Kazi slammed her fist on the map table, the sound echoing through the chamber. Days of strategizing and investigation and nothing to show for it. "This is maddening!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with frustration. "We have checked every lead, questioned every witness, and yet we are no closer to finding out who's responsible for these attacks."
King Eldarion stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Indeed, General Kazi," he began, his voice measured. "The lack of obvious suspects is... concerning."
Seraphinael, stood at Kazi's shoulder, his blue eyes scanning the maps. "Perhaps we are overlooking something," he murmured. "Have we considered all possibilities?"
"What possibilities have not we explored? We have dug up every old grudge and petty rivalry Althea might have had." Kazi rubbed her eyes, trying to think clearly.
"True," King Eldarion agreed, "but what about new threats? We have only been looking at the past. Perhaps there is someone or something out there that we have not encountered before, someone who's using these attacks to make a name for themselves."
"The only recent threats that occurred happened to The Kingdom of Ivamis and Niameda," Kazi pointed out. "After my brother-in-law King Kiyoshi, dealt with the Blightfang Clan, it would be foolish for the Blightfang to attack now?" she said. "After Kiyoshi's victory and the death of Madoc? They would be facing the combined attacks from Ivamis, Vortex, Arcane, and Althea."
Seraphinael pursed his lips. "You have a point, General. However, perhaps they have not learned their lesson. I heard they elected a new king after King Grawls and King Madoc's deaths. It is possible that the new leader may not have witnessed the consequences of attacking a coalition like this firsthand."
"Perhaps," Kazi said thoughtfully. "But we cannot rule out the possibility of a different culprit entirely. Someone new, someone seeking to exploit the chaos."
Seraphinael stepped forward, a map clutched in his hand. "Then let us expand our search perimeter," he suggested. "We will focus on the southern routes and investigate any recent reports of unusual activity near the boarders."
"Additionally, we should send inquiries to the other allied kingdoms – Ivamis, Vortex, and Arcane – see if they have witnessed any suspicious movement along their borders." Kazi suggested. "We should also consider the possibility that the attacks might not be aimed directly at Althea, but rather at weakening the alliance as a whole. If that is the case, our enemies could be attempting to sow discord among us."
"An excellent point, General," King Eldarion said, nodding. "I will draft a message to the other kings immediately."Kazi turned to Seraphinael. "I will need you and your men to coordinate the southern border patrols. Keep me informed of any developments."
"Of course, General," Seraphinael said, nodding. "We will leave no stone unturned."King Eldarion clapped his hands together, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Very good. I will leave you two to coordinate your efforts. Keep me updated on any progress." With that, he departed, his advisors and guards trailing after him.
The tension in the throne room was thick. Days of investigation and strategizing had led to little progress in uncovering the identity of those responsible for the attacks plaguing Althea and her allies.
As King Eldarion leaned on his throne, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he addressed his advisors and councilmen.
"We need alternative routes," he began, his voice firm. "The Eastern route is clearly compromised, but trade with Niameda is vital. We cannot allow these attacks to affect our economy!"
Ideas were tossed around like coins at a marketplace. One advisor suggested, "Perhaps," a hesitant pause, "we could consider taking a detour through the left route instead of our usual path to Niameda. It may be longer, but it could potentially avoid the areas of conflict."
However, another advisor spoke up, pointing out the obvious disadvantage. "But your majesty," she said, her voice tentative, "Our regular route already takes weeks, and the left route would make it even longer. Adding more time to the journey could put a strain on our supplies and our merchants' patience. Perhaps we should consider a different solution."
The king furrowed his brow, considering the options. Before he could respond, another advisor proposed an alternative. "What if we maintain the right route but bypass certain kingdoms? Instead of coming straight to Althea, we could extend the journey time and stop the ships at Mossy Hollow and using horses transport the cargo to Althea from Mossy Hollow."
However, another councilman raised his objections. "Your highness, while this route may seem like a solution at first, we must consider the risks. We have never travelled through those territories before. We cannot predict what dangers or obstacles might await us there. It could be just as dangerous as staying on the current path."
As the debate continued, another advisor spoke up. "What if we take the left route but minimize our stops along the way? Instead of circling around, we could pass through the kingdoms of Arventia" The king listened intently, considering the potential advantages and disadvantages of this proposal.
Immediately, another councilman spoke up, pointing out a potential flaw in this plan. "Your majesty, with all due respect," he said, "we cannot simply trespass through territories that are not our allies. We must consider the diplomatic repercussions of such an action. If we are seen as aggressors, it could lead to further tensions and potentially harm our relations with Niameda."
Kazi listened intently, considering the various options being presented. While these were all viable options, a sense of unease lingered in the pit of his stomach. Something still felt off. She couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Suddenly, a deafening crash shattered the tense silence of the throne room. The massive window overlooking the palace courtyard exploded in a shower of glass and wood, shards raining down upon the marble floor. A collective gasp erupted from the crowd as three figures, covered in black shadows appeared in the frame of the broken window.
"Witches!" someone screamed, and the word spread through the throne room like wildfire, terror taking hold of the assembled crowd. The three figures, their faces green and long with age, their hands twisted, their purple cloaks flowing behind them.