Chapter 74: King Aerem's rebellion

In the heart of Hentesa's capital, District Piho, a pivotal meeting unfolded in the royal courtyard. King Aerem Amadeus VI, a middle-aged man of regal bearing, clad in turquoise royal attire with a striking aquatic blue crown adorned with a prominent turquoise gem, addressed his councilmen.

"War is imminent, and soon all of Hentesa may become a battleground. The cruelest aspect is our inability to escape or intervene, as this conflict stems from divine scheming," King Aerem declared, the weight of his words resonating with the assembled council.

In response to the somber atmosphere, a councilman, Cassidy Guillaume, sought permission to speak. Cassidy, a seasoned diver with a bald head and a cloth-covered eye, exuded an air of wisdom and experience. His white garments, adorned with silver, bespoke his esteemed position. Missing three fingers on his right hand, Cassidy proposed a forward strategy.

"My king, I propose a course of action based on recent intelligence. Zebha has fallen to La'faura, forcefully conquered, and its king, Zaloz, fled, leaving the capital in the hands of the invaders. I believe Zaloz is biding his time, awaiting the opportune moment to reclaim his kingdom. Furthermore, I have reason to believe that we are currently sheltering the exiled King of Zebha and his blades," Cassidy asserted.

Before he could conclude his revelation, gasps of surprise echoed through the courtyard, leaving the fate of Hentesa and the unfolding war in an uncertain balance.

We must find him."

"Capture him and throw him into the dungeon," voiced some councilmen, eager to take action.

"Silence!" commanded King Aerem, quelling the heated discussions. Turning to Cassidy, he signaled for him to continue.

"As I was saying, I have reason to believe that we are housing the king of Zebha and his blades. I have a lead on where they are, and I suggest that I go to him and try to make him our ally. Rumor says that he does not want this war as much as we do. So the best way to ensure that after all this ends, we will still be standing, is for us to have a reliable ally, and I believe the Zaloz family is one of the most reliable allies we can get," Cassidy finished, bowing to the king before taking his seat. King Aerem fell into a pensive silence, contemplating Cassidy's proposition.

The Zaloz family, one of the six ancient families with a history spanning 3000 years, held a distinct position in the world. In an era before the formation of kingdoms, when the world still embraced tribal systems, the Zaloz family's influence had already begun. Unlike the Amadeus family, are one of the six great families, King Aerem answered to someone. Yet, it had been a considerable time since he had encountered a representative of that ancient family. Over the past few decades, he had governed Hentesa according to his own will. However, an unshakeable feeling of being observed lingered, preventing impulsive actions and keeping his attention keenly focused on his surroundings.

Cassidy's words echoed in King Aerem's mind, prompting prolonged contemplation. Eventually, with a nod, he agreed to Cassidy's suggestion, recognizing the potential strength and alliance that the Zaloz family could offer in the turbulent times ahead. The intricate dance of destiny and alliances unfolded, as the king prepared to navigate the treacherous path that lay ahead.

He uttered a simple "Do it,"

before dismissing the council.

"Cassidy, stay," Aerem commanded, and the two remained alone in the courtyard.

"Are you sure this will work?" Aerem inquired. Cassidy, after a moment of contemplation, shrugged.

"I do not know, but I believe it's best if we try. Gods don't care about the human race, my lord, so why should we care about their instructions? This is not our war, but we are the ones fighting in it to please them. That is not fair. So, what I proposed was a rebellion against the gods. I heard that Zebha had not been answering his people's prayers, so if there's a nation that can ally with us, it is them," Cassidy revealed, offering a perspective that left King Aerem in profound contemplation.

"If heavens wish for our downfall, we will stand and fight, for there is no greater force than humans working together for a just cause. It is time to overthrow the gods. It is time for the great war, a war against the heavens," Cassidy declared, departing the courtyard and leaving King Aerem standing alone, gazing at the vast blue sky.

"So shall it be," he muttered, as destiny and rebellion intertwined in the impending war against divine forces.