The army of Harland had won the war thanks to Mamir's brilliant mind, and the triumph returned with them to the royal palace.
At the gates, they were welcomed by the kingdom's sorcerer, Artheon. His long robes swept across the ground, and his eyes seemed lost in distant visions.
Artheon spoke in a heavy voice:
— You have won the battle… but this is only the beginning. A far greater darkness is approaching.
King Visernes furrowed his brows, a mix of curiosity and fear flashing in his eyes.
— What do you mean? What is this "darkness" you speak of?
The sorcerer drew a deep breath, his words as heavy as stone:
— My king… beneath the southern lands lies a slumbering power. A power so immense that in all history, only one man ever possessed it.
At that moment, the youngest prince, Visrok Harland, interrupted. He was only fifteen, yet his eyes shone with knowledge.
— That power… once belonged only to our ancestor, Ostomas Harland.
Everyone in the hall turned to the young prince in shock. Ostomas Harland was the one who had rebelled against Dronya centuries ago, founded the kingdom of Harland, and united the continent. But he had long been dead.
Visrok continued, his voice brimming with excitement:
— You all know I'm the most passionate about history among the princes. I've studied this. Ostomas conquered not only with sword and politics, but with dark magic. His spells were so powerful that with a single incantation he could wipe out entire armies. Yet even with such strength… he still grew old.
Lowering his voice, Visrok delivered the most crucial part:
— He began to fear death. He sought immortality. Prophecies told of a magical spring hidden deep within the southern mountains, whose waters granted eternal life. Ostomas abdicated the throne to his son, Oras Harland… and vanished in search of it. The history books end there. But I discovered traces of what truly happened.
The hall fell into silence. Even Mamir stared at his younger brother in astonishment.
The eldest brother, Harlax, growled:
— And how, little brother, did you uncover something that history itself does not record?
Visrok smiled with pride:
— Through prophecies and forbidden secrets, brother. Ancient texts speak of a cave deep within the southern mountains. It is called the "Cave of the First King." The legends say an old man once entered and emerged young again. But three days later, he vanished… leaving behind only a letter.
Visrok paused. Everyone held their breath. At last, the young prince whispered those ominous words:
— The letter said only this:
"I shall return… with the darkness."