Not an alarm.
A summons.
Something official.
"Council meeting," Andre guessed.
"You know what that means?"
"No."
"Then how did you know?"
"I guessed."
Unfortunately, he was right.
A servant soon arrived and informed them that Akshay had called an emergency assembly.
By the time they reached the throne hall, dozens of officials had already gathered.
Military officers.
Nobles.
City representatives.
Merchants.
The room buzzed with nervous conversation.
Something had happened.
Kai immediately spotted Akshay near the throne.
The king looked exhausted.
More than usual.
Beside him stood Commander Jack.
As composed as ever.
Akshay raised a hand.
The room fell silent.
"We received reports this morning."
His voice echoed throughout the chamber.
"Three villages outside Yggdrasil were attacked during the night."
Murmurs spread immediately.
Akshay continued.
"Casualties remain unknown."
The room became even louder.
Three villages.
Not one.
Three.
That wasn't a random attack.
That was coordinated.
Jack stepped forward.
"My soldiers are already investigating."
Several council members visibly relaxed.
Kai noticed.
People trusted Jack.
Perhaps more than they trusted the king.
A noble stood.
"How close were the attacks?"
"Less than a day's travel."
Akshay answered.
The room erupted again.
Fear spread quickly.
Villages that close meant danger was approaching Yggdrasil itself.
Then another council member rose.