The sun was climbing slowly above Valca, but Aldric Thorne had not moved from his chamber.
Questions churned in his mind, heavy and relentless. How could the kingdom be protected from what was coming?
What possible force could hold back the shadows gathering beyond their borders?
Aldric did not speak. Gradually, he stood up, his gaze focused on the horizon as the first golden rays of sunlight touched Valca.
The heat brushed the High Keep's stone walls, but it was insufficient to overcome the cold that held his thoughts. Watching the sunrise, he stood quietly and still.
Outside the city gates, the horsemen cut through the empty streets, hooves ringing across cobblestone
"Rowan, you will go with the riders. They are waiting for you at the gate. Zayden must be informed, and the Sword Legion needs to return. There is no other way."
Rowan shifted slightly, his jaw tight. Father… Mother told me to take the healers from the royal hospital to Old Oika Village in the south. The miners were attacked, and I… I need to take the royal healers to heal them. I'm not going to fetch Zayden from the northern district.
Varro's eyes hardened, and his voice rose, carrying the weight of command. I SAID! You will go with the riders. That is an order, Rowan. I will tell Mira about this myself. Do not worry about her. You are needed here, and she will understand.
Rowan's hands tightened on the reins as the memory faded, leaving only the rhythm of the carriage and the faint morning mist curling over the northern road.
The northern district gates, towering and gloomy against the rising sky, came into view a few hours later. Their shadows stretched across the cobblestones as the riders slowed.
Rowan felt a sense of unease creep up his spine as they got closer, as something was watching them from behind.
The massive gates of the Northern District opened without question as the carriage approached.
The royal flag of Valca fluttered proudly above it, its colors unmistakable.
The guards stepped aside immediately, offering silent bows as the riders passed through the main gate without delay.
The carriage rolled deeper into the district before finally coming to a stop.
Rowan stepped down onto the stone road, his boots touching northern soil for the first time in months. He looked around, taking in the sight before him.
"Well… the North is truly well developed," he murmured, his eyes scanning the wide streets and strong stone structures. Aside from the Central District, this might be the most important region in the kingdom.
The land of mines and harvest, Rowan continued quietly to himself. "Valca depends on this district more than most realize."
He adjusted his cloak and straightened his posture.
I need to head to the Nor Palace, he said firmly. I must speak with the Lord of the Northern District… and find Zayden Luceran.
The riders exchanged brief glances before moving to escort him forward.
The Nor Palace doors opened with a deep echo through the grand hall.
Guards stepped aside as Rowan entered, his boots striking the polished stone floor.
At the end of the chamber, seated upon a raised silver-lined throne, was Sora Vale, Lord of the Northern District, and the four Heads of each sector of the Northern District. The atmosphere was formal, controlled, disciplined.
Sora rose from her seat.
Rowan Creed, she said evenly. Welcome to the Northern District. What possible matter has brought you here?
The whole Valca Kingdom is under threat from Malric, he said firmly. "He has given us seventy-three days to fulfill his demand. Otherwise, the Revenant Falcon will be sent upon Valca."
The four sector heads exchanged tense looks, but no one spoke.
Sora's gaze sharpened.
Malric is a fictional character, she replied. . How can this be true? And why seventy-three days?
We do not yet know the reason behind the seventy-three days, Rowan answered. But two months ago, the Revenant Falcon was awakened from its deep sleep.
Silence settled heavier in the room.
We would be wise to take this threat seriously.
Sora stepped down slowly.
"Then why send you?" she asked. "Why has the King not informed each district himself?"
Rowan did not hesitate.
"The King of Valca is dead." The four sector heads stiffened immediately.
Sora's voice turned cold. "You should watch your words carefully."
Rowan's eyes burned with urgency. The King is dead. And here is the message from Archmaester Aldric Thorne for the Northern District.
He removed a sealed letter from his pocket and threw it into the air.
The parchment froze midair.
Light burst from its seal as it unfolded, transforming into a glowing projection of Aldric Thorne.
His voice echoed clearly through the chamber.
"We are saddened to announce that the King of Valca is dead. He was found dead in his bed while asleep."
The projection continued.
Following this, the ruler of the Deadline Civilization has issued a threat to begin war. Rowan Ardent stands before you to inform Zayden Luceran.
Zayden along with the Sword Legion is required immediately.
The hologram flickered, casting pale light across the five silent figures.
The hologram faded.
Silence lingered for only a moment before Sora turned toward the four sector heads.
This is impossible, one of them muttered. The King is dead for three days now and we are being informed about this only now?
"And Malric?" another added. "The ruler of the Deadline Dominion threatening war?"
The third sector head frowned. "Why are we only hearing of this now?"
The fourth remained silent, but tension was written clearly across his face.
Sora folded her arms, her expression dark with calculation. "If this is true, then the capital has kept information contained for a reason."
Rowan stepped forward, cutting through their discussion.
I believe you will have time to debate this later, he said firmly. For now, I need to know where Zayden Luceran is and the three members of the Sword Legion with him.
The room quieted again.
Sora looked at him for a long moment before answering. They are stationed in Foracia Village, she said at last.
She turned slightly toward one of the sector heads. You may take one of the royal horses, she continued. Three soldiers will accompany you to guide the way.
Her eyes returned to Rowan.
Find him there.
Rowan gave a short nod.
"Thank you."
The wind grew colder as Rowan rode ahead, the three northern soldiers following closely behind. The royal horse moved swiftly across the open terrain, hooves striking the hardened ground in steady rhythm.
None of them spoke.
Foracia Village soon came into view beyond a stretch of barren fields.
But something was wrong.
As they approached, Rowan slowed his horse.
Rowan dismounted slowly, boots pressing into the ashen earth. What in the world happened here? he muttered.
One of the soldiers stepped forward.
"As you may know, five Magisters from the Northern District attempted to summon the Knight of Obedience."
Another soldier continued, his voice tense. But before they could complete the ritual, High Keep discovered their actions. Sir Zayden was sent here along with three members of the Sword Legion to investigate and stop them.
"We only know this much," the first soldier added.
Rowan's eyes scanned the ruined fields. I believe there is more to this, he said quietly. "We need to find Zayden..."