A Favor

An elven guard arrived at Vincent's quarters, his footsteps barely making a sound on the polished wooden floor. The room was quiet, with Vincent and his team discussing their plans in hushed tones. The guard knocked lightly on the doorframe to announce his presence.

"Vincent Stryder," the guard said formally, bowing slightly. "King Thandor requests your presence in the throne room immediately."

Vincent looked up from the map he was studying, his expression neutral but his mind racing. "Did the King mention why he wants to see me?"

The guard shook his head. "No, sir. He only said it was urgent and that he wished to speak with you directly."

Vincent exchanged a glance with his team members. They all knew this could be about the conversation they had just had about the logistics and the elven surveillance. After all, the timing was too coincidental to ignore. Vincent nodded to his team, a silent agreement passing between them to stay alert.