The following days passed in a flurry of preparations. Kael found himself watching Eiran more closely than he liked, trying to understand the enigmatic mage. Eiran spent most of his time in the castle's library, poring over ancient tomes and studying magical relics Kael didn't even know his family had.
But something felt off. Kael's advisors had begun to ask questions about the mage, and rumors about his true intentions spread through the castle like wildfire.
One evening, as Kael walked through the gardens to clear his mind, he found Captain Thorne waiting for him.
"Sire," Thorne began, his tone cautious. "There's something you should know. I've been investigating this Eiran. No one knows much about him, not even in the Mage Council."
Kael frowned. "What are you saying?"
"There are rumors, sire," Thorne continued. "That he's not who he claims to be. Some say he's a rogue mage, exiled from the Council. Others whisper that he's a spy, sent from Vorthal."
Kael's gut twisted. Could it be true? Could Eiran be lying to him?"I'll handle it," Kael said finally. "But keep your guard up."
Thorne bowed and left, leaving Kael alone with his thoughts. Could Eiran really be a spy? And if he was, how much danger had Kael put himself in by trusting him?
He would have to confront the mage soon. But first, he needed to know more.