Grad, though his aged frame appeared frail, held an air of unwavering resolve. Without uttering a word, he stood and fixing his curved swords on his back, his eyes meeting Arthur's for a fleeting moment, before he turned and exited the hall. His silence spoke volumes, leaving Arthur to decipher his intentions.
"I believe I have my answer..." Arthur's voice trailed off, a mix of resignation and determination in his tone. Before he could complete his sentence, a peculiar sound emanated from the table situated between the chairs.
"What is th-" Arthur's hand reached out to touch the table, causing it to tremor violently, as if cleaved by an exceedingly sharp blade. The shards fell to the floor, forming a single word, 'Yes.'
"You could have simply spoken. There is no need to always showcase your skills, old man." Arthur exclaimed, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips, as he too departed the room.
As Arthur left the grand hall, his thoughts swirled with a mix of hope and trepidation. The path ahead was uncertain, and the looming battle would test their mettle and resilience. The fate of their continents rested on their shoulders, and the decisions made within those walls would shape the course of their shared destiny.
Each ruler, with their armies and determination, prepared to face the approaching darkness, knowing that only together could they stand a chance against the imminent threat. Their paths would converge on the frontlines, their resolve unyielding as they embraced the challenges ahead.
In the face of adversity, alliances were forged, and destiny beckoned. The battle for survival had begun, and within the hearts of these kings and queens burned the flames of valor, ready to ignite a new chapter in their history.
King Alfred returned to his room, his footsteps echoing in the silence. With a regal air, he removed his royal robe and cape, letting them fall to the ground. Yet, as he did so, an unnerving sensation crept up his spine, a feeling that he was not alone. Instinctively, his hand found the hilt of his sword, drawing it forth with a swift, practiced motion.
Turning with graceful swiftness, he pointed the blade towards the unseen presence. There, standing before him, was a figure draped in black from head to toe, their face concealed within the depths of a dark cloth.
"How dare you enter my chamber without my permission?" King Alfred's voice thundered with authority, his gaze unwavering.
The figure stood it's ground, it's voice heavy and commanding. "It is urgent, my master has sent me to inform you of a change in the plans."
"Change in the plans?" King Alfred's voice dripped with skepticism. "Listen here, you insolent fool. I have entrusted your master with the wealth and resources to forge an invincible army, one that cannot be vanquished or feared. If you dare speak of altering our agreement, I shall unleash a wrath upon you that will reduce you to mere dog food. Inform your master that if he wishes to modify the plans, he better present himself before me like a lowly cur and explain himself."
King Alfred's grip tightened around the collar of the mysterious intruder, asserting his dominance. The figure remained calm, their eyes locked on the king's unwavering gaze.
"As you wish," the figure responded, their voice low and stoic, before vanishing from the room as if they were never there.
With a satisfied nod, King Alfred released his grip on the collar and turned back to his task at hand. He resumed removing his clothes, the weight of the encounter still lingering in his mind. It was then, in the midst of his contemplation, that another presence materialized behind him.
The figure appeared to be in their thirties, with a cascade of blonde hair and a neatly trimmed beard. Dressed in a pristine white lab coat and donning a pair of glasses, the newcomer exuded an air of intelligence and authority.
"You called, Alfred?" the man's voice was calm, but there was an underlying tension in the air.
"Haha! So, you have arrived," King Alfred turned, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.
"I am here. Is there a problem? I heard you had a confrontation with my messenger," the man in the lab coat inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity.
King Alfred's expression darkened as he recounted the encounter. "Indeed, there was an issue. Your messenger dared to suggest a change in plans. I hope you understand, I am not one to be trifled with. The resources and support I have provided can just as swiftly be taken away. The clothes on your back, the sustenance within your laboratory, and the people the i supplied from my kingdom—I can strip it all away. Do you comprehend the consequences, you insolent fool? The plans will proceed as originally agreed, or you shall face the repercussions."
The tension in the room grew palpable as King Alfred's words echoed through the chamber. The man in the lab coat remained composed, his gaze meeting the king's fiery glare.
"Rest assured, Alfred, everything shall proceed according to your desires. However, I believe it is time for you to meet someone of utmost importance," the man in the lab coat spoke with an air of intrigue.
Curiosity piqued, King Alfred raised an eyebrow. "And who might this person be?"
"Come fourth," the man commanded.
Before him, emerging from the shadows, stood the figure dressed in black—the same one who had delivered the message earlier. King Alfred's eyes narrowed, suspicion etched across his features.
"I have already encountered this individual. He was the messenger you dispatched, correct?" King Alfred asked, his voice laced with a mixture of confusion and anticipation.
A smile danced upon the lips of the man in the lab coat. "Indeed, you have met them. However, I believe it is time for a proper introduction. Remove your covering," he commanded the figure in black.
The figure started undressing and what unfolded before Alfred's eyes made him surprised to his roots.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l