"We managed to reduce the casualties. Most who have been injured are being treated by Sage and the disciples of the temple at the sanctuary," Magnus notified as he returned from his duties in securing the area.
The duke... He hasn't slept for days, I don't think.
Duke Azrael's usually neat maroon hair had been disheveled by the events of the previous night, while bloodstains still remained on his attire and face. His golden eyes, which sparkled with spirit and strength—had dimmed and darkened, the lower portion of his eyes showing the weariness and exhaustion of his recent battles.
He's been purging those beasts for days without stopping. I'm glad I could persuade him to rest for today.
"The situation is under control for now. Our wounded are being well-treated and cared for in a safe location. So let's be relieved, and let's hope for the recovery of those who have been injured." Magnus attempted to comfort his obviously exhausted leader. It had been a relentless night of endless battles, protections and management.
Once again, the knight was grateful that his master had the power to enable him to recover from the battle and not sustain any permanent physical damage.
Although, I can't say for emotional and mental damages.
—
Duke Azrael de Triskellion is the heir to the Triskellion family, supposedly born to inherit the land and title after his parents passing— though the late Archduke was more than willing to offer the seat to his son after his commemorative act in subduing the rise of Nightteeth, along with other dark beasts that have made their homes near the mountains to the west. Therefore, the succession ritual was expedited without any issue.
The duke is regarded as the face of the Eldorian army and is seen as a pillar of strength and stability, having been appointed by the Emperor himself.
He is well known and revered for his immense capabilities and noble deeds in defending the empire against a multitude of threats.
It is obvious why, after all. Duke Azrael carries a heavy burden for their people and the empire. The immense responsibilities his leader had to endure almost caused the knight to tear up.
After all, Magnus had been by his side since their adolescent years. It is natural that the two have formed a brotherly bond of some sort, even with the difference in their status and personalities.
A wave of determination then coursed through the knight as he reminded himself to be strong for his friend and his people.
"Has progress been made on the barrier?" Azrael questioned while pinching the bridge of his nose, his body ached and his mind felt scattered. Magnus responded immediately with a nod.
"They will be able to complete the barrier by tonight," The knight informed him, bringing a measure of relief to his leader.
"I suppose we just have to hold out for another moon." The duke offered a laugh—though it sounded hollow, disappointed and something else that the Knight Commander couldn't pinpoint. Was that glee? Or anticipation?
The duke's tiredness and exhaustion were evident in the tone and way he delivered his words, that's for sure.
It couldn't be. I must be overthinking it.
Azrael was clearly feeling the weight of the night's battles and the stress of managing a province under threat. "What of Eldoria?" he asked. "Have they found anything?"
Should I relay this information? I fear it will only anger him. Magnus hesitantly paused before revealing the information—aware that the duke would surely be concerned about the cause of the earthquake.
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He went on to explain, "Eldoria has notified us that the cause of the earthquake comes from outside our borders, towards the west of Triskellion."
Well, he doesn't look TOO annoyed by that.
The west would've pointed towards the Ethereal Highlands—a land full of magical inhabitants. "Do they believe the faes have something to do with this?" Azrael scoffed, his tone mocking and full of a condescending laugh.
I may have spoken too soon. Magnus remained quiet, unable to provide an answer that would reassure his superior.
"I suppose they want me to lead the Triskellion division for this?" The duke questioned and in return, his words met Magnus's slow nod of agreement.
Both of them aware that they would be required to investigate further and that a meeting with the magical spirits would be necessary to gain entrance. Azrael then let out a long-suffering sigh. "We need to request a meeting with the elders of the Ethereal Forest to discuss the situation before planning ahead."
Magnus nodded and turned to step out of the room, but then he paused—Ah, me and my forgetful mind.
Remembering that he had forgotten to provide another additional information, the knight sighed. I'm really testing his patience today.
"Apologies, I forgot to mention that Minister Titus of the Holy Temple had requested to see you." His words received the glare of his master and he immediately knew that this had not been a thing to forget or take so casually.
"Did they state the reason? Triskellion has just suffered damage from the earthquake and instead of sending help—they ask for me to leave the territory instead?" Azrael spoke with little kindness, his frustration and irritation increasing as time passes by.
"Well, Minister Titus merely requested to meet with you and gave no reasoning for the request. They didn't provide any more detailed information, but—"
"I'm not going," Duke Azrael declared with finality, his words holding firm in his refusal to deal with anyone from Eldoria.
"I'll inform them, as well as arrange a meeting with the elders." Knowing when to retreat and refrain from further aggravating the duke, Magnus chose to make haste to escape Azrael's presence and avoid exacerbating the situation further through any unnecessary interactions.
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As Magnus left the tent, the duke heaved another heavy sigh as he pondered over his own internal struggles and the demands placed upon him.
This is rather frustrating. He thought to himself, his exhaustion and weariness growing heavier with each passing moment.
It had been days of nonstop battle, purging and defending—yet the numbers of the Nightteeth creatures seemed to be unusually large and ever-growing. The strain of fighting on such a large scale and for such a long time was beginning to take its toll.
Azrael couldn't help but noticed that there was something unnatural about the beasts attacks as well.
I can't help but sense that they're all targeting me. Pesky creatures.
His falters and mistakes proved costly, as the creatures did not hesitate to surround him and cause deep wounds and grievous injuries. His injuries that should've been mortal—healed in mere seconds due to his regenerative abilities. Thus, he was able to lead the fight against the Nightteeth.
I would've been dead a long time now if not for these powers. He thought to himself, considering how many times he had come close to death.
If anything, the nonstop battle and its relentless, exhausting cycle of purging the creatures had driven the duke into a frenetic state of mind. He craved the momentary alleviation of the pleasure that came with every deep cut, blow and slash of the dark creatures.
His heartbeat started racing every time, adrenaline coursing through him as he threw himself into the darkness—only to search for one specific light. Though he, himself, did not know what was the driving force behind this perverse satisfaction.
With a heavy groan, the duke dragged his hand over his face as he reflected upon his recent behaviour. "Have I gone mad?" he questioned aloud to himself, pondering if his actions had crossed a line of reason.
This so-called 'power'.
With each passing day, the effects of his struggle only continued to worsen with the overwhelming restrictions on his actions and personality imposed upon him by the world.
This must be the price to pay. The idea of it repulsed him even more towards his own existence.
Duke Azrael cast away any confusion that had been growing in his mind and refocused on the task at hand with a firm shake of his head. He had no room to doubt himself and would not allow any distractions to hinder his focus and determination.
"I just have to hold on.. like usual." The duke took a moment to whisper to himself. With that, he felt the familiar sense of hollow beginning to wrap itself around his heart once more, his eyes losing their sparkle and their colour growing duller.