Chapter 49: A Reckoning Looms

    But they could no longer stand by as Arkanos brought their home to ruin.

    Although it seemed he was changing now, it couldn''t truly erase the effects of his past actions. The damage was done, and the growing dissatisfaction among the displaced generals and their loyal followers signaled that a reckoning was inevitable.

    For a moment, there was only silence. The faint sounds of the barracks'' activity seemed to fade into the background as Seraphine processed his words. Her sharp gaze fixed on him. "And where, pray tell, did you hear this from?"

    Darian raised an eyebrow, folding his arms across his chest in a casual manner, though there was a touch of unease in his movements. "Because I was offered a seat at their little table... A knight approached me." he said with a faint smirk, though it wasn''t with his usual confidence.

    Seraphine''s eyes narrowed dangerously, and her voice dropped to a cold, threatening whisper. "Should I take this as you coming to confess the crime of your involvement?"

    Darian raised his hands defensively as he chuckled. "By the gods, no," he said, shaking his head. His smirk returned as he then said, "I just thought it prudent to point out that I was approached by knights still loyal to them. And if they approached me, you can bet others have been too."

    He leaned in slightly before speaking again, this time in a lower tone. "Perhaps you should relay to your precious emperor that his forces are getting trimmed from under him. If he doesn''t act soon, he may not have much of an army left to put up a fight against what''s coming."

    Straightening up, Darian spread his hands as if to say, "And that''s all."

    Seraphine watched him closely, her eyes scrutinizing every move, every inflection of his voice. After a moment, she released the hilt of her sword, her fingers relaxing.

    Her voice softened slightly, though it was edged. "But what about you, Darian? Where does your loyalty lie?"

    Darian''s grin widened at her question. He turned around, beginning to walk away leisurely. Over his shoulder, he called back, "The winning side, of course."

    He paused briefly, casting a glance at her with a playful look in his hazel eyes. "You should know me well, old friend. I''m far too selfish a man to sacrifice myself for anyone''s cause. I joined the order for the coin... knights of the empire are paid well after all. Not to get myself killed over some noble''s politics."

    "So you take care now," he said, lifting his right hand to wave, but he didn''t face her while he did.

    Thalion''s lips curled into a knowing smile. "Ways to make the capital great again," he replied simply.

    The coachman chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I certainly hope so. Can''t deny the emperor''s made some improvements lately, but there are still whispers... rumors flying around that it''s all part of some bigger ploy."

    Thalion let out a soft laugh. "Who knows? Rumors have a way of taking on lives of their own."

    With a wave, he added, "Have a good day, sir," before turning toward the towering doors of the Adventurers'' Guild.

    As Thalion strode toward the entrance, children raced past him, their laughter echoing as one boy called out, "I''m going to be an adventurer when I grow up, just like the heroes in the guild!"

    A vendor shouted from his stall nearby, "Fresh bread! Still warm from the oven!"

    Two adventurers passed Thalion on their way out of the guild, their heavy boots clinking against the stone steps. One, a bulky man with a greatsword strapped to his back, said to his teammate, "I''m telling you, the beast in the western woods isn''t just a rumor. I saw the tracks myself!"

    The other, a lithe woman with twin daggers on her belt, laughed. "Tracks or not, you''re just trying to get me to split the bounty."

    Thalion smiled faintly at them, walking past, pushing open the heavy wooden doors. Inside, the Adventurers Guild was buzzing with activity.

    In the tavern section, tables were packed with adventurers exchanging stories, boasting of feats, or haggling over prices for supplies.

    Behind the counter, the barkeep wiped a glass clean, nodding to Thalion as he entered. A trio of adventurers at a nearby table erupted in laughter, one of them thumping his mug on the table.

    "And then the goblin tripped over its own spear! Funniest thing I''ve ever seen!"