Isolde stood frozen, her piercing blue eyes fixed on Valeria. A feeling of astonishment seized her. Free Damaris? The fallen Negestat, responsible for betrayal and an attempted coup? Could it be possible that Valeria was considering such madness?
"Free the Negestat Damaris?" Isolde repeated, her voice incredulous. "Have you lost your mind, Matron Valeria? This woman betrayed the council and tried to plunge Ayeros into war. She is a threat to our kingdom."
Valeria shook her head, her stern features outlined in the flickering torchlight. "You don't understand, Isolde. Unlike you, I've known the Negestat since childhood. She would never act against the kingdom. I assure you, there is no one who cares more for Ayeros than she does."
Isolde shook her head, incredulous. "You're blinded by your illusions, Matron Valeria. The Negestat Damaris is a ruthless woman, thirsty for power, willing to sacrifice innocents to achieve her goals. I don't need to have known her since childhood."
"And the others? What are they doing for Ayeros?" Valeria retorted, her voice rising. "Lady Mervyln is too naive and inexperienced to lead. Matron Almera only seeks power for herself. The kingdom is on the brink of disaster, and there's only one person capable of saving it."
Isolde stepped toward Valeria, anger rising within her. "Even if what you say is true, Matron Valeria, it is already too late. The Negestat's betrayal is known to all the people. Bringing her back would only exacerbate the divisions."
Valeria remained firm, her gaze direct and intense. "You underestimate the Negestat. Even if we have to rebuild trust from scratch, she will do it. If only you knew what I know, Matron Isolde. Just know this, it is imperative that Damaris Zahad regains the throne."
Isolde sighed, overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation. "What exactly are you asking of me, Matron Valeria? To help you free her? To support her return to power?"
Valeria shook her head. "I'm not asking you to take sides for now, Isolde. I'm simply asking you to observe the events as they unfold and judge for yourself."
Isolde remained silent for a long moment, her mind analyzing the implications of Valeria's proposal. She knew the kingdom was in danger, and the question of succession was of utmost importance. But freeing Damaris? It was a bold, even crazy, plan, but Valeria Drakos was not known for making reckless decisions.
"And how do you plan to do it?" Isolde asked, her voice tinged with skepticism. "The royal dungeons are reputed to be impregnable. Should I remind you that even we, members of the Council, are forbidden entry by decree of Lady Mervyln? How do you plan to get her out?"
Valeria smiled, a smile both confident and enigmatic. "I have my means, Matron Isolde. Means you don't need to know about. What matters is that if I succeed, Damaris Zahad will be back on the throne, and Ayeros will be saved from the chaos that threatens it."
Isolde pondered Valeria's words for a moment.
"And if you fail?" she asked.
Valeria shrugged, a nonchalant gesture that barely concealed the seriousness of the situation. "I don't allow myself to consider failure, Matron Isolde. I have faith in my plans and resources. But if I were to fail, the consequences would be disastrous for all of us. Ayeros would plunge into chaos, and war with the Empire of Xers would become inevitable."
Isolde crossed her arms, her piercing gaze fixed on Valeria. After a long silence, she spoke, her voice firm and determined. "Very well, Matron Valeria. I will agree to our accord, but on one condition."
Valeria raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What condition?"
Isolde looked her straight in the eyes, her piercing gaze leaving no doubt about her intentions. "I want the position of Matron at the head of House Drakos upon your return. Whether you survive or not. In return, I will not remain neutral. House Varyon will support Damaris Zahad."
Valeria smiled, a predatory smile revealing her satisfaction. "You are an ambitious woman, Matron Isolde. I've always known that. And I must admit, your proposal pleases me. So be it."
After these words, Valeria extended her hand towards Isolde, her graceful fingers opening in a slow, measured gesture. As her palm approached the air before her, a subtle light began to radiate from her fingers. A complex circle formed between them. Its lines were exquisitely precise, interwoven with runes and symbols. Arcs of golden and silver light joined to form a spiral pattern that seemed to pulse to the rhythm of an invisible heart.
The edges of the circle were adorned with small glyphs, each emitting a soft, soothing glow. In the center of the circle, a symbol resembling a stylized eye opened, surrounded by fire. The whole design seemed to dance and sparkle, casting moving shadows on the stone walls around them.
Isolde, her blue eyes lingering on the ethereal circle before her, asked, "Why are you going so far, Matron Valeria?" Her voice carried a hint of intrigue.
Valeria responded with a smile, her dark eyes shining with unshakable determination. "My right breast does not burn, Matron Isolde. That is why. The fire that consumes others finds no purchase in me."
Isolde, though even more confused by this enigmatic response, felt a wave of respect for Valeria's unwavering conviction. Without hesitation, she also extended her hand toward the circle. As her fingers crossed the luminous boundary, a soft and comforting warmth spread through her arm.
"I, Valeria Drakos, take this vow in the presence of the forces that govern us," Valeria began solemnly. "I entrust my house and its resources to Matron Isolde Varyon, present here, in exchange for her unwavering support for the cause of Damaris Zahad. Whether I return or not from my endeavor, she will be the new Matron of House Drakos." She then looked up at Isolde. "It is your turn."
Isolde felt the warmth of the circle intensify, as if Valeria's words were adding a new energy to it.
After a moment of reflection, she slowly nodded. "Very well, Matron Valeria. I agree to this pact. But know that I remain skeptical about the success of your enterprise."
Valeria smiled. "I understand your reservations, Matron Isolde. But know that I do not take this lightly. I firmly believe in what I am doing, even if it seems like a desperate endeavor."
Isolde took a deep breath before pronouncing her own vows. "I, Isolde Varyon, accept this burden and responsibility. In exchange for your house and your support, I will ensure the protection and support of Damaris Zahad. I accept to protect and lead House Drakos and to support Damaris Zahad under all circumstances."
Isolde repeated the oath, her voice resonating in the vaulted hall. "I, Isolde Varyon, accept to guide and protect House Drakos in the absence of Valeria Drakos, and to support Damaris Zahad under all circumstances."
The circle of light between them pulsed one last time before disappearing, leaving behind a sensation of warmth and determination. Valeria withdrew her hand first, her dark eyes shining with a new intensity.
"The pact is sealed," she declared with a solemnity that echoed in the depths of the catacombs. "Now, Matron Isolde, it is time for me to leave."
Isolde nodded. "I will watch over your house, Valeria. But remember, the fate of Negestat Damaris is in your hands. If you fail..."
"I will not fail," Valeria interrupted firmly. "This is my final proclamation as Matron of House Drakos. I will free Damaris Zahad."
Isolde bowed slightly in respect. "I, Isolde Varyon, will not forget, Valeria Drakos."
"I leave you now, Matron Isolde."
With a final nod, Valeria turned and walked away toward a dark passage, her steps echoing until they disappeared into the darkness.
Isolde remained alone in the vaulted hall. She stood still for a moment, her thoughts swirling in her mind. She turned her gaze to the shifting shadows cast by the torches.
"I cannot afford to fail either," she murmured to herself, her voice lost in the echoes of the catacombs.