GAMBIT 35 035| Aler

It begins as a whispering in the air that slowly swirls into a monstrous nightmare. The rain follows the direction of the wind, hitting the flakes of snow. The sky turns into one of those black and white films in the early 1900s, while the gleaming disc of the move fades away. Back at Witherheart, a kingdom in the North lies the king and queen who are filled with ecstasy after the death of Pureheart's queen.

The kingdom rejoiced and its music played by the musicians spreads through towns and streets. Even during a stormy night like this is not an excuse for the people not to celebrate. After all, the people here are Pluviophiles. As the citizens celebrate with jubilation, the royal family plans their next steps.

At the throne room of the king, the four pillars represent themselves. As usual, they kneel before their honors, before the commencement of another meeting. Most territories of Sacchi has been captured by them, leaving Pureheart is a big disadvantage.

Throughout the whole evening, the monarchs discussed their next city or town to invade. There are many choices in which they can choose from such as Magnolia in the west, or Rutherfordium in the south. Rutherfordium is also the closest city from Pureheart.

Everything seems to be in proper order. The four pillars are much more cooperative rather than the pillars of Pureheart. Every opinion counts for all of them are open-minded. There may be arguments at times but not as heated as the ones Pureheart encounters.

From their meeting, however, a troll interrupts, knocking violently on the door. The king, even though irked by the blare, commands the guards to open and see whoever it is knocking.

"Sire, it is one of our spies." The Sentinel reports.

"Let him in." Vladimir allows, curious about what this spy has to say.

The spy is no other than a troll. They can camouflage themselves in swamps or perhaps in gra.s.slands because of their green skin. Usually, their hair and follicles are green, making people mistaken them at times as landma.s.ses. Towards the king, the troll walks lousily. Its obese weight and tall body makes the room tremble.

"I have found the one you are looking for." The troll reports while bowing before the king. Hearing the words of the troll, the foul beast hiding behind the throne awakens, taking a glimpse from what lies in front.

"Where?" The beast asks.

"Near Pureheart." The troll responds.

"This news brings a smile to my face. Vladimir, you know what you must do. Capture the one and you will win this war for good." The beast mumbles unto the king's ears.

"I am aware of that." In annoyance, the king says back towards the beast.

"There is a problem, however. Not alone, the traitor is."

"Not alone?!" The king infuriates all of a sudden, nearly tossing his sword leaning on the side of his throne.

"My king, please calm down." The queen comforts, rubbing the chin of her king.

"Who dares mingle with the traitor of our kingdom?! This is unacceptable. If the other side learns about the power that traitor bears, we will be defeated!" The king yells in rage. His rage quickens his blood, flowing rapidly through his vessels.

"What is your bidding then?" Morduk of the four pillars asks. For a moment the king thinks of a decision.

"You know what you must do but you are afraid to do it. You are king for all mighty's sake! You should not be afraid." The beast persuades, encouraging the king to come up with a decision.

The king sighs and bids, "Return the traitor to my grasps, this is my commandment to the four of you. Whoever the traitor is with, I want you to search for him or her. I want his or her blood spilled on the floor."

"If this is your commandment, then we will abide, your majesty." In a synchronized voice, the four pillars concurs with the king, eager to fulfill his demands as they bow down in a respectful manner.

"That is the Vladimir I know. A cunning man, with no mercy for anyone else except for his kingdom. Continue to this, and I will a.s.sure you, the whole of Sacchi will fall under the palm of your hands. You have my respect, and I for one salute to you, my king." The beast mumbles respectfully unto the king's ears.

A lightning bolt crashes from the sky and hits the winter nightmare of Witherheart, causing the crows of black and the surrounding creatures to flee from it. Just like the thunders of the night the king is, infuriated to both the traitor and the friend. This is one of the very few nights in which the king's anger exceeds his own boiling point.