SINS OF THE FATHER

lived under the benevolent hand of a ruler who sought balance, a hand that guided more than crushed. But peace was fleeting, and the taste of power, once savore

dric was hungry and ruthless. Even as a young man, he craved dominance, his actions guided by an unrelenting ambition that was both admired and feared by those around him. His father's courtiers w

caused the old king's demise, though there were whispers-there were always whispers-that Aldric had hastened his father's end. But no one dared

, a creature of raw power and violence. His army revered him, for he was not a king who ruled from the safety of a throne room, but one who fought beside them, claws and teeth

ho dared stand against him. He ruled with an iron fist, his control over his people absolute. His laws were strict, and the punishm

yed, all to remind the people of

le to escape. Its high walls were guarded day and night by soldiers loyal only to him, men who had seen firsthand what happened to those who defied the ki

f his court. To him, they were tools-usefu

s only companions were his generals, men like General Kael and Gen

tless wars he had fought in Aldric's name. Lorne, younger and more amb

ing Aldric's empire. But conquest was not enough for Aldric. He wanted more than just land; he wanted absolute power

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s drove their carts into the market square, their faces drawn with worry. The citizens moved with a quiet, practiced cau

the wolf, Aldric's personal crest, a reminder to all that the king's reach extended far beyond the walls of his fortress. Conv

ival. Nobles and advisors stood in clusters, speaking in hushed tones, their expressions grim. Rumors had spread quickly

de into the room, his cloak billowing behind him. He moved with the confidence of a man who knew his power was unmatc

m his broad shoulders. His presence was overwhelming, a physical force that seemed to suck the air fr

s unreadable as they took their places at the king's side. The court

mmanded, his voice

g. "My lord, there are... troubling reports from the eastern pro

ebellion," he repeated, his voice dripping with cont

's scrutiny. "They are... unhappy, my lord. They claim th

ines of everyone in the room. "They forget that everything they ha

as palpable, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. He had no t

scarred man at his side. "I want this rebell

ression hard. "It wi

and unforgiving. "Let this be a lesson to all of you. Anyon

ably, their eyes downcast. No one dared to speak, not in the presence o

ived, Aldric turned and strode from the

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