ian W

alk much, and whenever he talked it was about his responsibilities. He looked different from his kingdom, his power gave him away, but his different personality was intriguing. Umbrans were generally rowdy, ironic, mocking, and were always making their bitterness evident. They were thirsty for war, and destruction and chaos were their surnames. They threw parties and were always willing to consume lustful souls. Feasts, women and unfortunate souls were served whenever a war was won. But although his reputation was that he always served himself at these feasts, every time I saw him, he did not seem like a troublemaker. It seemed more like a solitary being. I could easily mistake him for an unhappy soul if it weren't for his appearance and magical aura. The first day began with a thorough presentation of the main house, an imposing building that exuded history and authority. Its spacious halls, decorated with hand-embroidered tapestries, displayed scenes from the kingdom's great battles. The dark wooden floor creaked slightly under your footsteps, while crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, illuminating the room with a warm glow. The rooms were equally majestic, with four-poster beds adorned in fine fabrics and wide windows that offered a privileged view of the surrounding fields. There were also emergency exits, hidden behind discreet panels, the existence of which only a select few knew about - a constant reminder that, even in the safety of home, danger was imminent. Later, I was led to the meeting room, a space with a long polished oak table surrounded by heavy chairs, where the leaders were already gathered. The walls were decorated with detailed maps of the kingdom, marked by pins indicating conquered territories and threat zones. The air was thick with tension and low murmurs among the commanders, interrupted only when the door opened for the official start of the meeting. I, now as the prince's official protector, had a prominent position at his side. He was sitting at the head of the table, but his behavior was curious: he remained completely silent, his eyes fixed on each person who spoke, as if registering everything without showing any emotion. His posture was so restrained that, at times, it seemed as if he wasn't there. As for me, my keen memory was in full use. Every word said was absorbed, every plan drawn up was fixed in my mind. The prince's itinerary was presented with precision - trips around the kingdom, diplomatic events and visits to conflict zones were just part of the routine that I was supposed to follow. From now on, I would command your security, just as I did with the hunters in our past missions. My reputation among them was what guaranteed me success; they obeyed without question, and I hoped the same would apply to the men who would now be under my supervision. The main focus of the meeting, however, was the growing threat. Small territories had been a