The Fifth Dagger

Chapter Sixteen - Each to His Own

The cobbled streets of Volgard were still cloaked in the dim light of dawn as King Seligar and his men arrived back from Yellowville, weary from the long journey but resolute. They moved quickly through the quiet corridors of the castle, finally arriving at the grand throne room where King Tyros waited, his expression hardened with impatience.

Seligar approached the throne, bowing respectfully. "Your Grace, I bring urgent news."

Tyros' gaze sharpened. "You traveled long and far for this news, King Seligar. I'm grateful for your work."

Seligar nodded. "It's my honor and pleasure, Your Grace. What I have learned could shift the fate of Ever-Realm. There is an artifact of great power—a dagger, known as the Fifth Dagger."

Tyros' brow furrowed. "A dagger? Speak plainly, Seligar. You know I have no time for rumors."

"It's no rumor, my king. This Dagger is ancient, born of dark magic and unimaginable power," Seligar said, his voice lowering. "This dagger is part of five daggers forged in secret by the Voidborn, ancient beings of untold power, according to legends. Each dagger was a vessel for an aspect of magic, a primal force that shaped the very fabric of existence. The Daggers were not mere weapons but keys to the delicate balance that held the world together—gifts and curses, their power immeasurable, their legacy eternal."

"You believe these legends and myths, King Seligar?" Tyron barked.

"A sorcerer friend of mine from Dartmoor revealed to me this information— the Fifth Dagger is a relic from the dawn of our world, capable of granting its wielder mastery over life, death, and even the will of others. He said it has surfaced again, and Meliah is hunting it down," Seligar continued.

At the mention of Meliah, Tyros' interest was piqued, his posture shifting. "So, Adron seeks to add this weapon to his arsenal? And you learned all of this from... your friend, a sorcerer?"

"Yes, a man whose counsel I trust. He informed me that Meliah has also caught wind of the Vorrak—ten black riders with infernal steeds under the command of one who is called the Black Knight Marakus. They serve under Mizpah, the Dark Lord himself who rules Dartmoor. They're not men, my king, but monstrous beasts bred for slaughter. These Vorrak have begun terrorizing the borders of Meliah, and King Adron knows of their presence."

Tyros leaned back, considering this. "You're suggesting that Meliah, our rival, has become vulnerable?"

"More than that, Your Grace," Seligar said, his voice steady. "Meliah and Aeneah have worked together and assembled a search council to locate the Fifth Dagger. King Adron knows that his kingdom won't survive the Vorrak without it. The council is led by none other than Lord Malreth, one of King Adron's closest advisors. Prince Roderic of Aeneah is with him."

Tyros' mouth twitched into a grim smile. "So, Meliah is not only struggling to defend itself but fears this threat enough to chase after fabled relics. They're more desperate than I thought."

"Indeed, my king. This is our chance—not only to match their search but to surpass it. If we secure the Dagger first, we'll have a weapon to rival Mizpah's Vorrak and break Meliah's defenses once and for all. We can wield this power, not only to conquer Meliah but to establish Volgard as the supreme kingdom in Ever-Realm."

The weight of Seligar's words hung in the air, and Tyros' eyes gleamed with an intensity that surpassed ambition—it was the look of a king tasting the possibility of absolute dominion. He rose from his throne, descending the steps toward Seligar.

"You say this Dagger holds the power of life and death, the power to control," Tyros murmured, his voice low. "With such a weapon, I would be more than a king. Ever-Realm would fall beneath Volgard, and none could challenge us."