"Long live the Warhound!"
"Long live the Warhound and his ten thousand men!"
"Long live the Warhound to protect Eldwyn!"
Loud, joyful cries rang from every corner of the street as ten thousand horses rode by.
At the forefront, a man, face rigid, eyes cold and unfeeling, rode without sparing anyone a glance.
Despite warring for three weeks without rest, his back remained straight, and his grip on the reins of his horse never wavered.
The chanting followed them, echoing until they reached the hill.
The royal guards at the massive gates of Eldwyn Castle heard the chanting from a mile away and had ten men push open the black iron gate long before their arrival.
They galloped for several minutes before the King's regal castle came into view and for the first time in three weeks, his furrowed brows relaxed, and he slowed his horse.
Before the castle, a large group of servants and guards stood behind and on both sides of a middle-aged man in white robes, wearing a wide smile and a gold crown.
"Aeron Wylde, the Warhound of Eldwyn. You have once again made the people proud. Just like every other day, they've filled the streets with songs of praise dedicated to you!"
Aeron Wylde dismounted, strode toward the King, and bent over on one knee. "Sire, King Malrik Valenhart. Just as you commanded, I made sure the war didn't reach our borders."
"I also ensured none of our blood spilled into the water, so the people remain safe and our resources intact."
King Malrik chuckled, stepping forward to pat Aeron's shoulder gently.
"Oh, Aeron. Since when have you ever failed? After ten years, I've learned to leave such matters to you as you handle them better than anyone I know."
"You and your men have worked hard, so I've thrown a feast for you to rest. There are women for all of you, and every food you can imagine to eat your fill."
It was the King's command, so Aeron naturally obliged.
Beckoning to his second and third, they entered the castle together with the King before his other men strutted along.
The servants led them into a grand hall wide enough to hold a hundred thousand men.
Just as the King promised, there were more than ten thousand women waiting inside.
But Aeron couldn't help noticing something strange. Besides the King, his men, the ten thousand women and the royal advisors by his side… there were no other important people.
When Malrik noticed him looking around, his brows pulling into that familiar curious frown he knew all too well, he laughed and pointed at the empty seat beside him.
"You're the Warhound of Eldwyn, but most importantly… my most trusted friend. I wanted to see you first, so I sent everyone else away."
Aeron shifted his gaze to him, lowering his head in a respectful bow.
Seeing he understood, Malrik then turned to address the ten thousand warriors, his voice authoritative voice booking through the hall, "Warriors! This party will last all night even after I leave. So take your time. You deserve it!"
At this, loud, baritone cheers erupted as the men rained praises on the King for his generosity.
Aeron brought his hand to his left shoulder and bowed his head.
"Thank you, Sire!"
Malrik smiled before walking to his seat alongside his advisors. Once he sat, everyone else followed suit.
For six hours, Aeron ate, not having the time to touch the women in front of him as his eyes constantly flicked toward the King.
Seven hours later, the King rose to his feet… and everyone else did the same.
Waving at them to sit, he walked toward Aeron with a smile.
"Walk with me."
Aeron gave a small hum of acknowledgment and followed, his second and third in command trailing behind.
Malrik led the way for over a minute before he suddenly slowed.
Aeron paused as well, his hand shifting to his sword as he glanced around, alert. "Is something wrong, Sire?"
Malrik clasped both hands behind him, a heavy exhale escaping his lips.
"Not at all, Aeron. I was just thinking… you couldn't even enjoy the feast I threw for you because you were too busy worrying about me."
At this, Aeron's eyes hardened, his grip on the sword's hilt loosening slightly as a faint smile creased his lips. "Your safety is, and always will be, my priority for as long as I live, Sire."
Malrik stayed silent for a moment before glancing over his shoulder with a soft chuckle.
"I wouldn't expect anything less from the glorious Warhound of Eldwyn. But as your King, it saddens me. So… I've arranged something special for you."
"But you seem on edge… and I wouldn't want you killing anyone by mistake. Hence, I am asking to hand over your sword to me."
Aeron, who was always ever ready to do whatever the King asked of him, found himself hesitating at that command.
His pupils dilated, and his grip on the hilt of his sword tightened again.
Ever since he was sworn into protecting the King, the sword had never left his side. It remained strapped to his waist, even when he slept.
He couldn't even recall the last time he took it off… unless it was to fight or care for it.
But this was the King asking. Knowing him, he wouldn't just ask for something like this if it wasn't necessary.
Swallowing, he proceeded to unbuckle the sword and handed it over.
Malrik took it, turning it over in his hand for a moment before he raised his eyes to peer at him.
"My first time carrying your sword… and I'm proud to say it's as heavy as I thought it'd be. Now… let's get you into the arms of a woman."
With no hilt to rest his right hand on anymore, Aeron let it dangle awkwardly and now took the lead.
They walked in silence for a while before he noticed something was amiss and stopped to look around.
Though every hallway practically looked the same in the castle, he was certain they had walked this one before.
"My King, it seems we've passed here once already. Did we…"
The rest of the sentence never made it out of his lungs as he suddenly gasped the same moment a dull, wet crunch echoed through the hall.
Clenching his jaw, his eyes wavered when a gut-wrenching pain tore through his back and exploded in his chest.
Looking down, his lips trembled hard at the familiar sight of his blade protruding out of his chest.
A second later, someone sucked in their teeth, a familiar voice cutting through the air as he mused in admiration.
"Oh? You don't have regenerative powers… yet you're still standing? Must be that strong sheer will of yours the masses sing about."
Aeron's eyes widened as he instantly recognized the voice.
His eyes darted over to his side in search of his second and third thinking they were no longer with him as they were yet to react.
However, he found both men looking away, pretending not to see.
What was going on? Was this… really what he thought it was?
Still unable to believe this was happening, he clenched his jaw and called out shakily, "S-Sire?"
Malrik gave a soft chuckle.
"What is it, Warhound of Eldwyn? I gave you such an easy way out. Don't waste it. Die… peacefully."
The words were barely out of his mouth when he suddenly hummed thoughtfully and inched closer to Aeron.
"Ah… you're still alive. Is it because I missed your heart?"
Shortly after his words fell, he pressed hard against the hilt, forcing the blade in slowly.
The steel dragged through muscle with a wet, tearing squelch.
In response, Aeron's body jerked fervently as the blade clawed its way forward… inching toward his heart.
When it reached, his knees buckled, and he dropped to the ground, his face frozen in disbelief.
His fists clenched tight as the realization of the evening finally sank in…
The party, the women, the sense of security… there were all a ploy by the King to kill him?
But why? All he did was devote his life to him.
Was this the reward for being loyal to the King?
Those questions swirled around in his head before his body hit the ground, lifeless.