Erythro: The Prophecy Unveiled

Father Augustine stare at the Erudite with a blank expression. With a smile, he replied, "I assure you, we do not possess it," the priest stated with conviction. "We have been diligently seeking the remaining weapons, but to no avail. If your claim is true, it would expedite our efforts significantly. We trust that the clergy will be cooperative in our pursuit of these wolf hunters," Cedric remarked, his gaze fixed on the priest. "Indeed, that is the very purpose of our mission here," the priest acknowledged with a solemn nod.

"A moment, please!" King Caspian interjected with a raised hand, a note of urgency in his voice. "If, as you claim, you are not familiar with these wolf hunters, then how is it that you possess such specific knowledge of them? From whence did you acquire this information?" "I merely overheard certain rumors, Your Majesty," the priest replied, his tone curt.

"After five arduous hours of deliberation, Cedric Vale rose from his seat and, in a resounding voice, declared, "As King Lucian has proposed, the five kingdoms shall unite in a coordinated ambush upon the wolf's lair. Each kingdom is expected to contribute a skilled warrior to aid in this endeavor. The three weapons in our possession will be utilized strategically. Furthermore, I shall establish a council of regents to tirelessly track the wolf hunters and their clandestine hideout. With resolute determination, we shall reclaim the weapons they possess and employ them in the eradication of the wolves. This assembly is now adjourned!'"

In the heart of the Carthage Empire, the afternoon sky darkened ominously, a harbinger of impending change. A chill wind swept through the ancient trees, stripping them of their vibrant foliage. A lone guard, stationed at the city's podium, clutched a scroll in his trembling hand. With a voice amplified by fear and authority, he proclaimed, "By royal decree of His Majesty, King Alexander Lamberg, all shops and dwellings must be shuttered precisely at the six in the evening. None shall venture forth from their homes until the dawn breaks. This curfew, imposed with immediate effect, is binding upon all subjects of the King. Those who dare to defy this edict shall face the ultimate consequence: a swift and merciless hanging upon the Gallow's Square, a chilling reminder of the price of disobedience and insubordination!"

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd as the proclamation was heard. Faces, etched with lines of worry, turned to one another. "A curfew?" one whispered, their voice barely audible. "What could have transpired?" Another, more fearful, questioned, "Are we at war?" A third, their eyes wide with dread, ventured, "Have you heard the rumors of the black wolves?" The crowd erupted in a cacophony of hushed whispers, uncertainty clouding their minds. "Black wolves?" a man scoffed; his voice laced with disbelief. "Such tales are mere fantasies!"

Despite the divergent opinions, the news of the strict curfew swept across the kingdom of Carthage. Households were urged to arm themselves, any weapon at their disposal. Guards were doubled than usual. They roam the cities and towns of the empire. The churches overflowed with supplicants, seeking divine intervention. A particular demand arose for holy water, believed to possess the power to ward off the enigmatic black wolves. These creatures, known as one of the creatures of darkness, were said to be immortal, impervious to the weapons of mortal men. Any wound, no matter how grievous, would heal instantaneously, save for those inflicted by holy water. This sacred liquid could burn their flesh, but not extinguish their life. To truly vanquish them, a weapon of extraordinary power was required, a relic from the ancient wars of yore.

Prince Sebastian, walking in the palace corridors, was startled by the sound of the grand gates creaking open. A resplendent carriage, drawn by four majestic steeds, glided into the courtyard. Gazing out the window, the young prince recognized the royal emblem. 'It must be Father,' he mused, a sense of anticipation stirring within him.

Descending the grand staircase, he encountered his cousin, Duke William, engaged in conversation with a stranger. A knowing smile played upon the duke's lips as he spoke, and the stranger stop what he was about to say, upon noticing the prince's approach and bowed respectfully.

The duke turned, a warm smile gracing his lips as he acknowledged the prince. Bidding farewell to his companion, approached the young Prince. "Your Highness," he greeted. Sebastian, his curiosity piqued, inquired, "Who was that man?" The duke, a knowing glint in his eye, replied, "A business associate."

"What brings you here?" the duke questioned.

"I'm on my way to greet Father," Sebastian explained.

"His Majesty? So, the ordinance meeting has concluded?" the duke remarked.

The king went down on his carriage, his footsteps were hurried. Some of his vassals walk behind him, a sense of urgency in their faces. King Alexander announced his orders continuously in a serious tone. The servants and palace officials, listened carefully, afraid of any missed instructions.

Prince Sebastian paused midway, a frown creasing his brow as he watched his father stride purposefully across the courtyard. The king's hurried footsteps echoed on the cobblestones, the train of vassals and advisors struggling to keep pace. The air crackled with a palpable sense of urgency, a stark contrast to the usual languid atmosphere of the palace. "...we will leave before dawn," Sebastian overheard, fragments of his father's pronouncements carried on the crisp morning air.

The words hung heavy, laced with an unspoken gravity that piqued the prince's curiosity.He abandoned his original course, deciding to seek out Larry, his trusted attendant. Larry, more than just a servant, was a confidante, a discreet source of information within the often-opaque world of the royal court.

Sebastian headed towards the back of the castle, where the guards' quarters were located, a bustling hub of activity at this time of day. He found Larry near the stables, engaged in conversation with Russel, one of the palace guards, and a small group of other men-at-arms. The men's voices were hushed, their faces serious, further fueling Sebastian's suspicion that something significant was afoot.

"Larry," Sebastian called out, approaching the group. Larry's head snapped up, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he quickly composed himself. "Your Highness," he said, bowing his head respectfully. He excused himself from the other guards and stepped towards the prince.

"What's going on?" Sebastian asked, his voice low and urgent. "My father seems to be in quite a hurry." Larry hesitated, glancing back at the other guards before lowering his voice even further. "It's…it's a matter of great importance, Your Highness. Confidential matters discussed in the Ordinance meeting."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. The Ordinance meeting was a gathering of the kingdom's highest officials and regents, typically reserved for matters of state security and significant policy decisions. The fact that his father was already issuing orders after the meeting had concluded spoke volumes. "I understand," Sebastian said, his voice firm.

"But I need to know. This secrecy is making me uneasy." Larry shifted uncomfortably. "Your Highness, I am bound by oath…" "Larry," Sebastian interrupted gently. After a moment of internal struggle, Larry relented. He led Sebastian a short distance away from the other guards, ensuring their conversation remained private. "Very well, Your Highness," Larry began in a hushed tone. "But you must understand, this information is highly confidential. It must not leave these walls."

Sebastian nodded solemnly. Larry took a deep breath. "It concerns the wolf attacks, Your Highness. They are…more widespread and organized than we initially believed. Intelligence has revealed the location of a significant wolf lair, deep within the Skotos Empire." Sebastian's eyes widened. The Skotos Empire was a vast and wild territory to the north, known for its dense forests and rugged terrain. It was also known for its legends of monstrous wolves, creatures of immense size and ferocity.

"The Skotos Empire?" Sebastian whispered, a chill running down his spine. Larry nodded grimly. "The kings of the surrounding empires have decided to unite their forces in a joint operation. They plan to launch a coordinated assault on the wolf lair, to eradicate the threat once and for all." Sebastian was stunned. This was a massive undertaking, a declaration of war against a common enemy. The implications were enormous.

"My father is leading the charge?" he asked. "Yes, Your Highness," Larry confirmed. "The attack is planned to commence next week before dawn. The king believes a swift and decisive strike is crucial to minimize casualties and prevent further attacks." Sebastian absorbed the information, his mind racing. The urgency of his father's actions now made sense. This was not just a local matter; it was a threat to the entire kingdom.

"Thank you, Larry," Sebastian said, his voice filled with a newfound seriousness. "I understand the gravity of the situation." Larry nodded, his expression grave. "Please, Your Highness, be discreet. This information is not for public consumption. "Sebastian assured him he would be, and with a heavy heart, he turned and walked away, the weight of the impending conflict settling upon his shoulders.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the castle, in the tranquil seclusion of the royal gardens, Theresa, Madeline's mother, quietly tended to the vibrant flowerbeds. A low-level maid, her hands were more accustomed to the rough textures of laundry and cleaning supplies than the delicate petals of roses and lilies. Yet, she found solace in the garden's quiet beauty, a brief respite from the endless cycle of chores and duties.

The sun filtered through the leaves of the ancient trees, casting dappled shadows on the carefully arranged flowerbeds. Theresa hummed a soft melody as she pruned a rose bush, her brow furrowed in concentration. She was a woman of quiet strength, her face etched with the lines of hard work and quiet resilience. Unbeknownst to her, the wheels of fate were turning, and the events unfolding within the castle walls would soon have a profound impact on her life and the life of her daughter. The calm of the garden, a sanctuary for a brief moment, stood in stark contrast to the impending storm that was about to break.