Ashes Of The First Tyrant
Chapter 47: Fractures in silver

Chapter 47: Fractures in silver

Dawn light draped the Citadel in soft hues of silver and rose. From a vantage atop the eastern tower, Thalen watched as Reuven’s servants worked through the night to prepare the summit hall. Tapestries bore the Ascendant symbol alongside Black Crown’s sigil two icons side by side, painted not in paralysis, but in purpose.

The summit would convene in three hours. Already, emissaries and advisors stirred through marble corridors. The mood was cautious: a fragile peace needing reassurance more than pomp.

Thalen stood before the dais in the summit hall, hands behind his back, the Blade That Breaks sheathed at his hip. The chamber’s long table lay ready linen cloths freshly laundered, cups polished, quills and parchments laid neatly. On the far side, Captain Renal stood with two companions: a secretary holding scrolls, and a Crown envoy in ornate dark robes.

Beside Thalen waited Varos, Lady Miraline, Generals Simeon and Terres, and the twin swords-bearers four of the Nine aligned with Reuven.

The doors opened. Renal stepped forward first, followed by the Crown envoy. Renal paused at the entrance, eyes sweeping the room. He inclined his head toward Thalen. "Ascendant."

Thalen inclined back. "Captain Renal. Your envoy."

The Crown secretary approached, holding a sealed envelope. Renal took it and set it on the table center. "Opening this is yours. Let it guide our opening." He withdrew, bowing, and the envoy followed.

The room exhaled.

Thalen stepped forward, broke the seal.

Inside: a single sheet, written in flowing silver script.

Ascendant Thalen,

The Crown relays respect. Further consolidation is requested: a reaffirmation of loyalty from Reuven’s Heroic Order in return for recognition of autonomy. Additionally, to oversee regional security, the Black Crown’s council proposes joint command of military districts.

Thalen paused, scanning the lines.

He set it aside. "Renal, the counterproposal stands, as we agreed. Reaffirmations may follow but after autonomy is proven through trust, not before. And command must remain regional for now."

No response came.

Then the envoy spoke: "Council directives are firm. Joint command is required. Otherwise, the Crown must reassess autonomy status."

Thalen inhaled.

He glanced at Varos their link clear.

He looked at Renal’s expression. Tension spoke without words.

"Trust," he said slowly, "is built forward, not backward. We have sent scouts to patrol borders with Crown monitors. We open our vault records for review. We will host joint military drills under neutral oversight."

He picked up the envoy’s scroll. "So let us begin one step at a time. We may yet walk a path of shared purpose."

Silence stretched.

Then Renal stepped forward. "Your offers are acceptable. But the Council must see immediate results. When do the drills begin?"

Thalen nodded. "At the next full moon three weeks. Drill sites will be flagged on both sides and announced by tomorrow."

Renal glanced at the envoy, then back. "Council will convene once initial drills conclude. But the loyalty reaffirmation remains symbolic."

Thalen folded his hands. "Let symbols shine brighter when supported by action."

Renal met his gaze. A beat passed.

"Very well," Renal said. "We proceed."

The Crown envoy rose. "If there is nothing further"

Thalen stepped forward. "There is faith. And a request."

All eyes turned.

Thalen continued: "If collaboration is the goal, let us cooperate on rebuilding east border villages damaged in the skirmishes. Reuven will coordinate, Crown engineers will assist. Let the first gesture of unity be for those who suffer most."

Murmurs exchanged.

Renal looked at the envoy, then back at Thalen.

"I will propose it. But I cannot guarantee acceptance."

Thalen nodded. "Then let those villages judge us not our scrolls."

Silence again.

Varos leaned forward and added: "Our people villagers, farmers, and townsfolk are ready. They’ve drafted plans. Engineers dispatched even now."

Renal leaned slightly. "I will escort your plans to Council."

The envoy cleared his throat.

The chamber was quiet.

Renal stood. "Then we are agreed. The Crown will dispatch oversight engineers. Expect formal invitation to drill planning within two days."

He inclined his head to Thalen and Varos, then exited.

Thalen glanced at the table. Envoy followed him out.

The chamber’s door shut.

Varos exhaled. "That... went well."

Thalen massaged his jaw. "Still fragile. But forward."

Lady Miraline stepped near. "The villages need morale. They need to believe this means life, not paper."

Thalen looked at the Blade. "Then let them meet the sword that was born of truth not conquered."

He drew it and lifted it where sunlight struck the edge.

It gleamed.

From across the hall, Simeon cleared his throat. "A demonstration?"

Thalen nodded. They moved to the ballroom sidebulwark. Outside, dozens watched soldiers and advisors. At its center, Thalen performed drills, slicing through air in slow arcs that displayed both precision and grace. Aura glow sparked, faint silver intertwining with violet. Each movement deliberate and unguarded.

Gasps followed some admiration, others shifting features from suspicion to wonder.

He finished with a low bow and returned the Blade to its sheath.

Silence, then applause.

Varos stepped forward. "Let this be the first demonstration of shared skill—Reuven’s dedication to security and transparency."

A minor crown official noted it on parchment.

Thalen faced the watchers. "Let any who wish to learn walk the path beside me."

And with that, the gathering shifted tone. The spark of tension dulled by action.

That evening, Thalen stood on the eastern balcony again, watching the sun dip. Before him, lights from border villages flickered pale beacons of hope. He thought of Captain Renal, of silver words signed in steel trust. He felt exhaustion, but not regret.

Varos appeared at his side. "Tomorrow’s dawn brings drills. You will lead Reuven’s regiment."

Thalen blinked. "Me?"

Varos smiled gently. "Yes. The Ascendant leads."

Thalen swallowed.

"Before the drills," Varos added, "you must rest. We ride at dawn."

Thalen sheathed his doubts along with his blade. "I will. But I’ll walk the field first... on my own."

He left Varos silent.

Night deepened as he made his way through Citadel corridors. Torches lined walls, their flame steady but soft. He paused before the shrine chamber where banners of fallen Heroes hung mournful and ornate.

He entered.

He knelt by the altar of Reuven marble etched with the names of ancestors. Flames flickered in a bronze lamp.

He closed his eyes.

He spoke quietly, tone hollow and full. "I carry more than banners, more than swords. I carry memory. And trust for Reuven, for all of it."

He placed a hand upon the marble.

"In dawn’s light, if I falter... remind me who I am. Remind me why I stand out here."

He rose.

The lamp flickered once, then settled.

He turned.

On the wall above, reflected in torchlight, the glyph of the Tyrant Spirit glowed faintly a reminder that true power came with vigilance, not dominion.

He sheathed his respect and left.