The snow had covered the entire North, and the cold winds rushed between the trees, carrying faint sounds that resembled whispers. In the fortress of the North, Lord Kaddis stood by a large stone window, gazing at the endless stretch of forests. Thick fog drifted between the trees like a living creature, and Kaddis felt as though something was lurking, watching anyone daring enough to draw near.
The latest reports stirred more concern than ever before: shepherds had vanished, strange sounds echoed through the night, and shadows slipped silently between the trees. Worst of all… the small village of Starliv had disappeared without a trace.
Kaddis sat in the great council hall, leaning on the table with his fingers interlocked, his eyes scanning the anxious faces of his advisors. Taking a deep breath, he said:
"Gentlemen… the northern forests are no longer what they once were. Strange movements have begun, and the village of Starliv has vanished without leaving behind even a sign. We must uncover the truth before the situation worsens."
Meriel placed her hand upon the table, brushing a few strands of silver hair behind her ear before glancing around. "My lord… the winds and the voices we heard lately were not natural. I feel as if the forest itself is warning us."
Graeme furrowed his brows, tapping his palm against the table. "I can't ignore this either. If we leave it unchecked, we may regret it later. A scouting party must be dispatched immediately."
Alora tilted her head, her eyes shifting between Kaddis and the forest beyond the windows before speaking. "Lord Kaddis… Graeme is right, but we must also consider the safety of the people. We cannot stir panic among the rest of the villages without clear reason."
Ronan sat upright, resting his chin on his hand as he observed them all. "My lord… even if this is natural, waiting is not an option. The party must leave tonight, before the danger grows."
Meriel raised a brow, her gaze flashing toward Ronan. "Ronan, are you suggesting we simply let the shadows move while we stand idle?"
Ronan gave a faint smile. "No, Meriel… but we must act swiftly. My lord, the urgency speaks for itself."
Kaddis drew a deep breath, placed his hand firmly on the table, and locked eyes with each of them. "I have heard you all. We will balance caution with swiftness. A small expeditionary unit will depart tonight for Starliv to uncover what happened. Every step will be calculated, and each member will know that a single mistake may cost dearly."
Graeme smiled faintly, resting his hand on the dagger at his belt. "I'll ready the finest knights. We will leave nothing to chance."
Alora lowered her head slightly, closing her eyes for a moment before saying, "I only hope this will be enough… I do not want us to regret our choices later."
Meriel gave a soft smile, turning her eyes toward Kaddis. "With you, my lord… I feel the North will remain safe, no matter what secrets the forest tries to conceal."
For a moment, silence settled over the hall. The advisors exchanged solemn glances, weighed down by the gravity of their duty. Outside, the wind howled through the trees as if warning them of the unknown awaiting them that very night.
"Your Lordship… there's a question that can no longer be ignored. Who will inherit the throne? Prince Frederick or Prince Rielond?"
Meriel raised an eyebrow sharply and spoke directly:
"The matter is clear. Frederick is the eldest legitimate heir; there is no room for debate."
Alura interlaced her fingers on the table, her gaze hesitant:
"But we must not overlook that Rielond enjoys the support of young nobles who see him as fresh blood capable of changing the North's policies. Ignoring that could lead to conflicts."
Cadis's eyes remained fixed, silently studying their faces. Then Ronan leaned forward, his voice low but firm:
"And what about Kaiden?"
The room froze. Meriel gasped as if she could not believe what she heard, and Graim shouted, slamming the table:
"Ronan! How dare you?! A bastard has no right to be mentioned in this discussion!"
But Ronan held his ground, his gaze directed squarely at Cadis:
"Your Lordship… Frederick grew up among books and councils, Rielond spoiled among privileges. But Kaiden has lived among us soldiers. He has known cold, hunger, and blood, fighting shoulder to shoulder with those who would one day follow him. People see him as one of their own. And so… if the day of choice comes, they will look for someone who leads them to survive, not merely someone who upholds the law."
Meriel struck her palm on the table, her features alight with fury:
"This is madness! You want to place the throne of the North in the hands of a bastard? This will ignite a civil war!"
Alura remained silent, yet she lowered her gaze, her fingers trembling over the table, as if she could not deny what she had heard.
Graim was about to stand, but Cadis raised his hand slowly, his voice low yet decisive:
"Enough."
Cadis raised his head, his voice calm yet charged with authority:
"You have all heard. The discussion about succession will not be concluded easily, but the facts are clear."
Laura straightened in her seat, her gaze sharp:
"Your Lordship… it's true that Kaiden is beloved by the soldiers and the people, and he might be capable of leading the North effectively."
Cadis smiled a cold smile, his eyes scanning the advisors one by one:
"I am aware of all that… but he is illegitimate. Legitimacy is not just a piece of paper or a title; it is the foundation of cohesion and unity. Making Kaiden a prince now, even if he is popular, would ignite an internal and regional war that we would be powerless to contain."
Ronan stepped forward, his voice low but sharp:
"Your Lordship… are we to reject him merely because he is illegitimate, despite his strength and intelligence?"
Cadis looked at him with icy eyes, his voice becoming even firmer:
"Yes. Laws and traditions are not mere formalities; they are the only guarantee for the stability of the North. Frederick and Riloud are the legitimate heirs, and it is our duty to protect them, and the kingdom, above all else."
Alora pressed her fingertips against the edge of the table and whispered:
"If this is the decision… does Kaiden's threat still remain?"
Cadis smiled calmly, his deep voice filling the hall:
"Not an immediate threat for now. But we will not let the North pay the price for his strength or popularity before the right time comes. Everything has its place and time, and now we must hold together more than ever before against the unknown that approaches."
Graim stepped closer but only nodded, out of respect for the weight of the decision.
Cadis rose from his seat, his deep voice concluding the meeting:
"The meeting is over. Prepare the reconnaissance squad immediately; the forest awaits, and the North… more than ever, needs its legitimate leadership and indispensable wisdom."