One heavy morning inside the palace of Athena, Perdus sat in his office, staring at a cryptic message he'd received from the sea. It bore Linus' signature and a clear warning:
"The heir who has emerged is not who he claims to be. Madaus is using him as a front. Beware."
Criton, Perdus's assistant, entered, holding a file:
"Sir, the Council requests an official report on Alexios. They want to know if an investigation has actually begun."
Perdus responded, folding the message:
"The investigation began the moment he entered the palace. But now... we'll make it public."
In the Council Chamber, the ministers, commanders, and advisors gathered. Melos sat at the front, his face taut, while Madaus sat beside him, smiling calmly.
Perdus entered, holding a file, and said in a clear voice:
"Gentlemen of the Council, I request a formal investigation into the identity of Alexios, who claims to be the son of King Silius."
One of the ministers said, "But Madus presented documents proving his lineage."
Perdus replied, "Documents are being reviewed, witnesses are being questioned. No one is above investigation."
Madus said, smiling, "Perdus, do you doubt the king's seal?"
"I doubt everything... even your smile."
Melus stared at Perdus, "Do you have a direct reason? Evidence?"
"I received a letter from a man who worked with the king. He says that Silius didn't trust Alexius, and that he hid him not to protect him... but to avoid him."
Madus said coldly, "A letter? From the sea? From an unknown man? That's not proof... that's a whisper."
Perdus replied, "Whispering is what started all conspiracies. And I don't ignore whispering."
One of the ministers said, "Have you questioned Alexius?"
"Not yet. I wanted to start with you… to know who stands with him, and who is watching him."
Madus said, "I stand with him. Because he carries the king's blood, and he carries hope."
Peridos replied, "Sometimes, hope is made of illusion."
Melos said, rising, "Peridos, you have one week. Interrogate, observe, search. But don't announce anything before you have the truth."
"The truth doesn't wait for permission, Melos."
"But it needs timing."
After the meeting, Crito followed Peridos into his office and said, "Will you start with Maddus?"
"No. I'll start with Alexios himself."
"Will he accept?"
"If he refuses… that's the first clue."
That evening, Peridos entered Alexios's private suite. He was sitting reading a book on the history of Athens.
Perdus said as he closed the door:
"Do you know who I am?"
Alexios replied without looking up:
"You are the man who thinks everything is a conspiracy."
"And you are the young man who thinks everything is destiny."
Perdus said as he approached:
"I want to question you. Officially."
"Am I being treated as an accused person?"
"As a possibility."
"Then ask."
Perdus sat down and began:
"When did you last see King Silius?"
"A year before his death. In a small house near the mountains."
"Did he tell you anything about the throne?"
"He told me: Don't ask for it… Let him ask for you."
"Did he leave you anything? A document? A seal?"
"No. Just words."
Perdus said:
"Do you know Madus well?"
"He is the one who raised me after my father. But he doesn't tell me everything."
"Do you trust him?"
"I trust myself more."
Berdus stood up and said, "Thank you. But the investigation will continue."
Alexios replied, "Continue as you wish. But don't forget… some truths hide themselves because they don't want to be used."
Berdus left the suite and said to Critton, "He's intelligent. He doesn't talk much… but he knows how to sow doubt."
"Do you think he's lying?"
"No. But he's not telling the whole truth."