A palace manipulator entered hurriedly and knelt before the High King.
"Your Majesty. The final inspection of the palace has concluded."
The High King looked up.
"Well?"
"Nothing appears to be missing. The treasury remains untouched, the royal vaults are secure, the archives are intact, and the sacred relics have all been accounted for."
A murmur spread through the room. Atheline frowned.
'Nothing at all?'
Then... Why?
Why launch such an enormous operation?
Why sacrifice so many people?
Why deliberately provoke every major race on the continent?
It made no sense. Unless... he stopped himself. He had no evidence, only instinct.
The High King slowly rose from his chair. Every conversation immediately ceased. His voice carried calmly throughout the hall.
"Today... The High Elven Kingdom failed."
Several ministers immediately looked up.
"Your Majesty..."
He raised one hand.
"I invited every nation here under my protection. Despite every precaution... People died."
