Chapter 2 - Shadows of the Council

Chapter 2 - Shadows of the Council

The throne hall was plunged into partial darkness, only disturbed by the pale rays of the sun piercing through the stained-glass windows soiled by time. The black stone columns supporting the room seemed to weigh on the atmosphere, reinforcing the heaviness of the moment. The silver crown on Elion's head seemed heavier than ever. He was now king of Sky, but that title did not guarantee him respect or stability.

Sitting on the throne, Elion watched the lords gathered before him. Ten men in total, representing the noble houses of Sky. Their faces were marked by tension. Some looked at him with suspicion, others with false indifference. Velkan Valoras, the most powerful among them, stood to the right of the throne, staring cold and impassive. On the left was Lord Arwyn Greyr, a thin and livid-skinned man, known for his skill in political games.

"We must discuss the future of the kingdom," said Elion in a firm voice.

A whisper ran through the assembly. Lord Greyr smiled in the corner.

"The Future, Majesty?" He answered in a sarcastic tone. "Your father left us in a... delicate situation."

"My father did not choose to die, Lord Greyr."

Greyr bowed slightly, his smile frozen on his face.

- "Naturally. But the facts remain. The Kingdom of Sky is on the verge of bankruptcy. Our harvests have been low over the last three years. Trade routes to Velis have been blocked since the last incident at the border. "The merchants refuse to trade with us for fear of reprisals by the Duke of Draknor."

"What does it mean?" asked Elion.

"That means we won't go another year without an extra source of income," Greyr replied. "Our coffers are empty. The Royal Guard lacks equipment. The mercenaries who protect our borders threaten to leave if their pay is not paid."

Elion stared Greyr in the eyes.

"Are you suggesting that I let the situation rot?"

"I suggest," Velkan intervened, "that we find a solution before the situation becomes irreversible."

Elion leaned against the throne, reflecting. He had not had time to fully learn about the economic situation of the kingdom before the coronation. He knew the fragility of Sky, but not so much. His father, despite his warrior skills, had failed to ensure Sky's economic prosperity. Elion should do better.

"We'll start by strengthening the harvest," he said finally.

Greyr raised an eyebrow.

"And how, Majesty?" Sky's soil is poor, barren. Farmers are already struggling to produce enough to survive."

"There may be modern solutions..." Elion paused, his gaze resting on Velkan. "We will send mages to improve the quality of agricultural land by magic. If we can boost soil fertility, we can increase harvests."

Greyr slowly shook his head.

"The mages of Sky are few." "The ones we have are specialized in healing and protection, not agriculture."

"Then we'll train new mages," Elion replied. "We have young talents in the kingdom. We'll send them to the Velis Academy. We will pay for their training if necessary."

Greyr squinted his eyes.

"With what money?"

"By taxing noble houses," Elion answered with a cold smile.

Silence fell brutally on the room. Velkan displayed a neutral expression, but Greyr frowned.

"You can't impose an extra tax," Greyr said in a dry tone.

"I am the king," Elion replied. "I can do whatever I want."

Velkan spoke.

"Majesty, if I may ask..."

Elion raised his hand.

"There will be no discussion." The tax will be waived in a week. "The proceeds will be used to finance the training of new mages and to improve our agricultural infrastructure."

Greyr opened his mouth to protest, but Elion's cold look silenced him.

"If a house refuses to pay, it will be considered a traitor to the kingdom," Elion added.

The silence that followed was almost palpable. The lords exchanged cautious glances. Velkan smiled slightly.

"I think we have understood your will, Majesty," said Velkan.

Elion stood up. The crown seemed to slide slightly over his forehead. He put it back in place with a calm gesture.

"We will restore the greatness of Sky," he said. "With or without your support."

Then he left the throne room, leaving behind the lords plunged into heavy silence.

Within hours, Elion locked himself in his private quarters, accompanied by Velkan. A large map of the kingdom was spread over a solid wooden table. Elion drew the boundaries of Sky, marked by mountains to the north and marshy lands to the south.

"If we don't strengthen our defenses quickly, Draknor will send his troops at the first sign of weakness," says Velkan.

"I know," said Elion.

Velkan approached, his hands crossed behind his back.

"The first step has been taken. But levying a tax on noble houses is a declaration of political war. Greyr won't let that happen. He will try to undermine your authority."

Elion raised his chin.

"Let him try."

Velkan watched Elion, a burst of admiration in his eyes.

"Your father was a warrior, but you... you're a strategist."

Elion smiled slightly.

"I don't have the luxury of just being a warrior."

He put a hand on the card.

"It is time to make the whole kingdom of Sky understand... that we are not weak."

Velkan bowed.

"At your command, Majesty."

Elion looked up at the window. The sky beyond the castle was still gray, but a golden glow pierced the horizon. He knew that the path would be difficult, fraught with traps and betrayals. But he was ready.

Sky blood flowed in his veins. He would not fail.