Rud paced back and forth in his chamber, his mind occupied with the ever-shifting dynamics aboard the Blue Hope.

Suddenly, a deep chill swept through the room, and Rud froze mid-step. He felt the atmosphere shift—something unnatural was occurring.

The air in front of him shimmered, and, in the blink of an eye, the familiar white void replaced his surroundings.

Rud immediately stiffened, his sharp instincts on high alert. Before him, a figure began to manifest,

It was Heidrick.

Heidrick's piercing gaze met Rud’s, and for a brief moment,

“Rud,” Heidrick said, his voice smooth yet laced with power.

Rud’s face betrayed no emotion.

“Judge Heidrick,” he said, bowing slightly out of courtesy.

"I assume this is not a courtesy visit.”

Heidrick’s lips curled into a faint smile.

“Indeed, it is not. Let’s dispense with formalities, shall we?”

Heidrick then gestured toward the two chairs that materialized nearby.

Both men sat, and Heidrick leaned back, studying Rud.

“I’ve been watching you, Rud,” Heidrick began.

“A mage of your caliber leading a faction as formidable as the Dark Father in the Blue Hope for the time being."

"One would assume you’d relish the opportunity to assert dominance over your enemies aboard this ship.”

Rud remained silent, his sharp eyes fixed on Heidrick.

“Yet, you’ve kept a low profile. Observing, planning, but not acting. Is that out of caution? Or is there another reason?”

Rud crossed his arms.

“Judge, with all due respect, it’s not your concern how I choose to operate.”

Heidrick chuckled.

“Ah, but you see, it is my concern. Everything aboard the Blue Hope falls under my jurisdiction."

Rud narrowed his eyes.

“If you’ve already seen everything, why are we having this conversation?”

Heidrick leaned forward.

“Because I want to know what you intend to do. The enemies of the Dark Father grow bolder by the day."

"Surely a man like you has a plan to deal with them.”

Rud smiled.

“If I had such a plan, Judge, do you think I would share it with you?”

Heidrick’s smile widened.

“You’re a cautious man. I respect that. But let me ask you something: does the Dark Father not demand decisive action?"

Rud sat back in his chair,

“The Dark Father demands many things. But it also demands wisdom and restraint."

“Wise words,” Heidrick admitted.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“But words alone won’t secure your position. Your enemies grow restless."

Rud leaned forward slightly,

“Judge, if you’re suggesting I start a war aboard this ship, then you’re mistaken. I have no intention of jeopardizing the Dark Father’s interests—or this voyage—by engaging in petty rivalries.”

Heidrick’s eyes gleamed with amusement.

“Petty rivalries? You underestimate your enemies, Rud. Some of them would happily see you destroyed, even if it meant tearing the Blue Hope apart.”

Rud’s gaze didn’t waver.

“Then perhaps you should focus on them, Judge, instead of questioning me.”

For a moment, silence hung in the void. Then Heidrick chuckled.

“You’re clever, Rud. I can see why the Dark Father trusts you. But tell me this: if the opportunity arose to eliminate your enemies cleanly and without consequence, would you take it?”

Rud’s expression remained unreadable.

“Judge, you already know the answer to that question. Why ask?”

“Because I want to hear it from you,” Heidrick said, his tone sharp.

Rud exhaled slowly.

“I would act in the best interest of the Dark Father. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Heidrick nodded slowly,

“And what, in your estimation, is the best interest of the Dark Father?”

Rud thought for a moment and then he spoke.

“Judge, with all due respect, these matters are internal. They do not require your oversight.”

Heidrick smiled faintly, leaning back in his chair.

“You’ve answered my question, Rud, whether you realize it or not.”

“And what answer is that?”

Rud asked, his tone calm but pointed.

“That you’re cautious to a fault,” Heidrick replied.

“You see threats everywhere and act only when absolutely necessary. Sometimes, waiting too long to act is just as dangerous as acting too quickly.”

Rud’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

Heidrick rose from his chair,

“You’re a fascinating man, Rud."

Rud stood as well, meeting Heidrick’s gaze.

"And what does the great Judge of the Blue Hope plan to do with this information?”

It seemed like Rud did not care about the words of Heidrick, be it a compliment or anything whatsoever.

Heidrick’s smile was funny.

“Nothing. For now…

With that, Heidrick vanished, the void dissolving into nothingness.

Rud found himself back in his chamber.

He stood still for a moment, his mind racing.

Heidrick’s words echoed in his ears.

He turned to the shadows where one of his trusted lieutenants waited.

“Double the surveillance on the lower levels. I want to know everything that happens down there.”

The lieutenant nodded and disappeared into the corridor.

Rud stared into the flickering light of the lanterns, his expression grim.

-

Heidrick sat alone in his chamber,

His thoughts swirled, focusing on the factions aboard the ship.

The Dark Father… Rud… Heidrick’s mind painted a vivid picture of their ambitions would soon aligning with other groups to solidify his position.

Dark Sickle was the obvious choice, and Frost Elves might join them, driven by their own shadowy motives.

Heidrick inhaled deeply.

He closed his eyes for a moment, centering himself.

When he spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper, yet it resonated with the power of the ship itself.

“Blue Hope Origin—Dreambreak.”

The air around him shimmered, bending reality as Heidrick invoked his original spell.

The chamber faded, replaced by the boundless, white void of the dreamscape.

Heidrick materialized silently, his presence asserting itself in the fluid landscape of Veronica’s subconscious.

Veronica stood in the distance, her form sharp against the hazy background. She was dressed in a flowing robe adorned with shimmering runes, her stance poised and unyielding.

She turned as Heidrick approached, her eyes narrowing slightly, though she did not appear surprised.

“Judge Heidrick,” she said, her tone even. “I should have expected you.”

Heidrick inclined his head slightly, his expression calm.

“Lady Veronica. I trust you are aware of why I’m here.”

Veronica smirked faintly, her crimson lips curling in amusement.

“I can only imagine. But let’s not waste time on pleasantries. Speak your mind.”

Heidrick studied her for a moment, his sharp gaze probing for any trace of deception. “I’ve been observing the factions aboard this ship. The tensions are growing, and alliances are shifting. The Third Circle has been... quiet.”

“And you find that unusual?” Veronica asked, arching an eyebrow.

“I find it concerning,” Heidrick replied smoothly. “Rud and the Dark Father are not ones to let opportunities slip by. If I were to wager, I’d say they are already maneuvering to strike—perhaps at you, perhaps at Sylas.”