A few days had passed since Boyka and Moyo's return to Avalon. The city buzzed with news of their arrival, the streets alive with whispers of their heroics and speculation about their next moves. Boyka and Moyo, however, stayed focused, aware that this newfound attention could either further their ambitions or invite new dangers.
One morning, a soldier approached Boyka with a message. "Commander Boyka," the soldier called out, standing stiffly. "The emperor has summoned you. He's waiting in the council chamber and wishes to discuss something important."
Boyka nodded, dismissing the soldier with a wave. But as the man walked away, Boyka frowned, muttering to himself. "What could the emperor want now? I'm not in the mood for pleasantries, and if this is another lecture or test of loyalty, I might just lose my temper."
Despite his irritation, Boyka headed toward the council chamber. The weight of recent events bore heavily on his mind, but he knew he couldn't afford to appear anything less than composed before the emperor.
---
Inside the council chamber, Emperor Morris greeted him with a calm yet serious demeanor. "Welcome, Boyka," the emperor said. "I've been thinking about the prisoners you brought back. I wish to grant them amnesty—on one condition. If they pledge their loyalty to me and this kingdom, I'll spare them. What do you think?"
Boyka didn't hesitate. "That won't be an issue, Your Majesty. I'll make the arrangements immediately."
Stepping outside the chamber, Boyka called for a soldier. "Fetch Azazel and Rahel from the prison," he ordered. "Have all the other prisoners released and taken to their quarters. Make sure they're given food and a chance to clean up. I'll speak with them later."
The soldier saluted. "Yes, Commander."
As the soldier hurried off, his mind raced with doubts. Why is Boyka rising through the ranks so quickly? Could it have something to do with the princess's capture? The soldier's suspicions deepened as he thought about the whispers surrounding Boyka's recent success. What if the princess's capture was staged? Could Boyka have orchestrated it?
Lost in thought, the soldier didn't notice a senior officer approach him. "What are you thinking about so deeply?" the general asked, his tone sharp.
The soldier snapped to attention. "Nothing important, sir," he lied. "I'm just honored to serve under Commander Boyka."
The general raised an eyebrow but let it go. "Carry on with your orders," he said.
"Yes, sir," the soldier replied, hurrying away.
---
When the soldier arrived at the prison, he found Azazel and Rahel in starkly different states. Azazel stood tall and defiant, his piercing gaze daring anyone to challenge him. Rahel, on the other hand, sat quietly in the corner, her face etched with exhaustion and pain. She lacked the hardened resolve that Azazel carried like armor.
"Commander Boyka has ordered your release," the soldier announced. "He also asked me to apologize for the extended time you've spent in captivity. Your subordinates will be escorted to their quarters and given the care they need. As for you two, I'm to bring you directly to him."
Rahel let out a frustrated sigh, her voice laced with bitterness. "It's about time," she muttered. Without waiting, she gestured for the soldier to lead the way.
Azazel remained silent but followed, his face unreadable, though the tension in his posture spoke volumes.
---
When they arrived at the council chamber, Boyka stood waiting. His eyes softened briefly when he saw Azazel and Rahel. Stepping forward, he leaned in close and whispered a quiet apology for their treatment.
Before they could respond, Boyka turned and addressed the emperor. "Your Majesty, may I introduce Azazel and Rahel? They are the leaders of the group we rescued."
The emperor nodded, his expression neutral. "Azazel. Rahel. Welcome back to Avalon."
Before Rahel could respond, Azazel stepped forward, his calm demeanor cracking. His voice was sharp, his words laced with frustration and anger.
"What is the meaning of all this?" Azazel demanded. "We've been locked away like criminals after risking everything for your kingdom. And now, you speak of loyalty as if it's something we haven't already shown. Explain yourself, Emperor Morris."
The tension in the room was palpable. The emperor's face darkened, his calm exterior slipping just slightly as he met Azazel's fiery gaze. Boyka stepped between them, raising a hand to diffuse the situation.
"Azazel," Boyka said firmly, "this is neither the time nor the place for this. Let us handle matters with respect and patience."
Azazel clenched his fists but stepped back, his jaw tight with restrained anger. The room fell into an uneasy silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily between them.
---
That night, as the city lights dimmed, Boyka sat alone in his quarters, replaying the events of the day in his mind. The growing tension between the emperor and his allies was clear, and he knew that every decision he made from here on would carry immense consequences.