A Councillors death

…

1 day later

King Edmund sat upon his ornate throne in the grand chamber of the palace, a room adorned with crimson draperies and intricate tapestries depicting the kingdom's history. The atmosphere was heavy with tension as nobles gathered to discuss the unsettling rumours that had recently swept through Valeria.

The nobles, dressed in rich, elaborate attire, their faces etched with concern, took their designated seats around the long, polished table. King Edmund's trusted counsellors, individuals of great influence and wisdom, were present as well.

The king, a figure of regal authority, his crown gleaming in the sunlight shining through the tall windows, addressed the assembly. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have convened today to discuss the unsettling developments that have troubled our beloved kingdom."

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the chamber. These nobles were the pillars of Valeria's society, each responsible for vast estates and the welfare of their people. They knew the weight of their positions and the significance of the moment.

Sir Cedric, known for his military prowess, spoke first. "Your Majesty, the rumours that plague our streets have caused concern among our people. They speak of dark forces lurking, of shadowy creatures haunting the city."

King Edmund nodded gravely. "Indeed, these rumours are not to be taken lightly. We have enjoyed a long era of peace and prosperity, and it now seems that is coming to an end…"

Another noble, Councillor Marianne, suggested, "Your Majesty, perhaps it is time to bolster our defences. Our city walls should be reinforced, our guards doubled, and the watchful eyes of our patrols extended."

King Edmund acknowledged her proposal with a thoughtful expression. "Your wisdom is duly noted, Lady Elowen. Our security measures will be intensified to ensure the safety of our people."

Lord Soren, the master of trade, raised a pertinent concern. "Your majesty…could these rumours be connected to the slaughter of Arvendale and…Scythe?"

The king's eyes grew sadder at this name, "After all historical records were checked, no Scythe was mentioned, only the lord of hell, satan, however it is said he goes by many names, but…would the lord of hell truly descend upon our kingdom"

'Perhaps…? The emperor?! It is said he is a heavenly figure, maybe that is why…' The king pondered 

As the meeting continued, each noble offered suggestions and insights, addressing various aspects of the kingdom's response to the rumours. The consensus was clear: heightened security, diplomatic assurances to allies, and a reassessment of Valeria's standing in the region.

King Edmund concluded the meeting by acknowledging the nobles' dedication and wisdom.

The nobles nodded, the fate of Valeria rested in their hands, and their actions in the days to come would determine whether these unsettling rumours would fade into obscurity or solidify into a harrowing reality.

With the meeting concluded, King Edmund set into motion the steps agreed upon with the nobles, laying the foundation for the kingdom's response to the brewing fear.

Sir Cedric, the head of the royal knights, retired to his quarters after the intense meeting with King Edmund and the nobles. His chambers, austere and functional, mirrored the personality of a man dedicated to the protection of the realm. Still clad in his heavy armour, he sat at a simple wooden table, his thoughts immersed in the matter of enhancing the kingdom's security.

As he pondered the logistics and strategies required to implement the increased defences, a soft knock on his door interrupted his musings. He turned, and with a barely perceptible nod, granted entry to the person outside. Aria, his dedicated disciple and a member of the Royal knights, entered.

Sir Cedric's stern countenance relaxed somewhat upon seeing her. Aria was known for her unwavering commitment and her exceptional skills as a knight. Her presence brought him a sense of reassurance in this time of uncertainty.

Aria approached with a smile, her demeanour respectful and deferential. She had always acted as the model student in Sir Cedric's presence, eager to learn and serve. She addressed him with the courtesy ingrained in her training.

"Sir Cedric, your wisdom and guidance have been invaluable to me. I wanted to discuss the recent developments in our kingdom, to seek your insights and advice."

Sir Cedric inclined his head, acknowledging her respect. "Speak, Aria. What concerns you?"

Aria's expression shifted from warm to eerie, her voice taking on a chilling undertone as she spoke of the disturbing rumours that had gripped the city. She described tales of lurking demons, shadowy figures in the streets, and the unsettling unease that had permeated the kingdom.

Sir Cedric's hand instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword as he became wary of her words. The rumours struck a disconcerting chord with him, stirring doubts and fears he had long kept at bay.

Before he could draw his sword or respond further, a sudden and unexpected occurrence disrupted the tense atmosphere. Anubis 1, the spectral figure of a wolf-like creature with a skull for a head and dark fur, dropped down from the ceiling and seized Sir Cedric. His movements were swift, although Sir cedric skilfully slashed at Anubis 1, a large sword mark left across his furred stomach, however he wasn't prepared for another of such a creature to also appear from behind and bite at him

Aria, her role now revealed, nodded at Anubis 1, a signal of approval. Together with Anubis 2, they efficiently subdued Sir Cedric, who, outnumbered and outmatched, eventually succumbed to the darkness that closed around him.

With the unconscious knight in their grasp, Aria and the two Anubis figures departed from Sir Cedric's quarters, silently retracing their steps. They moved into a shadowy alleyway, where they left Sir Cedric's body on the ground.

Anubis 1 and 2 worked quickly to write the word "Scythe" on the nearby walls with Sir Cedric's own blood, creating a chilling and cryptic message that would surely send shockwaves through the kingdom. They then concealed themselves, waiting in the darkness to observe the reactions their act would elicit and to further the hidden agenda orchestrated by unseen hands.

The chilling message left by Aria and the Anubis figures had not gone unnoticed. 

As the night darkened, a middle-aged woman happened upon the gruesome scene. The words "Scythe" inscribed in Sir Cedric's blood caught her eye, and her horrified gasp echoed through the still night air.

Her face contorted in terror as her trembling hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with disbelief and dread. The sight was incomprehensible, a horrifying tableau of violence and dread etched on the walls of the alley. The woman's scream tore through the silence, attracting the attention of anyone within earshot.

As the woman's cries reverberated through the alleys, a small crowd began to form around the scene. People gathered, drawn by both morbid curiosity and genuine concern for the woman. Fearful whispers and hushed conversations rapidly spread through the growing assembly.

A middle aged man looked at the disgusting scenery before him

"Isn't that Sir Cedric?! Head of the Royal Knights?!"

The crowds panic only intensified at these words, it seemed their kingdom was doomed

The crowd watched in horrified fascination, their hearts pounding as they tried to process the grotesque message before them. The word "Scythe," written in Sir Cedric's blood, seemed like an omen of doom, a name whispered in fear among the denizens of Valeria.

The ominous scene was broken when a regular knight patrolling the area arrived on the scene. He was notorious for his gruff demeanour and his disdain for the city's commoners. With a condescending sneer, he shouted at the crowd, demanding that they disperse and cease their superstitious behaviour

"MOVE!"  .

As the knight arrogantly strode closer to the blood-written message, his voice faltered, and the colour drained from his face. His eyes widened in terror, and his mouth opened as if to speak, but all that emerged was a horrified gasp. His trembling legs gave way beneath him, and he collapsed onto the cobblestone ground, unconscious.

The sight had been too much, too grotesque to bear. The patrolling knight had encountered gruesome scenes in the past, but nothing could have prepared him for the dread that enveloped this eerie message. Panic continued to spread through the crowd, as more onlookers arrived to witness the chilling tableau, their faces reflecting the same horror that had befallen the regular knight.

Amidst the chaos that had erupted in the central city, Aria stood perched atop a nearby rooftop. Her eyes, glinting with a sinister gleam, gazed down upon the scene of disarray. The crowd below was in full-blown hysteria, their panicked cries and screams like a twisted orchestra playing a song of fear.

Aria couldn't help but cackle maniacally, her laughter melding with the terror-stricken voices of the commoners below. Her armour gleamed wickedly under the pale moonlight, a chilling contrast to her sly grin. Her once-warm demeanour had now warped into something eerie, a reflection of the dread she'd successfully sown.

Her attention then shifted to the two Anubis creatures, who had been watching the scene alongside her. Aria's voice took on a dark, hypnotic quality as she gave them their orders. "It's time, my friends. Spread fear through these alleyways. Let them see shadows and nightmares lurking in the night."

With silent nods, the Anubis creatures gracefully descended from the rooftop, their skeletal forms moving with an uncanny grace as they slithered away into the shadows.

Aria, however, had a different mission. She made her way through the eerie streets, her ominous presence unmistakable in her gleaming armor. Her destination was clear: she needed to find Father Gabriel. The priest was to become a crucial player in her grand scheme.