The whisper lingered in Kade's mind long after it had faded, gnawing at his nerves. He had no illusions about the nature of his situation. The stakes were rising, and the castle itself seemed to breathe unease.
"Just another day in the life of a not-so-evil overlord,"
he thought, pacing the war chamber as the morning light struggled to pierce the heavy clouds overhead.
Vask entered, his crimson eyes calm yet observant. He carried another bundle of reports, their weight reflected in his measured steps.
'My lord,'
he began.
'The scouts returned from the western borders. Verath's forces have withdrawn, but their movements suggest they are regrouping for another assault.'
Kade stopped mid-step, turning to face him.
'Regrouping? That's not exactly comforting.'
'It's not meant to be,'
Vask replied, placing the reports on the table.
