Walking with Shadows: Part II, Chapter Five

The Tower

Captain Seth Meydoka wasted no time.

With one hand supporting the weary Lord Senator, he hurried through the prison tower’s heavy oak doors while soldiers rushed ahead to clear their path. Zyglorium’s breathing had steadied since the physician stitched the wound across his chest, but every step still drew a quiet wince.

The climb to the tower’s highest chamber felt endless.

Stone steps spiraled upward through the heart of the fortress until they reached a modest room overlooking the city. Thick granite walls surrounded it on every side. A single iron-bound door guarded the entrance. Narrow windows admitted little more than moonlight.

It had once been a holding cell.

Tonight, it would serve another purpose.

A young tower guard unlocked the door with trembling hands.

“Assemble every watchman in the tower,” Meydoka ordered before the man could speak. “Post guards at every landing. No one enters this floor without my permission.”

“Yes, Captain.”

“And send word to the courtyard. Every soldier not already on patrol is to report immediately. Anyone who ignores the order will answer to me.”

The guard swallowed hard, saluted, and disappeared down the stairs.

Only then did Zyglorium slowly survey the room.

His expression remained unreadable for several moments.

Finally, he asked, “This… is where you intend for me to remain?”

“It is.”

The Senator looked from the stone walls to the iron door before returning his gaze to Meydoka.

“You’ve confined me to a prison.”

“I’ve brought you to the strongest room in Ythoriss.”

“The distinction escapes me.”

Meydoka took a slow breath.

“No windows large enough to enter. One approach. Walls three men thick. If anyone in this city is safe tonight, it is you.”

Zyglorium straightened despite the pain pulling at his stitches.

“Captain… do you know how many years I have governed this city?”

“I do.”

“I have received ambassadors from every corner of the Known Realms. Negotiated treaties. Advised kings twice my age.” His voice hardened. “And now, before my own soldiers, I am marched into a cell as though I were some frightened noble hiding beneath his bed.”

“You are neither frightened nor hiding.”

“No?”

“No.” Meydoka met his eyes. “You are alive.”

Silence settled between them.

Outside, distant bells still echoed through Ythoriss.

At last Meydoka spoke again.

“I’ve had a few comforts brought from your chambers. Fresh clothes. Blankets. Food, if you can stomach it.”

Zyglorium said nothing.

“And… if it would ease the evening, I can send for Lady Neviah. You shouldn’t have to face this alone.”

The Senator’s head snapped toward him.

“No.”

“My lord—”

“She will not be brought here.”

“It might comfort you both.”

“It would do precisely the opposite.”

Meydoka frowned.

“She would want to know you’re safe.”

“And she shall know that when morning comes.”

The Captain hesitated.

“If the danger reaches this tower—”

“It will not.”

“You cannot know that.”

“I know enough.”

Zyglorium stepped closer despite his injury.

“For centuries this city has stood because its people believed their leaders possessed courage.” His voice lowered. “What message does it send if the Lord Senator hides behind locked doors while his citizens remain in their homes?”

“It sends the message that their leader intends to survive.”

“It sends panic.”

“It sends wisdom.”

“It sends weakness.”

Meydoka’s patience finally began to fray.

“My lord… with respect… dozens of good soldiers are already dead.”

The words hung in the air.

“The man responsible has crossed walls no army has ever crossed. He has killed faster than any swordsman I’ve witnessed. I do not know how he moves, nor where he’ll strike next.”

He took one deliberate step forward.

“But I do know this.”

“If he wants you… then every stone between you and him matters.”

For the first time that night, the Senator’s confidence faltered.

Only for a heartbeat.

Then the familiar mask returned.

“I will remain here,” he said evenly. “Not because I agree with your judgment, Captain… but because I have no wish to continue climbing stairs.”

Meydoka almost smiled.

“Very well.”

“But understand this.”

The Senator fixed him with the same measured stare that had unsettled ministers and monarchs alike.

“When this night has passed, we shall have a very long conversation concerning the liberties you have taken with my office.”

“I look forward to it.”

“I doubt you will.”

Meydoka inclined his head.

“I’ll post guards outside the door.”

“I assumed you would.”

“And if you require anything—”

“I require that you find the man responsible.”

The Captain nodded once.

“That,” he said quietly, “is exactly where I’m going.”

As the heavy iron door closed behind him, Meydoka allowed himself a single breath of relief.

The tower was the safest place he knew.

He only hoped it would prove safe enough.

Next: Read Part II, Chapter Six