The Frostians

Chapter 56

Chapter 56: The Fall of General Vanis

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the kingdom of Overland. In the heart of the Frostian stronghold, the mood was tense. Kristian, Alysandra, Kaldor, and Mimir had been making steady progress, rallying their allies and preparing to confront King Vorja when the time was right. But they hadn't expected Vorja to act so soon, or with such brutality.

Vorja, cloaked in darkness and driven by a consuming hatred, had returned to Overland under the cover of night. His mind had been set on one thing—removing Kristian from his path, no matter the cost. But before he could strike at Kristian directly, he knew he needed to eliminate those who stood in his way, and at the top of that list was General Vanis.

The general had always been a stalwart figure in the kingdom, a man of integrity and strength. He had watched over Kristian and Alysandra as if they were his own, and his loyalty to the Frostian legacy was unquestionable. Vorja knew that if Vanis continued to stand by Kristian's side, rallying the Frostian army, his plan to overthrow the rightful ruler would crumble before it even began.

Vorja made his way to the general’s quarters, his steps silent but filled with purpose. He entered without knocking, his presence heavy with malice. General Vanis, standing by a map table, looked up, surprised to see the king arrive unannounced.

"Your Majesty," Vanis greeted, though there was a noticeable tension in his voice. He had heard the rumors, whispers of Vorja's growing discontent, but he hadn't expected the king to confront him so boldly. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Vorja’s eyes were cold, a dark glint flashing in them as he took a step closer. "I’ve come to speak to you about Kristian."

Vanis frowned, already sensing the malice behind Vorja’s words. "What about him?"

"I want you to kill him," Vorja said simply, his voice devoid of emotion, as if he were asking the general to carry out a routine task.

General Vanis stiffened, the shock of the demand hitting him like a wave. He took a step back, staring at Vorja in disbelief. "What? You want me to kill Kristian? Your own vice general, the hero of Overland?"

Vorja's lips curled into a sneer. "He is a threat to my reign. He carries the Crystal of Leadership, and as long as he holds it, the people will never truly see me as their king. But you, General Vanis, you could end this. You could end him and solidify your loyalty to your true king."

Vanis’ expression hardened. "No."

Vorja blinked, clearly not expecting such a firm and immediate rejection. "Excuse me?"

"I said no," Vanis repeated, standing tall. "I will not betray Kristian. I will not betray the Frostian legacy. If you think I would ever raise a hand against him, then you don’t know me at all, Vorja."

For a moment, there was silence. The two men stood locked in a tense standoff, the air between them crackling with unspoken threats. Vorja's face twisted in anger, his hand gripping the hilt of the sword at his side.

"You are a fool, Vanis," Vorja spat. "Do you think you can defy me? I am the King of Overland! You will obey me, or you will suffer the consequences."

Vanis squared his shoulders, his voice resolute. "If you strike me down, Vorja, you will only prove to everyone that you are no king—just a coward who hides behind murder and deceit."

Vorja's face contorted with rage, and in a sudden, violent motion, he drew his sword and lunged at Vanis. The blade struck true, piercing the general’s chest. Vanis gasped, his eyes wide with shock and pain, as blood began to pour from the wound.