The Path Forward

Darkness fell over the castle, but Adrian ignored it. He stood with his back turned to the door, staring out the window. The crystal ball sat dormant; he was tired of watching Gwen Vanderick have fun.

I have to take care of her before she interferes with any more of my plans. He scowled.

His eyes narrowed at the sea of people below him. They looked similar to ants scurrying along, looking for food. Yet here he was, so close to touching the throne, facing setback after setback because of a fallen noble.

Adrian took a deep breath, trying to calm the rage in his chest before he lashed out. Maybe there is a way to salvage this without revealing myself prematurely.

He spun on his heel and rushed to his desk.

Placing a hand on the crystal ball, he poured his magic into it. The orb flashed black a couple of times before going blank. A frown crossed his face as he poured more magic into the ball.

“Come on, you stupid apprentice, answer!” he mumbled.

Adrian waited a couple more seconds before lifting his hand off the ball.

A sigh escaped him, knowing he would have to try again later. As he started to stand up, the orb started to flash. Quickly, he placed his hand back on it, answering the call as Damien’s face blurred to life.

Damien had on his usual dark hood. His background showed the remains of burning buildings. Dead bodies littered the ground, and the distant screams of people filled the air.

“Yes?”

Adrian ignored the noise and glared at him. “How far away from the capital are you?”

“Roughly two weeks… I’m at the border near the empire.”

“Good. Start making your way back here!”

Damien tilted his head. “Why?”

“Just make your way back here!” Adrian roared, slamming his hand on the desk. “We are going to attack the king early!”

“I thought the dungeon break wouldn’t happen for another few months. Plus, I still haven’t gotten my goblins strong enough yet.”

Adrian pinched his nose in frustration. “I know a way to cause the dungeon break to happen early… I’ll tell you more of the details once you arrive.”

Damien nodded. “Okay, let me finish destroying this village first, and I’ll start making my way back there.”

“Move with haste!”

Adrian cut the connection right as a scream came through the ball. He leaned back in his chair, letting out a deep breath. Dark lord, give me the strength to continue with the path you have set me on years ago.

A surge of energy answered his prayer before quickly disappearing. He stood up from the desk and moved back to the window, looking down at the people. They were his future subject—once everything came to fruition.

Even if all the royal family didn’t die in the attack. As long as he could remove them long enough to break the last seal, everything would be fine.