(KBTCM) Ch 28: The Falling Kingdom, The Creatures That Came From The Dark

The vaulted chamber of Eldermere's palace was a place that seemed built to remind men of their size. The ceiling rose like the sky itself, ribbed with marble and inlaid with veins of gold, while at the far end sat two thrones—one vast and carved for the queen, gleaming silver in the lanternlight, and the other high and solemn for the king. Their presence dominated the hall, yet the silence that followed Elric's arrival somehow managed to fill it even more.

Elric stood on the polished floor, his legs shaking under the weight of what he carried. He was small here—smaller than the guards, smaller still when compared to the towering throne behind which Queen Selora sat, her enormous form watching with quiet, unreadable grace.

Above him, Kerren sat cross-legged in Rowena's palm, the princess holding her hand steady just behind the king. From his perch, he leaned forward slightly, looking down at Elric with wide eyes, his heart hammering in his chest.

The hall seemed to hold its breath as Elric began.

"My kingdom..." his voice cracked, but he pressed on, "The kingdom of Torr Valen is under attack." His eyes darted up toward the king, whose stern face betrayed no reaction. "The attack came without warning—creatures rising from the darkness of the forest. Not beasts of tooth and claw... no. These were something else. Things we thought belonged only in legend. As much myth as the great giants who stand here today."

Rowena's lips pressed into a thin line at that.

Elric's hands trembled as he gestured. "They came in numbers beyond counting, pale-skinned and twisted, like the earth itself had spit them out. They showed no fear, no hesitation. Just bloodlust. They tore through our defenses as if they were nothing. Whole streets drowned in their tide. Families... citizens..." his throat caught, and he had to force the words through. "So many wiped away in a single night."

Kerren felt his chest tighten. He wanted to laugh earlier at Elric's nervousness, but now... now there was no humor left.

From the throne, the king leaned forward, his voice calm but heavy as stone.

"Does the kingdom of Torr Valen still exist?"

Elric froze, shoulders shuddering. His jaw worked, and at last he nodded, though tears welled at the edges of his eyes. "It... it still stands, Your Majesty. But not for long." He swallowed hard, his voice breaking into a whisper. "I was barely able to escape. Barely. And even now, I fear... after Torr Valen falls, your kingdom will be next."

The words settled over the hall like ash.

From Rowena's hand, Kerren could feel the princess stiffen slightly, her breath held in her chest. He looked down at Elric again—this man who had stumbled into their quiet village only days ago—and for the first time, truly saw the desperation burning behind his eyes.

Rowena shifted where she stood behind Elric, her hand still lifted with Kerren resting carefully in her palm. The silence that had fallen after Elric's plea pressed against her chest, and for a heartbeat she felt the weight of the entire kingdom resting on their shoulders. Finally, she stepped forward, her voice firm though tinged with urgency.

"Father... we can't ignore this. If Torr Valen falls, it won't end there. We have to do something."

The king, broad-shouldered even in his age, did not immediately answer. His dark eyes lowered to Elric, then slowly lifted toward the vast silver throne just behind him. Queen Selora sat poised, her chin resting lightly upon her hand as she studied the man before them, her face as calm as a still lake.

At last, the king spoke, his voice measured but unwavering. "We will not stand idle. Torr Valen will not fall alone." He turned his head slightly toward his wife. "Selora?"

The queen's great eyes softened, and she inclined her head with quiet grace. "You are right, husband. Their fight is ours."

Relief broke over Elric's features like sunlight after a storm. His shoulders sagged, and for the first time since he entered the hall, a smile cracked through his exhaustion. He bowed low. "Thank you... thank you, Your Majesties. You have no idea what this means to my people."

The king rose slowly from his throne, his cloak sweeping the marble floor, and his voice carried with the weight of command. "Rowena, you and the rest of my children will remain here. Your mother and I, along with General Theron Willy, will lead the armies of Eldermere to crush this threat before it spreads."

Rowena blinked, her mouth parting. "Remain here? Father, no—" she took another step forward, careful to keep her hand steady for Kerren. "We should go with you. Torr Valen needs all the strength we can give. You need us."

The king's eyes fixed on her, stern but not unkind. "No, Rowena. You and your sister Sylara will be needed here. The kingdom must not be left unguarded while we march. Should the darkness spread faster than we anticipate, someone must stand ready to defend our people."

Rowena clenched her jaw, frustration flashing in her eyes. "But—"

"Daughter." His tone cut cleanly, leaving no room for protest. "This is not a request. Your time will come. For now, your duty lies within these walls."

Kerren, still crisscross in her palm, glanced up at her. He could see the tension in her shoulders, the way she wanted to argue further. But for once, Rowena said nothing. She only drew a sharp breath through her nose and held her silence, though her eyes remained fixed on her father.

Below, Elric bowed again, gratitude spilling from him like water from a broken dam. "You honor Torr Valen with your strength. We will not forget it."

The king gave a short nod, already turning his thoughts toward the preparations of war.