Chapter 27: Under the Shadow of Power
The atmosphere on the battlefield slowly calmed down after the Ferelden army retreated. Eric stood amidst his soldiers, looking at the Marquis of Ferelden who seemed unfazed by the defeat of his army. Although his body looked tired, his mind was working quickly to plan his next move.
After a brief meeting with Ferelden, Eric gathered the elders and Duke Alaric to discuss their next move. They all sat in a dark meeting room, lit only by the flickering light of lanterns. A tense atmosphere hung over the room.
Duke Alaric began, his voice heavy. "We managed to drive back the Ferelden forces, but their threat still exists. There's no way they'll just give up like that. Marquis Ferelden knows exactly how to manipulate a situation."
The First Elder, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up. "We must not only focus on Ferelden. There is another force driving this army. We must find out who is behind it."
Eric nodded, his heart filled with an undefined sense of anxiety. "I agree. If Ferelden is not working alone, then we are facing a much greater threat than we can imagine. I will lead further investigations."
Lady Seraphina, who was sitting beside Duke Alaric, added softly, "We must be careful, Eric. If there is a great power behind this, we could end up caught in a wider war."
Leon, who had been quiet from the start, voiced his objections. "We can't just sit back and do nothing. The Everia family won't be able to survive if we just defend. We have to move now, use our strength to take over."
Eric shot Leon a sharp look, but he didn't reply. His mind was focused on what they had just discovered. "If we are to survive, we must learn more about who drives Ferelden. This war is not just about physical strength—we need more information."
The Seventh Elder, who had been observing, finally spoke in a calm voice. "Investigation is important, but we must not get too caught up in chasing shadows. Make sure we stay focused on our main goal. Power often comes at a very high price."
Eric thought for a moment, then decided. "I will head to the Ferelden region and get information straight from the source. We need to know more about who wants power over the Everia family, and what they plan to do."
Duke Alaric looked at Eric with a thoughtful look. "Be careful, Eric. If we make a wrong move, we could make things worse."
With that decision, Eric prepared himself for a perilous journey to the Ferelden region. As he stepped out of the meeting room, he felt a cold wind that brought signs of a great storm. This journey was not only about finding answers but also about safeguarding the future of the Everia family.
Every step Eric takes will determine whether this family will survive or fall into a war beyond their control.
---
The next morning, Eric led a small team to begin their journey to the Ferelden region. He brought along a few personal guards and the Seventh Elder who insisted on coming along. The Seventh Elder was one of the few people Eric could trust completely, with his experience in dealing with difficult situations and his calmness in making decisions.
They left Everia's fortress before dawn, accompanied by cold air and gray clouds hanging in the sky. During the journey, the atmosphere among the group was calm, even though they knew that many eyes might be watching them from the shadows.
After traveling for several hours, the Seventh Elder spoke up. "Eric, I want you to know that this journey is not just about finding answers. It will also be a test for yourself."
Eric turned to him with a frown. "What do you mean, Elder?"
"The Marquis of Ferelden is a cunning and treacherous man. If you wish to obtain information from him, you must be prepared for his tactics. And more than that, you must know when to trust and when to doubt every word he says," the Seventh Elder replied in a serious tone.
Eric nodded slowly, understanding what the Seventh Elder meant. This journey was not just about strength, but also about cunning and caution. The Marquis of Ferelden was not an easy man to deal with, especially with his great ambition.
As they approached the borders of Ferelden, Eric stopped his group in a small valley. He instructed his guards to set up a temporary camp while he and the Seventh Elder discussed their strategy.
"We can't just go in and demand answers," Eric said. "Ferelden must have prepared for our arrival. We need to have a backup plan."
The Seventh Elder nodded in agreement. "I agree. We should make him think that we came with good intentions, but at the same time, we should be prepared if he tries anything."
Eric looked at the map one of his guards had brought, assessing strategic locations they could use if the situation escalated to confrontation. "We will be meeting Ferelden directly, but I want our guards to remain in position ready to act. If anything suspicious is seen, I want them to act immediately."
The Seventh Elder smiled faintly. "A wise plan. But remember, Eric, the Everia family's strength lies not only in swords and magic. Words can also be a very deadly weapon."
After they had made their plans, Eric gave the order to continue the journey. His heart was still filled with doubt, but he knew that there was no other way than to face the Marquis of Ferelden. This journey would be the first step in uncovering the truth behind the attack—and perhaps, the first step in unlocking the great secret hidden within the kingdom.
As they crossed the border into Ferelden, the sun slowly emerged from behind the clouds, shining a golden light that seemed to signal that there was still hope, even though the road ahead was fraught with danger.
---
It was midday when Eric's small party finally arrived in the realm of Ferelden. The scenery along the way had changed drastically—from peaceful green fields to much bleaker terrain. The peasants they encountered in the small villages looked nervous as if they were living under constant threat. Eric could see clear signs of the Marquis of Ferelden's power—heavily armed patrols stood guard around the villages, radiating intimidation to any who dared to oppose them.
As he approached the palace of Marquis Ferelden, Eric ordered his troops to pause to reorganize their ranks. The Seventh Elder carefully examined the surroundings, noting any details that could give clues to the Marquis of Ferelden's hidden intentions.
"This place is filled with spies," the Seventh Elder muttered flatly. "They must have known we were coming since we crossed the first border."
Eric nodded. "That just reinforces my belief that he's been preparing for this. We have to stay alert, no matter what."
They continued their journey until they finally arrived at the main gate of the Marquis Ferelden palace. The large gate was guarded by heavily armed soldiers with cold expressions. One of them stepped forward and examined Eric's group with a sharp gaze.
"What is your need for coming to Marquis Ferelden's territory?" asked the guard in a stiff tone.
Eric stepped forward, displaying the Everia family crest hanging from his belt. "I am Eric Valentinus Everia, the son and heir of Duke Everia. I have come on behalf of our family to meet with the Marquis of Ferelden, to discuss the reasons for sending troops to our borders."
The guard hesitated for a moment, but eventually nodded and motioned for his subordinate to open the gate. "The Marquis of Ferelden has been waiting for you. He is in the main hall."
As Eric and his entourage stepped inside, they immediately felt the eerie atmosphere within the palace. The long corridors they walked through were lined with paintings of the Belveran family, depicting their long history as rulers of the Ferelden realm. However, what caught Eric's attention was not the lavish decorations, but the coldness that enveloped the place—as if every wall had eyes watching them.
Finally, they arrived at the main hall, where Marquis Ferelden sat on a throne decorated with intricate carvings. He was tall and imposing, with gray hair that added to the impression of authority. A faint smile graced his face as he looked at Eric.
"Ah, Eric Valentinus Everia," he said in a fake friendly tone. "I've heard a lot about you. Finally, we get to meet."
Eric returned the gesture with a slight bow as a sign of respect, though his gaze remained wary. "Marquis Ferelden, I have come to seek an explanation for your actions. Why are your troops moving so close to our territory? Does this mean you intend to start a conflict?"
Marquis Ferelden chuckled, but his laugh held no warmth. "Of course not, Young Master Everia. I am merely exercising my right as a Marquis to ensure that the lands around me are safe. You understand, don't you? In these uncertain times, every leader must be careful."
The Seventh Elder standing behind Eric took a step forward. "Be careful, or show force? Bringing a thousand troops is not a cautious move, Marquis. It is a provocation."
Marquis Ferelden's smile faded slightly, but he quickly replaced it with a calm expression. "I have no intention of provoking anyone. However, I have heard news of something the Everia family discovered in the Ruins of Lumina. Something that, if I am not mistaken, could affect the balance of power in the kingdom."
Eric narrowed his eyes, realizing that Ferelden might have gotten information about the Sword of Everia. "Whatever our family discovered, it has nothing to do with your territory, Marquis. We never involve outsiders in our affairs."
Marquis Ferelden stood from his throne, walking slowly towards Eric with his hands behind his back. "Maybe not now. But do you think that finding such an artifact wouldn't attract attention? This world is full of those who would do anything to gain more power, Eric."
Eric remained silent, but his mind was racing. Ferelden knew too much, and that meant there was a spy within his own family. But who? And how deep had this information reached the Marquis?
"Very well," Ferelden finally said, sitting back down. "You came here for an explanation, and I have given you one. I only wanted to make sure that what happened in the Ruins of Lumina would not pose a threat to other lands. However, if you insist that this has nothing to do with us, then I will withdraw my forces."
His words seemed sincere, but Eric knew better than to take the Marquis of Ferelden at face value. "I expect you to keep your word, Marquis. For if your troops remain near our borders, I will consider it a direct threat, and the Everia family will not stand idly by."
Ferelden smiled, but this time it was a smile filled with hidden meaning. "Of course. We all just want to keep the peace, right?"
But for Eric, peace is just a cover for an undeclared war.
---
Eric stared at Marquis Ferelden sharply. His words may have sounded soothing, but his attitude was like a snake waiting to strike. Marquis Ferelden was not a man who would give up easily, and Eric knew very well that this was only the beginning of a greater conflict.
The tension in the hall was almost palpable to everyone. The Seventh Elder stood still, but his eyes were watching every little movement of the Marquis's guards. Even their breathing sounded suspicious.
Eric finally bowed lightly, trying to cover up the obvious disbelief clouding his thoughts. "Very well, Marquis. If this is merely a matter of caution, I will take your word for it. However, I will make sure that the Everia family does not get caught up in anyone's plans."
Marquis Ferelden grinned slightly. "Of course. I appreciate your courage to come directly to my territory, Young Master Everia. It shows that the Everia family is not afraid to face anyone."
Eric ignored the empty compliment and nodded. "We will return to our territory soon. I hope your troops will be withdrawn as promised."
"Of course," Ferelden replied, his voice sly. "Farewell, Eric Valentinus Everia. Until we meet again."
Eric motioned for his entourage to leave, but he felt Ferelden's sharp gaze piercing his back. He knew this wasn't over.
---
Outside the palace, Eric led the group back to their campsite, which was located near the border of Ferelden. As soon as they arrived, the Seventh Elder immediately began his discussion.
"You know he's lying, right?" the Seventh Elder said flatly. "He won't withdraw his troops. Instead, he's probably preparing his next move."
Eric sat on the chair with a serious expression. "I know. He won't let go of the opportunity to weaken the Everia family. But we can't act rashly. We need evidence to uncover his plan."
The Seventh Elder nodded. "I will send scouts to monitor the movements of the Ferelden army. If they move near the border, we will know immediately."
Eric stared out at the darkening horizon. He knew time was not on his side. The Marquis of Ferelden was clearly after something—whether it was the artifacts from the Ruins of Lumina or the destruction of Everia's own family. And at the same time, Eric had to make sure his family was ready to face this threat.
"Make sure the scouts are careful," Eric ordered. "I don't want them caught. If Ferelden knows we're monitoring his movements, he'll use it against us."
The Seventh Elder bowed lightly before leaving, leaving Eric to his thoughts. In his heart, Eric knew that this battle would not only be decided by strength but also by cunning. And to face an enemy like Ferelden, he had to be one step ahead.
---
At night, Eric summons an elite force led by another Everia family elder—the Fifth Elder, a strategist known for his sharp analytical skills. The Fifth Elder is a quieter figure, but in a situation like this, his presence is indispensable.
"The Marquis of Ferelden is a cunning enemy," Eric said as the Fifth Elder sat across from him. "I need your plan to ensure that we can defeat him without starting an open war."
The Fifth Elder nodded slowly. "He wouldn't make a move without a reason. I'm sure there's something he's after, something he thinks he can use to weaken the Everia family. If we can find out what it is before he makes a move, we can turn the situation around."
Eric pondered for a moment before nodding. "We need to find out soon. Use all the information networks we have. I will also contact the other elders in our family's territory. If Ferelden makes a move, we need to be ready."
"And what about the elders who are not so inclined to side with you?" the Fifth Elder asked in a cautious tone.
Eric stared intently at the Fifth Elder. "If they choose not to help, then I will face them myself. But I am sure that once they see what I have discovered in the Ruins of Lumina, they will have no reason to doubt my strength anymore."
The conversation ended with a well-thought-out plan. The Fifth Elder immediately went to set up the intelligence network, while Eric stayed awake late into the night, thinking about his next move. He knew that this was just the beginning of a turf war that would involve many parties. If he did not move carefully, the Everia family could lose everything.
But beneath all that, there was a nagging feeling in his heart—as if something much bigger was waiting.
End of Chapter