The Shadow of the Comet - When the Child Commands Linovard

  The child entered the palace, newly restored, its walls gleaming with fresh stone and timber.

  He sat upon an ancient throne, worn by centuries, yet still commanding.

  Before him, spectral knights marched—some in solemn procession, others charging into phantom battles.

  The child closed his eyes... and drifted into a quiet sleep.

  Outside, Venzel watched.

  "He sleeps..."

  He walked through the streets.

  Refugees rested in their new cottages.

  Others trained in the barracks.

  Some hunted, some farmed, others harvested.

  Taverns had begun to spread, laughter spilling from their doors.

  Venzel sat by the harbor, removed his helmet, and smiled faintly.

  The ghost said that they were celebrating the teasing winter yet to be sealed by it what an irony...

  Then—a figure appeared before him.

  A ghostly presence, smiling.

  Venzel's eyes widened.

  "The Emperor..."

  A knight rushed forward.

  "Commander Venzel, are you well?"

  Venzel turned.

  "Yes... I am well."

  Above, the green comet dimmed.

  Its light twisted into violet shadow, its tail burning gray.

  Venzel's face hardened.

  He rose and strode to the palace.

  Inside—

  The child stood, staring at the sky, unblinking.

  His face was strange, unsettling.

  "Are you well?" Venzel asked.

  The child did not answer.

  His gaze remained fixed upon the heavens.

  Venzel's expression changed.

  He donned his helmet, lowered his head, and knelt.

  "Your command..."

  Knights gathered behind him, kneeling in silence.

  The child walked forward, eyes still locked upon the sky.

  His voice was low, chilling, yet steady—like a prophecy carved in stone:

  "When the Knights of Linovard cross one path...

  He lowered his gaze to Venzel.

  The invaders shall be forced to take another."

  THE KINGDOM OF LEONA — SHADOWS IN THE CAVERN

  The cavern swallowed every sound except the echoing laughter of Valon and Macfirdin, their voices rolling across the stone like thunder.

  Before them stood Mowj, barely upright, blood dripping from his wounds, his single eye flickering with a sinister violet glow.

  Macfirdin’s grin widened. "Now… we shall go and kill that fool of the seas. "Valon nodded slowly. "Yes. His name is Falcon — the guardian of the jewel that leads to the great whale’s lair.”Macfirdin’s eyes narrowed with predatory interest.

  “That whale… a master of escape and deception. Its strength is far beyond what a mere ocean beast should possess.

  ” Valon smiled — but the smile faltered, darkening into irritation.

  Macfirdin noticed. "What troubles you? ”Valon’s voice sharpened.

  "That reckless knight moves as he pleases.

  He has slain the warriors I intended to control.

  ”Macfirdin waved a dismissive hand.

  “Let him be. Those knights are worthless to us now.

  ” The Plans for Aurik?

  Valon’s tone shifted.

  “And what of Aurik?

  ”Macfirdin’s hand brushed the massive scar carved across his chest and abdomen — a wound that still pulsed with faint, cursed heat. “I will tread carefully,” he muttered. "That cursed blood is not something to provoke lightly.

  "Valon’s smile returned, sharper than before.

  “I bring news. Dais has failed to seize Aurik.

  The strongest resistance gathers in that poor kingdom.

  Together, we can crush them.

  ” He leaned in, voice cutting like a blade.

  “You must hurry. Dais will return with another plan to impose his rule.

  And the prince who leads them… rumors spread quickly. Delay too long, and he may grow stronger — his position unshakable.

  Macfrifin's lips curled into a wicked grin. "Caesar’s son? How… interesting.

  ”He gestured toward Mowj, who stared blankly, blood dripping, violet eye glowing like a cursed star.

  THE WARNING

  Macfirdin raised his weapon, pointing toward a shadowed corner of the cavern.

  Mowj lifted his hand — a wave of dark aura surged outward.

  Stone decayed instantly, crumbling into dust. From the darkness, Azalor emerged. Valon’s eyes narrowed.

  "So, you return? My apologies for reporting Dais’s failure.”Macfirdin laughed, the sound booming through the cavern.

  Azalor’s voice was calm — but sharp as a drawn blade.

  “You underestimate me far too often… but no matter. I came to deliver one final warning.

  ”Both Valon and Macfirdin turned toward him.

  Azalor’s eyes glowed faintly.

  “They are coming for you.

  ” Valon frowned. “Who?”Macfirdin’s laughter grew louder, mocking and wild.

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  “Yes! Let them come! The remaining armies of the world march toward me — and I have prepared this kingdom for their arrival!

  ” The Corrupted Kingdom Outside, horrors prowled the land. Grotesque beasts stalked the ruined fields. Dark knights and Black Order soldiers patrolled the shadows, occupying every corner of the realm.

  Macfirdin’s voice thundered across the cavern.

  “Any who dare threaten the great Macfirdin shall face my endless wrath! Hahaha! ” Valon’s expression hardened.

  “Reports speak of a prince near the borders… I believe his name is Lucas.”Macfirdin smirked, eyes gleaming with malice.

  “A prince of this kingdom? If he truly is… let him try to claim it! Hahaha!”Azalor’s form dissolved into shadow, his voice fading like smoke.“I have warned you...

  ”Silence swallowed the cavern.

  AURIK — THE COUNCIL CHAMBER

  In the Kingdom of Aurik, after Princess Kasra’s abduction and Varon’s disappearance, the palace buzzed with reconstruction.

  Workers moved swiftly, restoring shattered halls and broken walls.

  Inside the royal chamber, Prince Asser sat with his closest companions: Jaber, Laika, Sylvance, and Princess Kasra herself.

  Prince Asser spoke calmly.

  “Very well… what plan do you propose? Jaber raised his hand respectfully.

  “Patience, Your Grace…” Footsteps echoed. A figure entered with quiet composure. Laika turned her gaze toward him.

  Prince Asser followed. Jaber smiled faintly.

  "It is an honor to welcome you to our tea gathering, dear Jamih.

  ” Prince Asser studied Jamih’s face — sensing tension beneath the calm. “What troubles you?

  ”Jamih’s expression hardened.

  His voice was steady, direct.“Let us dispense with pleasantries… and speak of the matter at hand.”

  Aurik — The Ember Kingdom Council

  Snow fell heavily upon the Ember Kingdom of Aurik, while its towers blazed with fire against the storm.

  Within the royal council chamber, Jamih sat among the gathered lords.

  Jamih: "I will take my finest men to the Kingdom of Leona... to kill the source, and to save what is most precious to me now."

  Prince Asser leaned forward, his voice sharp.

  Prince Asser: "What is this? Something precious? The source?"

  Jaber raised his hand calmly.

  Jaber: "Your Grace, Jamih is angry... and impatient."

  Asser's eyes narrowed upon him.

  Jaber: "The one who was able to heal Princess Sarah has been captured by the Black Order. He appears to be very powerful."

  Laika's expression shifted, her eyes gleaming.

  Laika: "If I see him, I may be able to determine his strength... and his rank within the Black Order."

  Jaber shook his head.

  Jaber: "My sources say he is not the same one who destroyed the Luminous Tree. He is someone else."

  Princess Kasra clutched the bracelet Varon had left her, her voice trembling yet resolute.

  Kasra: "Brother... is there anything left to hesitate for?"

  Prince Asser sighed, taking her hand gently. He smiled faintly, whispering so only she could hear.

  Prince Asser (softly): "Do not worry... I can do this just watch you brother in action ."

  ---

  Sylvance' face hardened at Jaber's words.

  Sylvance: "It is Mowj... I know that young man well. He is kind... gentle of heart."

  Jamih cut her off, his anger barely contained.

  Jamih: "No... he is not. He healed the villages after the destruction of the Luminous Tree. He trusted you to do what was right at that time."

  Sylvance looked at him, then turned her gaze toward Prince Asser.

  ---

  Laika spoke firmly.

  Laika: "My guild members are ready for battle. Though their strength is not what it once was before the Tree's destruction... and this endless frost drains them, forcing constant use of magic. They will need support."

  She turned to Asser.

  Laika: "They are prepared... but they cannot stand alone."

  Sylvance straightened, her voice steady.

  Sylvance: "I can cover that, Commander. My soldiers are ready, and new divisions are nearly finished training in the military camp. The assault unit is prepared."

  Prince Asser placed his hands upon the table, deep in thought.

  Prince Asser: "Very well..."

  ---

  Jaber leaned forward.

  Jaber: "I will go with Jamih."

  Jamih raised his brow, staring at him.

  Jaber: "We will take a squad of elite soldiers—Korta's tunnel assassins, alongside Jamih's men. We will infiltrate, seize the boy, and put him under. We can render him unconscious."

  Jamih clenched his fist tightly, his voice trembling with rage.

  Jamih: "He is the comet... the Green One."

  Jaber's eyes softened.

  Jaber: "Calm yourself..."

  Aurik — The Green Comet Revelation

  Laika's eyes narrowed, her voice trembling.

  Laika: "The Green Comet... could it be? My suspicions were correct."

  Prince Asser turned sharply toward her.

  Prince Asser: "What is this Green Comet, Commander? Do you need to explain it to me?"

  Laika nodded.

  Laika: "Of course. The Green Comet describes the state of the child Jamih speaks of. Do you remember your father? During the battle... King Caesar fought while a crimson star appeared from time to time. And the knight... no matter. I saw the comet shift its color—to violet, with gray flames. That means..."

  Jamih interrupted, his tone dismissive.

  Jamih: "So? That is all?"

  Jaber, Laika, and Sylvance all turned their gaze toward Prince Asser.

  The prince drew a deep breath, looking at his sister Kasra, who held his hand tightly. His thoughts drifted to the sleeping Princess Sarah.

  Jamih rose.

  Suddenly, Prince Asser stood as well, his voice firm.

  Prince Asser: "I have the plan."

  He looked at Jamih, Laika, Sylvance, and finally Jaber.

  All stood.

  Jaber smiled strangely, Jamih's eyes narrowing upon him.

  Prince Asser: "This... is the plan."

  ---

  Leona — The Edge of Collapse

  At the borders of the Kingdom of Leona, Fuad carried the bleeding Ledra, while Aref and Sidney covered their retreat, arrows flying at the pursuers.

  Prince Lucas appeared, his voice urgent.

  Lucas: "Fuad!"

  The counselors were stunned, the guards shaken.

  Fuad gasped, his breath heavy.

  Fuad: "Your Grace... Lucas..."

  Lucas (tense): "What is it?"

  Fuad: "The one who controls the royal palace... is invincible. You must call for aid. The situation is dire."

  Aref lowered his head, shame in his eyes.

  Aref: "Forgive me, my lord..."

  Lucas: "No matter. You did all you could."

  His gaze fell upon Ledra.

  Lucas: "You there! Heal her, now!"

  Sidney stepped forward, her voice steady yet sorrowful.

  Sidney: "It is an honor to meet you. I did not wish for our meeting to be under such circumstances... but I will give all my strength to aid you."

  Lucas inclined his head.

  Lucas: "The honor is mine, my lady."

  ---

  Fuad's voice broke suddenly.

  Fuad: "The lake!"

  Lucas's eyes widened in shock. Some counselors froze, others exchanged glances as if they already knew.

  Lucas (alarmed): "What of it?"

  Fuad: "It is the source. The one who controls the palace has corrupted it with his weapon. A child came with this lady, trying to heal the sickness... he barely succeeded. But..."

  Lucas clenched his fist, his voice cold.

  Lucas: "And the princess?"

  Fuad's face twisted with dread.

  Fuad: "She is..."

  Lucas's expression shifted, his eyes darkening.

  Sidney spoke, her tone grave.

  Sidney: "She lives... but someone is manipulating souls. Her spirit is being held captive."

  Lucas, Fuad, and the counselors turned to her.

  Among them, Aref's eyes glimmered with hope, while others stared at Sidney with suspicion, their gazes sharp and fearful.

  Leona — The Council of Shadows

  Sidney's eyes narrowed as she continued.

  Sidney: "There is a man named Valon, of the Black Order... he is manipulating her. I saw the guards take the princess's body away from him, under the orders of the commander of the army."

  Prince Lucas's eyes widened.

  Lucas: "Basil? He was fighting?"

  Sidney nodded, her voice heavy.

  Sidney: "Yes... he was fighting. He saved the princess's body at the last moment. He was calling your name as he fought, with all his strength."

  Lucas clenched his fist, his anger rising. Aref placed a hand upon his shoulder.

  ---

  Lucas: "What of the reinforcements from Aurik? We have waited for days, yet nothing has arrived!"

  One of the counselors spoke coldly.

  Counselor: "My sources say the prince has no desire to send an army to Leona."

  Lucas's eyes widened. Aref tried to speak, but Fuad intervened.

  Fuad: "That is not true."

  The counselor glared at him.

  Fuad: "Prince Asser and Jaber would never abandon us, Lucas. They have their reasons for delay. I trust them."

  Lucas looked at him with disappointment.

  Fuad: "Lucas... do not lose hope. I am certain Asser will send aid. I have heard the news—since you left, he has changed. He is repairing everything. Do you want me to go myself?"

  ---

  Sidney stepped forward, her eyes wary of the counselors.

  Sidney: "No. The prince needs you at his side. I will go, with the counselors."

  Aref bowed deeply.

  Aref: "Lucas... allow me. I will go."

  Lucas trembled.

  Lucas: "But... Aref...?"

  Aref: "Please, let me fulfill my duty, Your Grace."

  Lucas's voice shook.

  Lucas: "Very well... Aref, you will go."

  He turned to Sidney.

  Lucas: "I cannot trust you."

  Fuad interrupted.

  Fuad: "You can. She has helped us all this time, and saved the princess from the beast's grasp."

  Lucas looked at Fuad, recalling Jaber's words: "He is honest, with a kind heart."

  Lucas: "Very well. You have my trust."

  ---

  Sidney drew her weapon, adjusting her hat. Aref prepared himself, while soldiers readied the horses.

  Another counselor stepped forward, bowing.

  Rokhan: "I will go with them, my prince."

  Sidney's expression shifted, her eyes flicking toward Fuad.

  Fuad shook his head subtly.

  Lucas: "Is that necessary?"

  Aref: "No... there is no need."

  Sidney interjected.

  Sidney: "Let him come. Perhaps he can persuade the prince."

  Lucas raised his brow, glancing at Fuad.

  Lucas: "Very well. So be it."

  Aref's face hardened as he looked at Sidney.

  And so, they mounted their horses, riding swiftly toward Aurik.