Matar silently absorbed his father Sapar's barbs and the sharp, rasping voice of his half-brother, Fhajo. Suddenly, the entity of Corvus filled King Matar's mind, its voice a gravelly whisper of pure annoyance.
"Why not simply teach Fhajo a lesson? All he craves is your throne," the Corvus entity hissed, a buzzing echo in Matar's ear.
"He's powerless. Just wait; I'll surprise them all later," Matar mused, a steely resolve forming within him. He then heard an elder speak, their voice frail with the weight of years.
"That's true. We're overthinking things against our king," the elder conceded. The others nodded in agreement, then pressed Matar for his reason in refusing the War King's challenge.
"Answer us, what's your reason for turning down Thallerion's challenge?" Adamoth demanded, his tone brittle with impatience. Matar offered no immediate reply.
