The faint glow of oil lamps flickered in the dimly lit office of Commander Orsic, casting eerie shadows across the room's walls. The space was austere, adorned only with military banners and a heavy wooden desk laden with papers. Orsic sat in his high-backed chair, his broad figure imposing even in the gloom. His piercing eyes, cold and calculating, were fixed on the man standing before him.
The spy, a wiry man with a gaunt face and nervous demeanor, shifted uncomfortably under Orsic's gaze. "Commander," he began hesitantly, "I bring news. Commander Cassandra met with Thalia yesterday. They discussed... matters of great importance."
Orsic leaned forward, his steely expression darkening. "Thalia," he hissed, venom dripping from the name. "That woman meddles far too much for someone of her station."
The spy flinched as Orsic's lips curled into a sinister smirk. His sharp features twisted into an expression so unnerving that the spy instinctively took a step back.
"What exactly did they discuss?" Orsic demanded, his voice low and threatening.
"I—I couldn't hear everything, Commander," the spy stammered. "But it involved the cult activities and the recent aggression in the forests. Commander Cassandra also mentioned the dragon attack and..."
"And what?" Orsic growled, his tone cutting like a blade.
"And she raised concerns about... your relationship with the Postknights," the spy finished, barely above a whisper.
Orsic's eyes narrowed dangerously. He rose from his chair, towering over the trembling spy. "Cassandra," he muttered, pacing slowly. "Plotting against me, is she? No doubt trying to tarnish my name before His Majesty."
He paused, his smirk returning as his thoughts turned darker. "As for Thalia, her obsession with the Postknights will be her undoing. She's nothing but a sycophant for those glorified couriers."
The spy dared not respond, his unease growing as Orsic's laughter echoed in the room.
"Keep an eye on Cassandra," Orsic ordered, his voice cold and firm. "And on Thalia. I won't tolerate treachery in my ranks—or favoritism in the court."
The spy nodded quickly and hurried out, eager to escape Orsic's presence. As the door closed, Orsic sat back down, the sinister smile never leaving his face.
---
The Great King's Court
The throne room of Prism Kingdom was a marvel of craftsmanship and history. Massive marble columns, intricately carved with scenes of ancient battles and alliances, lined the expansive hall. Golden chandeliers hung from the high vaulted ceiling, casting warm light over the polished stone floor. At the far end, the royal throne sat atop a dais, a grand seat of gold and crimson velvet.
Seated upon it was King MacLinny, a man of middle age with a commanding presence. His salt-and-pepper hair and neatly trimmed beard framed a face that seemed stern at first glance but softened in moments of compassion. He wore a regal blue cloak over his armor, symbolizing both his authority and his readiness to protect his kingdom.
Before him stood the nine councilors, representatives of the kingdom's most vital divisions. Among them was Orsic, standing tall as the head of the military, his expression as stoic as ever. Thalia, the king's personal secretary, stood to the side of the dais, clutching a stack of documents nervously but maintaining her composure.
King MacLinny's voice echoed through the hall, firm yet approachable. "Thalia, you requested an audience to discuss matters of urgency. Speak."
Thalia stepped forward, her hands trembling slightly before she composed herself. "Your Majesty, I bring news from Commander Cassandra regarding the recent disturbances in the forests and the dragon attack on Katalan Valley."
The king's brow furrowed, and he gestured for her to continue.
"Cassandra has reported that a cult, operating in secrecy, is conducting rituals that appear to agitate the creatures of the forests. She believes these same rituals may be linked to the dragon's unusual behavior," Thalia explained.
A murmur rippled through the councilors. Orsic's gaze hardened, his lips pressing into a thin line.
Thalia continued, "Cassandra also expressed concerns about the unity of our forces. She fears that division within the military, particularly regarding the Postknights, could weaken our response to these threats."
At this, Orsic stepped forward, his voice measured but firm. "Your Majesty, if I may. Commander Cassandra's claims are speculative at best. Dragons are unpredictable creatures, and to suggest a link between their actions and some cult is—"
"Enough," King MacLinny said, raising a hand. His voice carried a quiet authority that silenced the room. He turned his sharp gaze to Orsic. "We will not dismiss these concerns without proper investigation, Commander. The safety of our kingdom demands vigilance."
Orsic bowed his head. "As you command, Your Majesty."
MacLinny leaned back in his throne, his expression contemplative. He looked at Thalia. "You've done well to bring this to my attention, Thalia. Ensure that Cassandra receives the resources she needs to continue her investigation. The truth must be uncovered."
"But your majesty we are already trying our best to investigate it. Why including others?" Orsic gives his concerns.
"Sorry Commander Orsic but I think your KPP is overloaded with tasks. I think giving the responsibility to Postknights will actually boost up the speed of the investigation. I would like you to concentrate over increasing the amount of trained personnel in your unit. We have to prepare ourselves. Plus notify other commanders the same."
"Okay your majesty. I will carry out my task." Orsic though remained calm but he was angry from inside.
---
As the councilors and Thalia departed, King MacLinny remained seated in the now-empty throne room. His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest as he stared into the distance.
"After so many years of peace..." he muttered to himself. "Why now? Why this resurgence of darkness?"
He rose from his throne and walked to one of the tall windows overlooking the kingdom. The sun bathed the sprawling city in golden light, its people going about their lives, blissfully unaware of the growing storm.
"We've maintained harmony with the other races, kept our borders secure. Yet, something stirs beneath the surface," he thought. "A threat we cannot yet see but can surely feel."
The king sighed, his expression softening briefly. "I must protect them all. No matter the cost."
With renewed determination, he turned away from the window and summoned a guard. "Bring word to Commander Cassandra. I want regular updates on her findings. And ensure the council is prepared for an emergency session if necessary."
As the guard saluted and left, MacLinny stood tall, his resolve unshaken. The kingdom had faced darkness before—and he would ensure it survived once more.