the web of lies

The Aegis estate loomed in the distance, its grand spires and towering walls a stark reminder of the life Díkē had left behind. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the manicured gardens and cobblestone pathways. Inside the estate, in the opulent study of Duke Aegis, the air was thick with tension. Aegis Lyra stood before her father, her expression a carefully crafted mask of concern.

"Father," Lyra began, her voice steady but laced with a hint of distress, "I'm afraid I have troubling news about Díkē."

Duke Aegis, a tall and imposing man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, looked up from the documents on his desk. His expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of interest in his gaze. "What about Díkē? I haven't heard from him in months. Is he well?"

Lyra hesitated, as if choosing her words carefully. "I… I don't know how to say this, Father, but Díkē has… changed. He's not the boy we once knew. He's become reckless, arrogant, and dangerous."

The Duke's brow furrowed, his hands clasping together on the desk. "Dangerous? Explain."

Lyra took a deep breath, her eyes downcast. "I've heard rumors from the Adventurer's Guild. Díkē has joined their ranks, but not as a noble seeking to uphold our family's honor. He's using his position to flaunt his power, to intimidate others. He's even… even taken to summoning knights, Father. Dark, shadowy creatures that do his bidding. I fear he's fallen into darkness."

The Duke's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "Summoning knights? That's forbidden magic. Are you certain of this?"

Lyra nodded, her voice trembling slightly. "I saw it with my own eyes, Father. He summoned a knight in the middle of the guild hall, showing off his power without a care for the consequences. He's become obsessed with strength, with proving himself superior to everyone else. I tried to reason with him, to bring him back to the path of honor, but he… he attacked me."

The Duke's eyes widened in shock. "He attacked you?"

Lyra nodded again, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "He's not the brother I once knew, Father. He's become a stranger—a threat to our family's legacy. I fear what he might do next."

The Duke leaned back in his chair, his expression grave. "This is… troubling. If what you say is true, then Díkē has strayed far from the path of honor. But summoning knights… that is not a power to be taken lightly. Where did he acquire such an ability?"

Lyra shook her head, her expression one of feigned sorrow. "I don't know, Father. But I fear he may have made a pact with something dark, something dangerous. We must act before it's too late."

The Duke was silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the fireplace. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and measured. "Very well. I will send word to the guild. Díkē must be brought back to the estate, by force if necessary. We cannot allow him to tarnish the Aegis name."

Lyra's lips curved into a faint smile, though she quickly masked it with a look of concern. "Thank you, Father. I only hope we can save him before it's too late."

---

Meanwhile, in Eldermere, Díkē was unaware of the storm brewing on the horizon. He sat in the guild hall, his adventurer's badge gleaming on his chest as he reviewed a new mission request. Calian and Seraphine stood nearby, their presence a constant source of reassurance.

"This one looks promising," Díkē said, holding up the notice. "A merchant caravan is being harassed by bandits on the road to Silvercrest. They're offering a generous reward for anyone who can clear the road."

Calian nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Bandits are a common threat, but they can be dangerous if underestimated. We should proceed with caution."

Seraphine stepped forward, her piercing eyes scanning the notice. "I can scout ahead and gather information. If we know their numbers and their tactics, we can plan accordingly."

Díkē smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude for his knights. "That's a great idea. Let's get started."

As they prepared to leave, a commotion at the entrance of the guild hall caught Díkē's attention. A group of armored guards, their uniforms bearing the crest of the Aegis family, marched into the hall. At their head was a tall, stern-looking man with a scroll in his hand.

"Díkē Aegis!" the man called out, his voice echoing through the hall. "By order of Duke Aegis, you are to return to the estate immediately. Refusal will be met with force."

Díkē's heart sank, his grip tightening on the mission notice. He recognized the man—Captain Alden, one of his father's most trusted guards. The other adventurers in the hall fell silent, their eyes darting between Díkē and the guards.

"What's this about?" Díkē asked, stepping forward. "I'm a member of the guild now. I have responsibilities here."

Captain Alden's expression was unyielding. "Your father has ordered your return. He believes you have strayed from the path of honor and must be brought back to the estate for… reeducation."

Díkē's eyes widened in shock. "Reeducation? What are you talking about? I haven't done anything wrong!"

Captain Alden's gaze hardened. "Your sister has informed us of your actions—your reckless use of forbidden magic, your disregard for our family's legacy. You are to come with us, willingly or by force."

Díkē's mind raced, his anger and confusion warring within him. "Lyra… she lied to you. I haven't done anything wrong. I've been trying to prove myself, to become stronger. That's all."

Captain Alden shook his head. "I have my orders. You will come with us."

Calian stepped forward, his greatsword resting on his shoulder. "If you wish to take him, you will have to go through us."

Seraphine materialized beside Díkē, her twin daggers gleaming in the dim light. "We will not allow you to harm our summoner."

The tension in the room was palpable, the other adventurers watching with bated breath. Díkē clenched his fists, the ruby in his palm glowing faintly. He knew he couldn't fight his father's guards—not without causing irreparable damage to his family's reputation. But he also couldn't let them take him back to the estate, not when he had finally found his place in the world.

"I'll go," Díkē said finally, his voice firm. "But not because I've done anything wrong. I'll go because I want to clear my name. But know this—I won't let anyone control me anymore. Not my father, not my sister, not anyone."

Captain Alden nodded, though his expression remained stern. "Very well. Let's go."

As Díkē and his knights followed the guards out of the guild hall, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in his chest. He didn't know what awaited him at the estate, but he knew one thing for certain—he would not let his sister's lies define him. He would prove himself, not just to his family, but to the world.

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**End of Chapter 10**