Chapter Fourteen: Conspiracy in the Shadows

The situation in Erial was discouraging. It had been two years since the Shántruk decided to once again close the Combats of Valor, formerly known as the Games of All, a decision that sowed deep discontent among the citizens. The games, despite their brutality, had been a valve for the frustration and anger of the people, and their absence had left a void that mercenaries and criminals had quickly filled. These groups of mercenaries not only impoverished the city with their constant demands and extortions but also exacerbated the insecurity and chaos in the streets of Sabla Urbo.

The situation became even more tense when, thanks to the will and perseverance of Inísel, the Shántruk issued a decree announcing that slavery would soon be abolished. This decision, although noble and just, fell like a bomb in a society deeply rooted in the exploitation of slaves. The reaction was immediate and fierce. The streets of Sabla Urbo filled with furious crowds, their voices rising in a chorus of indignation and protest.

The citizens, accustomed to a life of privilege based on servitude, could not conceive of an existence without slaves. Merchants feared for their businesses, aristocrats for their comfort, and free workers for labor competition. Amidst the turmoil, several hooded figures moved stealthily through the crowd, their sardonic smiles revealing they were the true puppeteers behind the revolt. These conspirators had been patiently planning, pulling the strings of social discontent for their own dark purposes.

Inside a secluded house in a poor neighborhood, a clandestine meeting was taking place. The room was dimly lit by candles, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls. Around an old, worn wooden table, a group of hooded figures whispered in low voices, filled with venom and conspiracy.

In kune: “La dekreto de Ŝántruk ekbruligis la fajreron, kiun ni bezonis (The decree of the Shántruk has ignited the spark we needed)”, said one of the leaders, a tall and thin figure with a sharp and authoritative voice. In kune: “Tiu bredado montriĝis esti vera problemo. Lia Ŝántruk komencis montri signojn de bonvolemo. Li komencis provi malmunti la militservon kaj provis ĉesi dungi soldulojn. Estas klare, ke lia Shantruk tro aŭskultas la sensencaĵon kaj malsaĝecon de tiu infano, kaj ni ne povas lasi tion prokrasti niajn planojn (That brat has proven to be a real problem. His Shántruk has started showing signs of benevolence. He has begun to try to dismantle military service and has tried to stop hiring mercenaries. It is clear that his Shántruk listens too much to the nonsense and foolishness of that child, and we cannot let that delay our plans)”.

Another leader nodded and reported:

In kune: "Lia Shantruk estas ĉiam pli ekster nia kontrolo. Do ni devas uzi la situacion je nia avantaĝo. Homoj estas sur la rando de kolapso. Nun estas la tempo por agi (His Shántruk is increasingly out of our control. So we must use the situation to our advantage. The people are on the brink of collapse. Now is the time to act)."

In kune: "Kaj kio estas nia sekva paŝo? (And what is our next step?)" asked another figure, more corpulent, his deep voice resonating in the small room. In kune: "La ribelo okazas, sed ni bezonas decidan baton (The revolt is underway, but we need a decisive strike)."

The main leader leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a sinister fervor under the golden mask.

In kune: "Ŝanĝo estas necesa (Change is necessary)," he said, his grave and authoritative voice resonating in the dim light. In kune: "Nia sinjoro deziras, ke Erial estu unuigita kaj preta por la konkero de la tri kontinentoj. Ni devas unuigi kaj kontroli la tutan landon de ĉi tiu mondo por la alveno de nia sinjoro. La vizio de vasta kaj potenca imperio dependas de nia kapablo forigi iujn ajn obstaklojn (Our lord desires that Erial be united and prepared for the conquest of the three continents. We must unify and control all the land of this world for the arrival of our lord. The vision of a vast and powerful empire depends on our ability to remove any obstacles)."

The leader turned and looked at another hooded figure in the room.

In kune: "Kion Su Shántruk kaj la infanoj ne scias, ke ni estas ĉie. En la stratoj, en la kluboj, bordeloj, domegoj, havenoj kaj eĉ en la kortego mem (What his Shántruk and the brat do not know is that we are everywhere. In the streets, in the clubs, brothels, mansions, ports, and even in the court itself)."

Among those present, one man stood out. It was Aric, the young man with a piercing gaze and firm posture, who listened attentively to what his lords were saying.

In kune: "Se via Ŝantruko ne plu estas nia marioneto, ni finos lin. Ni profitu, ke ni estas enfiltritaj por malaperi ĝin (If his Shántruk is no longer our puppet, we will end him. Let us take advantage of our infiltration to make him disappear)," affirmed a third hooded figure, his voice cold and calculating.

In kune: "Fratoj, mi pensas, ke mi havas la plej bonan manieron forigi vian Ŝántruk kaj vian amatan Valkúr (Brothers, I think I have the best way to get rid of his Shántruk and his beloved Valkúr)."

Among the conspirators, the voice of Tezakar, the highest-ranking adviser to the Shántruk, Hazim Domovan, could be recognized. Hazim was a man of influence and power, and his betrayal revealed the depth of the conspiracy. Alongside him were other high-ranking allies, whose identities remained hidden under tiger masks, also participating in the plot. It seemed the organization was everywhere, infiltrated into every corner of power in Erial.

In kune: "Nia Shantruk amas sian popolon kaj pretas fari ion ajn por ili. Kaj nia kara Valkúr estas tro juna, naiva, blindigita de ŝiaj ideologioj kaj ŝia firma konvinko por defendi senhelpulojn ĉiakoste (Our Shántruk loves his people and is willing to do anything for them. And our dear Valkúr is too young, naive, blinded by her ideologies and her firm conviction to defend the helpless at all costs)," said Hazim, his words filled with unparalleled malice.

In kune: "Ni profitu ilian malfortecon. Ke la homoj englutu ilin kaj forigu Lian Ŝantrukon kaj lian edzinon unufoje por ĉiam (Let us take advantage of their weakness. Let the people swallow them up and get rid of their Shántruk and his wife once and for all)," the hooded figures looked at Hazim with growing interest.

In kune: "Kiel ni faros ĝin? Homoj eble malamas Lian Ŝantrukon, sed ili tro timas lin por iri kontraŭ li (How will we do it? The people may hate their Shántruk, but they fear him too much to go against him)," Hazim smiled under his mask.

In kune: "Tial ili bezonas ioman puŝon. Sufiĉos, ke la dioj decidu por ili (That is why they need a slight push. It will be enough for the gods to decide for them)," the man looked at Aric.

In kune: "Vi jam scias, kion vi devas fari, Shíldar Aric (You already know what you must do, Shíldar Aric)..."

Aric nodded, understanding his role. He knew that his actions in the coming days would be crucial to the success of the plan. His eyes gleamed with a mix of determination and fervor as he watched the other conspirators. The meeting continued, each whispered word increasing the tension in the room. The hooded figures outlined their plans with precision, discussing every detail, every strategy for the crucial moment. They knew that one false move could mean the failure of their mission and the ruin of their aspirations.

Hours later, unaware of the conspiracy against her, Inísel stood in her quarters, watching from the window as the streets filled with protesting people. The crowd swayed like a sea of discontent, their voices echoing in the air with a sound of indignation and fury. The recent decisions of the Shántruk, greatly influenced by Inísel, to abolish slavery and close the Games of All, had ignited the citizens' anger. Adding to this was the news of her inability to conceive, which had reached the people's ears, further fueling the flames of revolt.

The Valkúr was certain that someone had exposed to her people that she could not conceive. Inísel thought that the Sanigi might have revealed her situation, but something inside her hinted that a disturbing shadow was lurking in the temple's most secluded corners, waiting for the right moment to act.

In kune: "Kaj nun estas la tempo. Kiam nia popolo estas plej malstabila (And now is the time. When our people are most unstable)…," she whispered, her hands clenching into fists, as frustration settled in her heart.

For the past few weeks, the number of requests to speak with the Shántruk in the audience hall had increased. Endless lines of citizens waited with faces full of worry and resentment, seeking answers and solutions to their grievances.

Isra, the Valkúr's maid, entered the quarters with a concerned expression.

In kune: "Mia Valkúr, la konsilio atendas vin en la kunvenejo (My Valkúr, the council is waiting for you in the meeting room)…," she announced with a soft but firm voice.

Inísel nodded, with a sigh that reflected her growing anxiety, and turned to follow Isra. She walked gracefully through the palace halls, her thoughts flitting restlessly like butterflies caught in a storm. Upon reaching the meeting room, she found the Shántruk and all his advisers already present, their faces marked by tension.

The Shántruk, with an exhausted expression, indicated for her to sit by his side. Inísel took a seat, her demeanor regal but her eyes filled with silent concern. The meeting began with a rapid and tense exchange of words, each adviser trying to be heard in the rising chaos. Among the advisers was Reynard Zendel, her adoptive father.

In kune: "La situacio en la urboj estas kritika (The situation in the cities is critical)," said Reynard, his voice booming in the room. In kune: "Ne nur Sabla Urbo estas meze de disputoj en la stratoj. La aliaj kvar urboj kiuj konsistigas la regnon ankaŭ estas en malkontento. La postuloj pliiĝis kaj mi timas, Via Ŝantruk, ke la forta kuniĝo inter la aliaj urboj, kiujn ni atingis, povas malfortiĝi (Not only Sabla Urbo is in the midst of disputes in the streets. The other four cities that make up the kingdom are also in discontent. The demands have increased and I fear, Your Shántruk, that the strong union between the other cities we have achieved may weaken)."

A councilor, Darian Alenov, leaned forward, his face grim.

In kune: "La decidoj fermi la Batalojn de Valoro kaj abolicii sklavecon estis rigardataj kiel ofendo al niaj antikvaj tradicioj. Sklaveco ĉeestas en la Sudo dum jarcentoj, kaj la ideo forigi ĝin ekbruligis la furiozon de la homoj (The decisions to close the Combats of Valor and abolish slavery have been seen as an affront to our ancient traditions. Slavery has been present in the South for centuries, and the idea of eliminating it has ignited the people's fury)."

Inísel listened with irritation, pressing her lips together to contain her frustration. Although her title of Valkúr only consisted of being the consort of the Shántruk, she felt a deep responsibility and a burning desire to participate in decision-making. Unable to contain herself, she spoke:

In kune: "Sklaveco bremsis Sabla Urbon tro longe. La praktiko ekspluati servuton igis nin aŭtoritatemaj kaj despotaj homoj. Se ni volas ŝanĝon por nia urbo, ni ne povas ankri nin al malnovaj tradicioj. Forigi sklavecon estas la unua paŝo, kiun ni devas fari por ŝanĝo. Estas tempo por nia popolo havi rajtojn kaj ne nur devojn. Estas tempo por nia popolo koni liberecon kaj estas tempo por homoj diri sian vorton (Slavery has slowed down Sabla Urbo for too long. The practice of exploiting servitude has made us authoritarian and despotic people. If we want change for our city, we cannot anchor ourselves to old traditions. Abolishing slavery is the first step we must take for change. It is time for our people to have rights and not just duties. It is time for our people to know freedom and it is time for people to voice their opinions)."

Everyone looked at her with bewilderment and disdain. Reynard watched his daughter with concern, knowing that her opinions were not accepted among the Shántruk's advisers.

In kune: "Kiel vi povas diri tian sensencaĵon, Via Valkúr? Libereco por la homoj? Tio estas absurda. Kiel ni povas kontroli homojn se ni donas al ili liberan kondukilon por fari verajn katastrofojn? (How can you say such nonsense, Your Valkúr? Freedom for the people? That is absurd. How can we control people if we give them free rein to cause real disasters?)"

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Inísel gritted her teeth and quickly contradicted him:

In kune: “Kaj diru al mi, Lórzhen, kial vi pensas, ke mia popolo kaŭzus kaoson? (And tell me, Lórzhen, why do you think my people would cause chaos?)"

Everyone looked at Inísel.

In kune: “Mi diros al vi la respondon: pro malkontento. Ju pli ni premas nian popolon, des pli granda tumulto estos en la urbo. Nun ili povas vidi, ke abolicii sklavecon estas malhonoro kaj maljusto. Sed mi scias, ke ili baldaŭ rimarkos, ke ilia nova libereco donos al ili novan celon en ilia vivo. Plej multaj sklavoj estas submetitaj al siaj mastroj; ili estas malriĉaj animoj, kiuj ne rajtas deziri aŭ deziri ion ajn. Neniu meritas vivi en tiu stato. Nia rolo kiel suverenoj de la regno estas protekti la rajtojn de la homoj kaj certigi ilian bonfarton (I will tell you the answer: because of discontent. The more we oppress our people, the more turmoil there will be in the city. Now they may see the abolition of slavery as a dishonor and injustice. But I know that soon they will realize that their new freedom will give them a new purpose in life. Most slaves are submissive to their masters; they are poor souls who are not allowed to desire anything. No one deserves to live in that state. Our role as sovereigns of the kingdom is to protect the rights of the people and ensure their well-being)," the emerald eyes of the young Valkúr reflected a burning and unwavering determination.

In kune: "Sed niaj tradicioj ne permesas (But our traditions do not allow that)…," insisted Darian.

In kune:”Mi komprenas la zorgon de vi ĉiuj (I understand the concern of all of you)," intervened the Shántruk, his voice tired but firm. In kune: “Sed ni devas memori, ke niaj decidoj celas plibonigi la bonfarton de ĉiuj niaj civitanoj, ne nur de kelkaj privilegiitaj (But we must remember that our decisions are meant to improve the welfare of all our citizens, not just a few privileged ones)."

One of the councilors, Hazim Domovan, whose voice had resonated in the clandestine meeting hours earlier, spoke with a tone of apparent concern.

In kune: "Via Ŝántruk, eble ni devus rekonsideri kelkajn el ĉi tiuj decidoj. La malkontento estas palpebla kaj rapide disvastiĝas. Se ni ne agas por trankviligi la popolon, ni povus alfronti eĉ pli grandan ribelon. Mi ne diras, ke ni ne efektivigas iliajn novajn regularojn, sed ke ni prokrastas ilin ĝis ĉio trankviliĝos (Your Shántruk, maybe we should reconsider some of these decisions. The discontent is palpable and spreads quickly. If we do not act to calm the people, we could face an even greater rebellion. I am not saying that we should not implement their new regulations, but that we delay them until everything calms down)."

Inísel leaned forward, her eyes shining with fierceness.

In kune: "Ni ĉiuj scias, kion signifas prokrasti ŝanĝon. Ĝi signifas voli forgesi pri ĝi kaj daŭrigi kun la avantaĝoj, kiujn tre malmultaj en nia regno havas. Neniam estos la ĝusta tempo por efektivigi novajn rimedojn, sed la homoj bezonas la ŝanĝojn, kiujn la novaj leĝoj disponigos al ili. Prokrasti ĝin signifas pli longe kondamni nian popolon kaj ni ne povas permesi, ke ili suferu plu (We all know what it means to delay change. It means wanting to forget about it and continue with the benefits that very few have in our kingdom. There will never be the right time to implement new measures, but the people need the changes that the new laws will provide them. Delaying it means condemning our people for longer, and we cannot allow them to suffer any more)."

The eyes of the Valkúr drifted to her maid, Isra, who stood alongside the other temple slaves in the meeting room. All the men and women's heads were bowed in submission, showing that they had no right to voice their opinions on decisions that also affected them. Inísel looked at Isra with sadness; she wanted to give her the freedom she so deserved. She knew it would be difficult for many to accept, and even the slaves themselves would have reservations about the new law. Inísel knew that people chained to a master had no will or reason to move forward other than to serve their lord, but she also wanted to believe that, with patience and proper help, people could truly live with relative stability and happiness.

In kune: "Ni forgesis, kiu ni vere estas. Ni ĉiuj ĉi tie en la kunvenejo, ni ŝuldas ĝin al nia popolo. Ni estas ĉi tie por certigi vian bonfarton kaj helpi vin kreski kiel popolo. Sed, kiel ĉiam okazas, la originala ideo estis koruptita favore al iuj interesatoj. Nun, ĉio, kion ni faras, estas utiligi la senhelpan kaj senprotektan. Ni uzas ilin kaj ekspluatas ilin ĝis ili ne plu povas elteni ĝin. Estas tempo, ke tio ŝanĝiĝu (We have forgotten what we truly are. Everyone here in the meeting room, we owe it to our people. We are here to ensure their well-being and help them grow as a people. But, as always happens, the original idea has been corrupted in favor of certain interests. Now, all we do is exploit the helpless and unprotected. We use them and exploit them until they can no longer bear it. It is time for that to change)."

The words of Inísel prompted murmurs among the councilors, most of them bewildered by their Valkúr's ideologies. There were many furrowed brows, clearly disagreeing with her stance. However, before any dissent could be voiced in the room, the voice of El Ghárzhen, the commander of the wardens, Derik Guilerd, intervened:

In kune: "Ni devas ankaŭ konsideri vian sekurecon, Via Ŝantruk. Mi konsideras, ke ŝanĝoj estas gravegaj por nia regno, sed ni ne devas forgesi, ke aliaj povas profiti la malkontenton de la popolo por turni la homojn kontraŭ ili. Laŭ mia humila opinio, mi pensas, ke ni devus pliigi sekurecon ĉe la templo kaj malhelpi tumultojn eble endanĝerigi ĝin (We must also consider your safety, Your Shántruk. I believe that changes are of vital importance to our kingdom, but we must not forget that others may take advantage of the people's discontent to turn them against you. In my humble opinion, I think we should increase security at the temple and prevent disturbances from potentially endangering it)."

The Shántruk nodded, recognizing the fragile situation they were in and the high probability that their security might be compromised:

In kune: "Pligrandigi sekurecon estas prudenta kaj mi konsideras la peton de mia Ghárzhen racia (Increasing security is prudent, and I consider my Ghárzhen's request reasonable)," began the Shántruk. In kune: "Derik, mi fidas, ke vi organizos miajn gardistojn (Derik, I trust you to organize my wardens)," Derik gave a military salute, respectfully nodding his head.

The Shántruk, perceiving the persistent unrest in the room, rose from his seat and directed a firm gaze at all the gathered councilors. With an authoritative and unwavering voice, he assured them that his decision was steadfast and he had no intention of retreating.

In kune: "Erial bezonas ŝanĝon (Erial needs a change)," he declared, his voice resonating firmly. In kune: "Kvankam niaj agoj povas ŝajni nun katastrofaj kaj hastaj, mi estas konvinkita, ke ili estos bonvenaj estonte. La forigo de sklaveco kaj la fermo de ludoj estas necesaj paŝoj por la plibonigo de nia socio. Kaj mi ne povas lasi la ŝanĝon prokrasti (Although our actions may seem catastrophic and hasty now, I am convinced that they will be welcomed in the future. The abolition of slavery and the closure of the games are necessary steps for the improvement of our society. And I cannot allow the change to be delayed)."

The solemn declaration of the Shántruk filled the room with a heavy silence. The councilors, although uneasy, did not dare to contradict his firm resolution. Promptly, the Shántruk concluded the meeting. One by one, they began to leave, murmuring among themselves about the possible repercussions and the uncertain future that awaited them.

When the council chamber was practically empty, only the Shántruk, the Valkúr, Inísel's adoptive father, and a few close councilors remained, including Hazim Domovan and the commander of the wardens. Inísel, with a look of concern on her face, turned to her husband.

In kune: "Mia Ŝántruk, mi profunde zorgas pri nia popolo (My Shántruk, I am deeply concerned for our people)," she confessed, her voice denoting the fear she felt for the chaotic state of the city. In kune: "La ĥaosa stato surstrata ne nur plimalbonigas la situacion en Sabla Urbo, sed minacas malstabiligi la tutan regionon. Nia popolo suferas kaj timas pri sia estonteco. Devas esti io, kion ni povas fari por trankviligi la homojn (The chaotic state in the streets not only worsens the situation in Sabla Urbo but threatens to destabilize the entire region. Our people are suffering and fear for their future. There must be something we can do to calm the populace)."

The Shántruk nodded, fully understanding Inísel's anguish. He knew that the measures they had taken were drastic, but he also knew they were necessary for the long-term well-being of the kingdom.

Hazim Domovan, with a friendly smile, suggested:

In kune: "Via Ŝántruk, mi opinias, ke via edzino pravas. Eble estas io, kion ni povas fari (Your Shántruk, I believe your wife is right. Perhaps there is something we can do)," all inquisitive eyes focused on him. Knowing that his next actions would be crucial for his plans to prosper, Hazim proceeded cautiously:

In kune: "Dia voĉo, kiel la antikvaj Ŝántrukoj antaŭe agis, povis trankviligi la malkontenton de la homoj. Multaj el la civitanoj konsideras lin preskaŭ dia figuro, elektita de la dioj, tiu por kiu ili pretas doni sian vivon. La tribunalejo estas granda loko, sed ĝi ne havas sufiĉe da spaco por ĉiuj civitanoj. Mi pensas, ke ni povus utiligi kelkajn formortintajn tradiciojn en nia urbo, kiel dia voĉo. Multaj civitanoj ne havas tempon kaj ŝancon esprimi sian malkontenton. Sed, se vi parolas kun ili rekte, klarigu viajn kialojn kaj certigas al ili, ke iliaj zorgoj estas aŭditaj, ni povus malhelpi la situacion eĉ pli for de kontrolo (A dia voĉo, as the ancient Shántruks used to perform, could calm the discontent of the people. Many of the citizens consider you a nearly divine figure, chosen by the gods, someone for whom they are willing to give their lives. The audience hall is a large place, but it does not have enough space for all the citizens. I think we could utilize some extinct traditions in our city, such as the dia voĉo. Many citizens do not have the time and opportunity to express their discontent. But if you speak to them directly, explain your reasons, and assure them that their concerns are being heard, we could prevent the situation from getting even more out of control)."

Inísel looked at her husband, her eyes reflecting a mix of hope and fear. The Shántruk, seeing the concern on his wife's face, nodded languidly.

In kune: "Ĉu dia voĉo? (A dia voĉo?)" he questioned, his tone revealing that he was contemplating the possibility.

In kune: "Pardonu pro la interrompo, Via Ŝántruk, sed publika deklaro, pro la malstabila situacio, povus prezenti al vi eblan riskon (Forgive the interruption, Your Shántruk, but a public declaration, given the unstable situation, could pose a potential risk to you)," said Reynard, causing Derik Guilerd to nod firmly.

In kune: "Mi konsentas kun la vortoj de Zhelyra Reynard. Eksponi vin tiamaniere povus endanĝerigi vian sekurecon (I agree with the words of Zhelyra Reynard. Exposing yourself in such a manner could endanger your safety)."

Theodric listened attentively to the words of his commander. He had to recognize that ancient traditions had been forgotten for a reason. Previously, in Sabla Urbo, it was customary for the Shántruk to speak directly with his subjects in a city square, called Voĉo de la elektita or the Voice of the Son of the Gods. The people always recognized their Shántruk as chosen by the gods, and the ancient traditions were aimed at more open communication between their sovereign and their people. However, over time, the Shántruks became more reluctant to continue the tradition. Although the rite was abolished hundreds of years ago, Theodric thought that Hazim's proposal was logical and could provide them with a unique opportunity…

In kune: "Refari dian voĉon povus doni al nia popolo la konfidon, kiun ni serĉas (To hold the dia voĉo again could give our people the confidence we seek)," said the Shántruk, looking at his wife, seeking her opinion.

Inísel thought it over carefully. The riots would not cease and would likely intensify over time. Inísel felt that their hands were tied and that they had to take a misstep to move many steps forward. It was a risk to expose themselves in such a way to their agitated people, but she also knew that the respect and admiration their people felt for the Shántruk was real and unwavering.

Finally, she nodded, sharing her opinion:

In kune: "La dia voĉo povus trankviligi nian popolon (The dia voĉo could calm our people)," Theodric smiled at his wife and took her hand affectionately.

In kune: "Tiam ni ne devas atendi plu. Hazim, preparu la Voĉo-kvadraton de la elektito. Baldaŭ mi faros mian tagon kaj mi esperas, ke per tio mi povas komuniki kaj trankviligi nian popolon (Then we must not wait any longer. Hazim, prepare the Voĉo square of the chosen one. Soon I will perform the dia voĉo and I hope to use it to communicate and calm our people)."

Under the Shántruk's order, the remaining councilors in the room nodded in agreement. Reynard and Derik exchanged worried glances and tried to persuade the monarch to reconsider, but the Shántruk's will was firm and he assured that he trusted his commander and councilors to prepare everything with the utmost security.

A day later, in the nighttime shadows of a narrow street in a poor neighborhood, Aric, along with several masked men, patiently watched the square where their plans would unfold. Aric turned to his followers with piercing eyes.

In kune: "Ĉu vi certas, mia sinjoro, ke ĝi funkcios? (Are you sure, my lord, that it will work?)" asked one in whispers, his words resonating in the silence of the alley.

In kune: "La malbenita akvo estis skrupule kreita, ĉio estas preparita kaj atendanta. La sola afero, kiun ni devas fari, estas rigardi la placon. Vi jam scias, kiel malstabila kaj danĝera estas la malbenita akvo. Por certigi, ke nia plano funkcias, ni devas certigi, ke neniu alproksimiĝu aŭ tuŝu ion ajn ĝis la desegnoj de nia sinjoro estas plenumitaj (The cursed water has been meticulously crafted, everything is prepared and waiting. All we have to do is watch the square. You know how unstable and dangerous the cursed water is. To ensure our plan works, we must ensure no one approaches or touches anything until our lord's designs are fulfilled)."

The masked men nodded; their loyalty and devotion were evident. Under Aric's direction, they would maintain their watch over the square.

Aric smiled malevolently, his eyes fixed on the place where the beginning and the end of his plans would occur:

In kune: "Ke Tenebris Mortem gvidu niajn paŝojn. Por la ombroj, por nova tagiĝo (May Tenebris Mortem guide our steps. For the shadows, for a new dawn)."

That night, as the stars shone over the city and the moon gently illuminated the streets, the tension in Sabla Urbo continued to rise. The citizens, unaware of the conspiracy brewing, continued to deal with their own concerns and discontent. But in the heart of the poor neighborhood, Aric and his men knew that the fate of the city could change in a matter of days.