chapitre 19

Chapter 19

The wind howled through the southern mountains, carrying with it the metallic smell of blood and wet earth. Elion stood on top of a rocky hill, overlooking the valley below. Sky's delegation was advancing slowly down the steep path to Volgras Castle. Sky's blue and silver banners floated in the cold morning air, contrasting with the dark red of the Volgras oriflams standing along the way.

Veyla walked beside him, her bow hanging in her back, her gaze scrutinizing the slightest movements around them. Behind them, a dozen knights in flat armor followed in tight formation, their faces masked by their heels.

"The place is too quiet," whispered Veyla, adjusting the grip on her quiver. "Do you think they are preparing an ambush?"

Elion nodded slowly.

"Probable." The king of Volgras knows we're coming. He will surely test our intention before accepting open negotiation."

They crossed a ridge, and the imposing silhouette of Volgras Castle finally appeared, standing on top of a rocky plateau. The obsidian walls faintly reflected the morning light, giving the fortress a sinister aura.

At the main entrance, about thirty Volgras knights stood in line, their halls erected, their red armor blackened by battle and time. At their head stood a massive man, his armor adorned with golden insignia and his face marked by a vertical scar that crossed his left eye.

"Lord Elion Skyless!" he said in a deep voice. "The king of Volgras is waiting for you."

Elion stepped forward without hesitation.

"Lead us to him."

The Knights of Volgras stepped aside, opening the way to the main gate of the castle.

"Stay on your guard," whispered Veyla, following Elion's footsteps.

They walked through the heavy wrought iron gates and entered the great throne room. The room was dark, lit only by a series of wall torches. High pillars of obsidian framed the room, and the floor was covered with black carpets embroidered with gold.

Sitting on a black steel throne, the king of Volgras, Eridan Volgras, watched Elion with a piercing look. His black armor was marked by battles, and an iron crown rested heavily on his forehead.

"Elion Skyless, King of Sky," said Eridan in a cold voice. "It is said that your kingdom has recently strengthened... in an unusual way."

Elion calmly approached the throne, his eyes not leaving those of Eridan.

"An outside force attacked our southern border. creatures using black magic. I came to warn you."

Eridan sketched a cold smile.

"Why should I believe that Sky is not itself responsible for this attack?"

Elion stopped a few steps from the throne.

"Because if Sky had actually raised an army using black magic, you wouldn't be here to talk about it."

An icy silence fell on the room. The Knights of Volgras stiffened, their hands resting on the handle of their weapons.

Eridan watched Elion for a moment before getting up slowly. His imposing figure far exceeded that of Elion, but the young king did not blink.

"Show me some proof."

Elion nodded to Veyla. She approached, holding a small vial of glass containing a dark and moving substance, like a liquid shadow.

"This residue was found on the battlefield," Elion explained. "It contains a magical signature belonging to a school of magic that has been extinct for centuries."

Eridan took the vial and looked at it under the flickering light of the torches. A dark glow passed briefly through his eyes.

"Demonic magic..." he whispered.

Elion nodded slowly.

"If the Demon Empire is back, neither Sky nor Volgras can survive alone."

Eridan remained silent for a long time, then his gaze hardened.

"What do you propose?"

"Temporary military cooperation," Elion replied. "Our armies must jointly patrol the southern border. If another attack occurs, we will respond together."

Eridan frowned.

"And why should I believe that you won't use this temporary alliance to infiltrate my lands?"

Elion smiled coldly.

"Because if I had wanted to invade you, your throne would already be empty."

A tense silence set in. The Knights of Volgras exchanged anxious glances, but Eridan burst out with a dark laugh.

"You're bold, Elion Skyless." All right." He threw the vial to one of his advisers." We will establish a joint base at the southern border. But if Sky tries the slightest suspicious move..."

Elion crossed his arms.

"Then you'll be the first to fall."

Eridan smiled coldly.

"A deal, then."

They exchanged a firm handshake. Elion felt the overwhelming pressure of Eridan's hand, but he let nothing shine through.

Veyla approached Elio as they left the throne room.

"Do you think he'll keep his word?"

Elion walked in silence for a moment before answering.

"No."

"Then why did you do it?"

Elion glanced darkly at the gray sky.

Because now we know that the Demon Empire is really back. And when Volgras realizes the magnitude of the threat... it will be too late for him to back off."

Veyla smiled.

"You're playing a dangerous game."

Elion answered with a cold smile.

"You have to know how to manipulate your enemies before they manipulate us."

As they walked through the castle door, a Sky scout ran up.

"Majesty! Reports from the southern border! Another attack..."

"Losses?" asked Elion.

"An entire patrol has been eliminated. No survivors."

Elion clenched his fists.

"Get ready to walk. We leave at dawn."

Veyla placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Do you think it's a trap?"

"If it's one..." Elion smiled darkly...." then we'll turn it against them.