The Palace. Morning.
The palace corridors were quiet.
Grog walked between Lira and Ken, his boots loud on the polished stone. Servants stepped aside. Guards nodded. Nobles whispered behind their hands.
He had been here before. In the throne room, facing the King. In the study, speaking with Edward. But this was different. This was the King's private wing. Few were allowed here.
A steward led them through a set of heavy oak doors, down a long hallway lined with portraits of past monarchs, to a chamber at the far end.
"The King will see you now," the steward said. He opened the door.
---
The room was warm.
A fire crackled in the hearth. Curtains were drawn against the morning light. The air smelled of medicine and old paper and something else—something that reminded Grog of the canyon, of the portal, of things ending.
King Amos Ironhold lay in the bed.
He was thinner than before. His face was pale, his hands were spotted, his breathing was shallow. But his eyes—his eyes were still sharp.
Edward stood beside the bed, his back straight, his face tight. He nodded as they entered.
Grog stopped at the foot of the bed. Lira stood beside him. Ken stayed near the door.
"Your Majesty."
The King's eyes moved to Grog's face. "You came."
"You requested for me."
The King nodded slowly. "I did."
---
He gestured for them to come closer.
Grog moved to the side of the bed. Lira followed. Ken stayed by the door, watching.
"The guild," the King said. "Edward tells me it's thriving."
"It's surviving."
The King almost smiled. Almost. "Same thing, in times like these."
Grog said nothing.
"The creatures are spreading. The cult is hiding. The Vargr are doing something in the north." The King's voice was weak, but clear. "I will not live to see the end of this."
Edward's jaw tightened. "Father—"
The King raised a hand. "Don't."
Edward fell silent.
The King looked at Grog. "I have seen kingdoms rise and fall. I have seen wars and famines and plagues. I have never seen anything like this." He paused. "I need you to be ready."
Grog frowned. "Ready for what?"
"For the worst." The King's eyes were sharp. "For a full-scale monster incursion. For war with the Vargr. For something worse."
Grog was quiet for a moment. "I'm always ready."
The King studied him. "Are you?"
Grog met his eyes. "I'm trying to be."
---
The King closed his eyes.
His breathing was shallow, uneven. Edward stepped forward, but the King waved him back.
"I have spoken with the dukes," the King said, his eyes still closed. "They will support the guild. They have no choice. The creatures threaten everyone."
Grog nodded. "And the nobles?"
"The nobles will circle." The King opened his eyes. "They always circle. When I am gone, they will test Edward. They will test the guild. They will test you."
Grog's jaw tightened. "I'm not a politician."
"Neither am I. But I learned." The King's voice was faint. "You will learn too."
He looked at Edward. "Leave us."
Edward hesitated. "Father—"
"Leave us."
Edward bowed. Walked to the door. Lira followed. Ken went with them.
The King and Grog were alone.
---
The King spoke quietly.
"The boy. Aldric. Edward tells me he's still missing."
Grog nodded. "He is."
"Do you think he's alive?"
Grog met the King's eyes. "I know he is."
"How?"
Grog touched his chest. His heart was steady. His blood was warm. "I'd feel it if he wasn't."
The King studied him for a long moment. Then he nodded slowly.
"Your guild is the only thing between us and those monsters...make it strong and stable before you go looking for your friend." His voice was barely a whisper. "Before I die. Before the nobles tear the kingdom apart. Before it's too late."
Grog was quiet for a moment. "I'll try."
The King closed his eyes. "That's enough ... it's all any of us can do."
---
Edward was waiting in the corridor.
Lira stood beside him, her arms crossed. Ken leaned against the wall, his hood pulled low.
"What did he say?" Edward asked.
Grog walked past him. "He wants me to be ready."
Edward fell into step beside him. "For what?"
"For the worst."
They walked in silence.
---
At the end of the corridor, Edward stopped.
"He doesn't have much time," he said. "A month. Maybe less."
Grog turned to face him. "The nobles?"
"Will circle. The guild will be tested. You will be tested." Edward met his eyes. "When he dies, the vultures will come."
Grog nodded slowly. "Then we'll be ready."
Edward held his gaze for a moment. Then he nodded. Walked away.
Lira moved to stand beside Grog. "What now?"
Grog looked at the palace walls. At the guards, the servants, the nobles watching from the shadows.
"We prepare," he said. "For whatever comes next."