All the way to Finar, silence was my only companion. The sand beneath my feet was dry, yet firm, much like this world that seemed unwilling to yield to anyone. The road was long, but necessary. Though I didn't want to admit it, part of me was eager to see the capital. I knew it would be entirely different from the rest of this harsh world.
As I approached the city, it appeared from afar like an island amidst a sea of sand. Its high walls swallowed the horizon, a mix of gray stone and dark wood. It wasn't as enchanting as I had expected, but it was full of life, and that made it special.
Crossing the gates, I was met with a scent entirely different from the desert. The air was filled with the smells of food, sweat, and burning fires. The streets were narrow and crowded, yet everything here seemed to have its own kind of order. People moved swiftly, as if each had a clear purpose that could not be delayed.
The buildings were simple but sturdy, built to withstand the harsh environment. The colors here were gray and dull, matching the surrounding world. Yet, splashes of color appeared in the fabrics sold by merchants or in the signs hanging in front of small shops.
I walked through the streets of Finar, observing the faces around me. They were different from those I had seen near the borders. Here, they were stronger, more resilient, yet their eyes carried the same worry I had seen elsewhere.
Despite the crowd, I felt alone. This was not my place, nor was I seeking belonging. All I wanted was to reach my goal.
As Night Fell
When the sky darkened, the voices in the streets grew quieter, and the city began to settle. I had been waiting for this moment. In the darkness, I felt powerful. The shadows here were not merely the absence of light; they were an extension of my will.
I summoned my shadows, and they emerged from everywhere, gathering around me in silence. I knew they carried the news I had been waiting for.
"Speak."
The first shadow appeared and spoke in a balanced tone:
"Alenius' sons are the cornerstone of his life. The elder, Kaelen, is twenty-five years old. He works at the military academy, training new soldiers, but he is not an expert fighter like his father. The younger, Elyas, is twenty years old—a quiet young man who prefers a simple life. He spends most of his time in the library or workshops. He is intelligent, but not physically strong."
I asked the shadow, "What is their relationship with their father?"
The shadow answered, "It is not particularly strong. Elyas respects and admires Alenius, while Kaelen has some unresolved conflicts with him. Kaelen seeks to become a great warrior and step out of his father's shadow to build his own legacy, while Elyas tries to distance himself from a life of war."
I smiled—this was all I needed for my next move. I looked at the shadows and said, "I want you to send them messages. Make each of them believe the other sent it."
"And what should the messages say?"
"Keep it simple. Have them meet at Sunset Square tomorrow, where no one will be watching. Tell them it's urgent."
The shadows bowed before vanishing, leaving me alone.
At Sunset Square
The next day, I stood in the shadows, watching the scene unfold. Sunset Square was a quiet place, far from the city's noise. When Kaelen arrived first, he stood waiting, his eyes searching anxiously. Minutes later, Elyas arrived.
The conversation began:
Kaelen: "Why did you send me here? What is this urgent matter you mentioned?"
Elyas: "Send you? You're the one who sent me a message!"
They stood facing each other, exchanging confused glances. I could no longer hold myself back. I stepped out of the shadows with quiet steps and spoke in a low voice, "No one sent the messages… except me."
Both of them turned in shock, preparing to confront me. But I raised my hand calmly. "I come in peace. I do not wish to harm you."
Kaelen stepped forward, anger in his voice. "Who are you? And why are you doing this?"
I smirked slightly. "My name is not important. What matters is that I want something very simple. Your father possesses a part of my power, a piece kept within his armor. I want it."
Elyas asked, his voice tense, "And why would we help you?"
I met his gaze directly and spoke in a quiet tone, carrying a hidden threat: "Because I can make your lives a living hell. I know everything about you—about your friends, the places you cherish, even your dreams. If you choose not to help me… you will have nothing left to lose, because I will burn everything."
The brothers exchanged looks, uncertainty written on their faces. Finally, Kaelen said, "We need time to think."
I slowly shook my head. "You have two days. But let me be clear—trying to inform your father will not be a wise decision. Alenius cannot protect you from me."
Then, without waiting for a response, I stepped back into the shadows, leaving them alone in the square.