The catacombs, a network of dark and damp tunnels. Once used to bury the dead and store forgotten treasures. The air is heavy and stagnant, imbued with the acrid smell of damp earth and old stone. The silence is almost palpable, broken only by the occasional drip of water seeping from the rocky walls. Silhouettes of stacked bones faintly emerge in the flickering torchlight, forming macabre walls that snake through the depths of the earth.
Occasionally, a gust of wind rushes through the tunnels, causing the flames to flicker and casting dancing shadows on the walls. Inscriptions carved into the stone recount forgotten stories, names, and dates that no longer mean anything to the living world.
Matron Isolde Varyon, a slender figure clad in a dark cloak, slipped through the depths of these catacombs. Her cold beauty and silver hair contrasted sharply with the surrounding darkness as she advanced confidently, her steps softly echoing against the stone. She knew this underground labyrinth well, a maze of passages and corners where echoes could play tricks on untrained ears.
She stopped before a massive stone slab, adorned with a strange symbol she immediately recognized. It was a seal, a specialty of the matron's house from which she had received the invitation. Isolde pressed the stone slab with her gloved fingers, and a dull creak echoed through the air. A hidden passage opened, revealing a spiral staircase descending even deeper into the bowels of the earth. Without hesitation, Isolde entered the staircase, the torches illuminating the wet and slippery steps.
The air grew colder and heavier as she descended, and the smell of damp earth mingled with another scent, that of decay. Isolde remained unfazed.
She eventually reached a vaulted chamber, lit by a few flickering torches. The low ceiling and ivy-covered walls offered a sinister and oppressive setting. In the center of the room, Matron Valeria Drakos awaited, an imposing presence amid the dancing shadows. Her braided black hair and severe features seemed sculpted by the uncertain light of the flames.
Isolde stopped a few steps from Valeria, her piercing blue eyes scrutinizing her interlocutor. The silence of the catacombs was almost palpable, interrupted only by the regular drip of water seeping from the ceilings.
Isolde broke the silence, her soft but firm voice resonating in the air. "Matron Valeria, it is rare to see you linger so long outside your lands. I dare to hope this meeting is not without importance."
Valeria nodded, a joyless smile stretching her lips. "These are troubled times, Matron Isolde."
Isolde turned her gaze to Valeria, her blue eyes glinting with a calculating light. "Why did you summon me here, far from the curious ears of the court?"
Valeria nodded, a cold smile forming on her lips. "Because of all the vipers who sit on the council, you are the least venomous in my eyes. As for the location, it is clear that what we must discuss cannot be heard by anyone else."
"The least venomous?" Isolde repeated with a smile. "That is offensive, Matron Valeria. If I understand correctly, I represent no danger to you. Is that right?"
Valeria straightened, correcting her choice of words with a slight smile. "I should clarify, Matron Isolde, that I consider you the most capable of understanding the reason for our meeting. Of course, you remain a viper, but one whose company I enjoy. I recognize your intelligence and cunning. It is precisely for these reasons that I summoned you here."
Isolde smiled, appreciating Valeria's veiled acknowledgment. "So, what does the Matron of the Drakos want from me? If it's an alliance you're seeking, know that House Varyon does not chase after such offers."
Valeria laughed softly. "That is precisely why I chose you. As for my request, I would first like to know your opinion of Lady Mervyln."
Isolde looked thoughtful. "Lady Mervyln is undoubtedly a genius to us all. Her strength is undeniable, but she lacks the presence and charisma necessary to lead our kingdom with a firm hand. Negestat Damaris was cruel, but she maintained order. This new direction... is uncertain."
Valeria crossed her arms, her muscles emphasizing her determination. "And what about Matron Almera?"
Isolde took a deep breath. "Matron Almera is undoubtedly behind all of this. However, the betrayal of Negestat Damaris is undeniable. She did intend to eradicate the council and foment a war against the Empire of Xers. If Matron Almera and Lady Mervyln had not stopped Negestat, our Ayeros would have been shaken. What do I think of Matron Almera? A viper. But as you said, Matron Almera, the council is a nest of snakes, each seeking to benefit from the chaos."
Valeria stepped forward, her expression hardening. "So, House Varyon has decided to remain neutral?"
Isolde inclined her head slightly. "Neutrality is a prudent stance in such tumultuous times, Matron Valeria. We observe, we evaluate, but we do not commit our resources without a guarantee of certain benefit."
Valeria nodded slowly, seeming to appreciate her counterpart's caution. "Good. A wise decision, as expected from you, Matron Isolde."
Isolde raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What are you scheming, Matron Valeria?"
Valeria stopped in front of Isolde. "I want you to monitor Matron Almera's every move from now on. Also..." She paused before continuing. "I want to entrust my house to you."
A tense silence settled, punctuated only by the gentle splashing of the fountain.
Valeria let the silence stretch for a moment, measuring the effect of her words on Isolde. Then, in a low, serious voice, she continued.
"I do not speak lightly, Matron Isolde. The winds of change are blowing over Ayeros, and I fear the coming storm will not be kind. My house needs a firm hand and a sharp mind to navigate these troubled waters. My eldest daughter is not yet ready to bear such a burden. She will need a guide."
Isolde, though surprised, showed no outward sign.
Valeria moved closer, her gaze fixed on Isolde. "You would gain the unconditional support of my house, as well as access to all its resources."
"And what would become of you, Matron Valeria?" Isolde finally asked.
"I must undertake a long journey," Valeria replied, her voice lowering almost to a whisper. "A journey from which I am not certain I will return. But it is necessary for the survival of this kingdom."
Isolde remained silent for a moment. Finally, she responded in a measured tone.
"Before any consideration, Matron Valeria, I must know... what is this journey that calls you away from your lands?"
Valeria took a deep breath before answering. "I intend to free Damaris Zahad. The one and only queen capable of ruling Ayeros in these times."
A shiver ran through the room.