Chronicles of Domaria - Book I – The Awakening
Chapter VIII – Justice wears black

It was the night before the big day. Representatives of the kingdoms had already arrived in the capital, staying in the rooms of the Palace, noble houses, and taverns, in that order of importance. Eldania had never been so crowded. Many guards were mobilized to any kind of unexpected confusion. The mixtures of races, beliefs, clothing and customs were visible in all public places of the city.

The adventurers finally approached the town in the night before. With a delay of one day, they decided to rest before looking for Mir. They should report to the Giant the bizarre experiences they had during those four days. Sofia and Andariel needed money to share a room at the Inn, but, there was no problem for Rune to achieve some coins in the house of his uncle. Ilyn said he would meet them the next day to get the reward.

Rune equipped himself. He took his best chain mail, covered with a blue linen with the insignia of his family. He wanted to make a good impression when presenting themselves at the Palace.

- Imagine if Thalion appoints me as an official Bounty Hunter of the Kingdom? - dreamed the young warrior.

- Very strange. Ilyn disappeared last night - said Sofia. -Does he have a home here and didn’t tell us anything? We know few things about him.

-He must have slept in some alley and got embarrassed to speak – retorted Rune, trying to evade the conversation about the thief.

-Guys, I would like to talk about something… – said Andariel, with a remnant of guilt in her voice.

The warrior and the sorceress watched the girl, waiting for her talk.

- I know that my brother is alive. He left gold in my mother’s jewelry.

- Is this serious? And I almost got in trouble to get more money from my uncle! – exclaimed Rune, coldly.

-But where is this gold? And your brother? - questioned Sofia, mad at the girl.

- I don’t know. The gold was stolen when we were captured. The coins had the seal of Miklos. Maybe he knows something about the murder in Durunthir.

- That’s great! We are searching for a likely killer and arsonist - joked the Warrior.

- He didn’t do it! – Andariel yelled. – My brother would never do that!

The girl nodded. She wasn’t sure what she was talking about. Her brother had never left her before, but he just did. She began to weep in silence, upset with everything that was going on.

- Sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you - said Rune, approaching the little one.

- It’s okay. Just promise me that we’re going to find him. – answered the girl, reminding him of his promise and hugging the warrior.

Arriving near the fountain which marked the center of the city, they saw Ilyn. The tramp dressed elegantly and was having lunch near the meeting point.

Hey! – he shouted, with his mouth full.

The pickpocket was holding a large slice of stuffed bread bought in one of the tents.

-Want a piece? Delicacy of the dwarves. Maybe it’s the only thing they do right! Oh, and the beers, of course!

The three adventurers looked at him up and down and surprised: leather armor, daggers... waist belt with a bag, showered, with a trimmed beard. Rune couldn’t contain the laughter when he saw the thief all tidy.

-What? Something in my teeth? – asked Ilyn.

- You are quite different! – Sofia, accompanied also by Andariel.

But to Rune there is something strange.

- How did he get money to equip himself like that? Before, he had no money even to eat.

- I hope you didn’t do anything wrong to get this equipment. We don’t want to get arrested for being associated with a criminal - said the warrior.

- Relax, boy! Let’s just say I have some sponsors… – retorted Ilyn, in mystery.

- Then you’d better talk about who they are, because I don’t trust you. We will not move on until you explain – threatened Rune, supported by Andariel and Sofia.

The rogue got bored. He didn’t want to talk about his peculiarities to anyone.

- I’m in it for the money, right? With our little journey, I saw some opportunities to earn money – revealed Ilyn. - I got some coins with my contacts, who will finance my expeditions.

- You talked about what we did? – asked Sofia, panicked.

- Yes, well... Let’s just say… - evaded the rogue.

- Idiot! Do you know that this can cause a big problem? We may go to jail or get hunted – Rune roared. - Get out! You will not go on with us!

People began to look at the group, realizing that they were arguing. Ilyn, with no major concerns and moderating the voice, concluded:

- Calm there, brave boy. I will get the money with you, then we talk about our future.

After the argument, the heroes went to the Palace to try to talk to Mir. According to the clues, they knew he worked for the King. It would be a good idea to start looking for it that way.

*

Inside the Palace, the atmosphere of tranquility was maintained. After receiving high Elvish leaders and representatives of major Dwarves, it was critical to preserve the good moods. However, the concerns were widespread. Attacks on Elensil, Thelrim surrounded by orcs… Maybe they should sit and talk openly about the problems. But, unfortunately, this was not intended to happen.

It was the day of the great feast, where leaders and King of Eldania used to sit and discuss informal affairs. Some took advantage of the opportunity to anticipate topics and feel the atmosphere of the negotiations.

- Erlan! How was the trip? I’m glad that you have joined us in meetings - said Thalion, thwarted. The presence of one of the more radical members of the elven Council disturbed him.

- The trip was excellent, Majesty. – he retorted. I hope that we move forward in our treaties this year. There are many things to be discussed… – Erlan replied, thinking about the attack on the elven village.

- And the rest of the members of the Council? Will they arrive for the opening of the meeting? – inquired Thalion.

- I’m afraid not, Sir. I’m the only one of the Council, along with my entourage. We don’t have to send so many people, only the right people. – Erlan replied, staring at the King.

- Oh! By the way, Faerdûn, our sovereign, is also not coming - said Gillian, representative and old counselor to the King of the Dwarves.

- I had the information that some orcs came to the gates of Thelrim. Poor creatures. If that’s true, I think he’s still coming to dinner! – added the dwarf, laughing out loud.

A fact crossed Thalion’s mind. He had sent an early message authorizing the temporary exile of the refugees in the great fortress. Probably it hadn’t reached the Iron Mountains yet.

- Did you say that the orcs are at the gates of Thelrim? -Thalion questioned with great concern.

- Yes, Yes! But don’t worry, we’ll take care of it as we always do – replied the dwarf, eating a turkey leg savagely.

Thalion stood stunned. He imagined the massacre of refugees from Mount Syrma. The King knew that Faerdûn would not open those gates readily. Only if he begged.

- Excuse me, gentlemen - said the King, wiping his mouth and turning toward his Office.

Those who sat at the table stood in silent watching the affliction of the King and tried to imagine what had happened.

- Sir! Urgent messages to Your Majesty! – exclaimed a young and skinny royal messenger, with an exotic uniform.

Thalion stopped in the hallway leading to the big central garden and examined them. One had the seal of Eris, the other was written on a piece cloth easily identifiable as part of a combat uniform from Syrma.

The King opened the first message, which read:

“To Your Majesty, the King of Eldania

Yesterday, a long march of orkish warriors took Thelrim directions. There were so many that we could hardly count and fight with our men.

Our scout spied a new attack, marching through the Southern Plains.

Due to what has been exposed, I cordially request to Your Majesty, immediate reinforcements of one thousand men to defend the borders of the Kingdom.

-Brandil, Commander of the Cavalry of Eris ”

Eris is still standing – thought the monarch, with relief.

However, his feeling didn’t last:

- A thousand men? - thought Thalion. - It is not possible! And there are still orcs at the gates of Thelrim!

Thalion opened the second message, written on a piece of war costume. The letters were rustic and written in red.

It’s blood! – he exclaimed.

“Thalion, you’re next.

-Gor’gul ′

- Damn you! Gor’gul? I want his head on my table! -shouted the King, kneading the message in his hand.

Thalion rushed towards the banquet. In an outburst, he punched the table, scaring everyone, and threw the piece of crumpled uniform in the front of old Gillian.

- Your old selfish! This is how you repay me the Alliance that we have? – shouted the King, facing him.

Gillian was surprised. He didn’t know for sure what it was.

- Are you crazy? What happened? – asked the old counselor.

- Our men were massacred at the gates of your city -Thalion roared, looking into his eyes.

Everyone were perplexed. Belthazar, Alister and Mir stayed at the table and promptly rose to stay with the King. The representative of the dwarves remained confused. He had left Thelrim before problems happened. He knew that the city was being attacked by orcs earlier, but he believed that, as usual, they would take care of the enemy attack.

- Thalion, I had no idea... - said Gillian, being interrupted sharply by Alister.

- But your King knew, right? This is horrible! A betrayal of Alliance!

- Alister! -interrupted Belthazar, trying to calm the guardian.

Erlan and the other elves raised the table.

- Depressing! Look at this! The Alliance is totally shattered - replied the Elensil representative.

- Alister, come! – King said, still angry. - Mir, follow me too.

The banquet was finalized.

Alister looked at the Wizard with a sinister smile. Belthazar got worried. Alister was to Eldania what Erlan was to Elensil. The Paladin, leader of the Talanthir order, was against external interferences in the city. Shrouded in secrets and machinations, he had always been in favor of radical solutions and empowerment of the human armies. In addition, he was radically opposed to magic, except within their domains.

Belthazar accompanied the King and the other two even without being called. He knew something good would not come and needed to ensure the good sense and order.

*

Meanwhile, the security stopped the young adventurers at the Palace’s Gate. The guards simply ignored when they asked permission to enter.

- Mir. That was his name - told Sofia to the adventurers, who struggled to describe physically the giant.

- Gentlemen, please, listen to us! The name of the man who would like to talk about is Mir. We are returning from a mission with some information – Sofia insisted.

- Then say: where do you come from? – asked one of the guards.

- From the woo... Ilyn spoke, being interrupted sharply by Sofia.

- Durunthir! - shouted the youngster.

The guards looked at each other and realized that those really were the youngsters that Mir was looking for. The giant had given orders to find them in the city, or outside it, and bring them to the Palace at any cost.

- Oh, yes! Are you the youngsters? Please, follow me - said one of the guards.

The adventurers entered the gardens of the Palace, full of pride, making fun of another guard that had stopped them. Rune and Ilyn were confident. The ones that were suspicious of all were Sophia and Andariel.

- Where are you taking us? - the sorceress asked.

- To the waiting room. Civilians cannot move freely here. You will have to wait for Mir in there – the sentinel spoke.

There was a small door in one of the towers of the Palace. It was a bit isolated from the rest of the complex, but, the mission was a secret. They did not expect a meeting room with honors and heroic receptions.

- Enter. I’m going to call Mir - said the man, coldly pointing to the dark room.

- But, Sir… - said Sofia still suspicious.

The man came out quickly and locked the door. The place resembled a deposit: cheese, wine and whole parts of cold cuts hanging in the rafters of the roof. There were also some mice sneaking around, searching for food. In the center, there was a big table of solid wood with a few chairs. The place was cold and dark, except for the light that entered by the small little windows a few meters high.

- Is this real? We’re locked! – said Sofia, stressed.

- Easy girl. We can’t circulate around. He’s going to call the big guy, and we’re going to wait here. Problem solved -Ilyn said, pulling one of the chairs and sitting.

Rune started to get nervous. He didn’t like the treatment let alone to stay locked in a room.

- Let’s wait. But if he does not arrive soon, I’m going to force the door to get out.

It seemed like an eternity. First a few minutes, after a few hours. Hungry, they improvised a snack in the food pantry. They stayed there all day. The rays of the sun changed their color and position in the wall through the window, signaling the end of the afternoon.

Rune, tired of the situation, volunteered:

- I’m going to force the door.

- No! Are you crazy? Don’t you think there’s a tin soldier out there, watching us? - Ilyn retorted.

- He’s right – completed Andariel.

- One thing is certain: we’re not going to stay our whole life here – Sofia retorted.

At the end of the sentence, the door opened and a large silhouette entered the storeroom with a lit lantern in hand. It was Mir. And his face was not very good:

- Morons! Why didn’t show up? I should send all of you to jail! - mumbled the King’s right-hand man, hitting the lantern on the table.

- And what do you think you did? You should be kinder to us! – retorted Andariel.

-Who are you, brat? I don’t remember you in the Old One-Eyed Tavern! – The giant said, looking at her.

- It doesn’t matter. She’s with us! - interrupted Sofia, changing his customary good humor.

-Well, then start talking. I’m full of problems. A few more will not surprise me… - snubbed the big guy.

- Where do you want us to start? Zombies? Giant Spiders? Crazy druids? Trolls? - joked the young warrior.

Mir didn’t utter a word. His eyes opened and his eyebrows arched. His jaw dropped slightly.

- Hey, boy, hold on! Start the story from the beginning – he said.

They stayed there for a few more hours narrating and discussing the events. The four talked about everything that happened, except about Andariel’s brother and the secret lenders of Ilyn. After the whole story, Mir asked them:

- Do me a favor: come to the Palace tomorrow to get introduced to the King and to the representatives to tell this absurd story. If all this is true, I think we have a big problem.

- Do you think we’re lying? – Sofia replied.

- I’ve seen it all in Domaria. I trust you, but I need you to talk about it with your own mouth and desire - concluded the Royal Warrior.

It was already night, and the heroes walked out of the room with their reward and another mission: to show up at the Palace the following day for a meeting with the King and representatives of the other kingdoms.

- Perfect! Ilyn said, in the streets out of the Royal Palace - We can become surveyors of the King in an unexplored land! Immense treasures await us!

Rune didn’t like the boldness of the thief, but agreed with him. It could be the opportunity of a lifetime to become a bounty hunter or independent adventurer.

- Guys... That’s a little dangerous, right? – asked Sofia, with a tip of fear and excitement. – We shall see, isn’t it?

Andariel continued quiet and thought about Andarion. All the little girl wanted at that moment was to see him and be with him. She could trade all the adventures and gold for that brief moment.

*

An eerie figure contemplated the evening, close to the Palace, smiling and staring at the city in the dark. It was Andarion, the Cursed. He would meet with the King, but not today.

- Tomorrow is the big day… – he whispered.

Everything was set up. How, when, and where, was a mystery. His mind wouldn’t let him at peace anymore. The voices were frequent, as much as the urge to kill.

- I need to feed – he said with a smile, looking at the mysterious black ring.

His physical condition again was degrading. He needed more souls. In this moment he was completely aware of the dynamics of the ring and knew he was gaining powers. However, it was like an eternity of servitude. If he didn’t feed with souls of other people, the ring would feed gradually from the soul of the rogue. Andarion began to experience strange magical powers. He could see easily in the dark, hear people’s thoughts, and even he could modify his physical appearance, focusing on his thinking. It was perfect for not calling attention to his decayed look.

Coincidentally, he walked close to the group of adventurers, which came from the Palace. In a brief moment, he thought about kidnapping them in the dead of night, but gave up when he saw his little sister and heard her familiar thoughts.

Andarion was stunned, not knowing what to do. His heart still had a shred of love and longing. He wanted to talk to his sister, but she could not get in the way of his plan for revenge. The rogue hid the face with the hood and followed the girls to the Inn, right after they said goodbye to Rune and Ilyn. He waited they go upstairs and entered the place.

- Sir, do you have a feather and a piece of paper? – Andarion asked the owner of the Inn, hiding the face.

- Leaving a message? A silver coin – said rudely the fat man with a huge moustache.

The rogue lost his temper and looked at him, revealing a diabolical expression. He caught the man by the collar of his shirt and lifted him off the ground with a superhuman strength.

- Wow! Easy, easy! Don’t kill me! The feather and the paper are all yours! You can take the money too if you want! – cried the innkeeper.

Andarion released the man and grabbed the feather and the paper on the counter. The man, frightened, tried to stay as far as possible. The rogue gave him the message, addressed to Andariel, and said on:

- If you read it, I’ll come back here and kill you!

The fat guy signaled positively with the head and got the message carefully. Andarion covered the face with a hood and walked out of the Inn, slamming the door with ferocity.

*

It was the last day of the week, a synonym of joy for many. Finally the Grand Festival would be started. Early on, the King participated in an event on Freedom Square, opening the Alliance Meetings. From that moment on, two days and two nights of party would take the streets, squares and houses of Eldania. Inside the Palace, the negotiators, nobles and representatives were ready to make agreements and alliances in the military field, mercantile advantageous, and maybe something else.

The city center was overflowed with people. Some even climbed trees to get a better view of the event. A small podium had been carefully prepared for a short speech of the monarch, who was already in place and was sweating. Despite the sunny day, the heat wasn’t very intense, making evident Thalion’s tension. After a few words of thanks, and honoring visitors and the people of Eldania, the King spoke:

- Ladies and gentleman! We have new times ahead. We must be strong! – King said, taking a break and looking at Belthazar, Alister and Mir. - We will need more than ever to stick together.

In that moment, his eyes were wet.

The subjects looked at each other, realizing the concern and sadness in the voice of the King. They didn’t know exactly why, but something felt wrong. Their hearts were constricted and the more sensitive started to cry, silently.

- I trust all of you! So, farewell! Let the celebrations begin! Long live to Eldania! – he finished it, with a brief smile.

-Long live Eldania! - The crowd of residents shouted in unison.

The fireworks burst, kicking off the fanfare. The voices and laughter of the crowd filled the place.

-Wow, what a speech! Don’t you think? – asked Sofia to the others, while walking out from the crowd.

- Is he sick? – Ilyn asked.

Andariel was happy again. In secret, the innkeeper entrusted her the letter of the last night. The little one read it and rekindled her hopes. She promised herself not to reveal its contents to the others. Now she was sure he was alive and maybe even knew of a promise that he would return.

- You’re happy today! That’s great! – exclaimed the young sorceress for the girl, who just smiled and continued rejoicing in front of the group.

- Let’s enjoy the festival out here and then we go to the Palace? – asked Rune. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

- Of course! Why not? - said Sofia.

The adventurers ate, watched some circus performances and spent some silver on equipment and trinkets at the market. In a while, it was the time of the meeting at the Palace, scheduled by Mir.

- At noon, when the Sun is at Zenith - he said the night before.

For the first time, they would be face to face with the maximum representative of the humans and other eminences of other peoples. A chill went down took their spine when they came near the gate again. In such a short time they saw many things. What would their fate be?

- So, shall we? – Rune talked, looking at the others who also hesitated in front of the Palace.

They were received kindly, and led by the Royal Guard up to the terraces, where they waited with a privileged view of the big city. There was Eldania: beautiful and calm, despite its problems and difficulties. They stayed for a moment there, contemplating the great festival and happy families, with a certain distance of the busy streets.

- Beautiful, isn’t it? – said Sofia to Rune, softly.

Rune flushed and stammered to respond.

- The city! – Sofia laughed.

- Yes. Peaceful, isn’t it? - answered Rune.

The two were alone still a little longer on the balcony of the terrace, admiring the view. The gentle wind and the warm sun gave them an endless feeling of well-being. Ilyn and Andariel talked and played as never. The tranquility and silence were like the great calm that preceded the storm.

One of the Elite Guards called the heroes from the door of the terrace. The meeting would begin. They walked the corridors and hallways of the Palace, until they reached the central spire, where there was a large marble dome, suspended by pilasters. Around, there were wondrous gardens, decorations and finely carved statues in stone. It was stunning. They couldn’t stand the eyes, capturing as much of the beauty of the Grand Palace.

- Wow! It must have cost a fortune! – whispered Ilyn to others.

Rune looked directly to the big round table that rested under the dome at the pinnacle. There were important human and dwarven figures. The Elves dressed their finest silk, with their armor perfectly polished, full of decorative carvings. All of them were waiting for the company of heroes. They had something important to say. The adventurers were staring, embarrassed, at those people responsible for the welfare of kingdoms and everything else that was in the known land.

- Gather around, kids – said King Thalion - You are our honored guests today.

- Majesty. I would like to introduce you to the group of heroes who went to Durunthir to collect information about the earthquake and the threats to the Alliance - said Mir, rising from the table, in his big, shiny armor.

- Heroes! - thought Rune. – Wow, I liked it!

Ilyn puffed out his chest, while the girls smiled shyly.

- Please, sit down – said the King cordially, showing the seats to the group. - I’d like you to tell the details about your expedition.

Rune signaled positively with the head. By the same way that he told the saga to Mir, he did to Thalion, Erlan, Gillian, Belthazar, Alister and others there. He also warned about the dangers of the forest, the zombies, the giant spider and the big hole.

- By Eorlund! This is very serious! – Erlan, the Elf Representative, manifested, at the end of the story.

- We have to do something. Urgently! - replied the magician Belthazar. – It seems to me that we’re in an age of awakening.

- This is nothing new! Us, dwarves, we know that there are times that rebels and other heretics use magic on the edges of the kingdoms – Gillian spoke, looking to Erlan. – Some of them are even here at this table.

- Say what you want, little man! But before, you must try! – Erlan, arrogantly replied.

- You... - roared the dwarf, standing up on his chair.

- Enough! - shouted Thalion. – We are in serious trouble! Orcs to the South. Heretics and witches in the West, at our doors, and an unknown hole with strange creatures...

- I just heard your problems. We were attacked frequently by barbarians in the North. Theoretically they are your people! Our lands are becoming infertile and we even had to take care of a Wyvern... - Erlan responded. - We need magic to defend ourselves! Now!

- Wyvern?! - Belthazar said. – Why haven’t you talked about it?

- Typical! You only think of your own ass! – exclaimed Gillian. - Our city is in trouble, and I’m not complaining!

A great strife started, taking away all the beauty and harmony of the place. Insults, accusations, historic rivalries and disagreements were traveling around the air. The adventurers shrank on their chairs and looked at each other, willing to disappear at that time.

A Messenger arrived in the midst of the confusion, bringing a small note to Gillian, who was up on the Real Oak Table. It had the Royal Seal of Thelrim and had arrived just in that moment. The dwarf barely gave importance to it. He opened it, still yelling at each other and pointing fingers.

It was the call for help of the Iron Mountains.

Gillian got paralyzed, a chill ran through his spine, his stomach crurned and the voices in the background went to his ears. His expression changed immediately. He passed the message to the other dwarves, merchants and diplomats who accompanied him. And they, similarly, moaned.

- Our town is being attacked! - shouted the dwarf, silencing the local racket.

Everybody was frightened. Gillian suspended the note in one hand and threw it on the table. All of them stretched their necks, curious, and few were able to read the message. Thelrim, the invincible fortress, was in serious trouble.

- Please, we need your help! – the dwarf said quietly, looking at Thalion.

Immediately, the King hid an ironic smile on his face.

- Now you want to help? – asked the monarch, acidly. - How about asking your friends, the Elves?

Gillian lowered his head and felt the blow. The Alliance no longer existed. The misunderstandings and lack of consensus of the last decades culminated in a great chaos. The representatives didn’t know for sure if they could count on others in the current complexity of affairs.

- So we have nothing left to do here. My Kingdom needs me - said the dwarf, turning his back and jumping from the chair. -We will find other way.

The convoy of the dwarves withdrew from the table. The Elves continued and insisted, through Erlan:

-Thalion! Be reasonable! We’re for years asking you the permission to control again the arts and gifts that have been granted to us. The magic could help us a lot. We are losing strength and being threatened.

- No! Never! We cannot give the chance to a new chaos as formerly – shouted the King of humans.

- So, there’s nothing left for me here, too – Erlan sighed. -From this moment on, don’t count on us. We can’t follow the same walk.

The Elf rose along with his representatives while the table remained silent. They were only the men of Eldania and the adventurers, who watched the fallouts amazed.

- Don’t leave, Erlan! We will not resist if we don’t unite! - Belthazar said, following the elves, who ignored him.

- Bravo, your Majesty! - celebrated Alister. - We cannot give in even one centimeter. If we trust these traitors, we’ll be ruined!

Thalion took his hand to his head, leaning on the table.

- It’s all over – he spoke with sadness.

The silence prevailed. Thalion hurried to dismiss all the men who watched that tragedy: the representatives of Eldania, the adventurers and the Mir himself.

Belthazar, back to the pinnacle, took advantage of the opportunity:

- Majesty, unfortunately we got more trouble. We have some news about the Oculus – he said, calling Alister’s attention.

-What the hell is this? - asked the leader of the Talanthir.

Thalion signaled positively with his head, and Belthazar explained calmly to the Paladin. Alister was even surprised and spoke:

Your wizards and their nasty tricks...

Belthazar ignored and continued:

- Our spies have detected that the Elves are taking advantage of magic in our city.

- What kind of magic? – asked Thalion, without surprise.

- Simple things and some not so much — Belthazar retorted, almost regretting for having brought up the topic.

- What the hell! Talk! - The King roared, without patience.

- Witchcraft in general: change of appearance, little tricks - said the wizard – But we have some evidence of mind manipulation and thought reading.

- Damn. We have to bring them to justice! – Alister said, revolted.

- Mobilize the spies. In addition, we cannot let them backstab us. We must advance the studies within the walls of the Order and Arcane Society - Thalion retorted.

- Majesty, it’s known by you that they completely lost their mind. These big-eared creatures have been using magic for ages on their land - added Alister.

- From the other side, we can’t break the Treaty – said the Wizard. - We are doing the same thing here.

- Of course we all do - said Alister, smiling slyly. - Will we falter and let them dominate us?

- You know what to do! Move it! – The King said, preparing to leave. – That’s it for today… I’m very tired.

The afternoon ended. A lot of time had passed after all the fighting and arguing. The heads of the Arcane Society and Order of Talanthir left the Pinnacle, while Thalion descended by one of the lateral doors to his room. Concerned, the King was focused in a unique solution for all the problems. Now he was alone. He couldn’t count anymore on the allied races.

*

The city was fully celebrating the first night of the meeting. Thalion was locked in his workroom dispatching some important documents. He wanted to get away from all that distraction, but his mind was like a rough sea. After hours thinking and scribbling some papers and parchments, he left quite late and headed directly for the baths of the Palace.

As usual, he left his clothes in the anteroom and wrapped himself in a towel, entering the large sauna. It was moist, warm and placid. In comfort, alone, his hope was to relax and find a solution to the scandals of the Kingdom amid the fragrant vapors and warm waters.

- I just need a little time and a divine inspiration – thought the monarch.

However, like a snake lying in the dark, a shadow was watching:

- Damn bastard! – the shadow murmured, waiting patiently.

Almost half an hour had passed. Thalion wrapped himself again in the towel and walked the cold halls of the Palace calmly. He whistled and hummed a song of battle, which he had learned when he was a boy. The monarch took advantage of the quietness to go into the deserted pantry, to pick up some fruit, cold cuts and wine to taste alone in his royal bedroom.

The King entered his bedroom and closed the door. Only the pale light of the moon had been cutting through the window and the stained decorated glass that formed the roof. He was chewing a grape, then he rested the tray carrying food and a glass of wine on the bed.

- Thalion! How long... – the shadow said, appearing from behind a screen.

- Who…? Who are you? Get out of here! – cried the King, still wrapped in the towels - I’m going to call the Guards!

- Shhhhhh! Don’t you remember me? – said the figure approaching him.

Thalion tried to scream, but the voice didn’t come.

- What sort of witchcraft is this? - he thought, in despair.

The shadow revealed his face for the King.

His features were familiar, despite the many years gone by. Although this time there were demonic tones in his known eyes. The monarch stuttered trying to say his name, but he couldn’t make the words come out of his mouth.

His body also did not answer. He was completely paralyzed, except for a few tremors. Andarion, totally in black, approached and passed his hand over his face, playing with his prey. The similarity between the father and son features would impress those who had seen them.

- Why did you do this to us? – said the rogue, walking calmly.

Thalion towel fell with his tremors. He kept babbling incomprehensible, trying to communicate with his son.

- You don’t have to try, Dad - said the young killer. - No words were capable of explaining. You have no idea of the pain and suffering you caused - completed the rogue, pricking his finger with the tip of his sharp dagger.

The moonlight gleamed on the blade of the killer. The ring seemed to shine more than ever in its morbid aura, asking for the Royal Blood.

The rogue got an apple in the tray over the bed and bit it. He chewed and swallowed it, despite not being hungry. With great bitterness, he pushed the blade of the dagger on the throat of Thalion, in the back, and whispered in his ear:

- You would never guess it would end like this, isn’t it? Naked and humiliated.

- He... lp...! - babbled the King, struggling, in his last words.

- See you in hell!

The cutting edge ran slightly on the neck of Thalion. His blood, still hot, squirted on the walls and furniture of the Royal Chamber. He fell over the towels, naked, and they soaked with a portion of the crimson blood spilled.

The King was dead.

Andarion took the apple that he had bitten and stuck it in the mouth of the deceased, making him similar to a piglet, ready to be devoured at a banquet.

- In one minute you were King, now you’re just a corpse - said the young man.

Meanwhile, the ring reveled Thalion’s soul, the same way it did with the other victims. While the rogue watched the moonlight through the colorful stained glass on the roof, his physique was restored by his demonic curse. However, his eyes emptied in every death and his humanity and spirit were consuming like a burning candle.

The killer sheathed the dagger on his waist, without fear or remorse, and left quietly through the door of the room. The next steps were a mystery to him, but it certainly would be guided by the same voice that had taken him over there, in the dark path of atrocity and revenge.

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