Ep 6: Path of Beyrayal

The Crow’s Warning:

The early morning sun filters through the shattered windows of the abandoned watchtower where The Crow and Dain have taken refuge. The air is thick with tension as the two sit by a dwindling fire, studying a map spread across the stone floor.

“The mercenaries won’t stop,” Dain says, leaning against the wall. “Whoever hired them knows about the shard. They’ll send more.”

The Crow, sharpening her dagger, looks up. “We’ll have to move before they regroup. The shard has drawn too much attention already.”

Dain hesitates. “You think Nael Caerys can keep it safe? That old fool buried himself in Veltharion for a reason. What if he’s not the ally you think he is?”

The Crow fixes him with a cold stare. “Nael understands the danger better than anyone. He’s the only one who can shield the shard from Zerath.”

Dain mutters under his breath, “If we live long enough to get there.”

Before The Crow can respond, the faint sound of hoofbeats reaches their ears. Both of them tense, their hands darting to their weapons.

“They found us,” The Crow whispers, extinguishing the fire. “We leave now.”

The two gather their belongings and slip into the forest just as a group of mercenaries arrives at the watchtower. From the shadows, The Crow and Dain watch their pursuers search the ruins, their voices filled with frustration.

“We’ll circle east,” The Crow says quietly. “If we’re lucky, they’ll lose our trail by nightfall.”

...****************...

Zerath’s Secret Meeting:

In the depths of the Drakfyr encampment, Zerath meets with his most trusted lieutenants in a large, blackened tent. Maps of the north are spread across a heavy oak table, marked with the positions of key strongholds.

“Veltharion is our priority,” Zerath declares, pointing to the ruined city on the map. “If the shard is there, we take it. If not, we burn it to the ground to ensure no one else finds it.”

One of his lieutenants, Commander Varyn, frowns. “The north won’t sit idle while we march. They’ll rally their forces at Frosthold.”

Zerath smirks. “Let them. While they’re busy defending their walls, our true strike will be at Veltharion.”

Kael, standing in the shadows, speaks up. “And if the shard is no longer there? What then?”

Zerath’s expression darkens. “The shard’s power leaves a trail. We’ll find it, no matter where it’s hidden.”

Kael exchanges a wary glance with Varyn. The tension in the room is palpable, but no one dares question Zerath further.

...****************...

Selyne’s New Allies:

At Frosthold, Selyne stands in the war room, listening as her advisors report the arrival of emissaries from the Free Lords of the Eastern Isles.

“They sent only one ship,” Sir Aldric says. “A show of caution, no doubt.”

Selyne nods. “Bring their representative to me. We don’t have time for politics.”

Moments later, a tall man with sun-weathered skin and a confident stride enters the chamber. He introduces himself as Captain Torran Veyl, a renowned privateer with a reputation for ruthlessness.

“You’re asking for a lot, Lady Valenvar,” Torran says, his tone casual. “Blockading Drakfyr’s supply lines isn’t exactly good for business.”

Selyne crosses her arms. “And letting Drakfyr conquer the realm is?”

Torran chuckles. “Fair point. But my ships don’t sail for free. What’s in it for us?”

“Gold, supplies, and safe harbor in the north,” Selyne replies. “And if we win, you’ll have trade rights across the entire realm.”

Torran’s eyes glint with interest. “Generous. I’ll consider it.”

As Torran leaves, Selyne turns to Aldric. “Keep an eye on him. I don’t trust his loyalty.”

...****************...

Seraphine’s Discovery:

Deep in the ruins of Veltharion, Seraphine follows the faint magical trail left by the assassin’s blade. The path leads her to an ancient crypt hidden beneath the crumbled remains of a cathedral.

The air is thick with the scent of decay as Seraphine descends into the darkness, her dagger drawn. Strange symbols etched into the walls pulse faintly with an otherworldly light, guiding her deeper into the labyrinth.

At the crypt’s heart, she finds a stone sarcophagus surrounded by broken chains and shattered wards. The lid is slightly ajar, and the faint echo of whispers fills the air.

Seraphine approaches cautiously, her instincts screaming of danger. As she peers inside, she sees a withered figure clutching a shard of blackened steel—the second piece of the Sovereign’s Blade.

Before she can act, the figure’s eyes snap open, glowing with malevolent light. The whispers grow louder, and the ground trembles as the crypt begins to collapse.

Seraphine sprints for the exit, narrowly escaping as the ancient tomb caves in behind her. Outside, she collapses to her knees, clutching her chest as she gasps for air.

“The Sovereign’s power is awakening,” she whispers to herself. “This war is just the beginning.”

...****************...

Betrayal Unfolds:

The episode ends with a series of dramatic moments:

- The Crow and Dain camp in a secluded cave, unaware that one of their pursuers has discovered their trail and is reporting back to a shadowy figure.

- Selyne watches Torran Veyl’s ship sail away, her expression grim as she wonders if she can trust him.

- Kael stands in Zerath’s tent, staring at the map of Veltharion. Doubt flickers across his face as he contemplates betraying his brother to prevent the Sovereign’s rise.

- Seraphine, we now far from the ruins, pulls a fragment of the crypt’s shattered wards from her pocket. She studies it intently, her mind racing with questios.

In the depths of an unknown stronghold, the shadowy figure with the second shard places it beside the first on the altar. The room glows with dark energy as they speak in a voice filled with malice:

"Two shards, and soon the throne will be whole. The time has come to bring the realm to its knees."

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