Interlude: Precipice

The throne room gleamed pale in the morning light, crystal walls scattering dawn into fractured colors. The King sat slouched, fingers drumming idly on the armrest.

Draven stood at the center, cloak hanging like a shadow. His voice cut through the silence.

“The rebels will start moving. They’ll be at your gates soon.”

The King scoffed. “Those forest rats? They’ve barked for years. The barrier will hold.”

“Barriers crack,” Draven replied. “If you don’t prepare, your city will burn.”

Solon stepped forward, silver armor glinting. His tone was calm but firm.

“He speaks true, Majesty. The rebels are bound to make their move. We should fortify.”

The king furrowed his brow. Solon rarely voiced an opinion that contradicted his.

Bernard bristled from the side, his voice sharp.

“This is panic-mongering. The barrier has never failed us before! To move troops now will only spread fear among the people.”

Draven looked pointedly at Bernard.

“The rebels are not fools. After they saw your advances in their territory, they will understand they need to fight back. Time is to your advantage. They don’t have the luxury to wait.”

The King frowned, gaze shifting between them. For a long breath, silence. Then he sighed, waving a jeweled hand.

“…Very well. Prepare.”

Draven nodded his head, unreadable. Solon bowed. Bernard’s jaw tightened as he gave a stiff nod, then turned on his heel, leaving the hall.

“I have something that you might need, Your Majesty…” Draven’s voice trailed off.

“You do…?” The king stretched a greedy smile.

In the corridor beyond, Solon’s steps echoed after Bernard.

“Bernard.” Solon’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

“You’ve been lacking in counsel lately,” He said quietly. “The King notices. So do I.”

Bernard froze, shoulders stiff.

“Solon, I have been here for as long as you have. My integrity has never been questioned before.”

Solon’s cold eyes didn’t flinch.

“You have been here for as long as I, because you have been useful. If you stop doing that then—“

Solon needn’t continue.

“Are you suggesting—“

Before Bernard could retort, Solon cut him off.

“I am not suggesting, Bernard. I am only reminding you.” Solon stepped closer, “You are merely a piece on a board. Fail to do your job, and another will take your place.”

Bernard scoffed, but didn’t reply.

Then without a word, he turned and walked faster, vanishing into the corridors.

Solon lingered a moment. His eyes narrowed, voice low enough only the glass could hear.

“When the time comes… we’ll see where you stand.”