The third day of marching was the hardest.
The terrain began to rise. The paths became rocky. The air, colder.
The mountains rose before them like giants of stone.
Imposing. Threatening. Beautiful.
Kaito walked at the front with Adelheid, studying the map.
—According to the bandits, Vargun's first fortress is... here.
He pointed to a spot on the map.
—Raven's Pass. It controls the only safe road into the mountains' interior.
Adelheid nodded.
—Perfect defensive position. It can see anyone approaching.
—Exactly.
Kaito folded the map.
—That's why we're not going to approach directly.
Adelheid looked at him.
—What do you propose?
Kaito smiled slightly.
—Negotiation.
---
Noon — First Contact
The group established a temporary camp at the foot of the mountains.
They hadn't even been walking an hour when they appeared.
Riders.
Ten men on horseback. Armed with spears and swords. Improvised armor of leather and metal.
At the front, a man with a scar across his face.
They stopped twenty meters from the camp.
Adelheid stepped forward, blocking Kaito.
—Stay back, Commander.
Kaito didn't argue.
The scarred man spoke with a rough voice.
—Listen up! These lands belong to Lord Vargun, Lord of the Three Fortresses.
He made a dramatic pause.
—If you wish to pass, you must pay tribute. One hundred silver coins. Now.
Silence.
The villagers murmured nervously.
Rolf, the ex-bandit, approached Kaito.
—Commander... we don't have that kind of money.
Kaito nodded.
—I know.
He took a step forward, passing by Adelheid.
—And if we don't have the money?
The man smiled, showing rotten teeth.
—Then... we take what's worth it. Provisions. Weapons.
His gaze slid towards the women in the group.
—Or people.
Some of the soldiers unsheathed their weapons.
Adelheid activated her presence.
The air grew heavy.
But Kaito raised his hand.
—Wait.
He looked at the emissary.
—I want to speak with Vargun. Personally.
The man laughed.
—Speak? Lord Vargun doesn't speak with beggars.
Kaito didn't flinch.
—Tell him I have something that will interest him.
—What?
Kaito smiled.
—Information. About an army coming from the south. From Avernor.
The man frowned.
—You're lying.
—Are you sure?
Kaito pointed south.
—If I'm lying, your lord loses nothing. But if I'm telling the truth... and you don't warn him...
He paused.
—What do you think he'll do to you when he finds out?
The emissary hesitated.
He looked at his men.
Then back at Kaito.
—Wait here. I'll send a messenger.
He turned and galloped towards the mountains.
When they were gone, Adelheid turned to Kaito.
—Commander... is there really an army from Avernor?
Kaito shook his head.
—No. But he doesn't know that.
Adelheid blinked.
—So... you lied.
Kaito looked at her.
—Strategy, Adelheid. Not a lie.
He walked back to the camp.
—Let's get ready. If Vargun accepts... I'll have to visit him.
Lilith, who had been watching silently, smiled.
—How cunning, my king.
---
Two Hours Later — The Response
The emissary returned.
Alone.
He stopped in front of Kaito.
—Lord Vargun accepts your audience.
He paused.
—But only you. No guards. No weapons.
Adelheid stepped forward.
—Unacceptable. The commander will not walk alone into a trap.
The emissary shrugged.
—Those are the conditions. If you don't accept them, you die here.
Kaito placed a hand on Adelheid's shoulder.
—I accept.
—Commander!
Kaito looked at her.
—Trust me.
He turned to the emissary.
—But I have a condition of my own.
—What is it?
Kaito pointed at Lilith.
—She comes with me.
The emissary looked at her.
Lilith smiled sweetly, inclining her head.
The man visibly shuddered.
—I... will have to ask.
Ten minutes later, he returned.
—Accepted. But the chains stay here.
Lilith laughed softly.
—Oh, dear. The chains are part of me.
The emissary swallowed hard.
—Whatever. Come.
Kaito looked at Adelheid.
—If I don't return in three hours...
Adelheid clenched her fists.
—I'll burn these mountains to the ground until I find you.
Kaito smiled.
—That's my commander.
He turned and began to walk.
Lilith followed him, barefoot on the rocks, chains dragging.
Adelheid watched them go.
Then she turned to the soldiers.
—Combat preparation. Now.
—But Commander, if we attack...
—We're not going to attack —Adelheid interrupted—. We're going to be ready.
Her eyes flashed.
—If they lay a finger on the commander...
She briefly activated her Iron Will.
—Not one stone will be left upon another.
The soldiers nodded, feeling both inspired and terrified.
---
Raven's Pass Fortress
The road to the fortress was steep and dangerous.
On the Road to the Fortress
The path snaked between sharp rocks and dangerous cliffs.
The four escort guards walked ahead, in silence.
Kaito and Lilith walked behind.
The sound of chains dragging over stone was the only thing breaking the silence.
After several minutes, Lilith spoke.
—Commander.
Kaito looked at her.
—Yes?
Lilith tilted her head, her golden eyes shining with curiosity.
—What exactly do you plan to do when we arrive?
Kaito hesitated.
—What do you mean?
Lilith smiled slightly.
—Vargun is not a reasonable man. He's a brute. An animal who only understands force.
She moved a little closer as they walked.
—How do you plan to negotiate with someone like that?
Kaito exhaled.
—Honestly... I don't have a specific plan.
Lilith blinked, surprised.
Kaito looked at her directly.
—That's why I've left this in your hands.
—In my hands?
Kaito nodded.
—You were a queen, Lilith. You dealt with nobles, courtiers, enemies. People like Vargun... were your daily bread.
He paused.
—I know military strategy. I know organization. But this...
He pointed towards the fortress in the distance.
—This requires something different. It requires your experience.
Lilith stopped.
The guards continued without noticing.
Kaito stopped too, turning towards her.
Lilith looked at him with an inscrutable expression.
Then... she smiled.
Not her usual smile.
But something more dangerous.
More seductive.
She approached slowly.
The clinking of her chains echoed with each step.
When she was close enough, she slid an arm around Kaito's shoulders.
He tensed.
Lilith leaned close to his ear.
—My king... are you using me?
Her voice was a velvety whisper.
—Like a toy to solve your problems?
Kaito felt the warmth of her breath.
—I-It's not like that...
Lilith giggled.
Soft. Enchanting.
—Don't worry, dear.
She pulled back slightly, looking him in the eyes.
—I don't mind.
Her fingers traced Kaito's shoulder lightly.
—In fact... I like it when you play with me.
Kaito swallowed.
—Lilith...
She smiled more widely.
—After all... I will be your queen, won't I?
She stepped away completely, releasing him.
She began to walk again, chains dragging.
—A queen must be useful to her king.
She looked over her shoulder.
—And a king must know when to trust his queen.
Kaito stood still for a moment.
Then he shook his head and followed her.
This woman...
She's dangerous in ways Adelheid is not.
He caught up to Lilith.
—So... do you have a plan?
Lilith nodded.
—Of course.
She stopped and turned towards him.
—But I need you to follow my lead.
—How?
Lilith looked him up and down.
—When we stand before Vargun... you will not speak first.
Kaito frowned.
—Then?
—I will speak for you.
Lilith walked in a circle around him, appraising him.
—You will stand tall. Silent. With a cold gaze.
She stopped in front of him.
—Not like a supplicant. But like a king who has sent his queen to negotiate with scum.
Kaito blinked.
—Will that work?
Lilith smiled.
—Oh, yes. Men like Vargun respect two things: strength and controlled arrogance.
She raised a finger.
—If you beg him, he'll despise you.
She raised another finger.
—If you threaten him directly, he'll kill you out of pride.
She raised a third finger.
—But if you act as if you're above him... as if negotiating with you was an honor...
Her eyes flashed.
—Then he will doubt. And doubt... is my specialty.
Kaito nodded slowly.
—I understand.
Lilith stepped closer.
—When I speak, don't interrupt me. When I walk, you follow one step behind.
She touched his chest lightly.
—When I kneel before you... you remain standing.
Kaito felt the weight of her words.
—This is theater.
Lilith smiled.
—All power is theater, my king.
She withdrew her hand.
—Do you trust me?
Kaito looked into her eyes.
Golden. Bright. Dangerous.
But also... loyal. In her own way.
—I trust you.
Lilith inclined her head.
—Then follow me. And be the king I know you can be.
She began to walk again.
—Even if it's only for an hour.
---
Kaito and Lilith were escorted by four guards.
They didn't speak during the ascent.
Finally, they arrived.
The fortress was imposing. Grey stone walls. Watchtowers. Iron gates.
It wasn't elegant.
But it was functional.
The gates opened.
Inside, the courtyard was full of soldiers. Dirty. Brutal. Looking at Kaito like hungry wolves.
The emissary led them to the main hall.
It was a large room with wooden beams and smoky torches.
At the far end, on an improvised throne of stone and animal pelts...
Vargun.
He was enormous.
Over two meters tall. Shoulders broad as an ox. A tangled black beard. Scars covering his bare arms.
He held a war axe resting against the throne.
Kaito and Lilith entered.
The guards stayed behind.
But this time, Lilith walked at the front.
Kaito, one step behind, with his hands behind his back.
His expression... empty. Cold.
Like a bored king.
Vargun frowned at seeing the formation.
Lilith stopped ten meters from the throne.
Kaito stopped behind her.
Vargun laughed.
—What is this? Does the brat hide behind a woman?
Lilith smiled softly.
—He is not hiding, Lord Vargun.
Her voice was clear. Authoritative. But with a touch of venomous sweetness.
—He simply does not consider it necessary to speak with you directly.
The hall fell silent.
The soldiers murmured.
Vargun stiffened.
—What did you say?
Lilith tilted her head slightly.
—My king sent me as his voice. As his queen.
She took a step forward.
The chains clinked.
—You should feel honored.
Vargun stood up abruptly.
The axe in his hand.
—HONORED? That trash thinks I'm...?
Lilith raised a hand.
Not aggressively.
Just... like silencing a noisy child.
—Lord Vargun. Please. Control your temper.
Her voice was still soft.
—We are here to offer you an opportunity. Not to insult you.
Vargun gripped the axe.
—Opportunity? For what?
Lilith smiled.
—To become something more than a mountain bandit.
She walked slowly to the side, as if strolling through a garden.
—You collect tributes. You extort travelers. You rule through fear.
She stopped, looking at him.
—It's... effective. But temporary.
Vargun grunted.
—I've ruled these mountains for ten years.
Lilith nodded.
—Yes. And every year, more men desert. More villages rebel in secret. More kingdoms see you as a problem they will eventually need to solve.
She moved closer to the throne.
—How long do you think you can maintain this? Fifteen years? Twenty?
Her golden eyes shone.
—Or will you end up like all small tyrants... with a knife in your back from one of your own men?
Vargun stepped down from the throne.
He walked towards Lilith, threateningly.
—Careful, woman.
Lilith didn't retreat.
—It's not a threat, lord. It's the truth.
She pointed at Kaito without looking at him.
—My king is building a legitimate kingdom. With trade. With alliances. With a future.
She looked Vargun directly in the eye.
—He offers you something no one else will: legitimacy.
Vargun frowned.
—Legitimacy?
Lilith nodded.
—Rule these mountains under his protection. Not as a bandit, but as a vassal lord. With a title. With recognition.
She paused.
—And when my king sits on the throne of Avernor...
She smiled.
—You will be by his side. As an ally. Not as a crushed enemy.
Vargun looked at her in silence.
Then he looked at Kaito.
Kaito hadn't moved a muscle.
His gaze was cold. Distant.
As if Vargun were irrelevant.
That... bothered the warlord more than any insult.
—And if I refuse? —Vargun grunted.
Lilith tilted her head.
—Then you will stay here. Alone. Waiting for the day Avernor decides you are a nuisance.
She walked back towards Kaito.
—Or the day one of your men decides that ruling is better than obeying.
She stopped beside Kaito.
She looked at Vargun one last time.
—Choose wisely, Lord Vargun. This offer will not be repeated.
Vargun gripped the axe until his knuckles turned white.
He looked at Kaito.
Kaito held his gaze.
Without blinking.
Without fear.
Finally, Vargun grunted.
—Out. Both of you.
Lilith smiled.
—So then...?
—I said OUT!
Vargun turned, giving them his back.
—My answer... you will have it tomorrow.
Lilith gave an elegant bow.
—As you wish, lord.
She turned to Kaito.
Looked at him briefly.
Kaito nodded almost imperceptibly.
Both turned and left.
In perfect sync.
Like king and queen.
---
Outside the Fortress
When they were out of sight of the guards, Kaito exhaled deeply.
—That was...
—Intense? —Lilith finished, smiling.
Kaito looked at her.
—Incredible.
Lilith blinked, surprised.
—Incredible?
Kaito nodded.
—You took complete control. You made Vargun doubt without directly threatening him.
He paused.
—You're... really good at this.
Lilith felt something strange in her chest.
Warmth.
—I... thank you, Commander.
Kaito smiled slightly.
—No, Lilith. Thank you.
He began to walk.
—Now I understand why you were a queen.
Lilith stood still.
Watching him walk away.
Then she touched her own chest.
What is this?
Why do his words...
...weigh so much?
She shook her head and followed him.
—My king... we're not done yet.
Kaito looked at her.
—What else is there?
Lilith smiled mysteriously.
—I planted the seed. Now we must wait for it to germinate.
Her eyes flashed.
—In three days... Vargun will destroy himself.
Kaito frowned.
—What exactly did you do?
Lilith stepped closer.
Whispered in his ear.
—When I spoke... I whispered his name. Very low. So low only his soul heard it.
She pulled back.
—And I reminded him of all the betrayals he fears. All the doubts he hides.
She began to walk.
—Now those doubts will grow. Like poison.
She looked back.
—And when a tyrant doubts his own men...
She smiled.
—The kingdom collapses from within.
Kaito watched her.
This woman is terrifying.
But also...
Essential.
---
That Night — Inside the Fortress
Vargun was alone in his room.
Drinking cheap wine.
But he couldn't get Lilith's words out of his head.
"How many of your men are truly loyal to you?"
He looked out the window.
Saw two guards talking.
Before, he wouldn't have cared.
But now...
What are they talking about?
About me?
Are they planning something?
He squeezed the cup until it broke.
—No. They are my men. They obey me.
But the doubt was already there.
Growing.
Like a worm in his brain.
---
Kaito's Camp
When they returned, Adelheid was waiting.
She ran to Kaito.
—Commander! Are you alright?
Kaito nodded.
—I'm fine. Lilith handled everything.
Adelheid looked at Lilith with mistrust.
—Everything?
Lilith smiled innocently.
—I just did my job, dear Commander.
Adelheid frowned.
But before she could ask more, Kaito spoke.
—Rest. We will wait for Vargun's response.
He retreated to his tent.
Adelheid stayed with Lilith.
—What did you do up there?
Lilith looked at her.
—What you cannot do, Commander.
She stepped closer.
—I acted as his queen.
Adelheid tensed.
—You are not...
—Not what? —Lilith interrupted—. His queen?
She smiled.
—Perhaps not yet. But he trusts me with things you cannot handle.
She turned away.
—That makes me something more than a mere summon, don't you think?
And she disappeared into the darkness.
Adelheid clenched her fists.
Damn her...
But she couldn't deny the truth.
Lilith had done something she could not.
And that... hurt.