The King's Request

The following morning, Nathan awoke to a sense of urgency buzzing through the castle. The events of the previous night had shaken everyone, and the realization that the Shadow Cult was lurking so close had put the entire capital on high alert. Guards were doubled, and every corner of the castle seemed to be watched with an intensity that hadn't been there before.

Nathan had barely finished dressing when a knock came at his door. Elion entered, his expression serious but composed. "The king has requested a meeting with you, Nathan. He wants to discuss the attack and the next steps."

Nathan's heart skipped a beat. The king? Wanting to meet with him? "What does he want with me?"

"He's concerned about the security of the orb, and he wants to hear directly from you about what happened," Elion explained. "But more than that, I think he wants to gauge your readiness. The stakes are higher than ever, and the king needs to be sure that you're prepared for what's coming."

Nathan nodded, trying to swallow his nerves. "Alright. I'll do my best."

Elion gave him a reassuring smile. "You'll do fine. Just be honest, and remember that you're not facing this alone."

They made their way to the king's chambers, the air thick with tension. The guards at the door stepped aside as they approached, and Nathan felt his pulse quicken as they entered the room. The king was seated at a large table, his expression thoughtful as he reviewed a series of maps and documents spread out before him.

When he looked up and saw Nathan, he smiled—a gesture that, while small, put Nathan somewhat at ease. "Nathan, thank you for coming. Please, sit."

Nathan did as he was told, taking a seat across from the king. Elion stood nearby, offering silent support. Nathan could feel the weight of the king's gaze on him, assessing, measuring.

"I've been informed of the events in the garden last night," the king began, his tone measured. "The fact that the Shadow Cult was able to penetrate the castle's defenses is troubling, to say the least. But I'm more interested in hearing your perspective, Nathan. What happened?"

Nathan took a deep breath, recounting the encounter as clearly as he could. He described the figure that had emerged from the shadows, the surge of dark energy, and the way the orb had responded to the threat. The king listened intently, his expression unreadable as Nathan spoke.

When he finished, the king leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled thoughtfully. "You handled yourself well, Nathan. Better than most would in such a situation. But this attack confirms our worst fears—the Shadow Cult is becoming more brazen. They know about the orb, and they'll stop at nothing to get it."

Nathan nodded, the king's words only reinforcing the gravity of the situation. "What do we do now?"

"We need to take decisive action," the king replied, his voice firm. "The capital is no longer safe for you or the orb. I'm sending you to a secure location—an ancient stronghold far to the north. It's a place known only to a few, and it's protected by powerful wards. There, you'll continue your training and prepare for the trials that lie ahead."

Nathan's heart raced. Leave the capital? He had barely begun to grasp what was happening, and now he was being sent away? "But what about the Shadow Cult? Won't they follow me?"

"The stronghold is hidden, protected by enchantments that even the Shadow Cult will find difficult to penetrate," the king assured him. "It's the safest place for you right now. But I won't lie to you, Nathan—the journey will be dangerous. The Cult has agents everywhere, and they will try to stop you."

Nathan swallowed hard, the reality of the situation settling over him like a heavy cloak. "When do we leave?"

"As soon as possible," the king said. "I'll send a small escort with you—those I trust implicitly. You'll need to keep a low profile, avoid drawing attention to yourselves. The fewer people who know about this, the better."

Nathan nodded, trying to steady his nerves. This was happening too fast, but there was no time to hesitate. The Shadow Cult was closing in, and he had to be ready for whatever came next.

"I understand," Nathan said, his voice steadier than he felt. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect the orb."

The king's expression softened slightly, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "I know you will, Nathan. You've shown great courage already. But remember, you're not alone in this. You have the support of the kingdom, and the guidance of those who care about you. Trust in that, and you'll find the strength you need."

Nathan nodded, feeling a spark of determination flare within him. He might be young, inexperienced, and uncertain, but he wasn't going to back down. The orb had chosen him for a reason, and he would see this through—no matter the cost.

The king rose from his seat, signaling that the meeting was over. "Prepare yourself, Nathan. The journey will be long, but I have faith that you'll succeed. We're counting on you."

As Nathan and Elion left the king's chambers, the weight of the king's words settled on his shoulders. There was no turning back now. The journey north, the trials, the Shadow Cult—it was all waiting for him.

But as he walked through the castle's corridors, Nathan felt a newfound resolve growing within him. The path ahead was dangerous and uncertain, but he wasn't going to face it alone. With his friends and allies by his side, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The Orb of Genesis pulsed softly in his hand, a steady reminder of the power he carried—and the responsibility that came with it. Nathan took a deep breath, ready to face whatever the future held.