Ithy - Shadows of Eberus

Chapter 01

"I'll know the truth, and it will set you free!"

What's truth and what's a lie? We seek a reason to live and believe in it with all our might. This is the story of a girl who changed the course of the universe by seeking her reason, her purpose, and her truth.

In the middle of the dark forest below the frozen Northern mountains stood the Sarley family mansion.

In the living room warmed by a stone fireplace, two men sat in armchairs, facing each other. The maid served them a glass of wine and left the room, leaving them alone.

"Mr. Hannibal, I give you my word that this information is reliable," asserted the middle-aged man in a brown suit, with a prominent nose above his gray mustache.

Hannibal, a broad-shouldered man in a navy blue suit with contrasting blue eyes and white hair, took a sip of his drink before placing the glass on the golden, round table next to his black-upholstered armchair.

"And I believe you're here so I owe you a favor for this information," Hannibal concluded.

"Don't get me wrong; you know that being under the protection of the Sarleys would let me sleep much more soundly, especially as we're expanding our business to the north."

Hannibal laughed mockingly before saying, "Sarleys' family enjoys considerable prestige here in the North and has the trust of the king of Val'Ria."

Hannibal seemed about to say something, but he gave up as the man continued.

"I know you have connections with the shady guild called..." he leaned towards Hannibal, whispering the last word, "Zuritas."

Hannibal scoffed before saying, "Zuritas? I never thought you were a man who believed in stories, Guilhermo."

"You can laugh if you want, but I know these are not just stories," asserted Guilhermo, leaning back in his armchair.

"Please, you should fear more the rumors coming from the East. I heard that Eberus is marching on the Sar'Lava desert."

"I've heard those rumors too. I talked to Uric Merlâni and Willian Wollmeister."

"I've told you not to get involved with the Wollmeisters; it's not wise."

"I don't understand your grudge against them because let me tell you, his father has been helping me a lot with Carcovick's matters, especially if the rumors are true... You know that the nearest country to the Caria forest is Pélor, our neighbor."

"I know..."

"Carcóvi will surely be called to help, and a war in the current Grand Master's situation would be an unprecedented crisis." Guilhermo lowered his head and savored the wine in his glass for a moment.

"Don't worry about the future. I will verify the information you gave me, and rest assured, I will put your business under my approval."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes," said Hannibal, standing up.

Guilhermo stood up and followed his host, who led him to a double door made of pine.

"We have to find out what that man is plotting."

"It certainly doesn't seem like something good," said Guilhermo, grabbing his overcoat hanging on a rack with his top hat. "Goodbye, my friend, and I await your approval."

"I'll send it by the end of the week."

"Thank you, and goodbye."

Hannibal watched him put on his hat and leave on the snow-covered road to his carriage, finally leaving the property.