NOVEL WEB Chapter 10: Shadows of Rebellion - 10
10 – Shadows of Rebellion
The grand halls of the Holy Dominion stronghold were eerily quiet as Lucian followed Seraphina through the towering corridors. The scent of burning incense lingered in the air, a reminder of the gods' ever-present gaze.
The weight of Malagar's words still pressed against his mind. His next mission would determine his worth. Failure was not an option.
At the end of the corridor, a massive wooden door creaked open, revealing a council chamber lined with stone pillars and golden banners. The room was dimly lit, save for the glow of Divine Ethrion lamps illuminating a central table where several high-ranking officers of the Order of the Dawn were gathered.
Seraphina stepped forward, her posture unwavering as she addressed them.
"We have been given orders from the Grand Inquisitor," she announced. "The rebellion in Valzariya must be crushed before it spreads."
Murmurs spread through the gathered officials.
One of them, a grizzled war veteran in heavy ceremonial armor, leaned forward. "We have received reports, but details are lacking. What is the nature of this rebellion?"
Seraphina's expression remained neutral. "According to the Holy Dominion, they are heretics. However, there is no confirmation of Abyssal Ethrion among them."
Lucian remained silent, absorbing the conversation.
"If there are no Abyssal Ethrion users, then this is not our fight," another officer said. "Why are we involved?"
"Because they defy the Dominion's will," Seraphina answered bluntly. "And the Supreme Pontiff has deemed their actions a threat to divine order."
Lucian glanced at her. Her tone was measured—controlled—but was there hesitation in her words?
---
The officer sighed and unfolded a parchment on the table. A map of Valzariya, with several locations marked in red.
"The rebellion is centered in the northern regions of Valzariya. Several villages have cut ties with the Holy Dominion, refusing to pay tithes and rejecting our authority."
"Are they refusing our faith?" Seraphina asked.
"Some. But others claim to be fighting against unjust rule rather than against the gods."
Lucian studied the map. This wasn't just a rebellion—it was an organized movement.
"Then this is not simply a matter of heresy," he said.
Several officers turned to him, some raising an eyebrow at his remark.
One of them, a younger knight, shook his head. "Regardless of their reasons, defying the Dominion is defying divine law. If left unchecked, others may follow their example. We must act swiftly."
Lucian remained quiet, but inside, a thought lingered.
Are we truly bringing justice, or are we simply eliminating resistance?
Seraphina's gaze flickered toward him briefly, as if sensing his hesitation.
---
"We will require additional forces," Seraphina continued, returning to the matter at hand. "The Valzariyan military is already stretched thin due to conflicts in the eastern borders."
"Then we must rely on the guilds," one of the officers muttered.
Guilds were powerful but independent. While they often worked with kingdoms and religious orders, their loyalty was to coin and honor, not faith.
"We will send a request to Veltheris," Seraphina stated. "If any guilds are willing to lend their strength, we will make use of them."
Lucian didn't miss the slight edge in her voice. She didn't fully trust the guilds—but she knew they were necessary.
An officer nodded. "Silver Hawks, Emberfang Legion, or Ironclad Vanguard would be our best options. But they may demand high compensation."
Seraphina's expression hardened. "They will assist. One way or another."
Lucian studied her carefully. She was noble, raised within the Dominion's elite, but there was something else beneath her disciplined exterior. A level of pragmatism that not all within the Order possessed.
---
With the decision made, Seraphina and Lucian were sent to the Valzariyan capital, Veltheris, to meet with the kingdom's officials.
The journey was uneventful, but as they rode through the grand gates of Veltheris, Lucian took in the sight of the capital—a city of stone and steel, its banners bearing the silver lion of Valzariya.
Inside the palace, they were greeted by a noble advisor, flanked by armored guards.
"The Holy Dominion seeks assistance in dealing with a rebellion," Seraphina stated directly.
The nobleman sighed. "We have already deployed what forces we could spare. The eastern borders are unstable, and our king does not wish to weaken the capital's defenses further."
"Then we will require the support of your guilds," Seraphina said.
The advisor hesitated. "The guilds are not bound by royal decree. If you wish to gain their aid, you will have to negotiate with them yourselves."
Lucian watched Seraphina carefully. Would she use force? Would she attempt to exert the Dominion's authority?
Instead, she simply nodded. "Then we will handle it ourselves."
As they left the palace, Lucian finally spoke.
"You knew they would not send more soldiers."
Seraphina's lips pressed together slightly. "Valzariya's nobility will always prioritize their own interests. But we needed to ask before turning to the guilds."
Lucian narrowed his eyes. "You don't trust them, do you?"
Seraphina glanced at him. For the first time, there was something in her expression that wasn't simple authority—something more personal.
"Trust is earned, not given," she said. "We shall see if the guilds are worthy of it."
---
With no further support from Valzariya's military, Lucian and Seraphina now had to turn to the guilds.
The next step would be negotiations, securing allies, and preparing for the coming battle.
Lucian exhaled slowly, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword.
This mission wasn't just about crushing a rebellion. It was about proving himself. About proving his conviction.
But deep inside, doubt still lingered.
As Seraphina walked ahead, he followed—but for the first time, a question whispered in his mind.
Are we truly fighting for justice? Or simply for control?