Kade sat slumped in the oversized chair at the head of the war chamber, staring at the glowing map on the table. The flickering points of enemy movement mocked him, as if the universe itself knew he had no idea what he was doing. To make matters worse, the pale servant, Vask, was standing by the door, waiting with his usual unnervingly calm demeanor.
'My lord,'
Vask said, his voice smooth.
'Your commanders are ready to meet with you. Shall I summon them?'
Kade's stomach churned. He had been dreading this moment ever since Vask had mentioned "commanders." These people knew Kaedus—or at least the terrifying overlord he used to be. There was no way they wouldn't figure out he was a fraud.
'I have a new rule,'
Kade said abruptly, sitting up straighter.
Vask raised a pale eyebrow, but said nothing.
'Whenever someone enters this room, they must announce their name loudly. A… test of loyalty,'
Kade said, nodding to himself.
Vask inclined his head.
'A brilliant decree, my lord. I shall inform them.'
Kade leaned back, crossing his arms in what he hoped looked like confidence.
"I am brilliant. A test of loyalty? Genius. Now I'll know who's who, and they'll think it's my idea of discipline. I should patent this."
Vask disappeared through the doors, leaving Kade to stew in his anxiety. Minutes later, the doors creaked open, and a loud, commanding voice echoed into the room.
'Vala Steelstride here, my lord!'
Kade's breath hitched as the first figure strode in. She was tall and powerful, clad in gleaming black armor that looked like it had been crafted from midnight. Across her back was a massive axe etched with glowing runes that pulsed faintly with each step she took. Her piercing blue eyes locked onto him, and her every movement radiated confidence and precision.
"Well, hello, Miss Doom in Shiny Armor. Did you come here to command armies or break continents in half?"
She stopped in front of the table, giving him a sharp bow.
'Your battle commander stands ready, my lord. What are your orders?'
Kade nodded slowly, keeping his face neutral.
'Good to see you, Vala,'
he said, his voice steady.
'I trust you've been… as reliable as ever.'
Before Vala could respond, the doors opened again, and another voice rang out.
'Rynor Emberfall here, my lord.'
The second figure entered, sweeping into the room with a dramatic flourish of his black robes. His pale face was as angular as a blade, and his ember-orange eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. A staff crackling with fire rested in his hand, and the scent of smoke followed him as he approached the table.
"And here comes Mr. Theater. Does he light himself on fire for fun or is that just part of his whole 'dark wizard' aesthetic?"
Rynor gave a deep bow, his movements slow and deliberate.
'Your arcane advisor, my lord,'
he said, his voice rich with smugness.
'The magical defenses are in place, as always. Do you wish to discuss their… refinements?'
Kade nodded, hoping he looked commanding.
'Excellent work, Rynor. We'll… revisit the details shortly.'
As Rynor stepped to the side, a booming voice echoed from the doorway.
'Brug here, my lord!'
The ground trembled slightly as the third figure stomped into the room. He was enormous, with gray, rock-like skin and glowing red eyes that radiated excitement. His massive fists were clenched at his sides, and his jagged teeth gleamed in a wide grin.
'Brug is strongest!'
the ogre bellowed.
'Ready to smash whatever you want!'
Kade blinked, struggling to process the sheer size of the creature.
"Is he even real? He looks like he was chiseled out of a mountain and then fed a steady diet of boulders."
'Your strength is appreciated, Brug,'
Kade said quickly.
'Stay ready.'
'Brug always ready!'
the ogre rumbled, pounding a fist into his chest.
The doors opened again, and a smooth, confident voice called out.
'Selyna Nightshade here, my lord.'
A woman strode into the room, her movements fluid and graceful. She wore dark leather armor that seemed to meld with the shadows, and her long black hair was tied back in a sleek braid. Her sharp green eyes glittered as she approached the table, giving him a playful smirk.
"Oh great, a rogue. Probably here to stab me if I say the wrong thing. Or flirt. I'm not sure which is worse."
She gave a small bow, more of a gesture than an actual display of respect.
'Your spymaster, my lord. Information flows like a river under my guidance. You have only to ask, and I shall provide.'
Kade nodded, forcing a smile.
'Good. Keep up the… excellent work, Selyna.'
She stepped back, still smirking, as another voice filled the room.
'Thadric Ironshield here, my lord.'
A hulking figure entered, clad in heavy steel armor that clinked with every step. His short-cropped hair was streaked with gray, and his broad shoulders gave him the appearance of a walking fortress. A massive shield rested on his back, and his stern eyes studied Kade with quiet intensity.
"Is that a shield or a door? What does he do, block entire buildings?"
'Your defense commander, my lord,'
Thadric said, his deep voice steady.
'I am prepared to hold the line as always.'
'Good to have you here, Thadric,'
Kade said, nodding firmly.
'I trust you'll continue to ensure our defenses are impenetrable.'
The final voice rang out, sharp and musical.
'Elvara Stormsong here, my lord.'
A lithe woman entered, her long silver hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore flowing robes that seemed to shimmer with faint electricity, and her silver eyes sparkled like a stormy sky. A staff tipped with a glowing crystal rested in her hand.
"Great. Lightning lady. Can't wait to find out if she electrocutes people for fun or just when she's mad."
She bowed gracefully.
'Your stormcaller, my lord. Shall I bring the skies to bear on our enemies?'
Kade nodded, trying to keep his expression neutral.
'Not yet, Elvara. But stay prepared.'
With all six commanders standing before him, Kade felt the weight of their collective gaze pressing down on him. Each of them exuded power and loyalty, but their intensity made it hard to breathe.
'You've all done well,'
he said finally, his voice steadying.
'Continue monitoring the enemy. I'll call for you when we're ready to act.'
The commanders bowed in unison, then exited the room one by one. As the doors closed behind them, Kade let out a long breath, slumping back into his chair.
"That went… okay. They didn't question anything. Maybe I can actually pull this off."
He stared at the glowing map, the enemy movements still shifting.
"Okay, next step: figure out what a Dark Lord actually does. No pressure."