The council chamber hummed with tension. The carved stone walls of Ashenhold, etched with murals of its glorious past, seemed at odds with the faint glow of holographic displays hovering along its perimeter. Seated at the head of the table was King Marko, his broad shoulders still radiating authority despite his evident fatigue. To his left stood Cassius, observing silently, while Master Elric leaned casually against a pillar, his ever-watchful gaze fixed on the proceedings.
Across from them, the Wasteland emissaries presented an imposing sight. Their leader, Korvek, a tall and scarred figure, wore patchwork armor adorned with salvaged technology that blinked faintly with intermittent lights. His warriors stood behind him, their eyes scanning the room as though expecting treachery. On the table between them rested the relic—a glowing sphere pulsing with a strange, rhythmic energy.
---
Korvek (gruffly):
"King Marko, our offer is simple. Provide us with food and water, and we will cease our raids on your borders."
The room murmured, the Ashenhold council exchanging uneasy glances.
King Marko (coldly):
"You call them raids, but they are thefts. Your people have plundered our farms, killed our sentries, and left my people in fear. Now you come here asking for supplies as though you've done us a favor?"
Korvek leaned forward, his jaw tightening.
Korvek:
"We take because we must, Marko. You sit behind these walls while we scrape by on barren soil. Do not think for a moment that your kingdom has suffered more than mine."
Cassius noticed the slight tremble in his father's hand as it gripped the armrest. The strain of years of conflict weighed heavily on him. Before King Marko could respond, Korvek gestured to the relic.
Korvek:
"But we have something to offer in return. This relic—we unearthed it in the depths of our lands. It is unlike anything we've seen. Your scholars could unlock its secrets, perhaps even restore Genesis to what it once was."
All eyes turned to the glowing sphere. Its rhythmic pulsations seemed almost hypnotic. Cassius, his curiosity piqued, stepped forward.
Cassius:
"May I?"
Korvek hesitated, then nodded. The room watched in silence as Cassius reached for the relic. The moment his fingers brushed its surface, a faint hum filled the air. Patterns of light rippled across the sphere, then vanished. Gasps echoed through the chamber.
Korvek (in awe):
"It has never done that before."
Cassius withdrew his hand, his mind racing. He turned to his father.
Cassius:
"Father, this relic could be the key to rebuilding our kingdom. Perhaps even Genesis itself."
King Marko (sternly):
"And if it's a trap? If it's useless? We cannot jeopardize our people's survival for a gamble."
The room fell silent. Cassius glanced at Elric, who gave him a barely perceptible nod, urging him to speak. Taking a deep breath, Cassius addressed the room.
Cassius:
"Korvek's people are skilled scavengers and engineers. What if, instead of raiding us, they worked with us? In exchange for food and water, they could provide technology, knowledge of Genesis's ruins, and perhaps even more relics like this one."
A murmur spread through the council, some voices skeptical, others intrigued. Korvek raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair.
Korvek:
"You would trust us after everything? Why?"
Cassius (earnestly):
"Because trust is earned, Korvek. Let this be the first step. Together, we can uncover Genesis's secrets and ensure a future for all our people."
Korvek studied him for a long moment before breaking into a rough chuckle.
Korvek:
"You've got courage, boy. More than most I've met. Perhaps you'll make a better king than your father someday."
Marko's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, watching his son instead. Finally, he spoke, his voice heavy with authority.
King Marko:
"If we agree to this, Cassius, the responsibility will be yours. Are you prepared to lead these negotiations and bear the consequences?"
Cassius met his father's gaze, his voice steady.
Cassius:
"I am, Father."
---
The negotiations stretched late into the night. Terms were debated and refined, but eventually, an agreement was reached: the Wasteland Tribes would provide salvaged technology and assist in uncovering Genesis's lost secrets, while Ashenhold would supply them with food, water, and limited access to its archives.
As the emissaries prepared to leave, Korvek paused by Cassius.
Korvek:
"You're a bold one, young prince. Let's hope that boldness doesn't lead you astray."
Cassius nodded, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on his shoulders.
---
Later that evening, the quiet of the library settled around Cassius as he studied the glowing relic now encased in glass. Elric joined him, pulling up a chair.
Elric:
"You handled yourself well today."
Cassius:
"It felt... different. Like I was stepping into something I'm not ready for."
Elric (smirking):
"You'll never be ready. But you're learning, and that's what matters. Your father sees it, even if he won't say it."
Cassius nodded slowly, his eyes drifting back to the relic.
Cassius (softly):
"What secrets are you hiding?"
A sudden commotion broke the calm as the door swung open. A messenger rushed in, his face pale and breath ragged.
Messenger (urgently):
"Your Highness, we've received grave news. Strange machines have been sighted near the Wastelands. They're destroying everything in their path."
Cassius exchanged a grave look with Elric as the relic's glow flickered faintly, almost as if it were alive—and aware of the looming threat.
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The first three chapters of my book Protocol 1 : The Rise are now available to you all. Please enjoy reading and do let me know any area of improvement.🤗
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