Chapter 23
A man stood at the window, his cold green eyes scanning the scene below with an intense focus that seemed to pierce through the very air. From the highest room in the tower, he had an unobstructed view of the city. The streets, lined with weathered stone buildings, seemed cloaked in an oppressive gloom.
Down below, people moved about their business, their steps careful, their heads bowed low. They avoided the soldiers who marched through the streets in rigid formation, their presence an ever-looming threat. Fear hung heavy in the air, tangible in the way citizens quickened their pace or avoided even a sidelong glance at the armored figures.
Lord Jamdak’s gaze sharpened as he noticed one of the soldiers breaking rank. The man strutted over to a nearby fruit stand and casually snagged an apple from the display. The stall owner flinched, his lips parting as if to protest. But the words died in his throat, and he bowed his head instead, his shoulders sagging in silent submission.
“Pathetic,” Jamdak muttered under his breath.
“What is pathetic, Lord Jamdak?” a soft, measured voice asked.
Jamdak turned from the window, the dull glow of sunlight casting a long shadow across the room. It illuminated his imposing figure, highlighting the sharp angles of his face and the piercing emerald eyes that seemed to burn with purpose. His short black hair framed his forehead, slicked neatly into place, while his broad shoulders and bulging muscles pressed against the polished metal of his armor, giving him the appearance of an unyielding force.
“It’s pathetic how these people cower before the soldiers,” Jamdak sneered. His voice was low, but it carried the weight of disdain. “They should grow a backbone and stand up for themselves. What do you think, Ashley?”
Ashley stepped closer, her movements deliberate and composed. “Agreed,” she said, her tone laced with cool indifference. “Perhaps then they wouldn’t get stepped on so easily.”
She joined him at the window, her sharp eyes surveying the city with calculated detachment. Her crimson hair, tied in a sleek braid, shimmered faintly in the sunlight. She crossed her arms, her lips curling into a faint smirk. “Well,” she said, tilting her head toward him, “it seems the Lunaflare has worked its magic. You look as though you’re in your prime once again. Have you regained all of your abilities?”
Jamdak’s lips curved into a smile, and he tightened his fist, flexing his fingers as if testing their strength. “Indeed,” he said, his voice brimming with confidence. “I have returned to my former power. No one has the strength to oppose me now.”
Ashley’s smirk widened as she turned her gaze back to the city. “Does that mean the time is almost upon us?” she asked, her voice carrying a note of anticipation. “What we’ve built here is impressive, no doubt. But all of it will be meaningless if the world remains in turmoil.”
“We are not quite ready,” Jamdak said, his voice calm but resolute. His piercing green eyes remained fixed on the city below, as though its fate hung delicately in his hands. “First, we must deal with a bit of trouble in the woods.”
Ashley’s lips curled into a triumphant smirk. “So, you’re finally giving me the go-ahead to send my men into Valifield and extinguish it—and its resident wizards, Alicia and Morrigan?” she asked eagerly. “My men are tired of playing games. All we’ve done is give those fools the impression that they can actually hold us back.”
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Jamdak turned his gaze toward her, his expression icy. “You will take out Valifield, yes,” he said. “But I will be the one to eliminate Alicia and Morrigan.”
Ashley’s smirk faltered, her confidence deflating. “But—”
“You’ve already failed me once with those two,” Jamdak interrupted, his tone sharp. “I won’t take that risk again.”
Ashley bowed her head, her hands clenched at her sides as she swallowed her frustration.
“You shouldn’t be so shocked,” Jamdak continued, stepping away from the window. His imposing figure loomed as he approached her, his words deliberate. “If I intended to give you another chance at killing those wizards, I would have done so three years ago. Instead, I sent them on that farce of a mission to Valifield. It was nothing more than a distraction—to keep them occupied until the time came for me to handle things myself.”
Ashley’s gaze flicked up, her curiosity outweighing her disappointment. “And what of Eldric and Fiora?” she asked. “Could they not still be swayed toward our cause?”
“That ship has sailed,” Jamdak replied, his tone laced with finality. “Syra and Eira reached them last night. There’s no doubt those two have already made up their minds—and it’s not in our favor. That’s why we must act now. Who knows what Syra and Eira have told them?”
Jamdak paused, his thoughts shifting as he moved to the window once more. This time, he seated himself on the ledge, his hands resting on his knees as he stared into the horizon. For a long moment, he said nothing, the weight of his contemplation filling the room.
“Eldric is the only one who can control the dragon,” he said at last, his voice low and measured. “That much is true. But in my current state, the dragon will submit to my power—or I will destroy it myself.” His voice grew darker, almost a growl. “I will bring peace to this world. After all, it is my duty, given that my own brother brought so much suffering to it.”
He stood, his imposing frame casting a long shadow across the room as he paced slowly by the window. His footsteps echoed faintly against the stone floor.
Ashley, sensing the gravity of his words, hesitated before asking, “If Eldric won’t be swayed, then what should we do about him?”
Jamdak stopped mid-stride, his gaze distant yet unwavering. “He must be killed,” he said matter-of-factly, his voice devoid of emotion. “With the others.”
Ashley’s breath caught, but she didn’t interrupt.
“He is the only one who can stop me,” Jamdak continued, his tone steely. “And I won’t take that chance.”
He resumed his pacing, the weight of his words settling like a storm over the room. Ashley stood silently, her mind racing as she considered the magnitude of what lay ahead.
“Well,” Ashley said, her tone eager and triumphant, “shall I prepare my soldiers to march for Valifield at first light?”
Jamdak shook his head, his emerald eyes gleaming with resolve. “You and your men will accompany me first,” he said. “Alicia and Morrigan are not in Valifield. We’ll need a way to drive them out of hiding and deal with them directly.”
Ashley nodded, her lips curling into a satisfied smile. “Works for me,” she said simply.
Jamdak stepped closer to the window, his imposing silhouette framed by the fading sunlight. “There’s one other thing you should know,” he added, his voice dropping slightly. “There’s another wizard with them. I don’t know where she came from, but her power is… substantial.”
Ashley raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Another wizard?”
Jamdak’s expression hardened. “Yes. She’s dangerous, and we must kill her too. All we wizards ever do is bring pain. The fewer of us left, the better for the world.”
Ashley tilted her head thoughtfully. “There’s just one last consideration,” she said, her voice taking on a more measured tone.
“And what is that?” Jamdak asked, turning to face her.
“Syra and Eira,” Ashley replied. “If Eldric’s life is in danger, they’re bound to show up. Can you handle them?”
Jamdak’s lips curved into a faint smile, his pride evident. “I’ve known those two their entire lives,” he said, his voice tinged with both admiration and determination. “Their power is indeed legendary—formidable and fierce.”
He glanced down at his clenched fist, the veins in his arm bulging as he tightened his grip. “But they don’t worry me,” he continued. “If I can’t best opponents like them, then I have no business thinking I can control the dragon. My power has returned, and I am ready for this.”
Ashley studied him for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly before she spoke. “Well,” she said at last, a small smirk forming on her lips, “then let’s get started.”
