Shroud of Doubt

The stronghold was eerily quiet after the battle, the walls echoing with the remnants of clashing steel and dying cries. Arden stood over Valthor's lifeless body, his chest heaving with the effort of the fight and the weight of the victory. His arm throbbed painfully beneath the hastily applied bandage, but there was no time for rest.

"Secure the area and kill any Elindoran you see," Arden commanded, his voice firm. "We need to ensure there is no one alive."

Lyra and the soldiers in her team with the remaining blue bloods quickly spread out, their movements precise and silent as they went on to check every corner of the stronghold. Lord Valerius approached, his icy blue eyes assessing the situation with a calculated calm.

"We should interrogate any survivors," Valerius suggested, his tone as cold as his gaze. "They might have valuable information."

Arden narrowed his eyes at him. ''My mission here is to put an end to Valthor's attempt at the coup on King Faelor. This means no one who believes this cause should remain alive. Moreover, we have seized many documentation, plans, and maps. That's enough information we will report to Ninloth.'' 

Lord Valerius listened to him with a neutral expression. ''Sometimes your bloodthirst blinds you, assassin. There might be Elindoran prisoners in the dungeons. Elindorans that have been against this cause. We could use them.''

Arden's lips curled into a one-sided, smug smile. ''Isn't it so ironic that a vampire blames someone for being bloodthirsty?''

Valerius gave him an icy cold look. ''Was this supposed to be a joke?''

Arden's smile faded and he took a deep breath. ''I mean no disrespect, Lord Valerius and I do value your opinions even though you don't seem to think I do. But I am the commander of this infiltration team and I deem that every Elindoran die.''

Valerius's icy gaze remained fixed on Arden. "Very well," he said, his tone devoid of emotion. "But if we miss crucial information because of your decision, the responsibility will fall squarely on your shoulders."

Arden nodded, accepting the weight of his choice, not that he cared much about this 'responsibility' either. "Understood. Now, let's finish this."

Valerius turned and left the room to check with his blue bloods. As the vampire lord moved away, Arden felt a brief pang of doubt but quickly pushed it aside. He couldn't afford to second-guess himself now.

Arden made his way through the stronghold, stepping over bodies and broken weapons. The victory had been hard-won, and the cost was evident. He found Lyra overseeing the search of a nearby corridor, her sharp eyes catching every detail.

"Any sign of resistance?" Arden asked.

Lyra shook her head. "None so far. We're sweeping the upper levels now."

"Good," Arden replied. "Keep me informed. I'm heading to the dungeons."

Lyra nodded, and Arden continued his path. The entrance to the dungeons was hidden behind a heavy wooden door reinforced with iron bands. Arden pushed it open, the hinges creaking in protest. The air inside was damp and cold, the smell of mold and decay lingering in the narrow stairwell. He made his way down to the dungeons, his eyes quickly adjusting to the darkness. Being a dark elf, he had no issue with seeing in the darkness. He walked until he reached the prisons, his steps echoing in the whole place. Most of the prisons seemed empty but as he moved forward, he realized movement in one of the prisons further away. He walked towards the prison, his gaze sweeping over the huddled figure in the cell. 

One prisoner, an aged light elf with a long white beard, sat in the middle of the cell. Arden snickered inwardly. So this was who Valthor managed to capture as a prisoner; an old elf. The older elf looked up at Arden upon hearing his footsteps. He looked weak and malnourished, his eyes hollow from days of confinement. 

Arden approached the bars, his gaze fixed on the prisoner. "Who are you?" he demanded.

The older elf remained silent for a while, just eyeing Arden up and down. Then his old face twisted with disgust.

''I asked who you are, old man.'' Arden pressed, not feeling patient at all. 

The old man stood up very slowly and approached the bars to face Arden. He showed no sign of fear as his old green eyes stared into his amber pair. ''I am Eldrin,'' he said, even though he still had an expression of disgust on his face, his voice was surprisingly calm. ''A scholar from Lightfall Citadel.''

Arden raised his eyebrows. ''And what an old man like you do at a place so far away from his home? Why did you leave the light-elven capital to come all the way here?''

Eldrin's gaze remained steady, his expression unchanged. ''I was invited here as an advisor to the commander.''

Arden scoffed, amusement dancing in his eyes. ''Looks like Valthor did not like your advice enough.''

The old light elf smiled slightly. ''Considering my current circumstances, that's pretty obvious, isn't it? The question you want to ask is why, dark one.''

Arden narrowed his eyes at the old light elf, slightly annoyed at his arrogance. ''Or maybe I just don't care and would like to just end your miserable life.''

''Maybe that, too,'' Eldrin replied. ''But then I would wonder why you are wasting your time talking to me instead of killing me now.''

The dark elf assassin gave him a deadly look not knowing what to say. The light elf was right. His job was to eliminate everyone in this stronghold and here he was standing, wasting time to speak to an old man. Maybe Valerius had a point when he suggested to interrogate the prisoners. Arden wanted to shake the thought off.

Arden's silence made the old light elf let out a small laugh. ''I see the contradiction in your eyes, young dark elf. It gnaws at your soul, disturbing it. It must be painful to be constantly doubting yourself. Not knowing what to do when you are faced with something other than violence.''

Arden's amber eyes flashed with anger. ''I don't need your lecture, light elf. Probably Valthor didn't enjoy it, either.'' He unsheathed one dagger and twirled it in his hands. ''But maybe you can try and lecture me on why I shouldn't kill you right now.''

The old elf's smile didn't falter. ''Oh, you will kill me. I know you will, I can very well see that it is in your nature. The real question is why you still haven't.'' 

Arden's grip on his dagger tightened, the blade gleaming ominously in the dim light of the dungeon. The old elf's calm demeanor was infuriating, his words striking at the core of Arden's inner turmoil. He took a step closer to the bars, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Eldrin.

"You're quite confident for someone at the edge of a blade," Arden said, his voice low and menacing. It annoyed Arden deeply that the older man had no fear of death he had seen in other people's eyes before he ended their lives. "Speak then, old man, why do you think I still have not killed you?"

Eldrin's smile remained, his eyes unwavering. "Because you seek something more than just another kill. You seek answers, clarity in a world that has long been shrouded in darkness for you."

Arden's dagger stopped mid-twirl, his expression hardening. "What answers could an old scholar possibly have for me?"

Eldrin took a step back, his gaze still locked on Arden's. "Answers about Valthor's true intentions, the potential dangers of the weapon he sought to wield, and the larger scheme that threatens both our worlds. Information that could be invaluable to your cause."

Arden's thoughts raced. The old elf's words resonated with a truth he couldn't ignore. He knew that Valthor's death was only a small victory in a much larger war, and any advantage he could gain might tip the scales in their favor.

''And you will provide me with that information?'' Arden said with disbelief dripping from his tone. 

Eldrin's expression softened slightly, a hint of a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. "If it means sparing innocent lives and stopping the bloodshed, then yes, I will provide you with that information."

Arden studied the old elf, the conflict within him growing. He had been taught to kill without hesitation, to eliminate any threat to Tenebrya. Yet here was a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the enemy's plans, something that could be crucial in the ongoing war.

He sheathed his dagger, stepping back from the bars. "Speak, then. But know that if you lie or waste my time, your end will be slow and painful."

Eldrin nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Valthor's coup was not just about seizing power. It was part of a larger scheme to destabilize the entire region. The weapon he sought to wield, the 'gun,' is a creation of the dwarves, yes, but its power goes beyond mere physical destruction. It can shatter the delicate balance of magic in our world."

Arden's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

"The gun is powered by a substance known as 'black powder,' thus I believe it is infused with dark magic," Eldrin explained. "This dark magic used by those who do not understand it would disrupt the natural flow of energy, causing chaos and imbalance.''

Arden scoffed at the old man. ''You believe? I have no interest in your beliefs, old man. You need to do better than that.''

Eldrin met his gaze steadily. ''I have seen the weapon at work, young one. It kills in a mere instant. It can pierce any kind of armor. It brings utter destruction to the point that it can only be a work of dark magic.''

Arden raised his eyebrows at the old man. ''And you think the dwarves who have been your allies for hundreds of years, meddle with dark magic to build this weapon. How does your alliance of light allow it?''

Eldrin simply gave him a small smile. ''Fear, dark one. In fear of your Tenebryan occupant forces, they have been studying new technologies. But we cannot say all allow it, while the gnomes and shadowfangs embraced this new technology, the majority of light elves are against it. Our council deemed that the weapon is too dangerous to use and it would corrupt the whole world as we know it.''

Arden chuckled ''Corruption. You light elves use this word a lot. You believe all Tenebryans, especially dark elves, corrupt the whole world with our dark magic. So what on Eldoria makes you think you can trust me with this information to 'prevent bloodshed' and 'spare innocent lives'?''

''Well…'' the old elf began after letting out a deep sigh. ''Hope, young one. I am very well aware that you are a creature of darkness. But you still have your place in the nature of Eldoria. Even in conflict, light and dark both exist in nature to balance each other. But this weapon, it is not of this world, it will disrupt the balance and thus lead to the destruction of our whole world. Light and dark alike will be consumed by chaos.''

Arden processed the information, his mind racing.''And what do you mean 'not of this world?''

Eldrin cleared his dry throat before speaking. ''The dwarves were not alone while working on this new technology. With the most powerful mages they had, they were in league with a group of sorcerers from another world to exchange wisdom and knowledge. They gave the details to only King Faelor and since he is against using this weapon as well, the details cannot be any good.''

''Sorcerers from another world?'' Arden repeated with a mocking tone. ''I think I have been wasting my time talking to a mad old man. How disappointing.'' he unsheathed his dagger again. ''I think we should end this madness right now and here.''

It was the first time that concern could be read in the old elf's expression. ''No, young one. I am not mad, or delusional. I am telling you the truth. The dwarves and shadowfangs together have means to communicate with other worlds. It is very limited but they can. Just the way you can communicate with the underworld''

Arden felt like he had been wasting his time with this mad old man and he was starting to get bored. He twirled the blade. ''Any last words other than this 'other worlds' nonsense, old man?''

Eldrin's green eyes followed the dagger. Even though he looked like he was concerned now, he still did not show any sign of fear. ''Look, young one. We both want to protect our people. I may be a light elf, but I do not want to see our world consumed by darkness. The danger we face is not defined by race or allegiance; it is a threat to all living beings. You have the power to stop it, but you need the right knowledge. So kill me all you want but at least believe me and pursue this knowledge.''

Arden's expression hardened. ''Alright, you have spoken enough, mad old man.'' In one swift motion, he thrust his dagger through the bars, piercing Eldrin's chest. The old elf gasped, his eyes wide with shock and pain.

Arden twisted the blade to ensure the fatal blow just as he did with Valthor. ''This is for wasting my time with your nonsense,'' he spat before he pulled the dagger free. Eldrin crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

Wiping the blade on the already bloody bandage on his arm, Arden turned and walked away, leaving the body behind. His decision was made, and there was no turning back. He would report back to Ninloth and continue his mission, ensuring that the Tenebryan forces remained unchallenged.

As he emerged from the dungeons, he found Lyra waiting. "Any trouble?" she asked, her eyes flicking to the blood on his dagger.

"None," Arden replied coldly. "Any words from Drazel or Sarvin?"

Lyra shook her head, her eyes scanning the area. "No sign of them yet, but they are still searching."

"Keep at it," Arden ordered. "We need to regroup and return to camp as soon as possible."

Lyra nodded, and Arden moved past her, heading towards the main hall of the stronghold. He found Valerius there, speaking with a few of his blue bloods. Valerius turned as Arden approached, raising an eyebrow at the sight of the bloodied dagger.

"Did you get anything useful from the dungeons?" Valerius asked, his tone neutral.

"No," Arden replied flatly. "There was just this old mad light elf spouting nonsense about other worlds and dark magic. A waste of time."

Valerius's expression remained unreadable. "Very well. Our forces are securing the area. It won't be long before we can move out."

Arden nodded. "Good. Make sure everything of value is collected. We need to return to camp and report to Ninloth."

As they waited for the rest of the team to finish their sweep of the stronghold, Arden couldn't help but replay Eldrin's words in his mind. Despite dismissing the old elf's claims as madness, a nagging doubt lingered. Could there be some truth to the ramblings about other worlds and a greater threat?

He shook off the thought, reminding himself of his duty. His mission was clear: eliminate the enemies of Tenebrya and ensure their dominance. Anything else was a distraction.

"Commander!" Lyra's voice broke through his thoughts. She approached with a determined stride. "We found Captain Drazel. He's injured but alive."

"Where is he?" Arden asked, his tone sharp.

"He's in the eastern wing. We're bringing him here now," Lyra replied.

''Good,'' Arden said with an empty expression. ''Make it quick. We have already wasted enough time.''

A few moments later, Drazel was brought into the main hall, supported by Sarvin and a dark elf soldier. He had a deep gash on his leg and several minor wounds, but he was conscious and alert.

"Commander," Drazel greeted, his voice strained but steady.

"Drazel," Arden replied with a nod. "You did well. We're heading back to camp. Can you move?"

"I'll manage," Drazel said, grimacing slightly. "Just need a bit of help."

Arden turned to Lyra. "Assist him. Make sure he doesn't fall behind."

Lyra nodded, taking her place at Drazel's side. With everyone accounted for, Arden gave the order to move out. The team left the stronghold, navigating the forest paths with practiced ease. The journey back to camp was tense, the weight of their mission pressing heavily on them.