The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 341: A Good News

The relentless siege of Elodia raged on, a brutal test of endurance for its defenders. Day after day, the Altanian army pressed harder, their forces seemingly endless, their will unbroken. Elodia’s walls had seen countless battles, but none like this.

The city groaned under the weight of war, its people huddled in fear as supplies dwindled, and the thunderous clash of steel and stone echoed through its streets. Yet, amidst the bloodshed and fire, a strange shift occurred—something subtle but powerful.

It was as though a dark fog that had long haunted the city began to lift, the spirit of division that had plagued the nobles weakening. Where once there had been discord and distrust among them, now there was unity. The nobles, who had previously squabbled over power and pride, found themselves standing together, bound by a fierce patriotism. Elodia was their home, and they would not let it fall.

Together, they fought with renewed purpose, striking back at the Altanian forces with a vigor that surprised even themselves. It was as if a newfound spirit had awakened within the city, driving them to defend their kingdom with all they had.

The coronation of King Louis was a subdued affair, devoid of the grand celebrations and pomp that typically accompanied such a momentous occasion. But Louis did not mind. His focus was not on the ceremony, but on the survival of his people and his kingdom.

What use was a crown if there was no kingdom left to rule?

He knew the real battle was not for a throne, but for the very soul of Elodia. War brought devastation—loss, grief, and destruction—and he would not allow that fate to befall his people.

The tunnels beneath the city, once a secret known only to a few, were now closely guarded. These tunnels, known also to the Altanian army, had become a crucial battleground. Under King Louis’s command, his forces held the tunnels, denying the enemy a way to infiltrate the city’s defenses. The Altanian army had no choice but to retreat, though they did not withdraw entirely. Instead, they surrounded Elodia, cutting off its supply lines and hoping to starve the city into submission.

But Elodia had a secret weapon: Jessamyn. It was her foresight that had warned them months before of the impending siege. Thanks to her, they had stockpiled enough provisions to outlast a prolonged blockade. Without her warning, Elodia would have faced famine, and its people would have been forced to surrender long ago. Now, they could hold on—at least for a time.

The enemy knew this too, and in response, they killed every raven and messenger pigeon sent from Elodia, severing all lines of communication with the outside world. Still, Louis did not lose hope. For he had William—the White Wolf.

William, in his wolf form, had slipped through the enemy lines, unseen and unheard, to gather reinforcements. He had visited the lords of the surrounding territories, rallying them to the cause. They had been reluctant at first, unsure of what awaited them. But when they learned that Louis had taken charge, that he was ready to fight not just for a crown but for the very future of the kingdom, they had sworn their allegiance.

One by one, they pledged their swords to him, and now they marched toward Elodia to break the siege.

Yet, for all his successes, William could not shake the worry gnawing at his heart. That night, as he sat perched in a tree, staring up at the vast expanse of the night sky, his thoughts were elsewhere—far beyond the walls of Elodia. It had been days since Jessamyn had left, and there had been no word from her since.

The silence was unbearable. Was she in danger? What had become of Jerrick? So many questions plagued him, and the answers seemed frustratingly out of reach.

For some time now, William had felt an odd tingling sensation in his blood, something he couldn’t quite explain. It wasn’t ominous, as though foreshadowing danger. On the contrary, it was almost joyous—a strange sense of freedom that bubbled beneath the surface. It was as though a weight had been lifted from him, as if the chains that had once bound him were suddenly broken, releasing him into the open air.

What was this feeling? He couldn’t place it.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden flutter of wings. He looked up, his sharp eyes identifying the bird immediately. "Jaylene..." he murmured, recognizing the familiar creature.

Seeing her was like finding an oasis in the desert. Relief washed over him. He could sense that she had brought news—good news, he hoped. There was something about her presence that lifted his spirits, filling him with a strange optimism.

"Are you bringing me good news?" he asked, his voice tinged with anticipation. The bird cawed in response, her head cocked to one side as if considering his words. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Mynah... Jerry..." the bird spoke in her peculiar manner, and William’s heart leaped.

"Has Jessamyn found Jerrick?" William asked, his excitement rising. He leaned forward, eager for confirmation. "Is that what you’re saying?"

The bird cawed again in acknowledgment, and William let out a deep breath, his tension easing. If Jessamyn had found Jerrick, it meant they were safe—for now. Together, they were formidable, a force no one could easily defeat.

Jaylene’s gaze shifted upward, and William followed her line of sight to the sky. A bright star twinkled in the distance, its glow impossibly brilliant against the darkness.

Could it be...?

"Has Jessamyn given birth?" William asked softly, his voice laced with wonder.

Could this be the reason for the strange feeling of liberation coursing through his veins? The birth of a child—the prophesied child—signified the dawn of something new, something sacred. Could this also mean that the curse that had once bound him had been lifted?

The bird cawed again, a sound of confirmation, before spreading her wings and flying off into the night.

William watched her go, his heart pounding with a mixture of joy and disbelief. "I wish I had the ability to understand you as Jerrick does," he muttered to himself, a wistful smile tugging at his lips. But there was no time for lingering thoughts. He needed to follow Jaylene—there was more to this.

The bird flew fast, her wings cutting through the cool night air, and William followed, his movements swift and silent. For a time, the bird flew confidently, leading him toward the valley where Jerrick had gone. William’s heart quickened with hope. Perhaps Jerrick needed his help. Perhaps the time had come for them to stand side by side once more.

But as they neared the valley, the bird’s pace slowed, her movements becoming cautious. William, sensing the shift, followed suit, moving stealthily through the shadows. His pulse quickened, but it wasn’t fear that gripped him—it was anticipation.

And then, just as they entered the valley, William saw something that stunned him.