Suspicions

"To Regent Zyrelle, keeper of Myrridral and loyal servant of the crown,

In the shadow of recent unrest and whispers that stir beyond our borders, I write to you not merely as king, but as guardian of the realm we both serve.

It has come to my attention that certain movements stir outside the borders of Erythoria. Fear grows among the people—people who once stood unshaken with faith in the strength and power of each kingdom. Now, they are fleeing from far and near, seeking refuge. Though Myrridral has long been a shield in the west, the threat we now face is not one that steel alone may withstand.

You are hereby commanded to summon your captains, strengthen the outer defenses, and prepare the Stone Bridge Pass for lockdown, should the need arise. Let no messenger travel without scrutiny, and let no stranger pass unchecked.

In light of recent immigration of outsiders, many bringing wild stories meant to stir fear and unrest, I advise you to be careful who you trust in these trying times. The conclave of regents has been called off. The burden of training your heroes falls on you, until this chaos settles.

Send word to me directly should anything breach the veil of normalcy. The time for silence has passed. Darkness stirs in a way prophecy alone cannot explain.

Your loyalty has never wavered, and in this, I place my trust still.

By my hand and seal,

Kaelion Eldryn

King of Erythoria,

Sovereign of the Seven Thrones,

Flamebearer of Eryndral."

Kaelion completed the last letter, set his quill down, then carefully rolled the vellum scroll, sealed it with the king's seal and placed it gently on the remaining five letters he had written earlier.

"Your Majesty," Ronan said as he stepped into the room, calling Kaelion's attention.

"Lyrris is here, sire," he added.

"Great. What of the boy?" Kaelion asked.

"A message has been sent for the boy, sire," Ronan replied.

"And you trust this messenger of yours?"

"Yes, sire. Completely."

"Good." Kaelion nodded and handed over six letters to Ronan, who stepped forward to collect them.

"I want you to pick five of your most skilled and trusted generals, and assign our fastest riders to deliver each letter to each kingdom." Kaelion paused, then separated two scrolls from the rest and handed them directly to Ronan.

"Let your most trusted general deliver this one to Myrridral. And you," he said, placing the final scroll in Ronan's hand, "will personally deliver this to Dravenloch. You are to take Asher with you to Dravenloch where he will receive his training."

"How long do you think you will take?" Kaelion asked.

"It's a day's ride, sire. With the fastest horses, we may reach before nightfall. I believe I can return by tomorrow."

"Great. Have the letters sent out immediately. And send Lyrris in on your way out."

"Yes, sire." Ronan bowed and exited the room.

Moments later, Lyrris was seen walking in, her steps graceful and composed as she entered the chamber.

"Your Majesty," she said and bowed.

"I hope my sudden demand for your presence didn't cause much inconvenience, but this is an urgent matter, one that may rob me of sleep if not addressed immediately," Kaelion said.

"I'm always at your service, Your Majesty," Lyrris replied.

"During the court session earlier, a couple claimed they encountered Modkha on their way here, between the ruins of Gryndhall and Grimhold. They also claimed it showed them visions of what's to come; what will happen to Erythoria. If they truly saw such a vision, I believe you must have seen something related to it," Kaelion said.

"On the contrary, sire, I haven't seen or heard anything these past days," Lyrris replied calmly.

"So you're saying their claim is possibly false?"

"I never said that, sire. I only said I didn't receive anything."

"Alright. So… do you believe they really saw Modkha?"

"That, I do not know, sire," Lyrris answered.

"Is something wrong with you or your gift? You seem off today."

"Sorry, sire. It's just… I don't have answers to the questions you're asking."

"Fine. You may take your leave," Kaelion said, casting a suspicious glance at Lyrris as she bowed and turned to exit.

But before she could leave, Kaelion's voice stopped her.

"Lyrris, you've always been one of my most trusted advisors, and my faith in you hasn't wavered. I still believe you're one of the few people I can entrust my life to, because I have full confidence in you."

Lyrris turned to look at him, her face unreadable.

Kaelion stepped down from his throne and walked to where she stood.

"Don't do anything to break that trust. Don't make a mistake that'll cause me to lose faith in you. And don't keep secrets that'll make me doubt your loyalty," Kaelion said, now standing directly in front of her.

"Sire, if I may ask, are you accusing me of keeping something from you?" Lyrris asked.

"Yes, I am," Kaelion answered without hesitation.

"And what might that be, Your Majesty?"

"Why don't you tell me? I'd love to know myself."

"Maybe I'd understand better if I could speak to this couple who claimed they saw it."

"Unfortunately, Lyrris, they're dead," Kaelion said calmly but with finality.

Lyrris stared at the king in silence for a moment.

"Believe me, sire, if there was anything, I'd tell you immediately. I think you're letting your fears about Modkha cloud your judgment," she said.

"Interesting. Unless there's something to fear about Modkha that you're not telling me, I never said I was scared of it," Kaelion replied, staring into her eyes, trying to read what was hidden behind them.

The tension in the room grew. Lyrris knew better than to continue the argument. She understood too well that one never really wins an argument against the king. And even if you do, the cost is far too high.

"It shows in your eyes, my king. You'll do well to hide it. There are people waiting to feed on that fear, Your Majesty," Lyrris said, turning to leave.

"And who are these people?" Kaelion asked, still rooted to the spot, his voice quiet, almost tired.

"I don't know, Your Majesty. The ones I did know are dead. The couple. But you never know who's hiding in the dark," Lyrris said, her voice soft and ominous as she bowed and exited, leaving Kaelion alone in the throne room.

He stood for a while, her words echoing in his mind, before finally retreating to his chambers minutes later.

A few minutes later, Sir Caidric knocked at the king's chamber door.

"My king, I'm sorry for disturbing your peace," he said.

"You may speak," Kaelion ordered.

"There is a woman with a young boy here to see you, sire. They claim they are here on your demand," Caidric reported.

"It must be the boy. Have them taken to the throne room. I'll be there shortly," Kaelion said.

Kaelion walked into the throne room, hands behind his back. A woman and a boy knelt before the throne, heads bowed low.

"You may rise," Kaelion commanded.

The two individuals rose.

"Rowenne," Kaelion said softly once he saw their faces.

"Your Majesty," Rowenne replied.

"And this must be…" Kaelion began, his eyes resting on the boy, but his words caught in his throat.

"Your Majesty. I am Alaric Eldryn," the boy said.