Aderon’s fingers drummed a restless rhythm on the table, his eyes vacant as he stared into the middle distance. The anticipation of the siege report gnawed at him, a constant, silent pressure. He inhaled deeply, a futile attempt to steady his nerves, and stole a glance at his father, who he had contacted earlier using an owl.
“Are you listening to me, boy?” The sharpness of his father’s voice cut through the silence, snapping him back to the present.
He straightened in his chair. The trance shattered. “I am, Father,” he replied, but his father’s icy gaze conveyed doubt and disappointment.
“Good. Then you understand that the old tomb is well guarded and fortified?” His father’s voice was steady, unyielding.
“I suppose,” he conceded reluctantly. “But, Father, at least heed my warning for now. The other kingdoms’ tombs and temples are being attacked—”
“We are not weaklings like them, Aderon!” His father’s voice rose to a thunderous shout. “Do not compare our people to those lowland dwellers. We are the mighty High Eagles! I am insulted that you are even capable of making such a comparison!” The High King’s eyes bored into him, filled with a mixture of anger and scorn.
He flinched under the intensity of his father’s glare. “You are spending too much time with those so-called allies of yours, and you are beginning to think like them. Pathetic,” his father spat, the words striking him like physical blows. Sweat dampened his palms, and he dropped his gaze, shame burning his cheeks.
“Do not worry about the High Kingdom,” his father continued, his tone allowed no argument. “I know how to run and secure the damn place. Do not disappoint me and never disturb me again with such nonsense.”
“But father, I—” he tried to interject, but the image of his father vanished abruptly. His heart sank, leaving him with a gnawing sense of abandonment.
He collapsed back into his chair, burying his face in his hands as he struggled to steady his racing thoughts. With a heavy sigh, he let his gaze drift to the map spread out before him on the table.
The intricately detailed parchment seemed to mock him with its orderly lines and precise markings, a stark contrast to the turmoil within him. He glanced at the owl perched nearby, its unblinking eyes reflecting his own sense of helplessness. He sighed again and ordered the Handler to leave as they bowed before doing so.
For a fleeting moment, he had believed that becoming the United Forces Commander would make his father proud. He had hoped, at the very least, for a rare smile, some acknowledgment of his efforts. But his promotion had only deepened his father’s irritation, exacerbating the already strained relationship between them. The disappointment felt like a physical burden, pressing heavily on his shoulders.
His thoughts drifted back to the source of his father’s perpetual discontent. The blame for his mother’s death, an unspoken accusation that had shadowed his entire life, clung to him like a second skin. Even his name, Aderon—bestowed upon him on the stormy night of his birth—served as a constant reminder of that tragic day.
He exhaled another weary sigh as he tried to regain his composure. The frustration boiled within him, reached a tipping point, and with a sudden, fierce movement, he struck the table, splitting it in half. The map and other items scattered across the room, the violence of the act startling the owl and drawing the attention of the guards stationed outside.
“Is everything alright, Sire?” a guard called out, peering cautiously into the room. His eyes, blazing with pent-up anger, met the guard’s concerned gaze.
“Leave me be,” he growled, the words laced with barely restrained fury. The guard hesitated, then nodded and retreated.
“What is it?” he sighed as he called out to the Guard about to close the door, rubbing his forehead as he tried to quell the storm within.
He knew he had to maintain control, not just for his sake but for the sake of the High Kingdom. Yet, the bitterness lingered, a constant reminder of the impossible standards and unrelenting pressure his father imposed.
“The Mystic King Ravaen, Prince Glaivel, and Princess Kaira are here to see you, Sire. They just arrived along with the entire reinforcing forces and Everess’ troops,” the guard announced, standing at attention.
He felt a jolt of surprise. He hadn’t expected Everess’ forces to accompany them. “No, let them in,” he ordered, regaining his composure. “And bring me a new table while you’re at it.” The guard nodded and left to carry out the commands.
Moments later, Ravaen, Kaira, and Glaivel entered, their expressions a mix of concern and urgency.
“What happened here?” Kaira asked, her eyes scanning the room and the splintered remains of the table.
“Nothing,” he replied curtly, attempting to gather the scattered items. “Why didn’t you inform me you were returning? And why are Everess’ forces with you?”
Ravaen stepped forward, closing the door behind him. “We need to apprehend Everess immediately,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “She’s out of control, Aderon. We need to do this first before we contact Tamiron and the Queen Empress about this.”
He frowned, confusion knitting his brow. “Hold on,” he said, trying to process Ravaen’s words. “Are you still upset about what happened weeks ago? Let it go!”
“That’s not the reason,” Kaira interjected quickly. “She’s truly out of control. The devastation she wrought upon Oroz’Kram was unimaginable. I was stunned when we arrived. Only Ravaen had the presence of mind to assess the situation and take command of both forces.”
His confusion deepened. “What’s going on?” he demanded. “Can any of you tell me exactly what happened? I’m tired of getting bits and pieces of news around here.”
The three exchanged uneasy glances. Ravaen took a deep breath and stepped forward. “Everess happened. She almost leveled the place.”
“That doesn’t sound like her—” He began, but Ravaen cut him off sharply.
“She is out of control! Didn’t hear me the first time?!” Ravaen shouted, his eyes blazing with intensity. “Are you as blind as Tamiron?”
“Hold on, calm down, Ravaen. I’ll handle this,” Glaivel said, pulling Ravaen to the side. “You are not as blinded as Tamiron, Aderon. I can tell you right now, she is in fact out of control. Don’t you think her forces being here are proof enough?”
“They were as stunned as we are. They stood in formation every day without being ordered to capture the fortress,” Kaira added. “The fact that Ravaen was able to take command immediately should already show you the truth of what we’re saying.”
“She’s proving to be a problem now. Not only did she take Oroz’Kram down herself, but her army was also helpless. She didn’t just take the fortress, she burned it to the ground! Along with the very people we were trying to see if they still exist!” Ravaen’s voice trembled. “She’s different now. When I confronted her about the sudden move, she spoke as if something was terribly wrong. It’s like I’m not even talking to Everess at all.”
He looked out the window at Everess’ previous forces. Their silent, rigid stance lent some truth to Ravaen’s words. He thought carefully about their next steps. Right now, he could only think of one thing to do.
“We will contact the Queen Empress and Tamiron himself. We need their help,” he said.
“Did I not just tell you not to do that?” Ravaen cut him off.
“Why? Wouldn’t it be right for them to arrest her or restrain her? They are her sovereigns.”
“I don’t know how to explain this, but Tamiron has changed. I’m beginning to suspect he’s doing this on purpose. Like he’s involved in all of this.”
He felt an uncontrollable rage simmering beneath his calm facade. Was this a trap set by Tamiron? Did he orchestrate this chaos to see him fail? The thought gnawed at Aderon, fueling his anger. Everess’ actions were already unacceptable, but Tamiron’s possible deception was the final straw.
His mind raced, piecing together the fragments of suspicion. Tamiron had always been a manipulative presence, but this? If true, it was a betrayal of the highest order. Aderon’s jaw tightened as the implications sank in. His wings twitched with agitation, a physical manifestation of the storm brewing within him.
He screamed in anger, his roar echoing through the chamber. He breathed heavily, trying to hold himself together. “I am done being undermined, like I’m nothing!” he finally snapped. The guards outside frantically entered, unsure of what had happened.
“Aderon, calm down,” Kaira said, stepping forward, but he pushed her away with his wings.
“I cannot calm down if people keep undermining me! First Ravaen, then that Karin general Sevidon, and now her! I will not stand for this!” He shouted, his voice echoing off the walls. “Get me an owl now and contact Everess immediately!” he ordered a guard, who quickly scurried away.
“What are you going to say to her?” Ravaen asked, his tone cautious.
“I need her to explain what she just did. I will not have myself be humiliated any longer,” he replied, his hands clenched into fists. His knuckles turned white from the pressure, the anger and frustration radiating from him in palpable waves.
Kaira stepped forward, concern etched on her face. “Aderon, think this through. If she’s truly out of control, confronting her might escalate things.”
“I don’t care,” he snapped, his eyes burning with determination. “I need answers, and I need them now. I will not be made a fool any longer.”
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
The sun set on their side of the world, casting its final rays over Shardon and Tamara alike. In Shardon, Aderon seethed with anger and frustration, while in Tamara, Sevidon rode tirelessly, driven by a sense of urgency. The golden city of Tamara sparkled in the evening light, its grandeur undiminished by the hour.
As Sevidon approached the enormous doors of the throne room, they creaked open, revealing Queen Empress Tamara and the Regent Tamiron awaiting his arrival. Tamiron sent a messenger away, bearing the crest of the Kra’ens, before turning his attention to Sevidon.
“The Kra’ens are currently crossing the Empire,” Tamiron informed him. “They should be at La’Canilenoir’s southern part within the week, and from then on, they’ll move much faster.” He stopped in front of him, scrutinizing him. “So now begs the question, what are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be at the front?”
“This is a matter of importance that I cannot simply ignore. Everyone needs to know about this,” Sevidon replied, glancing around the room. “Can we please have the room?” he requested.
Tamiron exchanged a look with his sister. Tamara raised her eyebrows but nodded as she obliged to his request and clearing the room. Now alone with Tamara, he immediately moved to the water pitchers and drank deeply.
“Sevidon, are you alright?” Tamiron asked, concerned by his odd behavior.
“I’m fine. I’ve just been riding to Tamara for several days nonstop,” Sevidon replied, feeling refreshed.
“From the front?” Tamara asked.
“No, from Eiventolf,” he answered bluntly.
“How long have you been away from the front?” Tamiron asked, confusion evident in his voice.
“At least a month. Again, it’s because of something important,” Sevidon reiterated.
“I hope that Aderon is able to handle things. Because your actions will prove to be quite a challenge for him,” Tamiron said, piecing things together.
“I’m sure your trust in him is not misplaced, I’m sure of it,” Tamara observed.
“I’ll just let Aderon do what he thinks is right,” Tamiron said, walking toward the window with a piece of folded paper in one hand.
“Aderon is the least of our worries,” he suddenly said, drawing both Tamara’s and Tamiron’s attention. “What’s that paper?” he asked, trying to calm his own nerves.
“This is from the south,” Tamiron replied, holding up the document. “The Hawis armies just crossed our borders. It’s funny because I’ve not heard any requests by Aderon for additional reinforcements,” Tamiron then looked at him. “They should arrive not long after the Kra’ens do—but I’m sure that’s not the reason you’re here.”
He fell silent, his gaze shifting to Tamiron. He was hesitant to reveal his true purpose, but he knew it was necessary. They needed to know.
“So what is it then, and why haven’t you answered my question as to why you were in Eiventolf? And of all places, why did you go to the Sulinhawi Capital?” Tamiron pressed.
“I was there because I needed to find out about something,” he said, his voice measured.
“About what? Just say it,” Tamiron insisted, his patience wearing thin.
He could see Tamiron’s frustration mounting. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he had to say. “About Everess,”
“What is it you need to know about the Grand Sage, especially at the Sulinhawi capital, of all places, General? I’m sorry, but I really do not follow,” Tamara said, her confusion evident.
“Let me explain,” he said, gathering his thoughts.
“Please, be our guest. Because I’m sure your presence here does not bode well,” Tamara replied, concern creeping into her voice.
He took another deep breath and began, “I believe the raids that have happened in all of our kingdoms are not random. This is not a mere act of rebellion or any rebellious entities. But by one person to spur fear in the defenseless inner kingdoms.”
“And what connection does this have with Everess, Sevidon?” Tamiron asked, his voice edged with suspicion.
“The recent attack in the Iron Kingdom held something very troubling,” he began, his tone grave. “Graveloth told me about the attacker. A shadowy figure with glowing pink eyes and intricate patterns within them. A powerful magic wielder.”
Tamiron’s eyes widened in realization. “Are you saying —”
“Yes,” he confirmed. “I’ve come to the conclusion that it was indeed Everess who was raiding the tombs.”
“Impossible, Sevidon. She couldn’t have done that. Let alone be in several far-flung territories across the Arumar continent,” Tamiron retorted, his voice rising as he began to pace the room.
“I thought the same,” He admitted. “That’s why I went back to Eiventolf. Back in the olden days, knowledge was exchanged via books. Some of those ancient texts are still kept at the Grand Sulinhawi Library. While I didn’t find any direct information about the Grand Sage’s ability to be in multiple places at once, my presence there seemed to provoke her. She appeared in the library.”
“She what?” Tamara interjected, her voice tinged with frustration. “I’m sorry, but you are giving me a headache. What do you mean, she appeared? We have several highly skilled magisters here in the palace, and none of them have ever mentioned anyone powerful enough to just — appear out of nowhere.”
His account hung in the air like a heavy cloak of dread, his words laced with urgency and the weight of impending doom. With each syllable, he painted a vivid picture of his encounter with Everess, the Grand Sage whose presence loomed like a shadow over their kingdoms.
“She appeared before me, shrouded in darkness, a spectral figure with eyes that burned with an otherworldly light,” he recounted, his voice quivering with a mixture of fear and conviction. “When I called out to her, she turned, her gaze piercing through me with an unsettling familiarity. There was no mistaking it—it was her.”
As he spoke, Tamiron’s silence grew more pronounced, his expression a mask of troubled contemplation. The gravity of the situation seemed to weigh heavily upon him, evident in the furrow of his brow and the tense set of his jaw.
“Tamiron, we cannot afford to delay any longer,” he pressed on, his tone urgent. “Everess has already shown her true colors by laying waste to the library. Who knows what she is capable of next? We must act swiftly to prevent further catastrophe.”
Before He could continue, Tamara interjected, her voice calm but firm as she descended from her throne. “Forgive the interruption, General, but how can you be certain that it was Everess who orchestrated the attack?” she inquired, her gaze steady as she sought clarification.
He took a steadying breath, his resolve unwavering as he provided his reasoning. “I looked into her eyes and saw the same patterns that Graveloth described,” he explained, his words measured and precise. “And on her right hand, there was a ring—a symbol of her station as the Grand Sage. It was unmistakably her.”
Tamara and Tamiron exchanged a meaningful glance, their unease palpable in the air between them. Despite His compelling testimony, doubt lingered like a shadow over their deliberations.
“Do you doubt my word, Tamiron?” He demanded, his gaze piercing as he locked eyes with the prince. “Why won’t you believe me?”
Tamiron’s response was abrupt, his frustration evident as he turned to face Him. “Because the risk is too great,” he replied, his voice heavy with resignation. “Everess’ power is unmatched, and her forces formidable. We cannot afford to provoke her without sufficient evidence. Lives hang in the balance, and we must proceed with caution.”
His frustration simmered, his words edged with desperation as he struggled to convey the gravity of the situation to Tamiron and Tamara. Despite his earnest pleas, their steadfast refusal to acknowledge the imminent threat posed by Everess only fueled his agitation.
“Lives are at stake with or without her on our side, don’t you see?” he exclaimed, a bitter laugh escaping his lips at the absurdity of their stance. But Tamiron remained unmoved, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to his mounting frustration.
“We need her and her power. Now more than ever,” Tamiron reiterated, his voice steady but resolute.
His brows furrowed in disbelief, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “At what cost, Tamiron?” he implored, his voice tinged with urgency. “She could turn on us at any moment. The fact that she is often absent from Bastominad is suspicious enough. Millions of lives hang in the balance, not just those of our soldiers, but innocent civilians across every kingdom.”
Tamara, sensing the tension in the air, interjected with a hint of offense in her tone. “Are you suggesting that the Empire is incapable of fulfilling its duty to protect the inner kingdoms, General?” she challenged, her gaze piercing as she awaited his response.
He shook his head, a gesture of deference as he sought to clarify his intentions. “Your Grace, I meant no disrespect,” he began, his voice measured but earnest. “But Everess’ power transcends anything we’ve faced before. Even the might of the imperial armies may not be enough to stand against her.”
Turning his attention back to Tamiron, he urged him to reconsider their stance. “Your Highness, please speak to your brother,” he pleaded, the weight of his words heavy with urgency. “We cannot afford to remain complacent. With Everess’ whereabouts unknown, we are vulnerable to her whims. We must act swiftly to protect our people.”
“I’m sorry, Sevidon. But I simply cannot act on this. Not in the current state that we are in now. We need her strength,” Tamiron again tried to justify what he was trying to do.
Tamiron’s gaze remained fixed on his iron hands, a silent testament to the burden he carried. “I’ve already tarnished the purpose of these hands, my friend,” Tamiron murmured, his voice heavy with regret. “Never again will I use these. I’m sorry, Sevidon. But I simply cannot act on this. Not in the current state that we are in now. We need her strength,” Tamiron again tried to justify what he was trying to do.
Sevidon shook his head, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. “Tamiron, snap out of it!” he urged, his voice rising with emotion. “You can’t let guilt consume you.”
But Tamiron’s resolve remained unyielding, his gaze unwavering. “I felt everything, Sevidon. Every moment of pain, every act of destruction. I knew what I was doing, but I was powerless to stop it.”
His heart ached for his friend, the weight of Tamiron’s burden weighing heavily on his shoulders. “Never again,” Tamiron declared, his tone resolute.
With a heavy heart, he realized that his pleas were falling on deaf ears. Tamiron had already made his decision, and even Tamara seemed powerless to sway him. As the reality of their situation set in, Sevidon could only watch in silence.
His frustration simmered beneath the surface, his thoughts swirling with discontent. “It will not end well for us if we let her continue,” he insisted, his voice tight with emotion as he struggled to maintain composure.
But Tamiron remained steadfast in his belief. “She is still fighting for our side. Until then, we ought not worry about her,” Tamiron countered, his words a bitter pill for him to swallow.
The weight of Tamiron’s trust in Everess hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the division between them. “Can I speak as a friend, Tamiron?” he asked, his tone laced with urgency.
Tamiron met his gaze with a solemn nod, giving him permission to speak his mind.
“You are making a grave mistake by placing your trust in her,” he asserted, his words laden with concern.
Before Tamiron could respond, Tamara interjected with her regal authority. “General Sevidon, I appreciate the information you have provided us. As the ruler of the Trasidar Empire, I will take it into great consideration,” she stated firmly, her words carrying the weight of command.
He nodded respectfully, grateful that his words had not fallen on deaf ears. However, Tamara’s next decree dashed any hopes of immediate action. “Regent Tamiron, with the current situation at the front, I suggest you return to Bastominad and resume your command,” she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Tamiron hesitated, his expression conflicted, but ultimately bowed to his Queen Empress’s command. He could only watch in silence as Tamiron accepted reluctantly, the tension between them unresolved.
As they exited the Grand Throne Room, he felt a heavy weight settle upon his shoulders, the air thick with tension. Tamiron’s words lingered in the silence between them, echoing in the corridors of the palace like an ominous refrain.
“You have no idea what’s going on,” Tamiron’s voice cut through the stillness, the words laden with a weight he could not ignore. “You just made things complicated.”
He halted in his tracks, turning to face Tamiron with a furrowed brow. “What do you mean?” he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of apprehension.
Tamiron’s expression was inscrutable, his gaze fixed ahead as if lost in thought. “There are forces at play beyond our control, Sevidon,” Tamiron explained cryptically. “Forces that transcend borders and kingdoms. Forces that seek to reshape our world.”
His heart quickened at the gravity of Tamiron’s words, a sense of foreboding settling over him like a shroud. “What are you trying to say, Tamiron?” he pressed, his voice barely above a whisper.
But Tamiron remained silent, his eyes distant as if peering into the depths of an unseen horizon. “I fear we have only begun to scratch the surface of what lies ahead,” he murmured, his words carrying an air of resignation.
As they parted ways, he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. Tamiron’s enigmatic warning hung over him like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over the uncertain path that lay before them. And as he made his way through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace, he couldn’t help but wonder what other secrets lay buried beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed.
End of Chapter XXVII