The city of Varnok rose before them like a sleeping giant—its obsidian towers casting long shadows in the setting sun. A heavy wind blew dust across the path as Adam, Jasmine, and Ryan approached the ancient gate, cloaked and disguised to avoid recognition. The streets behind them had already swallowed their tracks. Their mission was clear—stay hidden, find Torvak, and lay low. Any wrong move, and everything would fall apart.
The guards stationed at the gate were vigilant, eyes like hawks scanning every face. As Adam stepped forward, one of them raised a hand, halting their approach. "Halt! Names and purpose," the guard barked, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.
Adam took a slow breath and narrowed his eyes. Then, in a calm but commanding tone, he spoke the ancient phrase his father taught him the night before they left Veridia:
"Varkar'mesh tal Varkar'mesh."
Silence fell.
The effect was immediate. The guards stared, stunned. One of the elder guards blinked rapidly, his jaw slack. "That phrase… it's not been uttered in decades."
Another younger guard whispered, "Only a true Vakari would know those words…"
The elder straightened. "Let them in."
As the gates creaked open, Jasmine turned to Adam, whispering, "Father… how do you know that phrase? Only the Vakari elders teach it."
Adam didn't answer at first. He simply looked ahead, his expression unreadable. Then softly, "My father taught it to me. The night before we left. He said… I might need it one day."
Even Ryan stared at him in disbelief. For the first time, his father seemed like a mystery wrapped in shadows deeper than he imagined.
Once inside, they quickly melted into the bustling city crowd. Varnok was a place like no other. Jasmine grabbed her father's arm and gasped. "Are you seeing what I'm seeing? Soldiers riding elephants? And are those… rhinos?"
Ryan chuckled. "Well, you're not blind after all."
Jasmine rolled her eyes. "You're so annoying."
Adam said nothing. He scanned the streets. Though cloaked in wonder, danger still lurked. Zaphira's spies could be anywhere.
Earlier, in King Lucas' kingdom, the spy they captured had already given away detailed descriptions of them. Their clothes, their voices—even their walking style. That's why, before entering Varnok, the three disguised themselves completely. Their cloaks were now the color of clay. Their boots old and worn. Jasmine even tied her hair and smeared her face with travel dust. They looked like nothing more than a weary traveling family.
Their destination was clear. Adam's father had once spoken of a man named Torvak—a former general of Varnok, a man who risked everything to help Sahabi and his wife escape. That man might be the only ally they had left in the kingdom.
Finding Torvak wasn't difficult. His name was still spoken with respect in the outer districts. "You'll find him near the eastern gardens," one merchant told them. "He's retired now. Peaceful life. A good man."
Finally, they reached a modest home nestled under the cool shade of blossoming trees. The garden outside was neat, with fresh herbs and wildflowers blooming in scattered harmony. Adam stepped forward and knocked gently.
The door creaked open, and a little girl peeked through—a sweet, innocent face with large brown eyes and a curious smile. "Hello," she said softly, "Can I help you?"
Adam smiled and knelt to her level. "And what's your name?"
She giggled. "Nala. It means flower."
He chuckled. "Beautiful name. I'm Adam, and these are my children, Ryan and Jasmine."
She beamed. "Nice to meet you!"
But before another word could be said, a firm voice echoed from inside. "Nala, how many times have I told you not to talk to strangers!"
A woman approached—graceful, strong, and motherly. As she reached the door and caught sight of Adam, she froze. Her eyes locked onto his. Her lips parted slightly.
"You… who are you?"
Before Adam could respond, a presence appeared behind her—strong, tall, and commanding.
"I ask again… who are you looking for?"
The man's voice was sharp, his gaze hard. His posture was battle-ready, even in retirement.
Ryan instinctively moved, but Adam subtly raised a hand, stopping him.
Then Adam stepped forward calmly and said, "Good afternoon, sir."
But the man—Torvak—didn't move.
His eyes pierced through Adam. Then suddenly, they widened.
"…Those eyes," he whispered. "I knew those eyes…"
Before any of them could blink, Torvak crossed the space between them and pulled Adam into a fierce embrace.
"By the gods… you're his son. You're Sahabi's son."
He didn't wait for a reply. He grabbed Adam's arm and ushered all three inside, closing the door firmly behind them.
From a shadowed alley nearby, a hooded figure turned and walked away swiftly—one of Queen Zaphira's most trusted spies.
Far away, in a quiet chamber adorned with black gold, Queen Zaphira sat sipping tea across from a frail older man—Drokan, The mighty king. They were discussing his healing and the council's current divisions when the chamber door opened.
"My lady. My king," the spy bowed deeply. "There's news. Three strangers entered Varnok, disguised. They were seen heading to General Torvak's house."
Zaphira's eyes didn't blink. Her chest rose with a deep breath.
"I knew it… Torvak has been hiding something. He was always too loyal to my son."
Drokan looked up, startled. "Do you think—"
Zaphira shook her head, voice soft. "I don't know. But if it is… then perhaps the gods haven't forgotten me."
The spy looked at her. "Shall I act?"
"No," she whispered. "Do nothing. Watch. Report. And tell no one."
Back at Torvak's home, the former general had dismissed his wife and daughter gently, sending Nala off to her afternoon training. Once they were alone, Torvak sat across from the three guests, eyes shimmering with unspoken emotion.
He studied Adam's face for a long time. "You are his son. The resemblance is undeniable… But tell me truly. Are you Sahabi's boy?"
Adam nodded. "Yes. And these are my children, Ryan and Jasmine."
Torvak exhaled slowly, leaning back. "Then the line lives… and my heart can rest."
Adam leaned forward. "You helped my father escape, didn't you?"
Torvak smiled faintly. "I did more than help. I faked orders. Moved men around. Lied to queens and generals. If I hadn't, your father would have been ambushed by his own Uncles."
He shook his head. "No one knows the full story… not even Zaphira. She grieved for her son, but she was blinded by council lies. I only pray that when the truth comes both king Drokan and queen Zaphira will forgive me."
Jasmine looked up, eyes filled with questions. "So what happens now?"
Torvak sighed and looked toward the window, his voice low.
"Now? You rest. You hide. You gather your strength. Because whether you want it or not… war is coming."