Chapter 11: The Tension Builds
Arch 2: The Eyes of the Kingdom (begins)
After Balen's departure, Elric stood by the window, staring out at the quiet village beyond. The evening light cast long shadows over the dirt path, but his mind was far from peaceful. The words of the scholar echoed in his mind, "They're afraid of you." It wasn't the first time Elric had felt the weight of fear hanging in the air. But now, with Balen's confirmation, the reality was undeniable.
The council saw him as a threat.
And King Taran—his father—had likely heard of his growing influence in the countryside.
Elric exhaled slowly, his fingers twitching as if to grasp the weight of the situation. He wasn't just a healer anymore. He had become a symbol, one that others feared.
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The following morning, a messenger arrived at the clinic. A royal seal adorned the letter in his hand, a mark that instantly set Elric on edge. It wasn't every day the king reached out.
"Prince Elric," the messenger said, bowing deeply. "His Majesty, King Taran, requests your presence at the palace. It is a matter of importance."
Elric's brow furrowed. The king had never called on him before—at least, not since his exile. There were no words exchanged between father and son in years. Their paths had diverged after the political machinations within the royal family led to Elric being cast out of the succession line.