if they win against the East. They won't risk making enemies on two fronts."
Arkan remained silent for a moment, understanding the layers. This wasn't just misdirection; it was shaping perception. Rin wasn't just buying time; he was building the illusion of a future power the West couldn't afford to cross.
"This way," Rin said confidently, "I'll be able to gather my strongest generals who remain loyal to me, while sending those nine traitors straight to their doom. After that, no one will have the courage,or the guts to stand against me."
Dren interjected, "your Highness i have to say, before I came here, these brother and sister were advancing very quickly. They are very determined and focused and they are very talented.Surely, they will not disappoint you."
Rin cut him off. "You should return to the North and inform the remaining royal family that the West will be reaching out to them. They need to follow the plan that I have prepared and when the west contact them,they should immediately inform us."