In the dimly lit throne room, Donatella entered with tears streaming down her face, catching the attention of those present. Zeral, standing near the throne, noticed her sorrow and offered his apologies, a gesture he hoped would bring some comfort.
To his surprise, Donatella responded with unexpected determination, declaring, "I want to resume training as soon as possible." The announcement stunned everyone in the room. Zeral, the queen, and the generals exchanged bewildered glances as they processed her words.
Zeral stood in the throne room, observing the interaction between Donatella and her mother, Queen Elena. The air was heavy with grief and tension as Donatella, with tears in her eyes, expressed her determination to resume training. However, Queen Elena, her own heart burdened by the recent loss of her husband, David, and the unfolding chaos, couldn't bear to see her daughter plunge into the harsh realities of battle.
In a firm yet compassionate tone, Queen Elena addressed her daughter, "Donatella, you need to stop seeking training. Return to your room and be with your little brother. He needs you in these hard times." Her words carried a mother's concern, a plea for Donatella to find solace and support within the familial bonds that connected them.
Despite the queen's best intentions to shield her daughter from further pain, Donatella's determination remained unyielding. The clash of emotions between mother and daughter created a difficult moment in the throne room, where sorrow and resilience intertwined.
Understanding the pain that lingered within her, Zeral attempted to offer solace with his comforting words. However, Donatella's response was resolute, "I'm not his personal maid. I'm Donatella, the princess who will be the greatest hero of this kingdom." The bold declaration left the room in silent shock.
Queen Elena, her emotions a mix of concern and frustration, Again, instructed Donatella to return to her room and be with her little brother during these trying times. Unyielding, Donatella retorted, "I left the maids to do that."
In response to the escalating tension, Zeral stepped forward, asserting, "Yes, you will be a hero, but we need you to be emotionally strong." He advised her to go to her room and promised to call for her later for the next training session, where he would test her readiness to face the challenges ahead.
Queen Elena, accompanied by the generals, pleaded with Zeral not to encourage Donatella's desire for battle, fearing the emotional toll it might take on her. Unswayed, Zeral assured them, "I will see if she is ready to face her destiny or not." With those words, Donatella hugged Zeral in gratitude, and they left the throne room together, their steps echoing through the somber halls of the castle. As they departed, Zeral turned to the queen and reassured her, "Don't worry; I will keep my eyes on her."
Zeral led Donatella to her room, promising to resume her training later that day. As she entered her chambers, he left her to contemplate her own thoughts and emotions. Wandering through the corridors of the castle, Zeral felt the pervasive sadness that lingered within its walls after the recent tragic events.
Seeking solace, he made his way to the grave of David 7th, the fallen king. Standing before the final resting place, Zeral's eyes welled up with tears, and he spoke softly, as if the late king could hear him. "I'm sorry, my king. I wasn't there to protect you," he whispered, his voice laden with grief. "It's very painful to see you in this grave. You are indeed the greatest king ever."
His tears flowed freely as he continued to express his profound sorrow and regret. "I will ensure the safety of the humans and avenge your untimely demise. Your son will ascend to greatness, emulating your legacy, and I shall guide your daughter to become a formidable warrior. The peace you fervently sought will eventually be realized," he solemnly pledged to the departed king, each word resonating with the depth of his promise.
In the aftermath of his personal moments with the late king's grave, a soldier sought out Zeral, informing him that the grandmaster of druids had arrived at the throne room for the anticipated meeting. Responding to the call, Zeral made his way back to the heart of the castle.
Nestled in the heart of the dense forest near Batrak, Hirvan and his monsters had discovered a concealed sanctuary, a cavern that provided them with refuge and seclusion. The entrance to the cave was cleverly camouflaged by overgrown vines and foliage, ensuring it remained hidden from prying eyes.
As one ventured deeper into the cave, its spacious interior unfolded like the pages of an ancient tome. The walls, adorned with luminescent moss, emitted a soft, ethereal glow, creating an otherworldly ambiance within the subterranean refuge. The dampness of the walls contributed to the mysterious atmosphere, and droplets of moisture occasionally dripped from the uneven ceiling.
The cavern's natural contours offered pockets of space for various activities. Some monsters engaged in sparring matches on a flat, rocky surface, their colossal forms casting shadows against the cave walls. Others gathered in alcoves for meditation, the ambient glow of the moss creating an almost sacred setting for introspection.
The cavern's natural acoustics amplified the sounds of activity, from the echoing clang of weapons during training to the hushed whispers of monsters strategizing. Despite the tension that hung in the air, the cave exuded a strange blend of tranquility and anticipation, a juxtaposition of the calm surroundings and the impending chaos that awaited them outside.
In the cavern's vast expanse, monsters of all shapes and sizes were engrossed in a myriad of activities. Some engaged in intense sparring sessions, their monstrous roars echoing through the cavern as they honed their combat skills. The clash of claws and the occasional burst of energy created an atmosphere charged with anticipation.
Amid the clangor of sparring, other monsters were deeply immersed in weapon training. Large and imposing creatures wielded colossal weapons, practicing their swings and strikes with precision. The metallic resonance of weapons meeting their targets reverberated through the cavern, punctuated by occasional growls of satisfaction.
In a quieter corner, a group of monsters had chosen meditation as their focus. Sitting cross-legged, they closed their eyes, seeking inner calm and mental clarity. The dim glow of luminescent moss reflected on their serene faces as they delved into a collective state of mindfulness, preparing not just their bodies but also their minds for the challenges ahead.
Kevin, ever watchful, patrolled the area with a vigilant gaze. His eyes scanned the monsters engaged in various activities, ensuring discipline and readiness. Sensing the weight of Hirvan's emotions permeating the cavern, Kevin approached the brooding leader with a measured stride. Aware of Hirvan's internal turmoil, Kevin respected his request for a moment of solitude, allowing the leader to collect himself in preparation for the upcoming trials.
In the silent depths of his contemplation, Hirvan found himself engulfed in the shadows of his own thoughts. The cavernous refuge provided a fitting backdrop for his introspection, its dark corners living the labyrinth of emotions within him. As he stood amidst the soft glow of the luminescent moss, Hirvan's towering figure cast a formidable silhouette against the rocky walls.
The reflective gleam in his eyes betrayed the complexity of his sentiments. The sequence of events that led him to this hidden cave unfolded in his mind like a haunting tapestry. Deep-rooted hatred for humans had driven him, a potent force that had fueled his every action. Yet, beneath the veneer of resolute determination, there existed a profound vulnerability, a influential acknowledgment of the turmoil within.
Conscious of the necessity to project an image of unwavering strength to his monstrous brethren, Hirvan steeled himself for the role he had chosen. His features, usually adorned with the stern mask of a vengeful leader, now bore the weight of a hidden sorrow. With a measured breath, he prepared to address his monstrous kin, concealing the depths of his internal conflict beneath a facade of indomitable resolve. The cavern, a witness to both the physical and emotional endeavors of these beings, seemed to absorb the intensity of Hirvan's internal struggle, encapsulating the gravity of the impending confrontation outside its concealed confines.
With a voice that resonated through the cavern, Hirvan rallied his creatures. "Finally, our goal is on the horizon," he declared, his words carrying a mix of determination and desperation. The monsters, each absorbed in their respective tasks, turned their attention to their leader, awaiting the motivational speech that would precede the impending war.
In the soft lit cavern, Hirvan stood before his monstrous kin, a looming figure commanding attention. The luminescent moss cast an odd glow, creating an otherworldly ambiance that mirrored the gravity of the impending war. The hushed whispers of the monsters ceased as Hirvan raised his hand, signaling the beginning of a speech that would vibrate through the cavern's rocky chambers.
"Now, my children, finally we have reached a point where we can taste the victory that has long eluded us," Hirvan began, his voice a potent mix of authority and virulence. The monsters, their grotesque forms gathered around, listened intently, anticipation hanging thick in the air.
"King's death will leave them weak and unorganized," he continued, his eyes glinting with malicious satisfaction. "No leader, half of the generals are dead. Killing the druid will also raise the tension between druids and the remaining generals, especially that son of a bitch, the general who hates the druids. He will be more depressed, and, understanding humans, he will release his anger against the druids. The prince is too young to lead. And finally, the biggest threat is Zeral. As I'm sure, he won't be involved. Everyone blames him for the king's death."
A hint of worry crossed the face of one monster, who voiced his concern, "Our lord, are you sure? No one can stop Zeral if he comes after us for revenge."
Hirvan's evil smile widened. "No need to worry, my child. Zeral can't kill all of us. As he knows I killed the king, and he can't kill me since I'm the only one who can create the potion that kills him. Also, he is desperate for peace, so we can use that to our advantage."
Kevin chimed in, his voice a sinister undertone, "I know Adomas very well. He is a mighty warrior, but he has a good heart. He will not kill us all. But he may interfere. In that case, we must avoid him and focus on our goal: turning as many soldiers to our side as possible."
"Exactly my point," Hirvan agreed. "So focus on injuring the soldiers as much as you can and bring them to me. I will create more loyal children, and thus, the fall of mankind will begin. Our world will finally be real."
A collective cry of affirmation gets through the cavern. The tension in Hirvan's tone intensified as he declared, "Let's create our world. Let's build a place that only has the superior, the advanced, the mightiest, the greatest creatures ever lived. The era of holy beings begins with our victory in this war. Rise, you are armed, and share this moment with me."
The monsters, a ghastly chorus, raised their hands, and Hirvan's voice thundered through the cavern, "Death to humans."
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As Hirvan's chilling proclamation reverberated through the cavern, the monsters, with grotesque forms and scary visages, raised their hands in unison, creating an sinister symphony of devotion. The luminescent moss clinging to the damp walls seemed to flicker with a sinister energy, casting shadows that danced along the rocky contours.
In the strangely silence that followed, Hirvan's voice, saturated with pure hatred and repugnance, cut through the air like a blade. "March on, my beautiful children! Bring death to all humans!" His words hung in the cavern, a disturbing command that seemed to linger in the very essence of the grim reality.
The monsters, their faces twisted in an unsettling blend of anticipation and fervor, responded with a unanimous declaration, "All hail our lord Hirvan!" The phrase repeated, gaining momentum until it reverberated through the cavern, each repetition intensifying the sense of foreboding that filled the air.
The tension reached its zenith as the monstrous assembly, now united in their allegiance to Hirvan, began to stir. Some readied their weapons, others assumed combat stances, and a few engaged in primal roars that hits the cavern walls. The glow from the luminescent moss accentuated the grotesque figures, casting long, distorted shadows that danced with the anticipation of impending darkness.
The cave, once a hidden refuge, now throbbed with the palpable energy of impending war. The monsters, like a malevolent tide, prepared to spill forth from the depths of their concealed sanctuary, fueled by the malevolent purpose instilled by their leader. The cavern, a crucible of darkness, held within its confines the seeds of a cataclysmic event that would soon unfold upon the unsuspecting world above.
As Zeral rushed to the throne room, the air inside was thick with tension, mirroring the uneasy atmosphere in Hirvan's concealed cavern. The generals and commanders, their faces etched with grief and suspicion, eyed Zeral with a mix of disdain and uncertainty. The room, once a place of strategy and counsel, now bore witness to an undercurrent of betrayal and looming conflict.
The grandmaster of the druids, an imposing figure with ancient wisdom engraved on his features, stood in quiet anticipation. His eyes, filled with a mix of sorrow and knowledge, followed Zeral's every move. The generals, aware of the complexities surrounding the recent events, shifted uncomfortably, their armor clinking in the hushed silence.
Zeral, entering the throne room with urgency, felt the weight of the collective gaze upon him. The walls seemed to close in, and the atmosphere was charged with an energy that foreshadowed a confrontation of monumental proportions.
As Zeral moved toward the grandmaster, he couldn't escape the palpable distaste emanating from the generals. Each step heard through the room, a somber prelude to the impending discourse that would unravel the mysteries shrouded in the recent tragedies.
The meeting about to unfold would not only determine the fate of the realm but also expose the intricacies of alliances and enmities that had simmered beneath the surface for far too long. The throne room, once a bastion of unity, now bore witness to the fractures that threatened to tear the kingdom apart.
Zeral's entrance into the throne room was swift, his eyes focused on the grandmaster. "I need you to read this letter I found in Batrak after I returned for the second time to search for the king," he declared, holding out the aged piece of parchment with the druidic writing.
The room buzzed with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. The generals and advisors, still grappling with the recent loss of their king, now turned their attention to Zeral's unexpected revelation.
Erik, his face etched with suspicion, was the first to question, "Why didn't you tell us about this letter before? What are you hiding?"
Zeral, maintaining a stern expression, replied, "I wanted everyone present when we unravel the contents of this letter. There may be crucial information in here that concerns us all, and I won't have secrets among us."
The tension in the room rose as the grandmaster, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze, stood from his seat. Elena, the queen, raised an eyebrow, directing her attention from Zeral to the grandmaster. "What is the meaning of this, Grandmaster? Are you aware of this letter?"
The grandmaster, though caught off guard, composed himself and admitted, "I was not aware of any letter. I can only decipher its contents if it is indeed written in our druidic language."
Zeral, seizing the opportunity, further explained, "I suspect this letter might contain information about what happened in Batrak. It could be a piece in the puzzle of betrayal we're trying to solve."
Elena, concerned yet intrigued, urged the grandmaster, "Read it. We need to know what's written."
The grandmaster took the letter, his eyes scanning the intricate druidic symbols. As he deciphered the words, a solemn expression formed on his face. "This is a sealed message meant for the grandmasters," he revealed, causing a collective gasp in the room.
Zeral's gaze intensified. "Tell us what it says, Grandmaster. The truth must come to light."
The grandmaster's reluctance to reveal the content of the letter intensified the atmosphere in the room. His initial refusal sparked frustration among those present, especially Erik, who was already on edge.
"No, I can't tell you. It will bring more tragedies to this place," the grandmaster finally spoke, evoking a collective gasp. Erik, unable to contain his anger, roared, "Speak, you fucking bastard! Tell us the truth!"
Remaining composed, the grandmaster asserted, "If I speak, someone will die right here." Zeral, his patience wearing thin, raised his hand in preparation to deliver a punishing blow. Erik, caught in the heat of the moment, yelled, "Punch that pathetic druid's head as punishment for hiding the truth!"
Elena intervened, her voice a plea for reason, "Zeral, don't do it, please. There is another way to get the information."
"This is the last time I will repeat it," Zeral declared sternly, his hand poised for action. The grandmaster, standing his ground, made a desperate plea, "Fine, I will speak, but promise you won't hurt any druid."
"SPEAK!" Zeral thundered, demanding the truth. The grandmaster, now with a sense of resignation, began to divulge the contents of the letter. "This message is from an unknown druid out there. Not sure who he was; maybe it was Hirvan since he can use this language. But Hirvan isn't a grandmaster. This letter bears the seal of the grandmasters! And since I'm the only remaining living grandmaster, this makes no sense."
Erik demanding the truth "If you don't speak I will kill you by myself and bring another druid to read it and he doesn't he will die too, I swear to God above us all, I will keep doing until the one who will tell us the truth." as he raise his sword in Druid face as the grandmaster was looking to Erik with sadness, then he whispered "Erik, I'm sorry"
Zeral, losing patience, declared, "I don't care, just speak." The grandmaster finally began reading the letter, and the words unfolded a shocking revelation. "My fellow grandmaster, the identity of the man who betrayed Hirvan was Andreas, a relative to General Erik of Batrak's city..." The room fell into a tense silence as the grandmaster paused, then continued, "The rest of the letter contains instructions I must follow with my druids. I can't speak more about it."
The first part of the letter had a profound impact on everyone, causing them to focus on the shocking revelation. Murmurs filled the room. "Andreas? Isn't he the son of Erik's dead brother from the outskirts of Batrak?" one general muttered. Another questioned, "Yes, but can we believe this?" An additional voice chimed in, "Huh? Andreas? How?" Meanwhile, Erik stood frozen in his place, trembling with no words, his heavy breathing directed toward the Druid.
In shock, Queen Elena asked, "Are you sure that was written?" Zeral, mirroring her concern, asked the grandmaster the same question, "Are you sure this was written? If you lied, I swear." The grandmaster quickly responded, "I don't even know who Andreas is and why he took the word to kill Hirvan. But I'm sure Erik hates us so he could be the one who gave the order instead of the king, and you can bring any druid, and they will read the same."
Quickly, Zeral turned to Erik and asked, "Did you order your brother's son to kill Hirvan? I don't remember the king ever telling him to do that, but I do recall he was close to Hirvan while I was fighting the beast in the mountain."
Erik, still processing the shocking revelation, took a moment before responding, "I never ordered Andreas to do anything.I thought he died in the beast battle and I didn't even know he was alive. Why would he betray us and side with Hirvan?"
Zeral, with a skeptical look, turned to the grandmaster, "How can we be sure this lettre is genuine? Anyone could have written it to sow discord among us."
The grandmaster, maintaining his composure, replied, "I understand your doubts, but the seal on this lettre is that of the grandmasters. It's a mark only we can create. The authenticity of the message cannot be questioned."
Elena, still in disbelief, approached the grandmaster, "Andreas is Erik's nephew. Why would he betray us? This makes no sense."
Erik, his voice trembling with a mix of shock and anger, finally spoke, "I don't know what this is about. I never knew Andreas had any connections with druids or Hirvan. This must be some kind of manipulation or deceit. The druids plotting against us, they should be punished. Adomas go ahead and kill them all."
The tension in the room escalated as the weight of the information sank in. The once united council now faced a new and unexpected enemy from within. The mysterious lettre had opened a Pandora's box of doubts and suspicions that threatened to tear apart the fragile alliance between humans and druids. The quest for truth and justice had just begun, and the path ahead seemed treacherous and uncertain.
Zeral remained steadfast, not moving, and responded sternly, "I can't kill the druids. This message is supposedly sent by another grandmaster to this one. Hirvan destroyed the vault of the grandmaster, which made the druid Leo wonder how a hidden vault beneath that cathedral was unknown to this grandmaster."
The grandmaster, shocked, asked, "What? A vault of the grandmaster in Fulkan? Are you sure?" Zeral answered, "Yes, Leo was surprised to find it as well, and he wanted to inform you of that before he died. Hirvan knew about this vault, yet he never mentioned any grandmaster he was working with or the druids in any way. Also he hate you all so I doubt he wrote this message so this bring me to conclusion that there are more mysteries beyond these walls. Perhaps Andreas was part of this, but he is dead. Hirvan killed him when he turned."
Erik quickly tried to convince Zeral to kill the grandmaster, saying, "See, they have secrets, they have a plot for this. My nephew perhaps was part of it."
Zeral stared at Erik, who was breathing heavily, and said, "So, his father died in the outskirts of Batrak when he was an infant, along with the rest of his family, was killed just like your family. And you think somehow he would end up working with the druids? After he was carried, took care of and raised by you and became a commander and your personal guard?"
Erik began to crumble, "I have no idea about this betrayal, I swear... the druids... it must be them... it's them, Zeral. Just kill them all..." Tears welled in his eyes as he ordered Zeral to kill the druids. However, Zeral, instead of complying, walked toward Erik, saying, "Are you sure you aren't behind this?" Erik protested, "How dare you? You believe that bastard, sinister of man, and doubt me?"
Zeral stood in front of Erik, who looked at him with tears streaming down his face. Everyone in the room crowded around Erik, each person asking, "Did you do it? Really? Tell us, please." Erik kept denying, repeatedly saying, "It wasn't me..."
Zeral asked, "Why would Andreas betray the king? How could he take part in the druids' plans after everything they did to him? Yet, you famously stood against this from the beginning, telling the king not to include druids in the beast hunt we did and questioning immortality and all of this back then."
The grandmaster added, "Look, we druids disagreed with Hirvan, but we would never betray him. We didn't believe in the chance for this immortality but it was just a test. We don't intervene in such things. Our supreme grandmaster was the writer of Hirvan's book, so we can't take any action against it either.It is against our laws. However, I start to believe there is more to this than breaking laws, as I learned about a mysterious grandmaster out there so I can't rule out there was plot by druids in such event."
Erik, with too much hatred in his voice, said, "Fuck you and your mysteries, Adomas. Hear me out. I found a letter shortly before you and that damned Hirvan went to the mountains. This letter said that the druids would destroy the kingdom if Hirvan successfully killed the beast and got the blood. A threat to everyone and to peace the king wanted by mysterious men."
Zeral asked, "What? Why didn't you tell us?" Every general in the room was in shock questioning Erik about this reveal.
Erik replied, "I didn't think of it as a real threat..."
Zeral grabbed Erik's head and screamed, "Not a real threat?" Erik struggled to say, "Please, Zeral, I couldn't tell anyone since this letter was written in our language, and it could be just fake. Andreas found it and brought it to me."
"So, Andreas knew about this?" Zeral start pressing with his silver fingers on Erik's head
The grandmaster tried to save Erik, "Please, let him go, Zeral. Maybe Andreas made up that letter to make him stop Hirvan's plans. There is no word from us saying this. We don't send messages with the common language to anyone as a threat. You know the rules."
Erik pleaded, "It was one of your men... I'm sure." With anger, Zeral clung to Erik's head and unleashed pain on him. Erik started screaming for Zeral to stop, and everyone in the room screamed at Zeral to let him go. Zeral, consumed by anger, continued squeezing Erik's head, who was now in tears as blood come streaming down his head.
Erik finally admitted, "I did it. I was afraid of this letter and allowed the hatred in me to take over. I told Andreas to kill Hirvan. I did it." Tears and blood flowed down his face. Zeral, with a deep sense of disappointment, said, "I knew it." Then, he crushed Erik's head, killing him instantly and threw his lifeless body against the wall in a gruesome scene that left everyone stunned in disbelief at Zeral's brutal action.
The end.