The warm morning sunlight streamed through the towering floor-to-ceiling glass windows of my private study, bathing the plush merino wool carpet, specially woven in the northern provinces, and the dark, polished mahogany desk that gleamed like a still pond. I reclined in a well-padded leather armchair, indulging in a lavish breakfast prepared by the most renowned private chef in the capital – slices of vibrant pink salmon smoked with applewood, freshly baked sourdough bread crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, spread with fresh butter churned from the milk of cows grazed solely on mountain pastures, an assortment of rare fruits from my private orchards nurtured with growth-enhancing magic, and an exquisite white wine from the ancient vineyards in the southern valleys, poured into a wafer-thin, cut-crystal glass – while Malcor, my loyal advisor (and exceptionally efficient in handling 'delicate' matters), stood silently before me, reporting the latest developments on various situations that, despite a few minor irritations, remained largely under perfectly satisfactory control.
"Report from the magical reconnaissance units 'Night Hawks,' Alpha and Beta, from last night, Your Excellency," Malcor began his report in his characteristically flat, emotionless tone, a stark contrast to the content he was about to deliver. "They confirmed the detection of traces of an exceptionally complex and potent illusionary magic in the western outskirts, near the secret route our informants previously flagged. Despite Alpha Unit's attempts to use 'Eye of Truth' (the highest-level illusion-detecting spell developed by the royal court mages) in conjunction with 'Shadowed Ear of Whispers' (a long-range eavesdropping spell) to scan the area thoroughly three times, they were unable to pinpoint the exact location or even the number of targets concealed by the illusion. It is almost certainly the work of that little Vanya, and it is highly probable that she is not only using her personal magical power but also employing enchanted artifacts for amplification, or perhaps... receiving guidance from a more skilled illusionist than we initially assessed."
I furrowed my brow slightly, placing the silver fork on the porcelain plate. I delicately dabbed the corners of my mouth with a fine linen napkin embroidered with the Thorne family crest. "That little Vanya... she is proving to be far more bothersome and problematic than I initially anticipated! Her misplaced loyalty to that hot-headed Stonehand brat is becoming a thorn in my side, far beyond a mere annoyance. Her bringing the knowledge, abilities, and, more importantly, the resources and connections of the ancient Vanya family to support these lowborn rebels is allowing those vermin to gain a foothold and operate for far longer than they should!"
"Indeed, Your Excellency," Malcor inclined his head slightly, his vacant eyes fixed on me. "However, the fact that they still need to rely on high-level illusionary magic to skulk and hide in the darkness still demonstrates their weakness and fear of your power, Your Excellency. They are not yet bold enough to confront us directly or create widespread chaos that could destabilize the realm."
"Well, at least they are not foolishly reckless beyond redemption," I remarked, sipping my white wine. Its intricate flavor and subtle aroma helped to soothe my irritation somewhat. "But we cannot allow this situation to persist. We must press our advance, exert greater pressure on them, corner them, leave them with no place to hide, no supplies, no allies, and most importantly... we must destroy them in the eyes of the populace, turning them into loathsome and terrifying fiends that no one would dare even utter their names!"
I rose from the breakfast table, walking slowly but with an air of authority towards the large map of the realm crafted from rare sea dragon hide, which hung prominently on the dark oak-paneled wall. I traced my long, slender fingers along the Whisperwood, where several small silver pins marked the locations of the logging camps working diligently, and a single gold pin was embedded deep within the forest's heart, indicating the site of the 'Bloodstone Altar' – the energy-draining ritual platform being secretly constructed using ancient engineering combined with dark magic. "Our primary plan must proceed without hindrance, Malcor. Controlling the dormant 'Core Energy' beneath that forest is the key to true power, the power that will make me immortal and allow me to rule this realm for eternity! As for the resistance... they are merely annoying gnats to be crushed out of our path!"
I turned back to face Malcor, my sharp gaze fixed on my trusted advisor. "The new wave of propaganda I ordered you to prepare – how far has it progressed? It must be effective! It must instill hatred and fear in the hearts of every citizen!"
"Everything is ready for full implementation, Your Excellency," Malcor replied, silently casting a short incantation. A jet-black scrying orb, the size of an apple, levitated from the sleeve of his long cloak, emitting a dim gray light. Wisps of smoke began to form within the orb. "I have selected a large group of 'Shadow Storytellers' from the underground actors' guild who are loyal to us. They not only possess exceptional storytelling skills but have also been trained in the 'Whispering Charm,' which will amplify the persuasiveness and depth of their voices and narratives within the listeners' subconscious. They have been assigned roles and stories that will subtly and terrifyingly slander Meadowlight."
Images began to appear in the orb, clearer and more realistic than before. An elderly man, appearing wretched, with one arm withered and deformed, was sitting and recounting a tale in a hoarse, trembling voice amidst villagers who watched with a mixture of interest and fear in a makeshift marketplace. "...She appeared on the night of the new moon, Your Excellency! Her eyes glowed green, staring at me, and then she cast a curse... my arm... my arm began to twist, aching as if burned by fire ever since. The royal physicians couldn't heal it, the witch doctors couldn't exorcise it. She is a fiend! A demon in the guise of a scholar!" The image shifted to a widow clutching the lifeless body of her beloved sheep, weeping as if her heart would break. "...She was displeased that I refused to let her camp on my land. The next morning... all my sheep were lying dead in the pen! Eyes rolled back, foam at their mouths... I saw strange footprints around the pen and smelled a faint scent of sulfur... it must have been her!"
"Excellent! Truly excellent!" I chuckled with satisfaction. "These stories are both pitiful, terrifying, and rage-inducing! Deploy these Shadow Storytellers immediately! Let them travel to every corner, infiltrate every village, every market, every tavern, spreading this venomous hatred like a plague!"
"And these are the new 'Phantom Images,' Your Excellency," Malcor continued. The smoke within the orb coalesced into even more horrifying visions. An image of a young woman resembling Elara performing a sacrificial ritual on small creatures (perhaps birds or rabbits) on a stone altar in the forest, fresh blood flowing freely, her eyes wide and gleaming with fanaticism as dark, grotesque shadows formed around her as if to devour everything. The image then cut to a young child who had previously been crying, now lying still in bed, eyes wide with utter terror, mouth agape as if to scream but no sound emerged.
"These phantom images will be projected using a new technique called 'Ephemeral After-Images,' Your Excellency," Malcor explained. "They will appear for only a fleeting moment in unexpected places, such as on the surface of water in public wells, in the mirrors of shops, or even in the flames of lanterns, causing those who see them to feel as if they are hallucinating, creating a deeper sense of uncertainty and fear. This will be coupled with 'The Realm's Voice' printing gruesome illustrations and exclusive interviews with 'Dark Arts Experts' (who are, of course, our people) who will comment on the 'dangerous signs' and how to protect oneself from this 'Forest Cult.'"
"Brilliant! Utterly brilliant!" I complimented sincerely. "You always devise the most ingenious plans, Malcor. Terrify the populace into a frenzy, make them see Meadowlight as a threat to their very lives and families!"
"Regarding the Stonehand brat and little Vanya," Malcor continued, "we will maintain our current approach: disseminating rumors about their failures, internal conflicts (which our informants are actively trying to instigate), and his incompetence as a leader. We will reinforce the image of a desperate and hopeless rebel group, ensuring that no one wants to associate with or support them."
I nodded with utmost satisfaction. "Perfect! This new wave of propaganda will isolate them, destroy their reputation, and corner them!"
I stood up again, walking back to my desk, refilling my wine glass almost to the brim. "Now, Malcor, the information campaign proceeds intensely, but we must not neglect field operations." I sipped my wine. The next orders needed to be decisive and clear.
"Dispatch two additional heavily armed 'Night Hawk' units to patrol the outskirts of the forest around the clock, especially the routes they are likely to use for contact or supply transport. And install the latest 'Arcane Listening Stones,' capable of detecting conversations with basic magical shielding, at all key strategic points. I want to know their every move, every plan!"
"And as for Meadowlight," I continued, my voice chilling, causing Malcor to lower his head slightly. "Slander is not enough. I want her to suffer! Send our most skilled 'Shadow Hunters' to relentlessly pursue her. Use slow-acting poisons, curses that induce nightmares and paranoia, or magic that causes chronic, unexplained illnesses. Make her life a torment of both body and mind. Degrade her senses until she can no longer think or act! I want to see her slowly disintegrate!"
"As you command, Lord Thorne," Malcor replied in his flat tone, but I detected a flicker of satisfaction in his vacant eyes.
"And the construction of the 'Bloodstone Altar'..." I emphasized, my voice heavy. "It must be completed within the next ten days! The 'Blood Moon' phenomenon that will occur that night is a golden opportunity we cannot miss! The energy of the Core will be at its most turbulent and weakest, making absorption and control far easier than at any other time. I will not tolerate even the slightest mishap! Triple the guards around the construction site! Install the highest level of protective enchantments! And if necessary... deploy the 'Stone Guardians' (golems crafted from stone and dark magic) to patrol as well!"
"Everything is proceeding according to the most rigorous schedule, Your Excellency," Malcor reported. "The engineers and craftsmen are working day and night. Slave laborers and prisoners are being driven relentlessly. While the mortality rate has increased, it remains within acceptable parameters for such a grand undertaking."
"Good... very good!" I murmured, feeling the approaching surge of power. It was drawing closer, so close I could almost taste its sweet aroma.
"You may go, Malcor," I waved dismissively. "Ensure everything proceeds according to plan. Let there be no mistakes! Victory is within our grasp!"
Malcor bowed deeply before melting into the shadows in the corner of the room, leaving me with an overwhelming sense of superiority. A soft but cruel chuckle escaped my throat. Those foolish rebels... they were struggling in the web I had meticulously spun. Soon... I would crush them in my hand!
...I waved Malcor away, but before he could fully melt into the shadows as usual, I spoke again, a hint of displeasure in my voice. "Wait, Malcor. I am still uneasy about that little Vanya. Her ability to cast high-level illusionary magic from a distance suggests both talent and perhaps... good support."
I walked back to my desk, picking up a smaller strategic map focusing on the forest outskirts. I spread it out on the table beside my now-cold breakfast. "She moves too freely. It's a risk we cannot overlook. She could become a vital link between that Stonehand brat and... others, or she might use her defensive magic to cause us problems on the day of the ceremony."
"I understand your concerns, Your Excellency," Malcor replied, stepping slightly out of the shadows, a faint, unsettling smile playing on his lips. "But rest assured, I have prepared a little 'gift' for little Vanya as well."
He extended his hand. In his pale palm lay a tiny, jet-black beetle. It had multiple crimson eyes and a faint purple aura emanated from it. "This is a 'Mana Leech Beetle,' Your Excellency. It was bred in our dark laboratories. It can sense the use of magic in its vicinity and will latch onto the strongest magic user unnoticed. It will then slowly drain the victim's magical energy, weakening them imperceptibly until, at a certain point, they will no longer be able to cast complex spells."
"I have already released dozens of these beetles in the forest outskirts where she is likely to be operating, Your Excellency," Malcor continued. "If she continues to use her magic to aid the Stonehands, sooner or later, she will fall prey to them, and her troublesome power will simply fade away."
I chuckled softly, pleased with Malcor's thoroughness and cruelty. "Excellent! You always think ahead. Slowly draining her power without suspicion... a fitting end for such arrogant nobles!" I pointed to a spot on the map. "And the additional 'Arcane Listening Stones' I ordered to be installed? I require a progress report. I need to know their every word, every plan!"
"The installation is proceeding with utmost urgency, Your Excellency," Malcor replied. "These new stones are disguised with advanced enchantments, making them appear as ordinary rocks or tree roots. They can transmit any captured audio directly back to the 'Listening Tower' we have established in your secret underground fortress, even if the conversation is protected by basic magical shielding. We anticipate that these stones will cover all target areas within three days, Your Excellency."
"Three days?" I raised an eyebrow, not entirely pleased but understanding the complexity of installing secret enchantments in enemy territory. "Acceptable, but ensure their effectiveness. I need to know what that Stonehand brat is planning after his recent failures! Is he desperate? Is he becoming reckless? Who is he blaming? I need inside information!"
"My apologies for the slight delay, Your Excellency," Malcor bowed his head lower. "Installing the stones in the forest requires extra caution to avoid detection, but I will expedite the process as much as possible. In the meantime, I have instructed our remaining embedded agents to closely monitor their movements and attempt to glean information about their future plans."
"And Meadowlight?" I asked, changing the subject with a cold tone. "I do not wish to hear that she is still digging into the Core Energy matter! Have the 'Shadow Hunters' you dispatched begun their work? I want results! I want her to suffer!"
"The Shadow Hunters have commenced their operations, Your Excellency," Malcor confirmed. "The first approached her dwelling last night and scattered 'Nightmare Dust' (a poison extracted from subterranean fungi, mixed with a mild curse) around her cottage. This will slowly seep into her system through inhalation, causing chronic fatigue, insomnia, and persistent nightmares. Another is preparing to use a 'Shadow Reflection Doll,' which will be linked to strands of her hair and personal belongings we retrieved from the previous raid, to inflict minor but constant pain and illness from a distance, Your Excellency."
"Good... weaken her both physically and mentally. Cloud her mind with confusion and paranoia until she can no longer think or analyze anything," I said with satisfaction before adding, "And ensure that our 'key witnesses' and 'phantom images' are disseminated widely, making sure no one dares approach her or believe her words anymore. Isolate her completely!"
"And the construction of the 'Bloodstone Altar'..." I emphasized, my voice heavy. "It must be completed within the next ten days! The 'Blood Moon' phenomenon that will occur that night is a golden opportunity we cannot miss! The energy of the Core will be at its most turbulent and weakest, making absorption and control far easier than at any other time. I will not tolerate even the slightest mishap! Triple the guards around the construction site! Install the highest level of protective enchantments! And if necessary... deploy the 'Stone Guardians' (golems crafted from stone and dark magic) to patrol as well!"
"Everything is proceeding according to the most rigorous schedule, Your Excellency," Malcor reported. "The engineers and craftsmen are working day and night. Slave laborers and prisoners are being driven relentlessly. While the mortality rate has increased, it remains within acceptable parameters for such a grand undertaking."
"Good... very good," I murmured, feeling the approaching surge of power. It was drawing closer, so close I could almost taste its sweet aroma.
"You may go, Malcor," I waved dismissively. "Ensure everything proceeds according to plan. Let there be no mistakes! Victory is within our grasp!"
Malcor bowed deeply before melting into the shadows in the corner of the room, leaving me with grand plans and the anticipation of a glorious future. A soft but cruel chuckle escaped my throat. Those foolish rebels... they were struggling in the web I had meticulously spun. Soon... I would crush them in my hand!