CHAPTER 11 THE ROGUE PRINCE

The grand hall of the Red Zuru palace stood silent, the only sound the soft echoes of footsteps as General Draxiz entered, his armored boots clanging against the stone floor. He bowed respectfully before King Zurock, who sat at the head of a long, ornate table. The king's eyes were sharp, his face showing no hint of emotion as he awaited the general's report.

"Your Majesty," General Draxiz began, his voice steady despite the troubling news he carried, "Prince Xalor has gone rogue. He has left the Red Zuru nation with his forces and is pursuing his own path, independent of our command."

King Zurock's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, 'gone rogue'?" he asked, his tone carrying a sense of disbelief. "The prince was to remain in charge of our forces. He was to lead the hunt for the Omega helmet. How could he abandon his duty?"

"His loyalty has shifted, Your Majesty," General Draxiz explained, his eyes meeting the king's gaze. "Xalor has gathered his own forces and is moving toward various villages, attempting to recruit soldiers to follow him. He is no longer focused on the task you set before him, nor does he seem interested in carrying out your orders. Instead, he seems to be following his own agenda."

A tense silence filled the room as King Zurock processed the information. His thoughts raced. Xalor's defiance was unexpected, especially considering the stakes at hand. The plan to capture the remaining villages under their control, and the complete subjugation of the other nations, relied on the prince's leadership.

King Zurock clenched his fists, his disappointment turning to frustration. "Where has he gone? What villages has he attacked?"

"His last known location was off the coast, on the sea, where he seemed to be organizing an expedition. He's made contact with several smaller villages, recruiting soldiers under the guise of expanding the Red Zuru nation's influence," General Draxiz reported.

King Zurock stood, his posture rigid with barely contained fury. "This is a betrayal. He is jeopardizing everything we've worked for. The Omega is still out there, General. We cannot afford any distractions."

Draxiz nodded in agreement. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will send a team to track him down. We must bring him back to the Red Zuru nation. If he refuses to return, we will have to deal with him… but we must act swiftly."

"I will not have my son's disobedience jeopardize the future of the Red Zuru nation," King Zurock growled, his eyes narrowing with determination. "You are to find him, General. Bring him back, and bring him to his senses. If he resists, do what must be done."

General Draxiz bowed deeply, acknowledging the king's command. "It will be done, Your Majesty. I'll gather the forces immediately."

As the general turned to leave, King Zurock stared out the grand windows of his palace, his mind filled with both rage and confusion. His son had always been ambitious, but to act without regard for the kingdom's needs was something he could not tolerate.

And what about the Omega? The power of the helmet that could reshape the fate of their nation? Was it still out there? He could not afford to think about it. But the

thought gnawed at him. What if the Omega was still in play? What if Xalor's disobedience was part of a larger plan?

With a heavy heart, King Zurock turned away from the window and returned to his seat, knowing that the threat of his own son was only the beginning of the trouble that lay ahead.