King Rollo finally agreed to let the people of Zeirath into the kingdom. For days they had been outside the gates, waiting. Now they entered, and with them came Ulthred, their king. Soon Ulthred stood in the throne room of Dorch. King Rollo sat on his throne, while the other lords, chiefs, and generals stood nearby.

Ulthred looked around the hall. He saw no seat prepared for him. He looked angry. He stepped forward and spoke loudly so that all could hear.

"Rollo, tell me, did you forget that another king stands here before you, or did you purposely keep me standing like a commoner?"

King Rollo scoffed. "Dear Ulthred. You have not changed. Still full of yourself. Look around you, do you not see other kings, and nobles standing? None of them complains. Yet you, who arrived last and have fought no battle here, demand a throne in my hall. When will you let go of your pride?"

Ulthred narrowed his eyes. "And when will you let go of yours? Who is the only man sitting here, while the rest remain standing?"

The hall was quiet for a moment. Then Ulthred continued as Rollo didn't reply anymore. "You know I see through you, Rollo. I know you for what you are. But I will not do this with you here in this hall. I'm better than that. I came here of my own will, not forced, not summoned. I came to stand with you and the others to help save humanity. I will endure your arrogance, but do not mistake it for weakness."

"Save humanity, you say?" Rollo roared. "Where was that noble spirit weeks ago? Where was it days ago, when our people bled and died? You stayed away. You say you know me well, but I see through you, and I know why you're here. I know it's not because you care for humanity, but because you see an enemy you cannot face alone. And now you expect us to believe in your goodwill? Good riddance."

Ulthred clenched his jaw. "Perhaps I made a mistake coming here in the first place."

Everyone was quiet and Rollo then gave a thin smile. "Of course not," He said. "It was a wise choice. You arrived late, true. But we still need you here for there is something only you can do for us."

Ulthred crossed his arms. "And what is that?"

Rollo leaned forward on his throne. "We have learned where the hydra hides. Its nest is in the caves beyond the forest cliffs. If we wish to end this war before it spreads further, we must destroy those caves themselves. Crush those creatures before they march against us again."

Ulthred frowned deeply. "You want to blow up an entire cave system? That is madness. It is not possible."

"That," Rollo said firmly, "is exactly what I want you to make possible. And I believe you can."

The hall fell into silence again. Ulthred did not speak right away. He turned, walked a few steps as if thinking, then came back. His voice was steady.

"We have destroyed strongholds before. We have torn down walls, towers, and even fortresses. But this… this is unlike anything we have ever done. The caves are wide, and deep. If it can be done, it will take time, tools, and men."

Rollo's hand struck the arm of his throne. "Time is what we do not have. The caves are close, and the hydra may march upon us at any moment. Every delay weakens us. We cannot wait for perfection. I just need something and I need it quickly."

Ulthred exhaled, then nodded slowly. "Then we will begin at once. But I warn you, nothing is certain. The earth does not obey men so easily. Still, we will try."

"Good," Rollo said. His voice softened slightly. "Then you may rest for now. You and your people have traveled far, though I admit we did not welcome you as we should. You will be shown to your chambers."

With that, Ulthred turned and walked out of the throne room.

*****

Nyella stood before the mirror in her chamber. Her attendants had long since gone, and she had dismissed even the guards at her door. She wanted to prepare alone. Slowly, she tied the last strap of her cloak, brushed the edges of her dark robe, and slid her dagger into its place. Her hair was drawn back, and her face was calm. Tonight, she would leave for the expedition to the Northern Palace with Aeron to seek the red box. She told herself she was ready, but deep inside, she was scared.

Before she could go, there was one last person she wished to see. She walked through the halls until she came to the infirmary. She pushed open the doors and stepped inside. The smell of herbs and burning oil lamps filled the air. At the far end of the room, Lord Edgar lay on his bed, propped against a pile of pillows. His face looked pale but he saw her immediately.

"So it is true," Edgar said slowly. "You really are going back to Ivarion. Back to the Northern Palace. And right under the nose of Voryn Vanyr."

Nyella moved closer, stood at his bedside, and said firmly, "I had hoped you would understand. I must do this. If I succeed, I will gain everything I need. Everything that matters."

Edgar's hand trembled slightly as he raised it, pointing at her. His eyes glistened with tears. "But at the risk of what, Nyella? You will be risking your own life. Risking the safety of Ivarion. The future of our people. It is not worth it."

Nyella lowered her eyes for a moment. "I cannot stay here and do nothing," she said softly. "I just cannot. And besides… I will not go alone. The dragon rider goes with me."

"You think that makes me feel better?" Edgar asked. "You think his presence will ease my heart? No. It does not. This is still too dangerous, even for you."

Nyella breathed in deeply and answered, "I know. I know it is risky. But I have made my decision."

Edgar let out a long sigh. His eyes softened. "If you say so, I cannot go against it. But you must know what it means. It means leaving things here in the hands of others. These kings who have gathered to plan this war. They will keep meeting. They will keep planning. Who knows what else they might decide in your absence? They may plot against you, against Ivarion itself. You know well what they are capable of."

Nyella nodded. "I do know. That is why I am leaving you here. You are Lord Arbiter. This is your strength. You must take my place in the council. Watch them. Listen to them. Find out what they all do, and plan individually. Never leave them alone."

Edgar frowned. "And if they do not accept me? You know these men. They are kings. Their pride is heavy."

"Why would they not accept you?" Nyella replied. "You are more than capable. You are wiser than most of them. And they know it."

There was silence between them. Nyella looked at him, waiting. Edgar looked back at her. Then he spoke, his voice breaking.

"Do not be too bent on saving your mother, the queen. She may beg you to leave her in the dungeons. If that happens… do not hesitate. Always trust her. You know she never acts without reason. If she tells you to leave her, then leave her. What she cares for most in this world is your safety. As do I. As do many of us."

Nyella's voice shook slightly. "Why do you say that? Why would she ever ask me to leave her behind?"

Edgar's lips pressed into a thin line. He reached out slowly and touched her hand. "Have a safe journey, princess. Watch out for your enemies. There will be many, and some will wear friendly faces."

Before Nyella could speak again, the door opened. Aeron stepped in and saw her.

"We have to leave now," Aeron said. "Everything is ready."

Nyella looked at Lord Edgar and said, "One more thing, that Irha girl… watch her carefully, please. In case she tries any tricks. For all I know, this could still be games she is playing. The Vanyrs are good at that."

"And please, get back on your feet," she added. "You cannot do anything if you keep lying here weak like this."

Edgar gave a faint smile and said, "Have pity on this old man. I am trying my best."

"I know you are," Nyella replied softly.

Then Edgar turned his gaze toward Aeron, who was standing at the door. "Please," he said, "look after this stubborn princess."

"If she allows me," Aeron answered. And then, with a faint smile, he added, "I surely would."

"Thank you, my lord," Nyella said, before turning to follow Aeron out of the infirmary.

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