The war room of Valtheris was quiet. It soaked up every sound. Every word. Every decision. Every result.
A long table made of stone stretched across the room. Steady flames lit it. The flames did not flicker. Maps lay open on the table. Borders were marked. Territories were outlined. Movements were recorded.
The King stood at the head of the table. He did not sit. He stood.
Because this was not a discussion. It was an order.
Darius stood to the Kings right. He wore armor. He did not move. He was like a wall.
On the side of the table was Lyra Voss. She was calm. She watched carefully.
Near the edge of the room was Vaelor. He looked relaxed. His eyes were sharp.
"You have all heard the report " the King said.
His voice was calm. It was measured. "The Hero lives " he said.
No one reacted.
They were not surprised.
Darius stepped forward. "Then we have to act now." he said.
He did not hesitate. "Send all our forces. Get rid of the target before he gets help." he added.
Lyra looked at Darius. "Get rid of him?" she said.
She did not disagree.
She did not agree.
Darius did not look at her. "Yes, as we should be, the last time we saw him he is already dead, he should be." he said.
Lyra crossed her arms. "If it is really him then, that may not be so easy as before."
Vaelor breathed softly. "Finally, a worthy challenge after 10 years." he said.
The King raised his hand. The room was silent again. "We will not rush." he said.
Darius jaw tightened. He did not speak.
"We will be careful this time." the King said. "Precise." he added.
He looked at the map. His finger traced a line. From Durnholde. To the Elven border.
"They are moving here for sure, if they take the easy route, we will easily catch them but if they cross from another border, it will attract the closest kingdom that they will approach." he said.
Lyras eyes narrowed. "The Elves."
"Yes " the King said. "If they reach the Elves, we may lose their trust if they will know that the hero is still alive."
Darius stepped forward. "Then we have to stop them before they cross."
The King nodded. "Vaelor " he said.
Vaelor straightened.
A small smile formed.
"Send your riders " he said.
The room became more alert.
Vaelor bowed.
"As you command, my King." he said.
"Do not fight recklessly " the King added. "Test them. Hold them back." he added.
Vaelor's smile did not fade. "Of course." he said.
Lyra watched Vaelor. She knew that look.
Darius turned to the King. "What if holding them back fails?" he said.
There was a pause.
The Kings eyes became hard. "Then we have to end them." he said.
The room was silent.
No one questioned it.
They all understood.
This was not about control.
This was about survival.
As the meeting ended.
Lyra stayed.
She looked at the map, her eyes stayed on one point.
Durnholde.
"You survived." she said softly.
It was not relief.
It was not fear.
It was something else.
Something not resolved.