The Flame Beneath the Stone

  Rose burst through the doors of the Mage Guild.

  All eyes turned.

  The guild was still under construction—workers hauling crates, hammering beams, sawing through enchanted wood. The air buzzed with noise and arcane energy.

  Rose stepped forward, clutching the scrolls. "Ahem... I'm here to deliver important documents. They're addressed to someone named Viola."

  One of the mages approached, robes fluttering. "You're from the Mercenary Guild, aren't you?"

  Rose nodded, holding the files tightly. "Yes."

  The mage narrowed his eyes. "May I see your Flak Card?"

  Rose's face shifted. "I... don't have it."

  The mage raised an eyebrow. "Then hand over the documents. I'll make sure they reach Viola."

  Rose hesitated, suspicion rising. "I... suppose..."

  A voice rang out behind her.

  "What's going on here?"

  Rose turned slowly.

  Her eyes widened.

  "Laika," she whispered. "The High Commander... If she sees me without a card, I'm going to prison."

  Laika's gaze locked onto the mage.

  Her eyes flared. "You..."

  The mage stepped back, then turned to flee.

  Laika raised her hand.

  A crimson aura surged around her fingers—molten energy crackling.

  The ground split open.

  Lava burst forth, swallowing half the mage's body and locking him in place.

  Guards rushed in, weapons drawn. Mages surrounded the scene, casting containment spells.

  From the shadows, Jaber emerged.

  "Well done, Lady Laika!" he called.

  Then he looked down—and his expression changed.

  "You destroyed the flooring! That was premium stone—we just installed it!"

  Laika closed her eyes. "It doesn't matter."

  Jaber groaned. "Ha! Of course it doesn't..."

  Prince Asser stepped into the night, clad in his armor.

  The city of Aurik lay quiet beneath a blanket of snow.

  The towering spires blazed with firelight, casting warmth across rooftops and melting the frost.

  He walked slowly, breath visible in the cold.

  "This was a wise decision," he thought.

  "Lighting the towers... it was the right call."

  Citizens watched him pass.

  Some bowed.

  Others smiled.

  A few stared—uncertain, wary.

  "I don't blame them," Asser murmured.

  "Trust isn't easily earned... not after everything."

  Guards saluted, surprised to see him at this hour.

  Children played nearby, building snowmen.

  They ran to greet him, laughter echoing in the frost.

  Then—someone collided with his chestplate and fell.

  A soft voice:

  "Blast..."

  Asser looked down.

  "You...

  You're the girl from Lenovard?"

  Rose blushed, flustered.

  "Prince Asser!

  I mean—Your Highness!

  I mean..."

  From behind:

  "By the Flames of Aurik!

  A noble, awkward, and glorious moment unfolds before our very eyes!"

  "Klen! Shut up!" Rose snapped.

  Onlookers whispered.

  "She bumped into the prince..."

  Guards stepped forward.

  "Your Highness!

  We apologize.

  We'll handle this—"

  Asser raised a hand, smiling.

  "It's alright."

  The guards paused, surprised.

  Rose's hands trembled.

  She reached for his—but stopped.

  "I don't deserve your help, Your Highness...

  It's nothing."

  She stood, brushing snow from her cloak.

  "Why were you running?" Asser asked.

  Rose, still flustered:

  "We were... racing."

  Klen knelt, placing his sword on the ground.

  "Your Highness...

  We were engaged in a noble, impossible, and honorable mission—on behalf of the Red Knight."

  The guards exchanged glances.

  "What mission?" Asser asked.

  Klen stood proudly.

  "We were racing to the butcher's shop! Jarry Cuts!.

  First one there doesn't pay."

  The guards sighed.

  One rubbed his forehead.

  "Klen!" Rose hissed.

  Asser blinked—then laughed.

  Rose stared, stunned.

  The guards smiled.

  Even the children giggled.

  Klen bowed again.

  "To make Your Highness laugh—

  That is a prize far greater than any meat.

  I am certain Miss Rose is pleased to see you smile.

  Especially since she—"

  Rose, face crimson, smacked him.

  "Quiet!"

  The Ember Oath - When the Flame Welcomes the Frost

  Prince Asser smiled.

  "You two...

  You're truly remarkable."

  He looked at them—his gaze steady, voice rising.

  "I look forward to seeing you on the front lines.

  We are entering a time of great transition.

  We need everyone—every heart, every hand—

  to contribute to the greater purpose.

  The Blazing Kingdom..."

  His eyes shimmered—embers flickering in their depths.

  The guards watched in awe.

  Citizens paused, drawn by the moment.

  Klen dropped to one knee—his jeweled armor clanging against the stone.

  "Of course, Your Highness!

  I shall become a commander in your army!

  The Red Knight swears it—by his honor, his grandeur, and his noble spirit!"

  Asser nodded.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  "Indeed, Red Knight.

  I believe in you.

  I seek to fulfill what my father, King Caesar, entrusted to me.

  And I trust you wish to redeem what your father once stood for."

  Klen trembled.

  His posture shifted—something in his face changed beneath the gleaming helm.

  "Your Highness..."

  Rose raised an eyebrow.

  "Klen? Are you alright?"

  Snow began to fall again.

  The wind whispered through the streets.

  Asser turned to Rose.

  He raised his right hand, letting snowflakes settle in his palm.

  "You've lived a hard life.

  Lenovard lies in the north—its frost unmatched.

  I've heard your story."

  Rose looked down, voice soft.

  "I'm not seeking pity."

  "I know," Asser replied.

  "And I'm sorry if I made you feel that way."

  "No... I didn't mean—"

  Asser smiled gently.

  "I want you to know...

  As long as you are within these walls,

  you are under the protection of the Blazing Kingdom—Aurik.

  Live.

  Breathe.

  Know that you are safe,

  even in the harshest winters."

  Rose's eyes widened.

  Klen remained kneeling, silent.

  Asser stepped forward.

  "Miss Rose...

  The Blazing Kingdom welcomes you."

  Klen began clapping—awkward, heartfelt.

  The guards exchanged glances.

  "The Red Knight feels joy and sorrow—deep, noble, and dignified!"

  One guard muttered:

  "He never stops..."

  Laughter rippled through the crowd.

  Adults smiled.

  Children laughed and danced around them.

  Rose stared at Asser—eyes wide, cheeks flushed, tears brimming.

  Asser's face shifted.

  "You... I didn't mean—!"

  Rose turned and fled.

  "Wait!" Asser called, reaching out.

  A guard stepped forward.

  "Your orders, sire?

  Shall we bring her back?"

  Asser exhaled.

  "No...

  There's no need."

  Snowfall and Memory - When the Flame Walks Alone

  Klen stood tall.

  "The Red Knight shall withdraw—nobly, honorably, and with great dignity!"

  "Ah, yes... good luck," Prince Asser replied with a faint smile.

  Klen paused mid-step.

  His voice softened.

  "Your Highness...

  Thank you."

  Then he walked on.

  A guard leaned toward Asser.

  "He's... unusual."

  Asser's gaze lingered on Klen's retreating figure.

  "His father was one of our finest knights."

  "Your Highness..."

  "Yes?"

  "The girl—Rose..."

  "What about her?"

  "She doesn't carry a Flak card.

  The identification token.

  We've seen her saving coins to afford one, but..."

  "You've done well."

  The guards blinked.

  "You knew she lacked it.

  You saw her trying.

  And you waited.

  That's commendable."

  They bowed, some standing taller with pride.

  "It's nothing, Your Highness."

  "Wait for her.

  Don't arrest her."

  "As you command!"

  Asser continued walking.

  Snow fell gently.

  The towers of Aurik burned bright—casting warmth across the rooftops.

  Citizens moved through the streets.

  Mercenaries departed for missions.

  Guards patrolled the alleys.

  Mages emerged from the guild, scrolls in hand.

  Laughter echoed from taverns and inns.

  Asser watched lightly armored men heading toward the training camps.

  Children stared at the blazing towers, eating as snowflakes danced around them.

  He murmured to himself:

  "They're heading to the camps...

  Good."

  The snowfall thickened.

  The towers flared brighter, warming the air.

  Asser stopped.

  He raised his hand—snowflakes landed in his palm.

  "This feeling...

  This season...

  This time of year..."

  He closed his eyes.

  "We lost our mother.

  The cold was bitter.

  We waited for Father...

  But she smiled.

  She comforted us.

  Protected us.

  We didn't know she was sick..."

  He clenched his fists.

  Then walked on.

  Shadows and Snow - When the City Sleeps Uneasily

  Prince Asser walked quietly through the city.

  Snow fell in gentle waves.

  The streets had calmed after long hours of unrest.

  He moved with purpose, yet his gaze lingered on the rooftops, the newly repaired doors, the fortified walls.

  A sound.

  He turned—nothing.

  Then, a figure in a crimson cloak appeared before him.

  Asser narrowed his eyes.

  "That cloak...

  I haven't seen it before."

  A voice—firm, feminine.

  "Your Highness...

  I am Julia, head of the Red Mist Circus.

  I came after seeing you walk alone."

  "Ah...

  So you're the ones Kasra spoke of.

  Intriguing."

  Julia tilted her head.

  "Would you care to see our performances?

  The princess enjoyed them greatly."

  Asser shook his head.

  "No need.

  It's late.

  You should rest.

  Don't you have work tomorrow?"

  Julia raised an eyebrow.

  "Of course..."

  Asser walked past her.

  Julia clutched something in her hand.

  Then paused—her eyes catching movement in the shadows.

  She lowered her hand.

  In the alley, leaning against a wall—

  Jamah.

  He watched silently, wine in hand.

  Julia glanced at him, then pulled her cloak tighter and walked on.

  —

  Asser continued through the quiet streets.

  He studied the homes, the reinforced gates.

  Then turned toward the royal palace.

  Jamah sipped his wine, wiped his mouth, and headed toward the tunnels of Korta.

  —

  At the palace gates, Asser found Dais waiting.

  "Dais?

  What are you doing here at this hour?"

  "I've been waiting for you.

  There's a matter we must discuss."

  "Is it truly that urgent?

  Can't it wait until morning?"

  "No, Your Highness.

  It's important."

  Asser sighed and led him toward the council chamber.

  "Let's get it over with.

  I hope it's not another tangled mess, counselor."

  Dais bowed and followed.

  "I trust you'll want to hear this..."

  —

  In the tunnels of Korta, Jamah arrived.

  Mercenaries and assassins bowed.

  Some feared him.

  Others whispered behind his back.

  He reached the heart of the network.

  "I came looking for Fouad...

  They say the fool merchant sent him.

  Wonderful."

  He drank again.

  "No matter.

  It's what your father wanted, Fouad.

  Trust your instincts.

  I won't stop you."

  The assassins watched him with reverence.

  Karras approached.

  "Commander Jamah...

  You've returned."

  Jamah stared silently.

  "We've begun retraining the assassins.

  Missions have been reduced, per your orders."

  "Good.

  Train them.

  They're a pack of fools."

  His gaze sharpened—unblinking.

  The men around him stiffened.

  Jamah turned to Karras.

  "What was Delyn thinking when he lived here?

  I never took him for someone so soft...

  To leave behind a den of incompetents."

  Karras wiped his brow.

  "Well...

  No use insulting my men, sir... ha..."

  The Forgotten Cell - When Legacy Demands More

  Jamah stared, eyes wide and unblinking.

  "Insult?

  Let them earn the skill and pride to challenge me.

  They don't even dare speak."

  Karras lowered his gaze.

  "I understand... and I apologize."

  He handed Jamah a folded parchment.

  Jamah raised an eyebrow.

  "Hmm?"

  "It's from Delyn..."

  Jamah unfolded the letter.

  Delyn's handwriting was bold, uneven:

  Welcome, you fool...

  I'm sure you're insulting my men again—maybe even hitting them.

  I may be gone by now...

  But Jamah, take care of them.

  You're the last of us.

  The Golden Trio.

  Give them the basics.

  Karras will handle the rest.

  He's good.

  Jamah smiled faintly.

  He took a sip of wine and looked at Karras.

  The assassins and mercenaries watched in silence.

  Jamah gestured.

  "You're in charge of these tunnels.

  If your men fail...

  I'll teach you a lesson myself."

  He walked slowly toward a sealed corridor.

  Karras followed.

  "I don't think I should be the leader.

  One commander is enough."

  "Who said I'm your commander?

  I came to see what Delyn left behind.

  Nothing more.

  You're responsible for these tunnels.

  For the royal family.

  For Aurik's people."

  Karras paused.

  "The royal family?

  We've already—"

  "I know."

  They reached a locked cell.

  "Where are you going?

  That cell hasn't been opened in years.

  Even Delyn avoided it."

  "That explains his men's incompetence.

  He clung to the past.

  Afraid of old memories."

  Jamah unlocked the door.

  Karras blinked.

  "Wait...

  You have the key?

  How?"

  Jamah stepped inside.

  He lit a candle.

  Dust swirled in the air.

  "This was the base of the Golden Trio.

  Delyn, Kaser, and I met here.

  We planned the future of these tunnels."

  Karras's eyes widened.

  "Look!

  A table covered in old maps...

  Missions... weapons... ancient gear!"

  Jamah scanned the shelves.

  Empty chairs.

  He stared at Kaser's seat.

  He could almost hear the echo—

  Kaser arguing with Delyn over coins.

  Jamah stepping in.

  "Jamah!

  This isn't fair!

  I want the expensive bread—it's delicious!"

  "Shut up, both of you!

  You'd waste our hard-earned coin on milk bread?

  Are you insane?"

  "Jaaamaaah!

  Give it to me!"

  Jamah blinked.

  Karras watched, confused.

  Jamah brushed dust from a shelf.

  He retrieved an old book.

  He handed it to Karras.

  "Read it.

  Learn from it.

  These are techniques Delyn, Kaser, and I developed at your age.

  They're effective...

  But dangerous.

  They can kill the user."

  Karras flipped through the pages.

  "This is insane..."

  "We're assassins.

  Our lives revolve around risk.

  Learn it.

  And if you find Fouad...

  Teach him everything."

  "Why me?"

  "You're the leader of these tunnels, boy.

  Delyn passed the mantle to you.

  You're responsible for every assassin below ground...

  And every action above it.

  You must know what happens in both worlds."

  Karras stared at the book.

  "At first...

  I wasn't serious.

  I just wanted to survive.

  To eat."

  Jamah raised an eyebrow.

  "I..."

  "We all started that way.

  You think we chose this life?

  Don't be foolish.

  These tunnels were death traps—filled with toxic magic.

  Kaser once begged King Caesar during a city parade..."

  "Delyn and I thought he was mad.

  But the next day...

  Dozens of mages from the Guild came.

  They cleansed the tunnels.

  Made them livable."

  Karras was speechless.

  "You weren't ready for this burden."

  Karras lowered his hand.

  "No...

  But Delyn believed in me.

  He trained me.

  He saw something in me—when I was just a reckless killer chasing coin.

  I can do this."

  Jamah said nothing.

  Then—a loud sound echoed from the tunnel's gate.

  Beneath the Flame - When Shadows Are Called to Order

  Karras turned, startled.

  "What's happening?"

  Jamah walked forward, silent.

  Karras raised an eyebrow as they reached the source of the commotion.

  "Prince Asser?!

  What is he doing here?"

  Jamah watched as the prince stepped into the tunnels, his gaze sweeping across the stone walls and silent figures.

  Asser's voice rang out—clear, commanding.

  "I seek the one who leads these tunnels since Delyn's death.

  Bring him to me."

  Karras stepped back.

  Jamah's eyes locked onto him—cold, piercing.

  Karras felt a chill.

  "What's wrong with him?

  He looks like he wants to kill me..."

  Asser turned to Jamah.

  "You...

  You're not unfamiliar.

  I've seen you before."

  Karras pointed to himself.

  "Me?"

  Asser ignored him.

  "You...

  You delivered that message."

  Jamah didn't blink.

  "And what of it?

  Do you intend to arrest me?"

  The assassins fell silent.

  The mercenaries froze.

  The tunnels held their breath.

  Karras trembled.

  "This old man...

  Has he lost his mind?

  Does he not realize that's the prince?"

  Asser stared at Jamah—unmoving.

  Jamah raised an eyebrow.

  Asser spoke.

  "We read the letter.

  You claim there's someone who can heal Princess Sara."

  "And what of it?" Jamah replied.

  "Did you not believe it?

  Or is there something else?"

  Asser shook his head.

  "We're weighing our options.

  And as for all of you—"

  He turned to the gathered assassins.

  "You know the kingdom is stabilizing.

  Our first priority is the safety of our people—and yours.

  Then we move against the invaders."

  His voice sharpened.

  "I know some of you are traitors.

  Waiting for the right moment to kill me.

  I don't care."

  The assassins were stunned.

  Karras glanced at them, alarmed.

  Asser stepped forward, then paused beside Jamah.

  "Thank you... Jamah."

  Jamah raised an eyebrow.

  "I believe my father...

  And Kaser...

  And Delyn...

  Would be proud of what's happening here."

  "I welcome you to these tunnels.

  Prepare yourselves.

  We may need you soon."

  He turned to leave.

  "I don't object to Karras leading.

  But remove the traitors among you.

  If you threaten civilians...

  I'll come down here myself."

  Asser departed.

  Jamah looked at Karras.

  Karras exhaled—his breath shaky.

  Jamah spoke.

  "I think the prince just gave you your first real task.

  He spotted the traitors...

  Just by looking."

  "He's changed."

  Jamah walked into the shadows—vanishing into the depths.

  Karras stared at his men, eyes wide and unblinking.

  He wiped his face.

  "This is impossible..."