Night had enveloped the city in impenetrable darkness when Shiva, the queen of Bayaroma, showed her authority with a determination that made even the most loyal servants tremble. In the great hall of the palace she had gathered all the servants, and they knew that this meeting was of special importance.
Shiva stepped before them, majestic and unyielding, her regal cloak fluttering in the pale candlelight. "You know why you are here," she began in a voice that brooked no contradiction. "The threat from the so-called Count of Pure Blood is real. We cannot take any chances. Therefore, I will bind you all to me by a slave seal until this crisis is over."
A murmur went through the ranks of the servants, but no one dared to resist. The queen had spoken, and her word was law. A seal prepared in case of betrayal lay ready, and one by one the servants were given a seal that would prove their loyalty and innocence.
Meanwhile, Mortis and Shiva's allies were implementing their own measures in the city. Lumina and Kathrin were touchingly caring for the children and making sure they were safe. Leonie, Marina, and Elysia combed the ranks of soldiers from the north for possible clues to the Count of Pure Blood. Jasmine mingled with the merchants, trying to draw information out of them, while Valeria watched the movements of the city from the shadows.
Mortis himself had moved to the top of the temple in the city, from where he had a wide view of the entire area. Patiently, he waited for reports from his spirits, especially those to the north, hoping to finally gain information about the Count of Pure Blood.
But the night initially brought no breakthroughs. Attempts to find the supposed head of the organization in the north had come to naught. It seemed that the Count of Pure Blood was a master of deception and concealment.
With nightfall, however, things began to change. People trying to escape or being taken from their hiding places by Shiva's scouts provided information. There were hints of nobles of all kinds who had their fingers in this dangerous game. Mortis began to realize that there probably wasn't a nobleman who didn't know at least something about this mysterious organization or had some connection with it.
Suddenly Mortis remembered an idea he had brought back from the raid in the south. He took out four small statues from his ring and placed them on the ground. When they touched the ground, the world around them began to change. The ground shook, the air crackled, and a thunderous roar filled the night.
The four dwarves with shields and swords on their statues grew larger and larger until they finally reached the size of the castle itself. With lofty presence, they rose above the city and positioned themselves in all directions.
The people watching this inexplicable spectacle froze in fear and wonder. But then a deep, divine voice rang out, winding like the wind through the alleys and streets, touching the hearts of the people.
"Fear not, those who mean this city no harm need not fear," spoke the voice. "These guardians are the new guardians of the city."
Algrim Greenmane gazed in awe at the imposing guardians watching over the city. His cold tingling goosebumps testified to the overwhelming presence of these protective beings. How had Mortis and his allies made such impressive creations of the dwarves? This question deeply troubled Algrim.
His wife sensed his inner conflict and soothingly placed a hand on his arm. "Stay calm, my love," she whispered gently. "Important things are taking place at this moment. We shouldn't push ourselves to the forefront. But I agree with you, we should kindly ask Mortis and Edna to take a closer look at these guards in the coming days. This could be of great benefit to our clan and our king. It is wise to report such an important discovery first. It will certainly bring plus points to our community."
Algrim nodded in agreement and continued to watch the majestic guards as he pondered the possibilities this discovery could offer for their future.
The night passed, and with each passing hour, more enemies and traitors were exposed. Those who surrendered peacefully were arrested and taken into custody. But those who still sought resistance and drew their weapons met a swift and merciless end. The darkness was drenched with blood, and although it was necessary, it pained the queen to see it. Even some of her servants opposed her and were ready to join the traitors. But Shiva had no patience for treachery. She immediately sentenced the renegades to death and had them taken away. Early in the morning their heads were to roll.
Mortis had collected many souls that night, both from the enemies and from those he had slain himself. But as the morning approached, he decided to end his soul collecting. It was time to rest and gather strength. The coming day promised more challenges, and they all needed to be fit and rested to render just and reliable judgments.
Mortis gathered his women around him and lay down. They all knew that the next day would be a continuation of the trials that had come upon their kingdom. In that dark hour, they found comfort and strength in their community, ready to face the challenges of the new day together.