>>5132094>>5132056"Griffith. Not only have you threatened a friend and ally, but his entire family and estate. I don't think friendships can function based on those terms. That road is one usually used for enemies." You give a stern talk to Griffith, being cautious not to push him to the edge, nor to tempt him to flee and expose your magic ways.
You direct him again to the garden, this time showing the sculpture of the flying Pegasus and the blue Kraken behind the hedges.
"The kraken symbolizes the corruption of our world and the unknown forces that might bring my family down, the pegasus shows our undying resolve in pursuit of reaching for the skies, challenging our odds against our favor. You understand that by opposing me, you are fitting more in line with the image of a Kraken than a Falcon's, right?"
Griffith quickly understands the callous message in your fable. He has greatly underestimated your growth and your desire to protect your family. And though you don't intend to blackmail him, he is just as vulnerable with your info on him as you are with his.
"A bold power move, if I do say so myself." Griffith grits his teeth. "Perhaps I might have started with an extra pawn instead of a Knight in my chessboard, but I did forget the golden rule. When a pawn crosses over the other side of the board, it can choose to be whatever piece it wishes to be. But be warned. Should you ever force me into a check. Know that I would rather end our play with a stalemate, than a checkmate." Griffith stands up, threatening to bring you down with him should you ever incriminate the mercenary group.
"It has been nice chatting with you, Vlad. I apologize for taking too much of your time. I'll be seeing you this Saturday morning."
"Don't do anything you might regret." Are the final words you utter to your previous master.
And with that, the soon to be king takes his leave. Making you second guess the man you've been supporting for all this time. How can he change so fast in switching between his emotions? What made him be so cunning? Has he always been like this? You can only hope he has it in him to cease his manipulative tactics once he ascends to royalty.
Reluctantly. You decide to go to his wedding. Where tragedy would soon seal your fates into that cursed stalemate.
