Word spread fast of the attack on Arabella's group. As Cedric lay gravely injured, a fury grew in the allies' camps.
Matthias' mission proved successful - Ferdinand and Richard pledged troops to the cause. Maximillian added his full force after rescuing Arabella.
Within a week, a great army was massed on the plains outside the capital. Damian and his villainous allies had also strengthened their ranks, awaited behind stone walls.
The armies crashed together. Steel rang on steel as the field became a chaos of swirling combat. Ferocious battles raged across the land, allies and enemies locked in mortal struggles.
Yet just when victory seemed within their grasp, a shadowy figure appeared, cutting down friends with arcane powers. It was the puppetmaster behind all - Prince Mordred, Damian's mysterious teacher in the dark arts.
In that dire hour, a light flared within Seraphina. Drawing on reserves of spirit she never knew, she faced Mordred with magic of her own. Their climactic duel would decide the fates of all...
The duel between Seraphina and Mordred shook the very earth. Lightning ripped the sky as their powers collided. At last, with a thunderous blast, Mordred was defeated.
Without their master, Damian's forces began to crumble. Yet more tragedy struck - despite Arabella's healers, Cedric had slipped away during the battle. Grief and triumph were bittersweet partners.
In the capital, Damian made a last stand from the castle keep. But Maxwell's armies breached the walls, and Damian fell fighting three knights at once.
The remaining villains were imprisoned or exiled. Peace returned to the kingdom once more. At a solemn funeral, Cedric was laid to rest with honors as his true sovereign.
Five years passed. Arabella had become a wise and fair Queen. One spring morning, Seraphina found her in the gardens, holding a newborn babe. "His name is Cedric," smiled Arabella. A new era had begun, built on the sacrifices of those who came before.