Chapter 5 - Court of Fractured Loyalties

Torchlight flickered erratic across the war camp like dying stars, casting long claws on mud-churned tents. Arin stood rigid at the perimeter, crown's crack throbbing visible now—a hairline glow pulsing crimson with his heartbeat. High Court envoys rode in slow under white flags: twenty riders in gilded plate, led by Lady Seraphine Veyne—Valthor's sister, raven hair braided with poison-vials, eyes like chipped obsidian. Truce? Or trap?"Kneel her. Break the line." Ancient voice rumbled dominant, drowning the sly giggles and sobs. Arin's jaw clenched—teeth grinding audible. Not yet. Generals flanked him tense: Korran gripping axe-white knuckles, young captain whispering prayers. Campfires hissed rain-spit; soldiers watched from shadows, hands on hilts.Seraphine dismounted graceful, skirts muddied but chin high. "Emperor Arin. The High Court sends condolences for your... victory." Venom dripped sweet. Her escort fanned subtle—archers nocking hidden. "We offer parley. End this blood before the capital starves."Arin stepped forward alone, crown humming war-drums in his skull. "Lies. Smell the steel." He inhaled deep—oil, flint, fear-sweat under perfume. "Parley? After your brother's throat kissed my blade?" Laughter leaked unbidden—manic edge sharpening his tone. Seraphine's gaze flicked to the crack. "The crown... speaks through you now?"Murmurs rippled her ranks. Arin grinned feral. "It listens. And judges." He waved casual—sappers detonated hidden flares. Ground shook; envoy horses reared wild, two archers pitched screaming into pits spiked overnight. Chaos bloomed. Korran roared charge; steel clashed wet.Seraphine drew slim rapier, vial shattering on blade—green venom gleaming. "Demon!" She lunged cat-quick. Arin sidestepped instinct—ancient reflex—dagger parrying spark. Her tip grazed arm; fire bloomed, flesh bubbling. Pain screamed, but voices howled glee. "Taste it. Stronger." He countered brutal—pommel cracking her jaw. She staggered, spitting blood-teeth."Yield," Arin growled, boot pinning wrist. Rain lashed harder, turning mud to slurry. Her eyes burned hate. "The Court knows your fractures. Old Kalabhra curse—souls trapped eternal. You'll shatter before dawn." Escort routed; Korran dragged last holdout. Silence fell ragged.Arin hauled her up, faces inches. "Truth tastes bitter." Ancient voice purred approval. "Curse? Gift." He stripped her vials, smashed underheel. "Confess the Court plots. Or join your kin." Seraphine laughed hoarse—chilling mirror to his own. "Five days left. The crown devours hosts. Yours next."Back in command tent, bound and chained, she spat details: High Court mages weaving anti-fracture wards, rebel lords massing fifty thousand at Iron Gates. Arin paced, crown searing. Voices warred frantic—"Purge capital now!" "Ally her. Use the hate."—head splitting migraine. Young captain burst in: "Sire! Scouts—Court assassins breach perimeter!"Arin snatched sword, ancient voice booming command: "Let me lead." Vision tunneled red; strength flooded unnatural. He charged rain-lashed dark alone.