Chapter 410: Troubles in the North
The moon rose like a silver crown above the eastern horizon, bathing the hills and forests in cold, ethereal light.
Within the weathered walls of Greenshire Castle, its stones steeped in centuries of whispers and wars, Orion, Roldan, and Kashmeri had convened in the grand hall. Flickering torches painted restless shadows across tapestries of battles long past, while the warm, resinous scent of sandalwood curled through the air. At the center of the room, a massive oak table bore the weight not of food or drink, but of secrets and strategy.
Roldan broke the silence first, his tone grim as he unrolled a parchment across the table."A third of the nobles within and around the capital are now under Zuran control," he said, his voice carrying the heaviness of treachery. The list’s ink seemed to bleed under the torchlight, each name a blade at the kingdom’s throat. "Their tactics are the same—blackmail a servant or knight of high position, then slip inside the manor or castle under the cloak of night. If that does not work, then they use women to lure those men of high rank."
Orion leaned forward, his brows knitted. "What of the Duke and Grand Duke of Arches?" Concern weighed on each syllable.
Kashmeri paced, arms folded, eyes sharp as a hawk’s. "I visited them earlier. Their knights and servants are steadfast—for now. But the Zurans are probing, looking for cracks. They are still not giving up. Their goal is still to infiltrate."
"And Reuben’s court? How can they just watch this happen?" Orion’s voice sharpened, frustration cutting through the air.
"They’re drowning in chaos," Roldan replied. "Rebels, human traffickers, bandits—distraction upon distraction. They hardly have time to breathe."
Orion turned to Kashmeri. "Didn’t Reuben ask for your aid against the bandits? Your bandit group— turned knights, should know how to resolve it. If he sought King Heimdal’s counsel, he should have turned to you."
Kashmeri’s lips curled in disdain. "Reuben is a fool. He clings to Duval and Malik like barnacles on a sinking ship. Let them drown in their own incompetence." He scoff and his eyes narrowed as he continued. "Paying any mind to those two, what a waste! Let them wallow in their own foolishness; they deserve nothing less." The last words hissed out, sharp and final.
Orion’s gaze hardened. "Do we know when Turik will strike the capital?"