Epilogue
Walking down the stone corridors, the silence was deafening. Alcurd could hear everything: the whisper of his footsteps on the polished floor, the low intake of his own breath, and even the small, distant sigh of the breeze picking up outside the castle walls.
The summons had been urgent, an abrupt call that promised a high-stakes mission. Lately, Alcurd had been restless, an itch for a good fight—a truly challenging assignment for him and his elite team. He loved this life. A life without war, strategy meetings, and the sharp danger of battle was, to someone like him, meaningless. Of course, Alcurd had known no life but war.
Reaching the main hall, Alcurd dropped to one knee. "You called for me, my King?"
King Silver stood facing the giant arched windows, looking out over his beautiful land—a vista of lush green forests, rocky, steadfast mountains, and small villages bursting with livelihood. Hands pressed firmly behind his back, the King's posture was rigid. Alcurd couldn't help but notice the beads of sweat gathering at the back of his King's neck. Something was profoundly wrong.
The silence grew, stretching tautly until Alcurd was tempted to break it.
Finally, King Silver spoke, his voice low. "As you know, Alcurd, we were able to successfully push Vile's forces back into the Krimlins. Now, we hold Necros's armies at bay at our northern borders. I have no doubt that, given the chance, we can push him back as well."
"Yes, Sire," Alcurd answered, rising to a relaxed attention. "Fighting a war on multiple fronts has always been a strength we hold."
King Silver turned to face him then. Alcurd could see the stark worry in his eyes, the deep stress lines gathering in his forehead. The severity of the situation became instantly clear.
"Yes, but as of late, I have received disturbing news from our scouts," the King continued. "As you know, I sent a small platoon to spy on Necros's main Research and Development facility. The whole platoon was slaughtered... except for one man."
"A whole platoon?" Alcurd's professional composure fractured slightly, a shocked look crossing his face.
"By one man, apparently," King Silver confirmed grimly. "The one soldier who made it back alive died just long enough after arrival to tell us he believes Necros is up to something big in that lab. Their security was unprecedentedly high. Necros is a crafty bastard; there's no telling what he's truly aiming for."
Alcurd stood straighter. "Then you want my squad to check it out?"
"No!" Silver's voice carried a hint of raw aggression Alcurd had rarely heard. This alone proved the gravity of the threat. "Alcurd, this is a solo mission. I do not want to draw unnecessary attention, nor risk a full-scale battle by sending my elite guard. This mission is for you and you alone. Because you are the only one I trust one hundred percent."
King Silver stepped closer, his gaze intense. "Go. Find out what the hell Necros is up to, and return alive."
Alcurd bowed, tilting his head down, a small, dangerous smirk playing on his lips. A feeling that could only be described as pure excitement coursed through him.
"Yes, Sire."
Before the King could blink, Alcurd vanished, with a speed the normal human eye couldn't follow.
King Silver slowly returned to his throne, settling into the rich upholstery. He stared out at his beautiful, oblivious kingdom, his finger lightly tapping the armrest—a man seething with silent, profound impatience.