The Summoners' Heir

Chapter 11: Dining with the Darkling

"Leksi, I have a proposition for you."

So now we were getting somewhere.

"I would like you to join me in the second army."

"Why so soon? I've barely begun training..."

I knew why.

My appearance had sparked the flame that would light the fire.

"I think you and I know that your skill is not an issue."

I couldn't tell whether his tone was one of curiosity or accusation. Perhaps both.

"It seems you're quite the natural."

There was definitely a question lurking there.

But I wouldn't answer until the time came.

"Yes, apparently, I take after you. Perhaps it's a shadow summoner thing."

"Perhaps."

"Ivan says I look like you."

What the heck, Leksi?

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, he also said that it would be an honour to be your heir."

"What do you make of that?"

There he was. The man I recognised.

Calculating.

Planning the next move.

"It would be an honour, of course, sir. But General, aren't you eternal? You don't need..."

"No, but the people do. Eternity is a concept out of their reach. We must give them hope."

I nodded.

Heirs were a symbol of a tsar's power. These symbols were a promise of a long line filled with prosperity. With prosperity came longevity. And with longevity came strength and power.

I needed to keep this conversation going.

"What about the sun summoner? If you find..."

"She will rule by my side... we will be unstoppable."