Traverse

Prologue: The Knights

The grand hall echoed with the weight of the emperor's command. His voice rang out, firm and unyielding, as the two knights knelt before him. The atmosphere, tense and solemn, filled the air with unspoken challenges.

"You have proven your loyalty," his Majesty said, his eyes cold and calculating. "And for that, I shall grant you verdict."

The knights rose at his bidding. The younger knight stood tall, his posture perfect, his mind sharp as a blade. His reputation was well-earned: disciplined, intelligent, and eager to prove himself worthy of his place. But beneath the calm exterior, a quiet storm raged within him—anger, envy, and distrust aimed squarely at the older knight beside him.

The elder knight, with his carefree grin and easy demeanor, appeared as the perfect contrast. Where the younger knight was precise and methodical, the older man wore an air of casual indifference—an act he had perfected over the years to disarm those around him. To anyone else, he was a harmless fool. But the younger knight knew better. Behind that smile lay a mind as sharp as his own—and perhaps even more dangerous.

"I shall offer you a quest," his Majesty continued, his voice steady as ever. "The borders of Delmorra County and the Duchy of Limita are tightly controlled, their courts cunning and strict. Secrets lie within their walls—secrets that could unravel our plans. You will infiltrate these castles, uncover their intentions, and report back to me every three days."

The younger knight nodded, though his gaze remained fixed on the elder knight, his suspicion growing. Delmorra County is no simple task, he thought, and neither is the Duchy of Limita. But his Majesty trusts me, and I will prove my worth.

"And which castle do we infiltrate, your Majesty?" the younger knight asked, his voice calm yet laced with the intensity of his thoughts.

His Majesty met his gaze with quiet approval. "You, my most trusted, will take Delmorra County. Their court is strict, their rulers keenly observant. You are the right man for the task—intelligent, methodical, and able to move unseen among them."

The younger knight stiffened, pride rising within him. Yet the pride was tempered by a deep frustration at being assigned to such a difficult task. Delmorra County was a fortress of intelligence, its people as observant as hawks, watching every move and word. But it's a challenge I can conquer, he thought, forcing himself to mask the bitterness creeping up.

His Majesty's gaze shifted to the elder knight. "And you will infiltrate the Duchy of Limita. The people there are strict, bound by old traditions. Their cunning is veiled beneath the guise of nobility, but they will test your adaptability. Only the most skilled can navigate their halls."

The elder knight smiled warmly, his expression one of feigned humility. "Ah, your Majesty, you honor me. I'll do my best, though I imagine I'll be stumbling over more than a few traditions."

The younger knight's clenched fist betrayed his growing frustration. How long will he keep pretending to be a fool? he thought, the bitterness rising again. He's the real threat here. He'll find a way to worm his way through the Duchy of Limita's defenses, just as he always does, while I'm left to face Delmorra County's scrutiny alone.

"You leave at nightfall," his Majesty instructed. "Travel as wandering knights seeking shelter, observe their every move, and learn what secrets they hide. There are two women, figures of importance—find them and gather the information we need. You will report back to me every three days. Remember, blood will be spilled under the third full moon, but until then, you are my ears and my eyes."

Both knights nodded in agreement, though their minds were filled with vastly different thoughts.

As they exited the hall, the elder knight slapped the younger knight on the back with a grin. "Looks like we're off to separate lands, eh? Delmorra County with its clever courts and the Duchy of Limita with its traditions. You'll have no problem with Delmorra County, I'm sure. It suits your... sharp mind."

The younger knight stiffened at the touch, his voice low and controlled. "It's not an adventure. It's a mission. One that requires discipline."

"Oh, of course," the elder knight agreed easily, his grin unshaken. "But you know, I must say, you're so serious all the time. I admire that about you. Perhaps one day I'll learn to be as diligent as you." His voice carried a mocking lightness, though his words were soft enough to sound harmless.

"No wonder m'lord favors you. So steady, so sharp. Always an inspiration."

The words should have sounded complimentary, but the younger knight's lips pressed into a thin line. Always an inspiration? He recognized the subtle undercurrent in the elder's tone—a veiled jest, perhaps, or something deeper. He thinks I don't see through him. But I do.

The younger knight's jaw clenched. He's mocking me again. But that's fine. He can play the fool all he wants. I'll show him just how much I've learned from my time here. He won't be able to hide his true self for long.

The squire appeared with their weapons and armor, and the elder knight examined his sword as if unsure how to wield it. "Still sharp," he remarked casually, twirling it in his hand as though it were a toy. "I suppose I'll need it... or maybe not. The Duchy of Limita doesn't seem the sort of place where swords are the most useful tools. What do you think?"

The younger knight's eyes narrowed as he fastened his armor. "I think you're playing your part again," he muttered under his breath. "Keep your guard up. Both of us will need more than charm or wit to survive these courts."

"Indeed," the elder knight agreed with an exaggerated sigh. "It's a hard life, being clever and charming."

The younger knight mounted his horse and turned away sharply. He couldn't afford to let the elder's antics distract him. Delmorra County will be tough, he thought, but I can do it. I will be smarter, more disciplined, and I will prove that I can outplay him. He's just a fool in a suit of armor.

The elder knight, meanwhile, rode slowly, his mind never far from the younger knight. His outward demeanor remained unchanged, but inside, a spark of calculation flickered. Delmorra County will be no easier for him than the Duchy of Limita will be for me. And when the time comes, I'll make sure he knows just how far beneath me he truly is.

As they parted ways, the elder knight turned his horse eastward toward the Duchy of Limita, the corners of his mouth curling into a faint, knowing smile.

The younger knight urged his steed forward, focused on the road ahead. But even as he rode toward Delmorra County, a quiet voice in his mind whispered, I'll be watching you. And when I'm done, there won't be a place for you to hide.