he dimly lit chamber reeked of sweat and desperation. Rendon stood before the captured suspect, his expression unreadable. The man was seated, his hands bound behind his back, but his eyes were filled with a quiet defiance. He had accepted his fate the moment he was caught, and no amount of threats or pressure had loosened his lips.
"You have one last chance to speak, or we will extract the truth by force," Rendon said, his voice even but carrying an unmistakable weight.
The prisoner smirked. "Kill me if you want. I have nothing to say."
Rendon exchanged a glance with one of his men before stepping aside. A small wooden box was placed on the table before the prisoner. Inside it lay a vial containing a dark, murky liquid.
"Do you know what this is?" Rendon asked.
The man's eyes flickered toward the vial but remained silent.
"It's a rare extract from the Withering Shade root, found only in the deep marshlands to the north," Rendon continued. "It weakens the mind, loosening the barriers people put up to hide their secrets. Unlike torture, which breaks the body, this works directly on the mind. You'll speak, whether you want to or not."
For the first time, a trace of hesitation crossed the prisoner's face.
"You think I'll betray my cause just because of some trickery?" he scoffed, though his voice wavered slightly.
Rendon uncorked the vial. A sharp, bitter scent filled the room. "Let's find out."
The guards forced the prisoner's mouth open and poured a measured dose down his throat. He coughed violently, his body shuddering as the liquid took effect. At first, nothing happened. Then, his eyes grew unfocused, and his breathing became labored.
"Who ordered the attack on the young master?" Rendon asked, his tone calm but firm.
The prisoner remained silent, his body trembling.
"Who?" Rendon pressed.
A few moments passed before the man's lips parted. "I... don't know his real name..." he muttered. "But he was a noble... A noble who opposes the king."
Rendon's expression hardened. "Which faction?"
The prisoner groaned, struggling against the haze clouding his mind. "They want Lord Vincent... to turn against the king... Make him believe the king betrayed him."
Rendon clenched his fists. So that was their plan to use Ravennest as a pawn in a greater political game.
The prisoner's body slumped, the effects of the drug weakening him further. His breathing was ragged, his strength fading, but he managed to whisper one last thing.
"They won't stop... more will come..."
Rendon exhaled, stepping back as he absorbed the weight of the revelation. This was bigger than he expected. And it was far from over.
In Vincent Room
Vincent sat in his study, his fingers steepled as he absorbed the report in front of him. The weight of the revelation pressed upon his shoulders the assassination attempt on Zach had not been an isolated incident. It was part of a greater scheme, a political maneuver orchestrated by nobles seeking to undermine the king's rule.
The implication was clear: Ravennest had been chosen as a battleground. If left unchecked, the town could become a pawn in a war of influence.
"We cannot afford to be caught off guard," Vincent murmured, his voice resolute.
Standing before him, Rendon remained silent, awaiting orders. His own mind was already working through the necessary countermeasures, but it was Vincent's will that would set the plan in motion.
"Issue a decree," Vincent commanded, straightening in his chair. "All soldiers in Ravennest are to undergo increased training, effective immediately. Drills, combat readiness, tactical formations I want them prepared for battle at any moment."
Rendon gave a sharp nod. "And the town's borders?"
"Tighten security at every checkpoint. No one enters or leaves without thorough inspection. Assign trusted men to oversee this personally."
"Understood, my lord. I will see it done."
Vincent exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping against the desk.
"There is also the royal gathering," he said, eyes darkening. "The king has personally requested my presence, and with this revelation, I cannot afford to refuse."
"Do you suspect they know of this plot?" Rendon asked cautiously.
"It is possible. If so, my absence would only serve to fuel suspicion. I must attend."
Rendon hesitated. "That leaves Ravennest vulnerable."
Vincent met his gaze with unshaken resolve. "Then we will ensure it is well-defended. While I am away, you will oversee our town's security. Should anything happen in my absence, you have full authority to act in my stead."
Rendon bowed deeply. "I will not fail you, my lord."
Vincent leaned back, staring out the window at his town the people he had sworn to protect. "Make sure of it."
Everything that transpire are things that happen within the shadow and go unseen by Zach.