Just three weeks after the arrival of the envoy from the Governor of Petista with the message about Nubel’s expedition’s success, King Emerlun III of the Winver dynasty finally received the news.

  The days in the tall white tower of the royal palace dragged on painfully slowly, and life in the capital—and the entire country—went on as usual: not worse, but not better either. Beggars, whose numbers had grown especially large during the reign of the new king, still wandered the mud-slick streets, begging for scraps of bread. At night, they returned to their tent camps under bridges and in the harbor, while their places on the streets were taken over by syphilitic prostitutes. In the markets, the traders continued shouting, and pickpockets darted about. Drunkards lay in the gutters near taverns, too far gone to make it home after their binges. The majority of Mainor’s population had split into two groups: those who distilled moonshine, and those who bought and consumed it in large quantities. The country had grown poor, trade with neighbors was sluggish, and the higher authorities in Aktida were barely functioning, so they made no effort to fix anything. In peacetime, such a state of affairs suited them just fine. The only thing the king and his government cared about was that the provinces regularly sent their taxes and filled Mainor’s granaries with grain.

  Only a few, those belonging to the privileged class who had received a good education, read extensively, traveled, and knew how to think critically, noted what was happening. In these circles, the prevailing state of sleep and stagnation that the world had sunk into was considered to be the hallmark of this age. More precisely, they called it an age without time. This had been going on for centuries: daily struggles left no room to think about what tomorrow might bring. There were no inventors dreaming of ideas to change the world, no patrons willing to fund scientific progress, no visionaries capable of imagining a different kind of life, let alone taking any steps toward it.

  King Emerlun was certainly not one of those visionaries. Like thousands of others lacking a vivid imagination, he wasn’t used to pondering the future; even the present concerned him very little. A hundred years ago, his great-grandfather Emerlun II had declared all lands south of the Olmaer Ridge part of his empire, had subdued once-independent cities by force, and had successfully controlled the provinces from the center by placing loyal governors in key positions. But over the century since the World War and the unification of Aktida, central authority had weakened and started to lose control over the outer territories. Emerlun III disliked visiting the empire’s borders in person, so he handed over more and more power to the governors, who, in turn, began to abuse it. But news of these abuses rarely reached the capital due to the vast distances involved.

  Thus, the king reigned in blissful ignorance of provincial affairs, indulged in hunting, and only occasionally, when he was informed of another budget deficit, did he order a tax increase. He trusted his ministers, who always managed to come up with a reasonable solution to any problem. So the years of Emerlun’s reign passed, almost carefree, with only one issue casting a shadow over his days and sending his thoughts wandering in fear through the alleys of his imagination during sleepless nights.

  That issue was the Lake of Aktida, and the prophecy of the ancient Nocturns associated with it:

  "But when the Lake of Aktida emerges from the shadows and lights the path, the peoples of the continent must beware. For then will begin yet another war, longer and more terrible than the last. And when that war ends, power shall change hands once more, but there shall be no more kings, nor emperors, and a new era will begin, leading our people to a wondrous new world—Elysium."

  If there was one thing the king truly feared, it was unrest. And so, news about the Lake of Aktida deeply troubled him. Just as did the reaction from the embassies of Vaimar and Rikutiam to Nubel’s discovery.

  At one point, the king thought the storm had passed. Neighboring states didn’t seem interested in the unusual find. A date was set for the council, and Emerlun had firmly decided to send his envoys to the Southern Province without waiting for responses from other nations, to learn Nubel’s terms. But on the final day before the council, with the horizon as cloudless as ever, just after breakfast and right as the city hall clock struck ten, the royal courier disturbed the king.

  He held two official letters bearing seals.

  "Your Majesty, new messages from the embassies of Vaimar and Rikutiam," he said, bowing nervously. "The ambassadors report that King Jake Farian and High Priest Raniot wish to come to Mainor together on an official visit. According to the ambassadors, the monarchs are already on their way."

  Emerlun quickly skimmed both letters.

  "Reply that we would be delighted to receive them. And order the guest chambers prepared to house the envoys. I will speak with the ministers, check my schedule, and send a message to the embassy proposing a date for the meeting."

  They want to come in person, he thought, as the door closed behind the courier. That has never happened before. That means they truly consider this diamond important. Which means we must be doubly cautious.

  ***

  The meeting was scheduled for early May. On that day, the gates of Mainor swung open, and a grand procession moved down the central avenue toward the royal palace. Hundreds of townspeople gathered along the roadside or leaned out of their windows, mouths agape, watching the noble guests.

  At the front rode a regiment of fifty lancers on black horses in a precise wedge formation. The horses were clad in gleaming silver armor, with elaborate plumes of crimson feathers on their heads. The riders wore armor as well, over which they had thrown purple togas, and on their heads gleamed helmets with visors lowered.

  In the center rode a man clad in the most opulent armor, decorated with coats of arms, adorned with rubies and emeralds, and fully armed like a knight. His cuirass bore the image of a wolf, his legs were covered in chainmail greaves and iron boots with huge spurs, his hands were in metal gauntlets, and his head was hidden under a shining helmet. In his left hand, he held a shield with the letter "F", and in his right, he gripped the reins. This was King Jake Farian of Vaimar, surrounded by his personal retinue and several close political associates.

  Following the Vaimar delegation came another, far more unusual one. The Nocturns, clad in iron loinplates and wrapped in gray cloaks, holding dry wooden staves in their hands, formed a ring around two palanquins carried by servants. At their belts hung short curved yataghans. Most wore bone earrings and nose rings, and their heads were shaved bald. In one of the tall palanquins with silk curtains sat, cross-legged, the High Priest—a bald, corpulent man adorned with numerous golden ornaments, rings, necklaces, and bracelets. The other palanquin, veiled with dark blue fabric, held the belongings of the envoys.

  The procession slowly entered the palace gates, where dozens of servants were already waiting to take the luggage and escort the guests to the rooms prepared for them. The official reception with Emerlun was scheduled for immediately after lunch. But the king came out onto the front steps just as Jake dismounted and handed his ceremonial shield to a squire, and the Nocturn priest, with the help of his attendants, exited the palanquin.

  "Jake, Raniot!" Emerlun greeted them with a false smile, descending the steps accompanied by his guards. "May the days of your reign be long! I’m pleased to welcome you to Mainor." Stopping a few paces apart, the three monarchs bowed to each other with formal ceremony. A pause followed. Jake Farian eyed the king seriously, then broke into a smile, stepped forward, and shook his hand firmly like an old friend.

  "Greetings, Emerlun," he said with a smirk. "We are also truly delighted to be in the great city of Mainor – it’s a great honor. It’s been a long time since I was last here! The last time we met was at King Karplach’s funeral – may Aktos rest his soul! – and at your coronation, correct?"

  "That’s right," Emerlun nodded.

  "Emerlun, I must say it’s good to see you grown and matured since then. Those were glorious times! But they have passed, and Mainor’s greatness has only grown over the past ten years. That’s wonderful." Jake smiled again and exchanged a glance with Raniot. "It’s a pity we meet so rarely. Aktida is beautiful, and I love visiting, but unfortunately, matters of state don’t allow frequent travel over such distances. All the more reason why, in this rare moment when all three of us are together, we should make the most of our time and discuss the pressing issues."

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  "I fully agree with you, Jake," Emerlun replied cautiously. "I reviewed the list of topics you sent through the envoys. And I must admit, we were surprised by the order of the items. In particular, it seems strange that you wish to begin not with trade, nor border security, but with the Lake of Aktida."

  "Exactly," said Raniot, stepping forward. "The matter of the Lake of Aktida is one of the highest national importance, dear Emerlun. And circumstances have aligned so that this is now a matter of common concern. It’s difficult to explain the details through correspondence, but I fear there may be some misunderstanding between us on this matter, and Jake and I would like to resolve it."

  "Very well," said Emerlun, and his voice suddenly turned sharp and dry. "Please, settle in and enjoy your lunch. At three o'clock, we’ll begin with the Lake of Aktida."

  ***

  The doors of the Golden Hall were shut. Light filtered through the windows under the ceiling, but it wasn’t enough for reading, so white magical lamps were lit on the round table. Along with the lamps, there were goblets, carafes of water, and stacks of documents on the table.

  Seated at the table were Emerlun, Farian, and Raniot. A bit farther off sat the personal scribes of each monarch, ready to keep minutes.

  "So, the Lake of Aktida," said Raniot, opening a folder with yellowed sheets and a schematic drawing of a diamond. "This is a sacred artifact of the ancient Nocturn civilization, which was considered lost for nearly two millennia. In recent centuries, many skeptics in academic circles even began to claim that it never existed and was merely a legend. However, thanks to the esteemed Mr. Nubel, we now know that this diamond most likely exists and is located in Aktida. We say ‘most likely’ because, strictly speaking, we still require an official scientific examination to determine whether what Nubel’s expedition found is indeed the Lake of Aktida. But the testimony of Dr. Remiz, our expert who saw the diamond with his own eyes, gives us confidence. If this is true, then we must understand that this item possesses incredible magical power and could disrupt the balance of power in Laugdeil."

  "And this item was found in the mountains of Vaimar and unlawfully claimed by Aktida," Jake added dryly.

  "In the mountains of Aktida," Emerlun corrected him. "Please, here I have a report from the royal court’s legal advisors regarding the territorial issue. There is the letter of the law, and according to it, the diamond belongs to the state of Aktida and no one else – there is no doubt about this."

  "Oh, we shall see about that," Jake said carelessly, accepting the packet of documents from Emerlun. "My lawyers say the exact opposite. That’s also something we need to clarify. But I’d like to make a practical suggestion, gentlemen. Why are we discussing abstractions? Why don’t you, Emerlun, simply order the diamond to be brought here so we can all see it and be clear about what we’re talking about?"

  "I’m afraid, gentlemen," the king said with a smirk, "if you really came here to see the Lake of Aktida, your journey was in vain – because I don’t have the diamond."

  Jake and Raniot exchanged glances.

  "That’s a lie," said the Nocturn priest. "We have information – we know the diamond was sent to you."

  "Your source is unreliable. The diamond was sent with the expedition to the Southern Province, to Professor Nubel’s estate. However, I have no doubt that Professor Nubel will immediately hand it over to Aktida, since the diamond belongs to us on fully legal grounds."

  "Correction, Emerlun," Jake remarked. The smile had long since vanished from his face, now replaced by barely concealed anger. "The expedition was not organized by the state, but by a private individual with considerable influence in Aktida's politics. Therefore, there may be complications involving Nubel, if he indeed has the diamond... Furthermore, the expedition included representatives of the Alvens, the Kalds, and the Nocturns, so the diamond could just as likely belong to all of us... if it's truly worth it. So, if the Lake of Aktida is not in Mainor, then there’s nothing simpler: we’ll go to Nubelrain and retrieve it from Nubel himself."

  He began flipping through the Petista’s governor’s report with irritation. Raniot was examining a contract from the Mage Guild regarding the expedition’s outfitting, purchase of provisions, and special excavation equipment, as well as a document authorizing the removal of any artifacts from the sanctuary.

  "Here is the signature of your Archmage, who basically allowed Nubel to simply plunder this historical monument..." he muttered indignantly. "What sacrilege... Barbarism... To take Kalds and Alvens on this expedition, and not even professional scientists, but some mercenaries from Aktos knows where! These are peasants, the roughest folk imaginable…"

  "Listen, the expedition was organized completely correctly from the point of view of the laws of Aktida," Emerlun said impatiently, trying to stay composed. "Believe me, gentlemen, I personally reviewed the documents and found no errors..."

  "You?" Jake Farian raised a contemptuous gaze to him. "Don’t make me laugh, Emerlun. You understand politics and law no better than a plowman, and the Senate does all the work for you... If you abolish it, the country will surely fall into the hands of a feeble youth..."

  The king flinched and turned pale. Jake looked at him in a strange, calculating way, as if weighing something in his mind. Vaimar had long been eyeing Aktida, which occupied half the continent, and now that such an inexperienced king had ascended the throne, conquering it seemed easier than ever. And both monarchs understood it.

  "Wait a moment, gentlemen," Raniot intervened. "That’s enough. Your personal quarrels don’t matter right now. Let’s first resolve the issue of the diamond. Dear Emerlun, you see, from the legal standpoint of Aktida, you may well claim the diamond belongs to you. However, recall the treaty signed in 1353 by the rulers of the three states. If you’d like, I’ll remind you: it declared the Nocturns your allies in trade and war, and under its terms, all monuments of their culture located in Aktida were to be handed over to them. The laws enacted under this treaty are still in force in Rikutiam without amendment, which means any shrines found on the continent are under our protection. You had no right to allow Nubel to plunder the shrine of Aktos, especially since several other sanctuaries located in Aktida already belong to us."

  "Your Holiness Raniot!" the king burst out, unable to contain himself. "I must point out that you have no right to tell me, the King of Aktida, what I may or may not do. This is outrageous!"

  "Outrageous?" Raniot interrupted. "Outrageous is that even after many centuries since your peoples seized power in Laugdeil through violence and lawlessness, you still show not the slightest trace of remorse and continue to try to humiliate us. But we have dignity, Emerlun, and we will not tolerate humiliation again! The Lake of Aktida was left in Laugdeil by the Nocturns, and it belongs to the Nocturns!"

  Emerlun took a deep breath. The tension made his vision blur.

  "I’ll repeat once more," he said slowly, "it’s too early to decide the diamond’s ownership, since legally it belongs to Nubel. I knew nothing of the expedition until Nubel’s representative announced it officially, after the diamond had been discovered. Nubel pushed his project through the Institute of Magic and the Academy of Sciences, bypassing all governmental bodies. After that, I was powerless to act, because my laws were countered by Nubel’s full legal right to use the shrine’s treasures. Perhaps this happened because the Academy of Sciences is shared among the three states, and representatives of the Nocturns gave him the opportunity!.. And now I don’t know what to do, because legally I can only buy the diamond from Nubel, and I don’t know what your laws say, but I highly doubt he’ll be willing to part with it. What do you suggest? Send in an army, seize the diamond, and throw him in prison? He has the Academy behind him, and a conflict with the mages would be very serious, you know that as well as I do. This isn’t just a common cause—it’s a common problem, gentlemen!"

  Jake Farian muttered under his breath, "Kid..." Then he sat up straight in his chair and said darkly:

  "I don’t see a problem, Emerlun. We’ll handle the mages. It seems we really have no choice but to go to Nubel and subtly remind him that the full might of Laugdeil stands behind us. And after that, perhaps, we’ll have to break either the diamond into three parts... or the peace treaty. If you want war, you’ll have it, both of you!"

  "Calm down, Jake!" Raniot rose heavily from his chair. Jake and Emerlun sprang to their feet too. "No one here wants war. We all know the prophecy left by the ancient Nocturns, don’t we?"

  In the silence that followed, the three monarchs stared at each other. Jake was breathing heavily, slowly calming his rage.

  " But when the Lake of Aktida emerges from the shadows and lights the path, the peoples of the continent must beware. For then will begin yet another war, longer and more terrible than the last," Emerlun quoted. "We all know the prophecy. And we are unlucky enough to be the leaders of Laugdeil at the moment when the first half of it has come true. Therefore, I agree with His Holiness—we must be prudent."

  "Fine, fine," Jake grumbled, dropping back into his chair. "Your damned ancestors are trying to set us against each other!" he jabbed a finger at Raniot. "But we won’t give in. Here’s what. We’ll resolve this problem together. If we can’t drag this Nubel of yours to Mainor in chains, then fine—we have enough men to go visit him ourselves. And then we’ll see whether the game is worth the candle—that is, whether this Lake of Aktida is worth our quarrel."

  "Of course, Jake. We can leave as soon as tomorrow." Emerlun took a deep breath and slowly unclenched his tightly balled fists. "We haven’t even reached Nubel’s estate yet, and we’re already fighting." He looked over his companions. They were silent, lost in thought. So he added:

  "And now, gentlemen, I must apologize, but I declare a recess. I need to meet with my counsellor."

  With that, Emerlun rose and left the Golden Hall, slamming the doors to his private chambers. Once outside, he stopped, clutching his temples in a trembling grip, his body still shaking with a faint shiver.