chapter 19.5

A few days after their last meeting, Alcard was once again summoned to Oldman's chamber. As he stepped inside, the air felt heavier than usual, the atmosphere thick with an unspoken gravity. Oldman sat behind his worn wooden desk, surrounded by scattered documents and reports, though something else caught Alcard's eye—two small leather pouches, placed carefully amidst the mess of papers, as if their contents were of far greater importance than anything written on parchment.

Oldman's expression was a mixture of concern and determination, a rare sight for someone who had faced countless battles and political maneuverings. It was clear that whatever he was about to say carried weight beyond the usual assignments.

"Alcard, there's a mission I need you to undertake," Oldman began, his deep voice cutting through the silence with authority.

Alcard, accustomed to such direct orders, immediately focused his attention. He knew that if Oldman had called for him personally, the task at hand was far from ordinary. "What do you need me to do?" he asked without hesitation.

Oldman didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a measured breath before speaking again. "Our supply of steel plates and weapons is running dangerously low after the last attack. If we don't secure more equipment from the Dwarves soon, The Wall's defenses will be compromised."

As he spoke, Oldman took one of the pouches from his desk and handed it to Alcard. The moment Alcard opened it, the unmistakable glint of Dwarven-minted gold coins and precious gemstones met his gaze—currency that was valued highly among the Dwarves, more than mere gold.

"That will be used to negotiate the best equipment they have," Oldman continued, his tone unwavering. "But this mission isn't just about obtaining weapons and supplies."

He then reached for the second pouch and slowly unfastened it, revealing the one thing Alcard both expected and dreaded— the glowing green prism. The fragment. The moment it was exposed, the air around them seemed to shift slightly, vibrating with an unseen energy. A faint warmth filled the space, the kind that didn't come from any ordinary source of heat. The fragment pulsed gently, as if it had a life of its own.

Alcard's eyes darkened as he gazed upon it, the weight of responsibility pressing heavier upon his shoulders.

"We will use this opportunity to gather more knowledge about the fragment," Oldman said, his voice steady but tinged with a rare edge of unease. "The Dwarves have the most extensive records on ancient relics, magical artifacts, and lost knowledge. If anyone has information about what this truly is and what it can do, it's them."

Oldman then slid an official-looking scroll across the desk. It bore the mark of The Wall, a formal diplomatic request to strengthen ties between The Wall and the Dwarven Kingdom. On the surface, it appeared to be a simple trade mission, a plea for assistance in maintaining their defense against the dangers lurking beyond the borders. But Alcard knew better. The real reason for this mission was buried beneath the layers of official documentation.

"This letter will serve as a cover for your true objective," Oldman said firmly. "You need to extract as much information as possible about the fragment without revealing that we already possess one. If they find out, it could lead to catastrophic consequences."

After issuing his warning, Oldman rose from his chair and walked around the desk, his sharp gaze locking onto Alcard's. He placed a hand on his shoulder, ensuring that his words carried the full weight of their importance.

"This secret is known only to the two of us," Oldman emphasized in a low voice. "You must uncover the truth while keeping them in the dark about what you carry. If you must reveal anything, do so only as a last resort. I don't trust The Wall's security enough to store something like this indefinitely."

Alcard gave a curt nod, fully aware of the burden now resting on him. "Understood. I'll get the answers we need without raising suspicion."

Oldman exhaled, his usual commanding demeanor slightly softened by a flicker of apprehension. "The Dwarves do not give up their secrets easily. You will need to be careful, precise. Find a way to make them talk, but do not let them see through your motives. The fragment is more than just a relic—it is power, and power shifts the balance of the world."

Alcard secured both pouches within his cloak, ensuring their safety. "I leave at first light. No matter the risks, I will see this mission through."

Oldman nodded, his expression unreadable, though Alcard could sense the silent trust placed in him. "May your journey be uneventful," Oldman murmured, though the words felt empty, as if even he didn't believe them. "We are dealing with forces beyond our understanding, and I fear we have only stepped to the edge of a much deeper abyss."

Without another word, Alcard turned and strode out of the chamber, his footsteps echoing through the dimly lit corridors of the central headquarter. He knew full well that this was more than a simple trade mission. The journey to the Dwarven lands would not just be about reinforcing The Wall's defenses—it was a quest to uncover a mystery that could change the fate of Middle Earth itself.