Chương 12: Commander Ethan Light

Ethan Light and the kingdom's reinforcements finally reached the battlefield. Before them stretched a makeshift encampment: tents scattered across barren fields, sand and rocks, marked by the acrid smell of blood and dust. They advanced cautiously, hands ready on their weapons, unsure whether they would find allies or enemies. As soon as the horses could be heard approaching, soldiers armed with swords and bows emerged from the tents.

The tension lasted only a moment before one of them smiled upon recognizing the man leading the group.

"Commander Light". Ethan dismounted and approached him.

"Captain Russ. I'm glad to see you're still standing". Russ lowered his gaze slightly.

"I can't say the same about our army, Commander. We've suffered heavy losses. The wounded fill the tents…the situation is rapidly deteriorating". Ethan nodded grimly.

"That's why we're here. Bring me up to date on everything".

"Of course. Follow me". The Seer Aelira sat upon her throne, her eyes half-closed, her face worn by exhaustion. Suddenly, the air before her twisted and a black portal opened in the void. Xarath stepped out of it. Aelira's eyes widened. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

"Two visits in less than a week…unusual coming from you". Xarath stared at her motionlessly.

"When you told me you were having difficulty mentally controlling the human soldiers, I found it strange. A powerful mage like you struggling with mere humans…". He paused briefly.

"Now I understand. You're controlling me as well". Aelira smiled slowly.

"It took you quite a while to realize it".

"Why?" Xarath asked coldly.

"Because I don't trust you". She rose from her throne with difficulty.

"And you can't blame me. Who would trust a Void Mage who fights for no one, feels nothing, and possesses the power to destroy entire armies?" Xarath's eyes narrowed.

"So you placed restrictions on me". He took a step forward.

"How?"

"With a ritual I won't explain to you" Aelira replied without hesitation.

"But don't worry, Xarath. When we win the war…I'll remove them". Xarath stared at her for a long moment, then spoke with a calm voice laced with menace.

"I never had any intention of betraying you. But by doing this, you're giving me an excellent reason to". Another portal opened behind him. Xarath stepped through it and disappeared. Teresa strode through the palace corridors with determined steps. She flung open King Oliver's chamber door without knocking. A prostitute jumped up from the bed and bowed.

"Queen Mother…".

"Out" Teresa said without looking at her. The woman nodded, hastily gathered her clothes and left. Teresa approached the bed, filled a glass with water, and poured it over her son's face. Oliver shot upright, coughing and sputtering.

"What the hell?! Mother, have you lost your mind?!"

"How much did you drink last night?" she asked sternly.

"Are you still drunk?"

"Yes. Like usual", he muttered.

"So what?" Teresa stared at him, deeply disappointed.

"Your father would be ashamed to see you like this. You're young, yet already a slave to your vices".

"Don't bring Father into this", Oliver growled.

"I'm not him".

"I know", she replied, lowering her voice.

"And I'm not asking you to be. But you need to become a better king. Otherwise-".

"Otherwise what?" Oliver interrupted, rising to his feet. He looked her straight in the eyes.

"I know you and that idiot brother of mine are plotting something. If you think you're going to convince me to give up the crown or step aside, forget it". His voice grew fierce.

"I am the king of the most powerful kingdom in the world. If you want to depose me, you'll have to kill me. Do you understand?!" Teresa lowered her gaze and nodded silently. Oliver stared at her for a few more seconds before leaving the room, slamming the door behind him.