The news spread across the continent about the war's results. They were expecting Thaluria to crush Aethelgard into pulp and were ready to take some of Aethelgard's territory after.
However, not only had Aethelgard won, but they had also won in a landslide so decisive it shattered assumptions that had stood for centuries. The Thaluria Empire, always the looming shadow every kingdom had learned to live beneath, had bent the knee to a realm most had barely bothered to name in council chambers.
Panic followed disbelief. Because for generations, Thaluria had been treated as an immutable force, too big to challenge, too established to fall, and also because they have the strongest sorcerer on their side. Smaller kingdoms paid tribute, adjusted borders, and sacrificed pride, because survival demanded it.
