Bab 12: shadow of authority

Kane strode confidently toward the throne at the head of the grand chamber. His steps echoed ominously across the polished floor, each one drawing the tense gaze of the room's occupants. As he reached the throne and turned to sit, the entire assembly rose to their feet in unison, their movements rigid and rehearsed. Not a single soul dared remain seated until Kane lowered himself into the throne with deliberate poise. Only then, with a subtle wave of his hand, did he grant them permission to sit.

The Dark Squad, unlike the others, remained standing, forming an unyielding line close to Kane's side. Their presence was as commanding as their leader's, their faces impassive yet charged with silent vigilance. They stood as though awaiting orders, prepared to act with the swift precision of blades unsheathed.

Kane leaned forward slightly, his fingers drumming rhythmically against the armrest of his throne. His piercing gaze scanned the room, dissecting each face with unsettling calm. Then, breaking the silence, his deep, resonant voice cut through the air:

"Who has an idea why I have called you all to this meeting?"

Confusion rippled across the faces of the generals and commanders. They exchanged uncertain glances, their brows furrowing and lips parting as though they might speak but thinking better of it. A few shifted uncomfortably in their seats, their unease growing under Kane's scrutinizing gaze.

Kane's sharp eyes swept the room, his expression tightening ever so slightly. "Is this everyone here now?" he asked, his voice quieter but no less commanding.

Dren, standing at attention near Kane, nodded. "Yes, my lord. It's supposed to be everyone."

Kane closed his eyes briefly, inhaling deeply as though drawing in strength. When he opened them, his gaze had sharpened, and his lips pressed into a thin, determined line. Rising from his throne, he moved to the window, his movements slow and deliberate. He stood there, his hands clasped behind his back, and gazed out at the sight before him: over five thousand soldiers gathered outside, their armor gleaming under the pale sunlight, their faces turned toward the castle with tense anticipation.

The room behind him was silent, all eyes fixed on Kane as he turned away from the window and addressed the generals and commanders. "Go down to the soldiers," he said, his voice carrying a weight that brooked no argument. "I want them to hear what I have to say."

The commanders and generals didn't hesitate. They rose immediately, their chairs scraping softly against the floor, and hurried out of the chamber with a mix of purpose and unease. Kane's orders were not to be questioned.

Moments later, Kane stood above the vast assembly of soldiers, his imposing figure framed by the towering castle walls. The crowd's restless murmurs died down as his voice boomed across the courtyard.

"As you all already know, I am the king now," he declared, his tone commanding absolute attention. His eyes swept over the sea of soldiers, and even the boldest among them found themselves lowering their gaze under his scrutiny.

"All reports," he continued, his voice rising with authority, "are to be made to me directly by your representatives. I want a statue of me erected at the center of the kingdom so that no one forgets who rules here."

A murmur rippled through the soldiers, but it was quickly stifled by Kane's piercing glare.

"Every merchant, every business in this kingdom will pay a tax," Kane announced, his tone hard and unyielding. "And I will assign 500 soldiers to enforce this order. Do not—" he paused, his gaze narrowing as he leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping into a dangerous growl, "—even think about rebellion. It will fail, and you will regret wasting your time."

His words hung in the air like a blade poised to strike. The soldiers stood frozen, their faces a mix of fear and reluctant submission. Some clenched their fists at their sides, their jaws tightening as if swallowing bitter words, while others kept their heads bowed, avoiding his gaze altogether.

Kane turned to one soldier, his finger extending like an unspoken command. "You," he said sharply. "Make everything official. I want it documented immediately."

The soldier's head dipped low in a nod, his face pale and grim as he hurried off to fulfill the task.

Kane's eyes then landed on another soldier. "And you," he said, his tone softer but no less commanding, "go around the kingdom and announce it to everyone."

The second soldier hesitated only for a split second before bowing deeply and turning to leave, his face ashen and his movements stiff with tension.

With his orders dispatched, Kane stood tall, his expression unreadable, his gaze fixed on the crowd before him. The weight of his authority pressed down on everyone present, leaving no doubt that his will would be carried out without question or delay.

With the two soldiers gone, hurrying to carry out Kane's commands, an oppressive silence settled over the remaining crowd. Kane, standing tall above them, surveyed the room, his sharp eyes cutting through the tense atmosphere. His expression softened slightly, though the power in his voice remained undeniable.

"Do you have any questions?" he asked, his tone almost casual, as though inviting a friendly discussion. But the weight of his presence made the words feel more like a challenge than an offer.

The soldiers and commanders stiffened, their bodies betraying their unease. A few glanced at one another from the corners of their eyes, searching for someone brave enough to speak. None dared. Their heads dipped lower, their shoulders slumping slightly as if trying to make themselves smaller, less noticeable. Kane's gaze swept over them, lingering on each face for a moment too long, making their discomfort all the more palpable.

Kane tilted his head slightly, as though genuinely curious. His brow furrowed ever so subtly, and he clasped his hands behind his back. "How's the state of the kingdom?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of what could almost be mistaken for concern. "I've noticed I haven't been receiving reports lately. That's why I want you to report to me directly."

The silence stretched on, heavy and suffocating. The soldiers shifted uncomfortably, their feet shuffling against the ground. One commander opened his mouth slightly, as if to speak, but quickly thought better of it, his lips pressing into a tight line.

Finally, a murmur rose among the group. It was low and hesitant at first, their voices barely audible, as though they feared even the vibrations of their words might anger Kane. "We will do just that," someone finally said, their tone quick and clipped, as if trying to get the words out before fear overtook them entirely.

Heads remained bowed, and no one dared to meet Kane's piercing gaze. Their faces betrayed a complex mix of emotions—fear, submission, and perhaps the faintest flicker of resentment buried deep beneath layers of obedience. A few clenched their hands behind their backs, their knuckles pale, while others tightened their jaws, swallowing words they would never dare to voice aloud.

Kane stood still, his expression unreadable as he absorbed their timid replies. The faintest twitch of a smirk crossed his lips, so fleeting it was easy to miss. His posture remained relaxed but commanding, his eyes scanning the room like a predator gauging his prey.

"Good," he said simply, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. It was a single word, but it carried the weight of authority, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. The crowd remained silent, their heads still lowered, awaiting his next move like soldiers frozen in time under the shadow of their king.