Chapter 17 Bonds of Blood
The radiant light from the ritual faded, leaving behind a warm glow in the air. Elias stood breathless, feeling the energy of the bond solidify between him and Riven. The silent night surrounded them, the crackling of the dying candles the only sound breaking the stillness.
Riven straightened, his demeanor shifting from uncertainty to confidence as he regarded Elias. "I can feel it—the connection we share. This isn't just servitude; it's a partnership."
Elias nodded, relief washing over him. "Yes, it's about trust and mutual respect. I want us to work together, not just have you follow my orders."
Riven's expression softened, a flicker of appreciation lighting his eyes. "Then let's start building that respect. I know a few things about leading forces that can help us both."
"Good," Elias replied, eager to learn. "Your experience will guide me. Just so you know, the undead are completely under my control and cannot disobey my commands. It's expected, considering how rare summoning magic is, especially of any kind."
Riven regarded him with a mixture of skepticism and pity. "Elias, do you plan on relying solely on your summons permanently? They may be bound to you, but loyalty without understanding means nothing. This is an important lesson for you to learn."
Elias frowned, the weight of Riven's words sinking in. "But they follow my commands without question. Isn't that enough?"
"Not in the long run," Riven replied, his tone firm. "If you depend only on your undead, you'll always be limited. They lack the capacity for independent thought or growth. True loyalty comes from personal connections, from leading by example and earning respect."
Instead of preparing for combat, they focused on understanding one another better. Riven began sharing stories from his past as a bandit—tales of loyalty and betrayal among his former allies. Elias listened intently, eager to absorb Riven's wisdom.
"Respect is everything in this world," Riven said one evening. "If your men see you as weak, they won't follow you. They'll leave you for dead. You've got to forge bonds that go beyond control."
Elias nodded, contemplating Riven's words. "But I'm not even allowed to take on combat quests yet. I'm not at that rank."
"True," Riven said, a thoughtful expression on his face. "But that doesn't mean you can't prepare for the future. Every leader must build a foundation, and that starts now."
As they spoke, Elias began to appreciate the depth of Riven's insights. It wasn't just about commanding the undead; it was about learning to lead them, too. He needed Riven's guidance to navigate the complex world of alliances and power struggles.
"One day, I'll need to show others that I can lead effectively," Elias said, determination in his voice. "When I reach a higher rank, I'll need my undead to follow me into dangerous situations."
Riven met his gaze, a newfound respect evident in his eyes. "And that day will come. But first, you must earn their respect. They need to see you as a leader, not just a master."
With Riven at his side, Elias felt a sense of purpose ignite within him. He would forge a path leading to power and loyalty—not just from the undead, but from Riven as well.
As they continued to plan, Elias sensed that this partnership was the beginning of something significant. The bond they had formed in the ritual was just the first step in a much larger journey—one that would demand growth, strength, and the courage to embrace the shadows.