Morning broke over Dravencia like a blade, Sharp and cold. Ammon stood by the balcony, watching banners rippled in the early light. The duel still hunts him - Kael 's grin, his defeat and the mummurs of the court. He has failed in all their eyes but something deep in him still refuse to bow.
A sudden knocked echoed behind him. A royal guard knelt at the door way.
" The king summons your presence at the inner court, my lord.
Ammon's heart tightened, he knew the King never calls him directly, matter of state was usually discussed with Kael. He straightened his tunic, slipped on the signet and followed the guards through the marble corridors.
The inner court shimmered with golden light. High column framed the throne with obsidian veined with silver. King Turner sat upon it, with expressions unreadable. Around him were nobles among them was Kael - his face filled with satisfaction and lips curled into a smile.
Ammon bowed deeply. "You sent for me father".
The King's gaze lingered on him before shifting to the assembled court.
"There are matters beyond our boundaries that demands courage ". Turner said. "The seal in lake orcas weakens. You know the tales of Nogard - who defied the throne and was bound in the depth of those waters".
A mummur rippled through the nobles. Ammon remembered the name from childhood whispers - a dragon who was exiled for crimes against the kingdom, it was said that as for every time, there's a storm, the lake hummed as though dreaming.
The royal seers have seen signs of unrest, I would send an expedition to ensure the seal holds or to end what stirs before it wakes.
Kael stepped forward slightly, his tone courteous but edged.
" With respect, Father, such a task requires strength and prudence. The lake's magic is perilous. Perhaps, the court should deliberate on who is best suited". Although, the plan for Ammon going to lake and getting consumed was still in motion, the King needed the act to look as though it was authentic.
Several nobles nodded. An elder noble leaned towards another and said, "send the powerless prince let the lake can finish what fate began".
The King's gaze drifted between his sons, "it shall be Ammon who goes", he declared. "He need to learn the measure of duty".
A stillness fell - then came the smirk of those who saw opportunities in the King's choice.
Ammon bowed his head, he was so pleased with the King's decision, as this would mark the first time he would leave the castle walls. But hiding his excitement, he said, "if it pleases the crown" I would depart at once.
Later, in the courtyard, Armourers fitted him with cuirass and travel gear. The air smelled of oil and steel. Kael approached him, with smile all brotherly but his eyes glinting with something darker.
"Off to play little hero", he said. You should be grateful Father still see you useful. Treated with silence, Kael chuckled and turn away, hiding his clenched fist, behind his calm facade, he was already imagining the lake swallowing Ammon whole.
Within the council chamber, as Ammon prepared maps and provision, The King spoke, Ammon, this mission is not merely a punishment, it's a chance to prove worth beyond birthright, Norgard's name must end and the seal must hold.
Ammon bowed again, "I understand ".
The response though humble, kindled something between them - respect, or perhaps, regret.
Immediately,Ammon turned to the court, " is there any among you who wish to accompany me" he said with his voice steady. Dravencia will remember your courage.
Laughter broke out - low and scornful, some nobles muttered excuses. Others looked away, unwilling to meet his eyes.
Just as he was about to leave, a clear voice rang out.
"I will go".
The Hall fell silent. From among the courtiers came Ayden, the royal messenger. His cloak still bore dust from his earlier errands but his eyes burned with conviction.
Ammon's eyes blinked with surprise, "Ayden you owe me no allegiance in doing this".
"Perhaps not". Ayden replied.
Hearing this, Kael 's hand tightened around his blade hilt. "Foolish sentiment". He muttered under his breath.
King Turner, rose "so be it, two shall go, the prince and the messenger. The journey begins now".
He raised his hand. The air thickened, shimmering with runes that burst into radiant lines of purple. Space itself twisted untila gateway, yawned open before the throne. Though it center shimmered the faint outline of a landscape - Violet skies and water that glow like molten glass.
Gasps filled the room,even the mocking nobles step back in awe.
Ammon's breath caught "Lake orcas" he whispered.
Ammon turned to Ayden."You still have time to change your mind".
Ayden smiled faintly, showing his cold nature. "I didn't come this far to retreat at the first shadow".
For a moment, Ammon saw in Ayden, a reflection of his younger self.
Together, they walked into the portal.