My anger flared as the realization dawned upon me - there was a traitor among us. Someone from within our kingdom was conspiring against us, manipulating events to sabotage our efforts toward unity.
"I will let you go, but only if you cease all attacks on Keth Rock," I snarled, releasing my grasp on the creatures cautiously. "If I ever hear of an attack carried out by your kind again, I will hunt each and every one of you down, and it won't be quick or merciful. Remember me, my face, and my name! I am Azriel, King of monsters, and you are in my world!"
With trembling nods, the creatures dispersed into the shadows, leaving Kya and me to stand in the shadows, the light in my hand barely glowing. I wanted to kill that creature and all of his kind, but it was clear to me that this path was the best one.
"Why didn't you kill them? They're clearly a race that's just going to be used again, right?" Kya asked as I looked down at my hand.
"It did not know my name or who I was. That is not right. I let them go because I want them to spread my name," I said and then looked up at Kya. "It seems that there is a traitor either back home or maybe a previous occupant of the castle. I would like to think that we would know if there was someone that close to us, but it doesn't surprise me. You are all loyal to me, without a doubt, and this plan seems like it has been in the makes," I sighed and then turned around to head back to the village. "We need to talk to Fiona and then get a hold of Melodious. I don't like having rats even close to my home."
Kya nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. "We'll get to the bottom of this, my King. Together."
As we made our way back to Keth Rock, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creeping up on me. The thought of having a traitor lurking within our ranks was unsettling – who could be so determined to see our kingdom fail that they'd go to such lengths? And, more importantly, how had we been blind to this treachery for so long?
Upon returning to the village, we quickly reconvened with Fiona and Elara, informing them of our findings and the potential traitor in our midst. Their faces mirrored the shock and concern I felt.
"We need to root out this traitor as soon as possible," Fiona declared, her voice filled with determination. "But we must also tread carefully, lest we tip our hand and allow them to escape or cause further damage."
"Have you contacted the Queen yet?" I asked, feeling the edge of my impatience thinning to a razor's edge.
"Not yet," Fiona replied, concern etched on her face. "We wanted to inform you first and decide the best course of action together. I do have the viewing stone ready for use, but I suggest that we find another place to talk privately."
"Yes, let us find a quiet place where we can communicate with Melodious without attracting too much attention," I suggested, already scanning the area for a suitable location.
As soon as we found a secluded spot, I reached out to Melodious, my thoughts carrying the urgency and worry that weighed heavily upon me. Her response was immediate and equally concerned.
"I understand, my King," she said through our mental connection. "I will begin looking into this matter right away. Please stay safe while you're dealing with the problems in Keth Rock. We'll get to the bottom of this together."
"I am more worried about you! I am sending everyone back, and I will proceed alone from here. While this is a problem, there is still the issue with the food and making the area south of here safer. I have to deal with this, but I will not be able to do that unless I know that you are protected!"
Melodious's voice softened with love and reassurance. "I appreciate your concern, my King, but I will be surrounded by our people who remain loyal to us. They will protect me."
The images flashed, and a spark of anger flared. "I will keep Fiona with me, but Kya and Elara will be returning. I will not lose you again, and this is not up for discussion. You are alive, and you will stay that way. You have no idea how many times I have lost you already."
Even just saying the words made the images flash even more, and I gritted my teeth. These scarred memories were a constant reminder of my past failure. I would not let them repeat themselves, nor would I take any chances.
"I understand, my love," Melodious replied gently, sensing the depths of my emotions. "We'll take every precaution to ensure our safety here in Havencrest while you work on resolving the issues at hand. I trust you, and I know that we'll overcome these challenges together."
Feeling somewhat reassured by her words, I sighed deeply before turning to Fiona, Kya, and Elara. "Fiona, you will continue accompanying me as we proceed south to deal with the food situation and make the area safer. Kya and Elara, I need both of you to return to Havencrest immediately and protect Melodious, this potential traitor. Assist her in any way possible, and most importantly, keep her safe."
They nodded, understanding the gravity of their tasks. I wished that I was the one that was going back, but I still had work to do, and the deep to anyone that made this harder. We exchanged determined glances, knowing that from this moment forth, our kingdom's fate hung in the balance.
As we split up once more to carry out our respective missions, I couldn't help but feel a slow-burning anger that was rising inside. I had to hold it and hold it; I would. I have been scared by the deaths of the ones I loved, but I was forged by past mistakes and would not repeat them.
I would have my vengeance.