Upon returning to the capital, Shadow and Alaric were summoned to a private audience with Queen Elira. Known for her wisdom and compassion, the queen had been a stabilizing force in the kingdom, though her influence often clashed with the king's ambitions.
"Sir Shadow, Sir Alaric," the queen began, her voice calm but urgent, "the victory at Greystone was commendable. But darker threats loom over the kingdom—threats I dare not bring to the king's attention."
She revealed that Kael the Reaver had been in league with shadowy forces from beyond the kingdom. These entities, she claimed, sought to undermine the realm from within.
"I need knights I can trust," the queen said, her gaze steady. "Will you stand by me?"
Alaric agreed without hesitation, but Shadow hesitated. The whispers of the blade grew louder in her presence, almost drowning out her words. Still, he nodded, vowing to protect the realm at all costs.
As they left the audience chamber, Shadow couldn't shake the feeling that the queen's secret mission would lead him closer to the truth about the blade—and himself.