"Lionera was forsaken because of what you did!"
…
At those words, those accusations, the five Deathguards stiffened. Their gazes shifted slowly toward their king, disbelief and dawning horror mingling across their faces.
"No…" Amaras breathed, his voice strained. "That is not the truth."
The shadow laughed, low and knowing.
"Not the truth? Or simply a truth you lack the courage to face? The fact that I know this… means you have always known it as well. Come on, Amaras! I am your doubt! Your buried accusation!"
"SILENCE!" Amaras's voice rang through the chamber, sharp enough to cut steel.
He turned toward his retainers, urgency flashing across his face.
"Do not listen to him. He twists half-truths into poison. He seeks to corrupt your faith, just as he tried to corrupt mine!"
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then one of the twin knights stepped forward.
"With respect, my liege… I do not believe he is entirely wrong," Theoric said, exhaling slowly.
