The aging Azure King sat on a throne of mediocrity and insecurity. His frail body shivered as the door to his throne room opened and his second in command, Brago Shields walked in.

“Close the damn door you fool! Winter will soon be here and the temperature is dropping fast.” Brago sighed and nodded to the maids who let him in, who in turn closed the heavy steel doors.

“Your highness King Pola, it’s been-”

“Not long enough, Brago. Truly, your endless optimism boggles me to no end. However, as the most competent of my officers, it is only right that you be under my direct command. Now tell me, did you find that damned witch?”

Pola watched Brago twitch, probably, he assumed, trying to hold back his ire against the aging king. Eventually, Brago’s expression became neutral once again as he took a bow.

“My King, she remains at large, but I did come into contact with the traveller that Conrad failed to subjugate.” Pola’s eyebrows raised, and he sat upright in his chair.

“I see. Tell me about your experience with them.” Brago stood up and brought a sketch book out from a pouch on his hip before handing it to Pola.

“Here is his likeness sir. He is a warrior, through and through. He took on a goblin champion by himself and robbed the beast of its arm before he was forced to disengage.”

Pola’s eyes widened as he laid eyes on the handsome man, who’s gaze reminded him of-

Pola suddenly collapsed in his chair, and held his head while roaring in pain. Brago motioned to help the Azure King, but the man on the throne simply waved him away.

“I’m fine, Brago. Go bring him to the castle, at any cost! Oh, and see if you can find Hazeel for me. She’s been ignoring my messages for the past few months, I need to speak with her.”

Brago’s eyes started to water, but the King was too caught up in his own thoughts to notice. Finally choking down his tears, Brago turned around to leave.

“As you command, my King.”

Brago walked to the throne room door with clenched fists, and knocked on the steel slabs to let the maids know to open up. He stepped into the hallway, and walked over to the maid attending the right door.

“Please, open some windows in the back of the throne room. I doubt we’ll get another Summer day like this again.”