Chapter 23: Chapter 22: The Serpent's Burden
The weight of the prophecy settled heavily on Raviel's shoulders. He knew the whispers, the veiled glances that followed him in the corridors of the palace. "The serpent will fall." It was a chilling phrase, one that echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of his precarious position. He wasn't afraid of death, not exactly. He had faced danger countless times. But the idea of his fate being predetermined, of being a pawn in a game he didn't fully understand, that was what truly unsettled him.
He stood by the window, overlooking the city. The red hue in the sky from the previous night had faded, but the unease remained. The city felt different, more subdued, as if holding its breath in anticipation. He thought of his father, Zareth, the one who had entrusted him with the knowledge of the prophecy. Zareth had been cryptic, warning him to trust no one, not even the Queen. But how could he navigate this treacherous landscape of alliances and betrayals without trusting someone?
A soft knock on the door broke his concentration. He turned to see Liora standing there, her expression serious. "The Queen wants to see us," she said. "It's about the Serpent Clan."
Raviel nodded, a sense of dread settling in his stomach. He knew this was coming. The whispers about the Serpent Clan's involvement in the recent unrest had grown louder. Their silence had been interpreted as guilt, and the Queen, ever mindful of public opinion, would have to act.
They walked together to the Queen's chambers, the silence between them heavy with unspoken fears. They found Vaelen already there, his face grim. The Queen sat on her throne, surrounded by her advisors. The atmosphere was tense, charged with suspicion and uncertainty.
"The situation with the Serpent Clan has become untenable," the Queen began, her voice cold and formal. "The people demand answers. They want reassurance."
Raviel stepped forward. "And what answers can we give them, Your Majesty? The Serpent Clan has remained silent."
"Their silence is their condemnation," one of the advisors interjected. "They have been working in the shadows for too long. It's time for them to reveal their true allegiance."
The Queen nodded in agreement. "I have summoned their leader to court. He will answer for their actions."
Raviel felt a knot tightening in his chest. He knew what this meant. This wasn't just about answers. This was about sacrifice. This was about fulfilling the prophecy.
He glanced at Vaelen and Liora. They both understood the implications. They knew what was coming. The serpent would fall.