A general born to rule

The end of the slaves

As Marcus returned to his quarters, he paused at the doorway, surprised to see Nyzora standing within his room. Empress Valdrianna and Queen Elandra were on either side of her, their postures relaxed, though they watched Marcus's expression carefully. His gaze shifted from Nyzora to the two queens, his eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.

"Nyzora," he said, crossing his arms, "to what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

Nyzora's lips parted, but before she could speak, Valdrianna stepped in with a slight smile. "She's been waiting to see you for a while, Marcus," she explained. "We thought it might be...worth helping her understand what it takes to stand by your side."

Marcus raised an eyebrow, casting a glance at Nyzora, who looked more determined than ever. She squared her shoulders, meeting his gaze. "I'm here because I believe in what you're doing, Marcus. I want to offer my own strength to support your cause, and I've waited long enough. I want to help free this empire from the stain of the slave trade."

Elandra nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Nyzora might bring something different to Valorcrest. It's clear she's willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means facing the same challenges we've overcome."

Marcus considered their words, recognizing the determination in Nyzora's eyes. He sighed, his expression softening slightly. "You're persistent, I'll give you that," he replied. "If you're truly willing to stand with us, there are no half-measures here. Valorcrest is committed, and it's a fight that requires everyone's all."

Nyzora nodded, her resolve evident. "I wouldn't have come if I wasn't ready, Marcus."

Valdrianna smirked, satisfied with the exchange. "Well, it looks like you have one more powerful ally," she said, giving Nyzora an approving nod. "Welcome to the cause."

Meanwhile, across the empire, the slave traders had taken a different approach to regain power. Realizing their control was slipping, they started training their slaves as mercenaries and enforcing blood pacts. Each slave was bound by dark magic to their buyer, forced to obey and bound to remain loyal-an attempt to create soldiers from those they'd once kept powerless. With these new "blood-bound mercenaries," the slave traders started to rise again, striking deals with clients willing to pay for both combat prowess and obedience.

One of the highest-ranking slave traders, a notorious figure known for his ruthless deals, was on the verge of securing a substantial transaction. He was moments away from closing a sale, when the buyer-seemingly an unassuming, cloaked figure-revealed his true identity. Under the cover of shadows, the buyer flashed a symbol that only those within Valorcrest's intelligence network, the Silent Eye, would recognize.

In a single silent motion, the agent signaled for the operation to begin. Outside, Valorcrest's elite units and police forces from Reynolds' empire had surrounded the building, sealing all exits. As the Silent Eye agent drew his blade, several other agents closed in, their movements swift and precise. Within moments, the notorious slave trader found himself under heavy guard, shackled and restrained, with no path of escape.

One of the police officers approached the imprisoned slaves, freeing them from their chains and magical bindings. The slaves looked around in shock, some too afraid to believe what was happening, but as they saw the armed units taking down their captors, their fear shifted to hope.

As the operation drew to a close, one of the Silent Eye commanders updated Marcus over the communication crystal. "Operation successful. The target is in custody, and the slaves have been freed. We're setting up traps at all known hideouts-no trader is getting away this time."

Marcus smiled grimly upon hearing the news, glancing at Nyzora, Valdrianna, and Elandra, who had all listened. "This is just the beginning," he said. "With allies like you and the Silent Eye in place, we'll end this trade once and for all."