Part III – The Dark Conclave
Torches burned with violet flames along the black stone walls. In the great hall of the Dark Castle, five thrones were arranged in a semicircle, each carved with elemental symbols. Only four were occupied.
The first to speak was a woman with hair white as snow and ruby-colored eyes.
She wore a gown of water and mist that seemed to dance with her breath.
Lyrann, Lady of the Tides.
"The Realm of the Tides is already under watch. But the key element is still missing… its Guardian."
Another struck his fist against his throne. His skin was dark as soot, and from his shoulders radiated incandescent tendrils.
Varkan, the Fire of the Inferno.
"It's taking too long. The King did not command us to remain idle. The next conquest must already be underway!"
From the throne of winds, a figure with wings as transparent as crystal lowered his head.
Zephal, the Abyssal Breath.
"Every realm has its weakness. But some… have more than one."
Then Thorgan spoke.
His voice rumbled through the columns.
"The Keep of Elzareth has fallen. As expected. And with fewer losses than anticipated.
If the next target is as weak as that fortress… then I shall let the stone speak again."
The three fell silent. The air in the hall shifted. A dark tremor rippled through the braziers.
From the back of the hall, cloaked in shadow and mist, Umbraxis appeared.
He walked lightly, and yet each step echoed as though he had entered a desecrated temple.
"The next realm… has already been chosen."
His words spread like a sweet, slow poison.
"A realm hidden in mist and illusion. Protected by claws and foxes… but vulnerable at its heart."
Varkan half-rose.
"You always speak in riddles. What is the target, Umbra?"
Umbraxis smiled, but did not answer. Only Thorgan nodded.
"Then let me clear the way. I've proven my worth."
That was when the voice echoed.
Not from any of those present. Not from a throne. But from every wall, every shadow, as if the very stone had spoken.
"No. Not yet."
The generals stiffened. Umbraxis gave a barely perceptible bow.
"Before we move… I want to see with my own eyes whether this realm requires the Hammer of Stone…"
A pause. The air became still.
"…or the Dark Flame."
And then, silence returned.
But that voice… was the King's.