Chapter 7 - Shadows of War

Chapter 7 - Shadows of War

The days after the encounter with Alrik were marked by a palpable tension that set in throughout the kingdom of Sky. News of the attack on the count's supply lines spread like wildfire, fueling rumors in taverns, markets and even in the corridors of palaces. Some whispered that war was imminent, others speculated on how the young king Elion would handle the situation. In the castle halls, however, no one dared to ignore the consequences of the latest events.

Elion spent most of his days in his office, surrounded by maps of the kingdom and military reports, while Veyla and other military advisers took charge of preparations for a seemingly inevitable war. The Kingdom of Sky was not ready for a full-scale conflict. Resources were limited, local armies were poorly trained, and military strategy was still underdeveloped. Nevertheless, the young king felt an unwavering determination. He had always known that the nobility of the kingdom would seek to bring him down. Maybe that day would be when he would prove that he was a king like no other.

At dawn on the eighth day after the incident, a message arrived by messenger from the north. The signature on the seal was that of Alrik, a letter that, contrary to what Elion had anticipated, was not a call for open war. On the contrary, it proposed a temporary truce to discuss "peace terms." The count still seemed to want to avoid a direct confrontation, perhaps hoping to re-establish his position with some concessions. He wanted the two sides to meet in a valley between their territories, a neutral terrain.

Elion looked at the letter with a concentrated air. His fingers played with the wax seal, gently rolling the melted wax between his fingers. He knew it was an attempt at manipulation, but he wasn't one to turn down an opportunity to get information. Maybe Alrik, while trying to avoid open war, wanted to evaluate Elion's forces. Maybe he had underestimated his willingness to fight. Or maybe, Elion thought, Alrik had another plan in mind. Anyway, he decided to respond positively to the invitation.

The next day, Elion traveled with a small group of elite soldiers to the valley designated by Alrik, a remote place surrounded by wooded hills. He was not alone, Veyla, his right-hand man, accompanied him, as well as some trusted officers. The atmosphere was tense, each member of the escort aware of the fact that a trap could be prepared.

When Elion's group arrived on neutral ground, he saw in the distance a small contingent of soldiers led by Alrik. The count was there, as imposing as ever, accompanied by his staff. The air between the two sides was fraught with suspicion, but no confrontation seemed immediate. Alrik's men stood back, forming a discreet circle, while Elion motioned his men to stop at a respectable distance.

Alrik stepped forward, his gaze sharp, a barely perceptible smile on his lips. He seemed amused, as if enjoying a moment when he thought he could regain the advantage.

"You accepted my offer, Elion." His voice was firm, almost mocking.

Elion had no haste. He stared at him calmly, taking the time to gauge his words before answering.

"It seems that you are not in such a hurry to start a war, after all, Count."

Alrik sneered, shaking his head.

"I don't wage war for pleasure, young king." But you don't give me a choice. Your action on our supply lines was nothing less than a statement. So I'll be clear, either we understand each other, or..." he paused, glanced at his men,..." it will end in blood."

Elion assessed the situation in silence, his mind already calculating Alrik's possible maneuvers. The count sought to impress, to intimidate, but he did not yet understand the depth of the young king's determination. The latter was not afraid. War, if it were to come, would be all-out war. But Elion didn't want to start it without a clear idea of his own strengths and those of his opponent.

"If you thought you were to force me into inaction by your threat, you are mistaken, Alrik," Elion replied, his voice measured but resolute. "I offer you a bargain: stop this charade of war, and we will find a solution without shedding blood. If that ain't what you wish, know that I will not hesitate to defend my kingdom with everything I have."

Alrik's eyes hardened, a dangerous glow appearing in his eyes. But before he could answer, a burst of light burst into the sky above them. A cry of alarm rose from Alrik's ranks as a figure in black steel armor descended from the sky, and a powerful jolt shook the ground.

It was a magic strike.

Elion and Alrik's men immediately went on alert, and all eyes turned to the mysterious figure, a man who wore bright black magic armor, with incandescent runes engraved on the edges. The arrival of this mystical figure shattered the attempt at negotiation, giving way to a palpable fear among the soldiers.

"What does that mean?" cried Alrik, raising his hand to order his men to be ready.

Elion did not move, observing the scene with an icy calm. He knew that this man was not a mere soldier. His powers were far beyond what the Kingdom of Sky could afford. But who was he, and why was he appearing here now?

Before he could ask the question, the figure stepped forward, a deep, authoritative voice echoing through the air:

"The kingdom of Sky doesn't need to deal with the weak."