Plan For Great War

Billok's return to Skull Island was met with thunderous cheers and roaring celebration from his troops and the people of Balevad. They watched in awe as he led a procession of ships, heavy with war prisoners and spoils from Migase. The vessels brimmed with glittering jewels, luxurious fabrics, and countless treasures. It was a triumphant sight—undeniable proof of their glory under Billok's command.

Aboard the lead ship, Billok sat with unshakable confidence, his eyes gleaming as the horizon drew them closer to the port of Nostress. As soon as the ship docked, he stepped off to meet his brother, Bolisi, who awaited him on the pier flanked by an honor guard.

"Brother," Billok began, his voice firm yet respectful, "as I promised, I'll share part of my spoils with you if you lend me your troops. However, as you may already know, Daguda has sold off the slaves that were meant to be your share. He sent them straight to Blacksand, that grand, wealthy city teeming with towering ships."

Bolisi nodded slowly, his smile faint but meaningful. "It's alright, little brother. If that was his decision, then he dared act without my knowledge. What matters now is that we present these spoils to our father, the great King Bollock—King of Nostress, ruler of Skull Island, and emperor of Balevad."

Their conversation paused as the soldiers erupted once more in cheers, raising their arms high to honor Billok's victory. Amidst the clamor, Billok's thoughts drifted to the words of Minora, his cunning and sharp-witted advisor.

Three days before arriving at Nostress, Minora had spoken with resolute conviction."Tell your brother Bolisi that Daguda went to sell his share of the spoils in Blacksand. Just say that. And you, Billok, must present these prisoners before King Bollock himself. Let them see for themselves that your victory is real—unquestionable."

Billok had nodded at the time, swallowing the strategy without hesitation."As you said, I'll tell him that. Bolisi won't look for Daguda, thinking he's still in Blacksand. When in truth, I've already killed him," he said, a satisfied smile curling on his lips.

Now, standing beside Bolisi, Billok felt at ease. The lie had taken root effortlessly, veiling the truth in plain sight. Bolisi even looked proud of his younger brother's triumph, unaware of the betrayal that lurked beneath it.

"Our father has prepared a grand plan—for revenge," Bolisi said suddenly, snapping Billok out of his thoughts.

Billok frowned, intrigued. "What happened? Why speak of revenge?" he asked, eyeing his brother closely.

Bolisi offered a thin smile, but his gaze was serious. "Come. Let's head to the king's hall. Father will explain everything to you, as well as to Bindor and Bondor."

The royal hall of Nostress radiated magnificence. Towering pillars of stone and iron were adorned with carvings of past glories. At the far end sat King Bollock—his face stern, his eyes sharp like an eagle's—upon a throne forged of bone and gold. Beside the throne stood Bindor and Bondor, along with the rest of their brothers, all waiting in solemn anticipation.

The Royal Hall of King Bollock, ruler of Skull Island, was thick with a tense and heavy atmosphere. The massive doors of blackened wood stood wide open, and the sound of firm footsteps echoed through the vast chamber. Lining both sides of the grand hall were commanders, warlords, and members of the royal family, all standing at attention, awaiting the king's declaration.

"Father, I have returned. This victory—I offer it to you," said Billok with a voice full of reverence, but also pride. He raised the preserved body of Bala, kept intact in rum, a grisly token of their success on the battlefield.

A faint, cynical smile crept across King Bollock's face as he accepted the body."Your victory is not yours alone, Billok. This is a triumph for all of Skull Island," he replied flatly, sweeping his sharp gaze across the room.

But Billok understood—those words were more than empty praise. They were a sign of trust. With a swift gesture, he ordered his men to bring in the spoils of war—the wealth plundered from Migase—into the hall. Jewels and gold spilled in, followed by prisoners, dragged in with broken spirits and shackled limbs, casting a grim shadow over the celebration.

In a corner of the hall stood two nearly identical figures—Bindor and Bondor—the twin princes known for their unmatched strength. They ruled the western coasts of the Megido continent, crushing almost every inland tribe without exception.

Opposite them stood Prince Borrik and Birrok, also twins, the rulers of Grandelion, an island rich in iron ore. King Bollock glanced at all four of them before speaking, his voice low but brimming with authority.

"You four... you are the greatest force in this kingdom. I am proud to call you my sons."

The rulers of Skull Island exchanged glances. They all understood—this wasn't just about victory in war. This was about a future far greater.

"For the glory of the King! Long live King Bollock!" shouted Billok passionately, echoed by thunderous cheers from the soldiers.

But King Bollock raised his hand, silencing the hall in an instant."Enough! I have no patience for hollow praise," he thundered, his face contorted in restrained fury, even as generals and warriors continued offering him salute and loyalty.

"Now, anyone not involved in this matter—leave the hall!" he barked, his voice cutting through the chamber like a blade. At once, those without purpose in the upcoming meeting hurried out, leaving only his sons and a handful of seasoned warlords who had long understood the king's unforgiving nature.

King Bollock continued coldly,"Feed this rotting meat to my beasts. Send the prisoners to the iron mines—make them slaves. They will work... or they will die. As for the jewelry, hand it to our merchants—make sure they earn twice the usual price. Every weapon that can serve the kingdom—take it to the fortress immediately."

Once the hall had emptied, a stillness fell over the room. The four twin princes stood tall, alongside Billok and Bolisi, all ready to receive their next command. King Bollock turned to them, his eyes sharp and filled with unspoken designs.

"I want vengeance for the death of your brother, Borjong," he declared, voice rising with fury. The tension in the air thickened, and all eyes snapped to the throne.

They knew Borjong well—he had been the prince sent by King Bollock to take control of trade in Blacksand. But he was assassinated—humiliated in death, the culprit unknown, though all signs pointed to the Whiteheaven forces. Still, this public declaration caught everyone off guard. No one had expected the king to announce a full-scale war in front of his battle-hardened sons.

Bolisi, the fifth prince and perhaps the most informed of the king's strategies, looked shaken. He hesitated before speaking, "But... are we truly capable of attacking them, Father?"

The question made King Bollock's brow furrow in fury."Foolish question! You shame me with your doubt!" he roared. His voice struck like thunder, shaking the very pillars of the hall. All heads bowed under the weight of his words.

"My sons are warriors—strong, fearless, and merciless. Bring your armies... and destroy Whiteheaven!" King Bollock commanded. "If any ruler dares to hesitate, or questions my will—I will wipe them and their bloodline from existence!"

The air grew even heavier. Bolisi trembled as he replied,"Yes, Father. I was wrong. I should never have questioned your judgment."

Bindor, known for his aggression, stepped forward with blazing intensity."Father is right! We must strike Blacksand! Tear down their walls, seize their wealth, and prove that we are the true masters of this world!"

Bondor, the wiser of the twins, raised a hand, requesting to speak."Wait, Father. Before we move, we must ensure we have strong allies. Blacksand isn't a minor province. It's vast, and if we act recklessly, we risk dragging ourselves into a long, draining war. I say we strike one of their great cities first—Blacksand. Once we crush that, the rest will fall in line."

Tension thickened as debate brewed. Then all eyes turned to Billok—the newly victorious prince whose cunning had just led them to triumph.

"Billok, what is your opinion?" asked King Bollock.

"The King's command is my opinion," Billok replied firmly.

"Billok. You will be the spearhead of this assault. Make sure your entire army fights with ruthless fury—leave no one alive," the king ordered.

Billok stepped forward and bowed with respect."I am ready to carry out your will, Father."

"Bolisi. You are the most cunning when it comes to strategy and persuasion. I want you to take my warlords and visit every province across Skull Island. Demand ten thousand soldiers from each of the fifteen territories. Then report back to me—tell me who refuses, or who dares to send weak, unworthy troops. I am the King of Balevad. I will wipe out their families and erase their lands from the map," declared King Bollock.

He held Bolisi's gaze with a piercing stare, then turned to Bindor and Bondor—the twins known for their unmatched bravery and raw strength."You two will lead the main army. Take them—and burn Whiteheaven to the ground. Leave nothing behind."

Then his eyes shifted to Borrik and Birrok, long famed for their mastery of metalwork."You—gather and seize every piece of iron we can find. We will rebuild Nostress into a fortress greater than ever before."

King Bollock straightened, his face burning with the fire of vengeance."This is retribution for the deaths of Borjong and Boidol in Whiteheaven. Just as Migase paid the price for killing Baronak, today... Whiteheaven shall learn a lesson they will never forget. Annihilate them—leave no one standing!"