Duke Harlan leaned against a stone statue, his eyes fixed on the horizon. Cyrin stood beside him, his gaze thoughtful.
"Duke Harlan, I've always wondered...how did you guide me, all those years ago? When I was struggling to control my shadow flames, how did you know exactly what to say, what to do?" Cyrin's voice was low, curious.
Duke Harlan's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Ah, Cyrin, I've been watching you for a long time. I knew your parents, may the gods rest their souls. They were good people, and I knew you had their strength, their spirit."
Cyrin's eyes narrowed. "But...I never saw you. Never heard your voice, until...until Claude."
Duke Harlan chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "No, you didn't. I made sure of that. I guided you, Cyrin, but from a distance. Letters, whispered words, subtle nudges...it was enough to help you harness your power, to control the flames."
Cyrin's eyes widened, comprehension dawning. "The letters. The ones I found in my room, with the symbol of the Darkfire family...that was you?"
Duke Harlan nodded, his eyes cr crling at the corners. "I wrote those letters, Cyrin. I knew you needed guidance, and I wanted to be there for you, even if I couldn't be there in person."
Cyrin's gaze searched Duke Harlan's face, a mix of emotions swirling in his eyes. "Why? Why did you do that for me?"
Duke Harlan's expression turned serious, his eyes burning with intensity. "Because, Cyrin, I saw something in you. Something that reminded me of myself, all those years ago. I knew you had the potential to change the world, to make a difference. And I wanted to help you achieve that, no matter what it took."
It had been two days after the cinderfall battle . Duke harlen has been reorganising his harlen flame knights . But he has encountered a problem he want someone to lead the knights in battle and also act as their commander.
Duke Harlan, "Alright, Cyrin, I want you to lead the Harlen Flame Knights. We need someone with your skills and experience to take the reins and guide us through these uncertain times. The Shadowfire Empire's not gonna stop anytime soon, and we need a strong leader to keep our people safe."
Cyrin, "Thanks, Your Grace, but I gotta pass. I'm a shadow player, not a leader. I work best in the dark, where the stakes are high and the risks are real. I don't wanna be tied down to a desk or a title."
Duke Harlan, "What? Why, Cyri? You're the perfect fit. You've got the experience, the charisma, and the drive. You could really make a difference here."
Cyrin, "That's why I know I'm not, Your Grace. I work better in the shadows, where I can make a real impact. But I know someone who's perfect for the job - Kaelith Blackblood. He's got the fire, the skill, and the drive. He'll be perfect for the job."
Duke Harlan, "Kaelith Blackblood? Your old rival, right? I've heard of him. He's got a reputation for being fierce and fearless. But what's his story? Is he really the right man for the job?"
Cyrin, "He's the one, Your Grace. We've got a history, Kaelith and I. We've clashed before, but when it comes to the Knighthood , I know I can trust him. He's got a sense of duty, and he'll do what's right, even if it means putting himself in harm's way."
Duke Harlan, "Alright, I'll consider it. But what's the deal with you two? You're not exactly... friends, are you?"
Cyrin, "Let's just say we've got a history. We've pushed each other, tested each other's limits. But when it comes down to it, we both want what's best for Ardentia and I know he'll do what's right."
Duke Harlan said , "Alright, Cyrin. I'll offer the position to Kaelith. But I want you to make sure he takes it. I want you to make him understand the gravity of the situation, and the importance of his role in this war."
Cyrin, "Don't worry, Your Grace. I'll make sure he takes it. Or... I'll make it hard for him to refuse."
The sun beat down on the parched earth as Duke Harlan and Cyrin rode towards the Burning Plains, the air thick with the as the scent of charred grass and the distant tang of smoke. The landscape stretched out before them, a vast expanse of blackened rock and smoldering ash, pockmarked by the occasional twisted tree, its branches clawing towards the sky like skeletal fingers.
As they rode, the sound of distant thunder rumbled through the air, growing louder with every step. The ground began to tremble beneath their feet, and Cyrin leaned in, his voice low. "Your Grace, we're getting close. Kaelith's got a camp set up just ahead."
Duke Harlan nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "I see it. Tell me, Cyri, what's the situation here?"
Cyrin squinted, his gaze following the Duke's. "The Shadowspire Empire's been pushing hard into Wistoria, trying to claim the Burning Plains for themselves. Kaelith's been ambushing them with his few men , trying to slow their advance."
The Duke's eyes narrowed. "And the rumors about the Shadowfire Empire's new commander?"
Cyrin's expression turned grim. "Ain't just rumors, Your Grace. They say Corvus Nightwing, the Shadow Knight of Shadowspire, is leading the charge. He's too got a reputation for being ruthless."