37

The sun streamed through the tall windows of the throne room, casting long shadows across the polished marble floor. In the center of the room, King Alaric sat on his throne, his imposing figure clad in armor that gleamed with an ethereal sheen. Before him, Dukes Darius, Gareth, Seraphina, Brener, and Elmond argued vehemently, while the members of the Council of Mages from the Ivory Tower watched silently, their faces hidden beneath cowls embroidered with golden runes.

A year had passed since the Catastrophe, as the event that had shaken Eldoria to its core was now known. The cracks that scarred the city had been sealed with magic and joint effort, but the scars on the castle walls and in the people's spirits were still visible. Although the wounds had not yet fully healed, the kingdom had slowly managed to rebuild itself. The markets had come to life again, the fields flourished with renewed vigor, and the laughter of children could once again be heard in the streets. Yet, the shadow of that night still weighed heavily on them all, especially on Alaric, whose mind could not stop dwelling on the mystery surrounding that phenomenon.

"One year," the king murmured to himself, his voice barely audible above the din of the meeting. "One year since the sky bled and the earth trembled."

The dukes exchanged uneasy glances. They had agreed to attribute the event to a natural phenomenon, something isolated that required no further investigation. The royal herald had proclaimed throughout the kingdom that the cause was an errant comet that had passed too close to Eldoria, disturbing its atmosphere and magical field. But Alaric knew that explanation was insufficient. He could not ignore the feeling that something much deeper and more dangerous lurked in the shadows.

"Majesty," Duke Darius began, his voice resonating in the hall, "the grain reserves are full, trade is thriving, and relations with the orcs have improved. The orc ambassador has assured us that they have no answers about what happened either. We can consider this matter closed."

Alaric watched him with a mixture of frustration and understanding. He knew that Darius, like many others, wished to put the fear and uncertainty behind them. He had seen how the duke clung to the arms of his chair during the tremors, his face pale with terror. But the king could not afford to ignore what he felt in his heart.

"I don't agree," Duke Elmond interjected, his tone firm but measured. "It was I who sent the message to the Ivory Tower after the event. The mages confirmed that that energy... was not natural. Not even human. And although the orc ambassador denies it, we cannot rule out that they know more than they say."

A murmur ran through the room. The mages shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

"And what do you suggest, Elmond?" Duke Gareth asked, his brow furrowed, reflecting his impatience. "Should we send troops into the forest to look for ghosts? Or perhaps invoke the gods to give us an answer? Accuse the orcs without proof and risk a war?"

The sarcasm in his voice did not go unnoticed. Elmond, however, was not fazed.

"I propose that we use adventurers," he declared, his gaze fixed on the king. "They are experts at exploring the unknown. We could send a request to the Adventurers Guild to investigate the distant forests, the northern mountains, and even the border regions with the orcs, and report any anomalies."

Alaric nodded slowly. The idea had merit. Adventurers were independent, skilled, and, above all, accustomed to facing the unknown. Moreover, their participation would appease the dukes and the council, who were wary of any military movement that could provoke unnecessary conflict.

"It's a sensible proposal," Alaric said finally, rising from his throne. His voice resonated with authority, silencing all conversations. "I will send a formal request to the Adventurers Guild. I will specify that experienced adventurers are needed, with tracking and magical perception skills. They must explore the forests, the northern mountains, and the border areas with the orcs, and report any signs of strange activity. We will offer a considerable reward for any relevant information. Meanwhile, we will continue to strengthen our defenses and maintain peace with our neighbors."

The dukes nodded, though some did so reluctantly. The king knew that not all were convinced, but it was a solution that satisfied most.

"However," Alaric added, his tone darker, "we must not lower our guard. What happened a year ago was not a simple natural phenomenon. It was something else... something we do not yet understand. Archmage Elian," the king said, turning to the leader of the Council of Mages, "I request that you accompany me to my chambers. I have some questions to ask you in private."

The mages exchanged nervous glances. They knew that the king was right, but they also knew that admitting it openly could unleash panic. Elian nodded with a slight bow of his head, his face impassive beneath his cowl.

Alaric and Elian retired to the royal chambers, leaving behind the bustle of the throne room. Once alone, the king turned to the Archmage, his gaze piercing.

"Elian," Alaric began, his voice grave, "I do not trust the explanations they have given me. I feel they are hiding something. What do you really know about the Catastrophe?"

Elian sighed, lowering his cowl to reveal his wrinkled face, his eyes weary.

"Majesty," the Archmage replied, in a serene voice, "understand that there are truths that are best left unrevealed. Sometimes, ignorance is a blessing. What we saw that day... was a power that does not belong to this world. A power that we cannot control, or even comprehend."

"What about the orcs?" Alaric insisted. "Are they involved?"

"We do not know for sure," Elian admitted. "But there are signs... rumors that something is moving in the northern mountains. Something that could be related to the Catastrophe."

Alaric nodded thoughtfully. "That is why we need the adventurers. To be our eyes and ears in the world. To bring us answers."

"That is so, Majesty," Elian agreed. "But I beg you to be prudent. We must not awaken the forces that sleep in the darkness."

When Elian withdrew, Alaric remained alone in his chambers, contemplating the map of Eldoria that hung on the wall. His finger traced the northern border, the vast expanses of forest, and the mountains that rose like sharp teeth against the sky. He knew that the road to the truth would be long and dangerous, but he could not give up. The fate of Eldoria depended on it.