The Throne Room. Morning.
The throne room was crowded.
Nobles in silk and velvet lined the walls, their faces painted with curiosity and fear. Advisors in dark robes stood near the throne, their eyes sharp, their hands clasped. Guards in royal colors stood at attention, their spears raised, their faces blank.
Grog walked down the center aisle, his boots loud on the polished stone. Lira walked beside him, her hand on her bow, her eyes on the crowd. Ken followed a few steps behind, his hood pulled low, his face hidden.
The King sat on the throne at the far end of the room.
He was old—his hair white, his face lined, his eyes sharp. He had been on the throne for thirty years. He had seen wars and famines and plagues. He had seen the kingdom rise and fall and rise again.
He had never seen anything like the creatures.
Edward stood beside the throne, his back straight, his hands clasped behind him. His face was calm, but his eyes were watchful.
Grog stopped before the throne. Knelt.
"Your Majesty."
The King studied him. "You're the barbarian. The one who killed the monster."
Grog met his eyes. "I'm Grog."
The King nodded slowly. "Rise."
Grog stood.
---
The King's gaze moved to Lira. "The scout."
Lira inclined her head. "Lira."
To Ken. "And you?"
Ken pushed back his hood. His face was pale, his eyes dark, his expression unreadable. "Ken."
The King studied him for a moment. Then he nodded.
"The heroes who closed the portal."
Grog shook his head. "Aldric closed the portal."
The King was quiet for a moment. "The boy."
"Yes."
The King leaned back. "Tell me about him."
Grog was quiet for a moment. "He was brave. He was stubborn. He was... good."
The King's eyes softened. "Edward speaks highly of him."
Grog glanced at Edward. Edward's face was still, but his eyes flickered.
"He should," Grog said.
---
The King's questions continued.
About the portal. About the creatures. About the hunters. About Vorlag. Grog answered carefully—truthful but guarded. He didn't mention the research. He didn't mention Mirena's plan to open a portal. He didn't mention his hope that Aldric was still alive.
The King listened without interrupting.
When Grog finished, the King was silent for a long moment.
"The guild," he said. "Edward tells me you're helping to build it."
Grog nodded. "I am."
The King leaned forward. "Why?"
Grog met his eyes. "Because the kingdom needs it. The creatures are spreading. The army is stretched thin. The people are afraid."
The King studied him. "And you? What do you need?"
Grog was quiet for a moment. "I need to be ready. For whatever comes next."
---
The King dismissed the court.
The nobles filed out, their whispers fading, their eyes lingering. The advisors followed. The guards remained.
Edward stepped forward. "Father—"
The King held up a hand. "I want to speak with them alone."
Edward hesitated. Then he nodded. Stepped back.
The King stood. Walked down the steps of the dais. He moved slowly—his joints ached, his back was stiff—but his eyes were sharp.
"The guild will serve the crown," he said. "It will answer to me. It will not be a tool for nobles to use against each other."
Grog nodded. "I understand."
The King stopped before him. "One mistake. One misstep. One whisper of betrayal—and the guild will be disbanded."
Grog met his eyes. "It won't come to that."
The King studied him for a long moment. Then he nodded slowly.
"I hope not."
---
The doors burst open.
A messenger ran in, his face pale, his clothes torn, his hands shaking.
"Your Majesty! Another village has been attacked. East of the capital. The creatures—" He stopped. Swallowed. "The creatures are getting closer."
The King's face tightened. "How close?"
The messenger's voice was barely a whisper. "A day's ride. Maybe less."
The King turned to Grog. "The guild?"
Grog nodded. "We'll go."
The King looked at Edward. "Prepare the soldiers. Send word to the other dukes. We need to know how widespread this is."
Edward bowed. "Yes, Father."
The King turned back to Grog. "Go. Do what you were trained to do."
Grog nodded. Turned. Walked down the aisle.
Lira followed. Ken followed.
The throne room was silent behind them.