I knew there was something going on on the moment I spotted a wyvern in the air as I trained during the afternoon. Why else would one of the elite of the elite among orcs in the Kingdom, a Wyvern Knight, come to deliver a message for Lord Orcgram, my father, if it wasn't to bring the direst of news?

Excitement blended with fear when I was called to my father's audience chambers. This only cemented my certainty. He would not call for me in the middle of the afternoon to talk about irrelevant things or just because of the visit of a relative. He would probably share with me the grave news. I wonder what is the problem. Is it a monster with the destructive powers of a natural disaster? Is it an attack by a neighboring country? Perhaps it is the rise of a new Tyrant? No. It couldn't be, such a thing would be too cruel. For a country to be threatened by a Tyrant two times in a row. It would be good if the next Tyrant reigned on the other side of the world, on another continent at least.

“Father, I have answered your summons. What is the matter?”

To my surprise, I see that the Wyvern Knight speaking with my father is one of my cousins, Aaron Orcgram. He is usually a boisterous guy, full of jokes and always finds a way to make fun of me for not having had the stomach to participate in the Wyvern Rider “traditions”. This time, however, his face is all seriousness. The news he has brought to us must really be dire.

“Ah, my son! There you are. Come, let me tell you what is going on. Unfortunately for you, it seems you won't get to have the opportunity to travel and find out the answer to your questions.”

A day before, an extremely surprising envoy showed up at the royal palace in Meridia. Milestraga, one of the Matriarchs of the Dragonkin, wished to speak with the king. Of course, the king would not refuse such an illustrious visitor. He listened to what she had to say and what she had to say was terrible indeed.

Aurelya, the Exalted, now bereft of children and any love for the world, has embarked in a campaign of death and destruction. Apparently, the burning of Meliria was her doing, not the Broken Wheel's doing. Assisted by the Grand Tactician, Bereul, she has also destroyed several elf villages and cities near the border with Tharaz Eron and Meridia. The loss of life she has already caused is quite staggering, considering it is pretty much the work of two people. There is little doubt that she is a Tyrant on the rise.

I should feel nothing but terror, disgust and anger at this situation. But somewhere inside me, I can feel the excitement in myself. A Tyrant! That means that I will have the opportunity to prove myself in a real battle. I will fight and bleed alongside companions on a quest to defeat this being of pure evil, a Tyrant. Perhaps this is exactly what I needed to understand myself and conciliate the chivalry that I follow with the truth that I am an orc, heir to a tradition that is brutal.

The reason that Wyvern Knights are being used to relay these messages is that the king wishes for the great lords of Meridia to gather as fast as possible so that a decision can be made as to what to do. War seems very likely.

“Father! Will I be sent to fight against this threat? Surely, Aurelya's threat will not be ignored? I know that I can be of use to the king!”

Unfortunately, my father shook his head at that. He seemed to have other plans.

“Nobody knows what is going to happen yet. Ideally, I would leave for war and let you be responsible for the defense of these lands. This is also an honor in itself. You know how much I value my lands and my people. I would never leave them in the hands of someone I don't trust.”

Of course. A part of me was disappointed, while another part was quite satisfied. Aaron added to my father's words.

“As you said, this threat will likely not go ignored, which means that with uncle absent and at the capital, you will be responsible for most war preparations, such as mustering the troops and arranging for supplies. Don't think that your task will be an easy one.”

I hadn't realized it, but now that he said it, I realized that I might be in for way more difficulties than had I been asked to go into battle myself. That's how high my father values my competence... I cannot let him down.

“Well, of course, you can rely on help from John, our steward, though you shouldn't leave it all to him.”

I would never dream of shirking my duties!

“Don't worry father! I will do my best to take care of our lands during your absence! I will also send to you the best army should the need arise, you have my word!”

He nodded satisfied.

“Good! I know that I can count on you. Show everyone that you are worthy of being the next lord Orcgram, once I am gone.”

Certainly! I will do my utmost!