The Gift - Reaconia Chapter 12

The adventure continues in the Capitol, where three travelers get the answers they seek, but also more than they bargained for when an impostor threatens to up-heave the royal family and the realm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve: The Gift

 

       “I trust you know what you’re doing.” Roanan said, his nerves telling him that this was a bad idea.

            “I have been getting better! What, are you scared?” his opponent said; she held the large, crimson blade that she had stolen from the Pyron outpost.

            “Should I not be, when you have that, and all I have is this stick?” he waved the branch in her direction.

            “Go easy on him, Rosett,” their bystander said. Aleksandar Keilrich sat on a rock watching them, filling their water-skins in a small stream that trickled by.

            “And who’s side are you on, exactly, brother?” Roanan scolded, looking to his blond-haired companion, quickly having to raise the stick to block a swing that came from his left in a flash. The blade bounced off the wood with a thud.

            “Trying to catch me off guard, are you Rose?” he mocked, deflecting each swing as she continued her attack.

            “Yes,” she said, matter-of-factly, “and you know I hate when you call me that!” She had changed from skirts to knee-length trousers, and a sleeveless tunic for traveling, which made practice much easier as well.

            She lifted the sword above her head and brought it down as hard as she could.

            The stick broke in halves as Roanan held it above his head, “Good swing!” he said, eyeing the notches struck into his now-two weapons.

            “I think that’s about all that I have in me,” she admitted, panting. The sword was still too heavy for her, even after almost a fortnight of practice. Before, though, she only faced off against trees or shrubs that offered no resistance to her swings. This was her first clash with a flesh-and-blood opponent, and with all the movement in addition to her already sore arms, she only managed a few attacks before she could no longer lift the weapon.

            “That’s alright, you will get better with time,” Roanan comforted.

            “I still cannot believe you stole that.” Aleks said, offering a drink of water to them both.

            Rosett had explained everything to them; her engagement, the fight with her parents, and about her brother and sweet sister back home, and of the Pyron encampment that she came upon, the fight she had seen, and how she took the sword.

            Aleks and Roanan had been in the midst of telling Rosett their story the night before when another girl had stumbled upon them in the woods. Not just any girl, though, but the princess. It was the brother’s goal to meet with the royal family upon their arrival in the capitol, and to happen upon a member of that family in the woods was pure luck. The girl had gotten scared and ran away, but Aleks could not stop thinking about her since then. It was a quick glance, in the dark, but from what he did see, she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.

            They would arrive at the capitol today; they were almost a league north of the capitol, and could have finished their journey the night before, but, having no money and no connections in the city, it was the only option to spend another night under the stars.

            “It was a good idea at the time to take it. But now imagine the trouble I’m in if I’m caught with the thing.” Rosett said.

            “Depending on who catches us, I think we would rather have it than not,” Aleks said. Having seen first-hand what the Pyron clan was capable of, as well as the stories that Rosett shared with them, they were constantly aware of what was around every corner.

            “We’ll be safer in the capitol. Shall we continue on?” Roanan said.

            Aleks could tell that his brother was nervous, if they were to meet with the royal family today, it would confirm everything that was stated in the letter’s contents; the letter they had taken from the House of Prayer in Plock that informed them of their grandfather’s death. It had been a fortnight since then, and almost a month since they had left Pilant in search of him. Would this be the end of our journey?

            “Yes. Let’s continue on,” Aleks said. After a quick bite of food, they packed their belongings and began the last leg of their trek, risking going back to the main road.

           

            It was the most impressive thing that Aleks had ever seen; Rosett, too, let out a gasp when they came over a hill and the outer wall of the capitol city came into view.

            “Would you look at that,” Roanan awed. The great wall stood high, imposing and gigantic on the other side of a great trench, connected to them with a vast arched bridge that led to the main gate. It seemed to shimmer in the sun, and from what they could see of the town beyond, it was hard to imagine a less perfect world. It loomed over them higher with every step they took. Stepping onto the stone path felt strange; having a flat surface to walk on instead of un-even terrain was such a relief.

            The amount of people on the bridge was shocking, and grew more bustling the closer the three got to the gate; people crowded and pushed their way to the front, where two armored men, in gleaming silver, stood on either side, trying to keep the flow going. It was impossible to take in the grandeur of this place while such chaos was going on, and Aleks had made the mistake of looking over the edge, and a wave of nausea overcame him that he could not shake, not realizing it was possible to be so high off the ground. He looked up, trying to focus only on the gleaming arches that crossed above them, with the royal sigil emblazoned on them; he took in the grandeur of the place. He was surprised to see construction going on at the top of the wall not far from where they were. It almost looked crushed.

            “Are you alright, Aleks?” Rosett asked.

            “Fine. As long as I keep from looking down,” he said, “how about you?” Aleks noticed Rosett clutching the sword at her back under her cloak, not taking her eyes off of the guards.

            “Fine, too.” She tried not to look suspicious.

            “You both worry too much.” Roanan said, putting an arm around them. He pushed them forward, past shouting people, and suddenly, they were at the gate.

            One guard crossed in front of them, holding his blue cloak aside with his other hand outstretched, “Papers please. What business do you have in the capitol?”

            The three looked to each other anxiously, until Aleks finally spoke, “Uh… we have no paper’s, Ser. We are travelers from the eas�"“.

            “No papers, no entry. Step aside now.” He motioned them aside, and Rosett let out an audible worried groan when he put a hand to her shoulder.

            “Wait, ser! We do have this!” Roanan dug through his bag and found the letter from Plock, now crumpled and worn, and handed it to the man.

            “See, it’s a letter from the king, about the death of ---“ Roanan cleared his throat, this being the first time he’s said… admitted these words, “about the death of Buur Garning…”

            Aleks continued, noticing his brother’s upset, “we are his grandchildren, and have come to answer the invitation written there. It says we would be welcome in the capitol.”

            The guard eyed the letter, inspected the wax seal, and looked the three up and down; repeating those steps multiple times.

            “Very well,” the guard said, “If you would kindly wait, we will send word to the castle of your arrival. Please, follow this man,” he guard signaled to an officer who stood on the parapet of the smaller, inner wall, “he will show you in.”

            The man gestured back from his vantage and disappeared when he turned away, immerging a moment later on ground level, stepping towards them. This man was clearly a higher rank than the guard at the gate, and the two exchanged some words.

            The higher officer turned and spoke to them, “I am Phillip Hartley, Lord Commander of the Royal Guard, and cousin to the queen. I understand you are here on behalf of the King’s letter.”

            The Aleksandar and Roanan nodded, “Yes, my lord.” They said, this man being the most noble they had ever come across.

            “Right. Please, follow me, you will be treated to a stay at the royal inn while we await word from the castle.”

            Aleks was relieved to be off of the bridge, and let out a sigh as they stepped through the gate and into the shadow of the massive wall. The commander brought them over to where there were horses tied near the gate. It was obvious which animal was his, being almost as decorated and imposing as he was, and he grabbed the reins, mounting the horse in a quick leap. He directed them to the others.

            “Beings you came from Pilant, I’m sure you men know how to handle a horse,” he said, sounding not as a compliment, but almost a trial, like they had to prove themselves.

            “Of course,” Roanan said.

            “Good. Take two then, and follow me.”

            Another guard handed Aleks the reins of a cream-colored purebred with a white, flowing mane; the creature took to him quickly, rubbing its snout on his shoulder. He patted the horse on the milky spot between its eyes, then climbed the saddle.

            Roanan was given a chestnut-furred horse, with black-spotted legs and a matching mane. The animal seemed to not even notice when Roanan scaled up; it was a sturdy beast. Roanan extended a hand down to Rosett, who was ever aware of the giant blade on her back as she was helped up. She sat in front of Roanan to help conceal it. 

            Aleks knew that Roanan would be ecstatic to have Rosett so close to him; the two had done nothing but flirt since she joined them. His suspicions were confirmed when Roanan flashed a beaming grin to his brother.           

            In front of them was a market road, the biggest he’d ever seen, with towering houses atop and colorful people hurrying below. He thought that the square in Plock had been overrun; this was worse by far. It was astonishing to see that the buildings stood their ground against the river of bodies, and were not washed away by their flow.

            Despite the crowd, though, they moved easier in the path of Phillip Hartley.

            The impressive lord commander, atop his horse, parted the mass of people much like the hull of a ship would the waves; knowing exactly who he was, they stepped aside in a bow. Glaring up at the people who followed him, ever curious of who they were. Some had an insulted look in their eye, that these strangers were afforded such privilege.

            He spoke to them as they walked, “Welcome to the capitol, have either of you been here before?”

            “No, my lord.” Rosett piped in, being the closest to him.

            “Do not let it overwhelm you,” he laughed, “see the way these people are staring at you? They’re jealous… and they thrive on gossip and nonsense. They see you being escorted and want to know why. You’ll be asked for favors, and people will make up stories, but just let them, they cannot help it.”

            “Not to worry, we’re not so easily bothered.” Roanan said.

            Being behind them, not able to hear what was being said, Aleks eyed the city, lost in the splendor of it all. They had only been inside the walls for a short time, but he knew already that he loved it. There was an energy to the place, a spark that ignited brighter than it ever had back in Pilant. It seemed to fill a void in him that he did not even know he had.

            Then, once they passed the guild hall, the castle came into view.

            The sun was directly above them, and in that middle-of-the-day light, the towers that rose above the building-covered hill looked ever more prominent; the shadows and rays playing wonderfully with the gilded architecture. That, however, was not the reason that Aleks was infatuated with it, but rather the thought of the princess. Simply knowing that she was in one of those towers, so close to him, gave him great joy. He imagined her as he had seen her the night before, running through the trees in her purple dress. She had been so scared when she stumbled upon them, and Aleks wished that he would have said something to reassure her, but in the moment, no words came. She had been the most beautiful girl he had ever seen; and she was here.

            They had been horseback for near an hour before they came to a stop in front of the inn, all the while taking in the city through captivated eyes. Other than the occasional flirty giggle from Rosett, and random smiling nods to passerby’s, Aleks kept mostly to himself.

            The sign on the door read ‘Nodaway Inn’, and the building spoke true to its name; the stone towered building sat on the edge of the hill off the street, and the weight and age of it had given the structure a notable lean. Philly had reassured them that it was the oldest Inn in the city, that nobles stayed here, and they would find no greater stay if they tried.

            “I am ready for a hot bath!” Rosett exclaimed.

            “Yes, anything you need, do not be afraid to ask.” Philly told them; he dismounted, giving instructions to the rotund, decorated innkeeper who came out to greet them.

            “What do ya think, Keil?” Roanan asked his brother, who sat staring in awe.

            “It’s overwhelming.” Aleks responded; everything they had seen took his breath away. He climbed off the horse, giving it a pat on the nose, never taking his eyes off of the grand building.

            Inside was no different; the first thing he noticed were the plush carpets, colored and patterned wildly, dotting the room in every direction. There were padded chairs and brilliant tapestries and great iron chandeliers that filled the room in flickering candlelight. Heavy curtains draped the windows, blocking out the bustling city, making it seem like they had stepped into a different world.

            It was warm and comfortable and inviting, and for the first time since they had left Pilant, Aleks let the exhaustion hit him. He knew he would enjoy his stay here.

            “I will now go to the castle and notify the King of your arrival, please do not leave here until you hear from me again.” Philly told them.

            “Not a problem,” Roanan said, “and thank you, my lord.” The two shook hands.

            “I do wish that you were here under different circumstances,” Philly shook hands with Aleks then, “but please enjoy your stay here in the capitol, you are all welcome here.” He nodded to Rosett before turning to leave.

            “Follow me this way, young chaps!” The small, round woman came out of nowhere, shoving through them and guiding them to the stairs.

            “I’ll take you to your room now, come on.” The mousy, frazzled, overexcited innkeeper led them up, going round and round, and did not stop talking the entire time. She did not seem like the person who would be in silks and jewels and feathers, but it bothered her not, and she climbed ahead of them more quickly than her small, burdened frame should have allowed, with her skirts gathered around her thighs.

            “Up, up, this way. Almost there. Keep up now. Where are you from? What brings you here? Woohoo. You’ll love this view. Have you been to the capitol before?...”

            Given no time to talk, Rosett looked to the brothers behind her, who were laughing at the woman. She bumped into their leader when she stopped abruptly at their door.

            “Whoop! Here we are!” She took the large ring of keys from her side, and twisted it into the door, using her full weight to shove open the door.

            The stairwell flooded with light, and their room came into view. It was small, but just as extravagant as the Inn’s entrance, with a large plush bed in the center, and decorated wooden furniture along the curved outer walls.

            “I’ll send up a maid to fill your tub, and we will serve supper this evening in the hall. My name is Luzmarina, find me if you need anything else!” She rocked back and forth as she spoke.

            “Thank you, mad�"“ Rosett began.

            “Woo, you’re welcome, deary! So long!” She practically flew down the stairs, closing the door behind her.

            “Finally! I thought she would never shut up.” Roanan said.

            “Be nice,” Rosett said, “I thought she was sweet, I hope I have that much energy when I’m old.”

            “And I hope I’m not around you then,” Aleks said, and Roanan laughed. The three shed their belongings at the same time, dumping it all onto the floor, relieved of the weight. Rosett especially, who took her sword and wrapped it in her cloak before hiding it. 

“Oh, look at this bed!” she said, sprawling out, exclaiming, “its stuffed with feathers!”

            Roanan plopped down next to her, falling face down on his stomach, Aleks however, went to the window.

            “Look at the view.” He told them, there was a door that led out onto a stone balcony and he opened it, filling the room with a gentle breeze. Rosett jumped up, and followed him out.

            “Oh, my,” was all she could say.

            The entire city laid below them; inside the stairwell, it was hard to tell how far up they had come, and from this vantage, they could even see the ocean beyond the stone and tiled roofs. The bridge was far in the distance to the left, and the castle loomed above them on the right. Looking down, with the slant of the building was daunting to Aleks, but he did anyway, wanting to take in the experience. It was perfect.

            “It’s hard to believe that we made it,” he whispered to Rosett.

            “You should be proud of yourselves, you have come a long way”

            “I just hope, especially for Roanan’s sake, that it was not all for nothing.” Aleks looked back at his brother through the door, and he had already fallen asleep and was lying still on the bed, “he sure has the right idea now.” The two laughed.

            “I know it will be worth it. Look where we are! It seems that Philly and the king and queen really want to help you and get to the bottom of this.”

            “And when we get answers, what then?”

            “I do not know,” she answered, “but cheer up, my friend, take a breath of this sweet air, look where we are!”

            “I’m sorry, Rosett,” Aleks said, “I have a bad feeling that I cannot get out of my head.”

            She put a comforting arm around him as he rested on the balcony rail.

            “I know one thing for sure,” Aleks said, “I never want to leave here.”

 

            The road through the trees was a familiar one to him, having travelled it not long ago. Before he had company, where now he was alone, and whistled a steady tune. He sat on a horse-drawn cart, holding the reigns with one hand and running the other through his dirty-blond hair. With a jolt, the cart’s wheel made contact with a rut in the dirt path, and Ansell looked back to check his cargo.

            It was a wooden chest, locked and tied down, that held the most important of gifts. A gift for a king; one that would tear the royal family apart from the inside. The rightful king Merit Schanandore had entrusted him to deliver this gift, and as his first commander, he took the mission with pride. Making sure everything was still secure, he continued his song. It was a happy tune, and it reflected his mood greatly; there was a new confidence about him, he had been given new clothes, of fine silk, fitted to his size, he was almost to the capitol, and would be finished with his mission before the morning was over. But Ansell’s eye was on the prize; he would be rewarded greatly for this.

            His eye caught something else as well, up ahead on the road, were two women who walked away from him. They had packs on their backs, and their arms were loaded with goods; appearing to be headed to market in Lossain. The two chatted amongst themselves, but the one closest to Ansell, a pretty dark haired, doe eyed thing, turned his way when she heard his song.

            “…and how weak my hunger, that a woman could make me forget it.” Ansell finished his verse, slowing his horse.

            The girl smiled; the other though, probably her mother, pulled her defiantly along.

            “Headed into the capitol, my ladies?” Ansell cooed.

            “What’s it to you?” The older woman said.

            “Oh, mother, will you calm down,” the younger said, “why, yes sir. We’re selling our goods at market.”

            “As it would be, I’m going into the city as well, and have room enough on my cart if you would care for a ride?”

            The mother comforted at that, clearly burdened by her wares.

            “Are you going to be singing somewhere?” the girl teased.

            Ansell allowed her a smile, “do you think I’m good enough for a king? That’s who I’ve got business with.”

            Amazed, it was a moment before either of them could speak.

“The king!” the mother exclaimed, bowing, ‘You must be a lord sir, apologies!”

“Oh, please stand, I am but the messenger of a lord, I have a gift from Lord Adamore of Pebble Beach,” Ansell lied, “now please, will you join me?” He extended a hand down, if they came with, he would have clear, unhindered access into the capitol.

“Of course we will.” The younger girl said, tossing her pack into the cart and taking a seat next to Ansell. She was even more striking up close, Ansell could see every freckle that dotted her nose and cheeks, she smiled contently; beautifully.

It was an effort for the mother to climb onto the seat, but she was appreciative too. Ansell gave a flick of the reigns, and they launched forward.

They proved to be good company, and the song Ansell sang proved to be true; for a moment, he had forgotten about the charred corpse in the decorative box, and of Merit and Pyron, and it was all because of the girls laugh.

“So what is the king’s gift, if you mind me asking?” the older woman interrupted.

Ansell had not thought of a lie for that yet, and was taken aback. “I could not say, miss. I was not informed.”

“Oh, I bet its expensive silks, or jewels, or silver. I would die for a peek!” she squealed.

“As would I, which is why I haven’t” he said sharply, hoping she would leave it alone.

The younger girl laughed, “Have you been to the capitol before, messenger?”

“I used to live here once when I was very young, but left when my mother re-married. This is my first time back since then. I hope I can remember my way around.”

“If you like, I can show you.” the girl said, and her mother let out a hefty opposition, and the two argued for a bit. Ansell weighed his options in his head; the girl would make him seem less suspicious, but how would he get rid of her? She could prove to be a problem, and she definitely could not be there when he presented his gift.

“I think I can find my way; I do not want to intrude on your schedule.” He interjected.

“Oh please!” she begged, “mother, I may never get another chance to see the royal family.”

Her mother gave up her fight, and Ansell did not want to see disappointment in her pretty brown eyes.

“If it’s fine with your mother, I see no problem with it,” he said. The older women simply threw her arms up in defeat.

They rounded the corner out of the woods, and the Golden Sun bridge and the entrance to the city came into view. It was early enough in the morning, that there were not many people out, and before long, a silver-armored guard was greeting them at the gate.

“Good morning, Edlaina,” the man nodded to the older woman, and then the daughter, “Tearney, how do you fare this morning?” The guard eyed Ansell, not recognizing his face.

“Fine, sir. Thank you.”

The mother, Edlaina, provided their permits to the guard.

“And what business do you have in the capitol, sir?” he asked Ansell.

Surprisingly, he did not have to speak. Tearney, the sweet girl, intertwined her arm with Ansell’s, she must have been overly excited to go with him, “he’s with us,” is all she said.

Handing Edlaina’s papers back, he nodded to the guard ahead, allowing them through.

The sun began to rise over the cities walls, and with every passing minute, the street grew more crowded. Luckily, the market row was close, and in no time at all, they arrived at their small stand. To appease her mother, Tearney, and even Ansell, took time to help her unload their belongings and set up.

Edlaina held her anger in her lips and she said nothing, and she waved her daughter away. Ansell helped her back onto the cart, and they were off.

“I’m so happy that you came upon us.” Tearney said, “I was dreading sitting behind that stand all day.”

“You’ve made the end of my journey much better, too, my dear.” Ansell trifled. Tearney blushed, and slid closer to him. It was clear that she rarely was apart from her mother, and seemed to revel in being alone with him.

She spouted out directions as they went along, though he knew well enough where to go. Every building he saw reminded him of when he followed an old man along this very route, watching him as he went to deliver an important message to the king.

That man was now dead, and it was Ansell’s turn to bear the bad news; a task he was more than ready to fulfill, and with Tearney in tow, he made his way to the castle, with the king’s gift tottering in the wagon behind them.

 

“Memora?” A sweet voice called out to her, interrupting her dream; it was Emmy’s voice, she could tell, but she also knew that it was far too early in the day to be bothered.

“My princess, what happened to you?” it called out again.

Memora opened her eyes, but she could not move her body. Then she remembered the previous night: her time with Nirare, coming home through the woods, and then… people, running, climbing…falling.

She struggled to lift her head, and her body seemed to groan; she recalled hitting the ground after slipping off of the wall, but now she felt it. It took all the power she had to sit up. Looking down, she saw she had not changed, and her lilac skirts were torn and a ring of dirt covered the hem; she saw her broken slipper on the floor next to the bed, and her hair was a tangled mess around her. Every detail from the night before flooded back.

Emmyria was perfectly done up, and sat at the edge of the bed, a concerned look on her face. Memora took her friends hands in her own, “Oh, Emmy! Do not let me go out there by myself again! I met some people in the woods!”

Emmy gasped, in all the times she had gone to the quarry and back, they had never come across another soul; not that far back in the trees, “How many? What did you do?” she exclaimed.

“I was scared! There were only three of them, but I ran away, all the way back. I fell coming over the wall I was in such a fright!”

“Let’s get you cleaned up then, we cannot let your mother see you like this.”

“My mother?” Memora wondered.

“Do you not remember? She wanted to see you yesterday! Ida came to me in a panic this morning because you had not been to see her yet.”

Memora let out a sigh, she would not hear the end of this.

“They are holding court later this afternoon, and have a private audience with people who have answered the king’s invitation. Ida said you had best see your mother before then.”

            “I thought Ida was on my side,” Memora jested.

            “I’m surprised it was not her to come pull you out of bed this morning.”

            Memora scooted to the edge of her bed and struggled to stand, she reached behind her and undid the tie of her overskirt and felt Emmy at her back, undoing the bodice straps. Her old dress fell to the floor around her and she was left in her simple sleeveless shift, wrinkled from being slept in.

            She stretched, feeling the strain all the way from her toes to the tips of her fingers.

            “Let’s get this over with then,” She said to her friend, who already had a brush in hand.

            Descending the stairs of her bedroom tower, the two giggled, Memora had told Emmy more about her flight and the people from the woods.

            “You threw rocks at them?” Emmy put a hand to her mouth, “What in the heavens came over you?”

            “What would you have done? They were following me!”

            “You said that they were not threatening.”

            “They were out in the woods at night by themselves; they must have been hiding from something. And they found out who I was! Even the kindest people can have bad intentions.”

            “Well,” Emmy said, “just warn me next time you get angry.” They laughed again.

            “Welcome home, my dear,” an elderly voice called out, and Ida met them on the stairs, doing a theatrical curtsey, as low as her body would allow.

            “Hello, Ida, how do you fare?”

            “Do not start with me, young lady! You had me so worried!”

            Memora took the woman’s arm, “I went to see Nirare yesterday, nothing to be worried about.”

            She left the story at that, if Ida had found out about the strangers in the woods, and the potential danger that brings, she would lock Memora in the dungeons and stand guard herself.

            “You need to tell me when you go, I had to lie to your mother… again!”

            “I’m sorry, sweet lady,” Memora teased, “We’re going to see my mother now. Do you know what she has to tell me that’s so important? Emmy will not say.” She threw a look back to her friend.

            “Of course I know, but I’m not saying a word, she asked to tell you herself.”

            “Lucky me!”

            “Why must you be that way?” Ida stopped in the hallway, grabbing the princess by her arms, “I know your mother can be… your mother… but I’ve hardly ever seen her like this. So please, be kind to her, act the lady you are.”

            Memora simply nodded, whatever it must be had more gravity than she imagined.

            The three walked in silence, their footsteps echoing as the stepped into the main halls.

            “Now after you speak with her, you both come to the kitchens, I’ll have breakfast prepared. Emmy, you go with Memora and announce to the queen of the princess’s arrival.” Ida broke from them, and the girls continued.

            “Now I’m nervous.” Memora confided.

            “Whatever it is, it’s good news, I saw your mother yesterday and she was happy, so do not fret.” Emmy reassured.

            That made the princess feel a bit calmer, but her heart still fluttered. It was rare that Ida spoke to her in that manner.

            Phillip Hartley was exiting his cousin’s room as they stepped up to the royal suite.

            “Hello, Philly,” Memora said, and the commander bowed his head as they met, “Is my mother inside?”

            “She is in fact, your father as well, I was just announcing my departure, I’m heading into town to collect the subjects for the private audience later.”

            “I won’t keep you then.”

            “Glad to see you made it home safe,” he winked to her, and she smiled back.

            “Thank you, cousin. Nirare loved her treat.”

            With that, he took his leave, walking past them. Emmy stepped up to the large doors and applied a heavy knock.

            Memora’s nerves had her looking about, and the great metal hanging fixture caught her eye; the gold and copper crowned-sun combination of the Sease and Beauvior houses gleamed with a new polish; it was strange to see the symbol, how that piece of metal wholly embodied who she was.

Emmy pulled the doors open after a shout permitted her entrance, and Memora heard herself being introduced.

            She heard a shout from the queen and the clicking of hurried feet, and a moment later, her mother flew through the doors.

            “My darling daughter!” the queen said, hovering down the few stairs, her arms extended. She was still dressed in her night robes, and the light fabric waved about her as she moved. Memora was taken aback by the greeting, and knew now what Ida had meant.

            The queen hugged her daughter tightly and Memora returned it. How good it felt. Her mother smelt so sweet and was so warm; they embraced for the perfect amount of time.

            “Are you feeling better?” The queen broke the silence.

            “Pardon?” Memora said.

            “Ida said you weren’t feeling well yesterday, and spent the day in bed.”

            “Yes, I was so tired, and today I’m still so sore, but I’m hopeful that whatever sickness I had is over.”

            “Please come in, I have wonderful news to share with you. Your father is on the balcony; will you sit with us?’

            “Of course,” she responded. Her heart beat so fast, the last time her mother had good news, it was that she invited all the ladies of court to stay with them, and the time before that, she had a suitor lined up; both things that never worked out in Memora’s favor.

            “I’ll go help Ida in the kitchens, Memora, please excuse me, your grace,” Emmy addressed the queen.

            “No, please Emmyria, stay,” Romay said, this coming from the woman who never cared for the girl from the Suites that was always underfoot; both Emmy and Memora were stunned, “You will want to hear this, too.”

            “If it please your grace.”

            “Now come, Ida brought some fruits from the Plains, and we have some sweet lavender tea.”

            The royal chambers were bright as every window to the balcony was opened, and the light breeze made the curtains flutter and gave the room a soothing air.

            Memora took Emmy’s hand and they followed the queen through the room.

            King Drom stood at the balcony’s rail and turned to them as they stepped outside; he still had not dressed for the day, and was in a simple loose robe and trousers. Memora had a hard time remembering the last time she saw her father like this, with a crownless head of mussed hair, no shoes on, and a smile that beamed from ear to ear.

            “My three favorite ladies,” he said. His mood was infectious and it made Memora so happy to see him this way.

            “Father, look at you!” she said.

            “And look at you, beautiful as ever,” he kissed his daughter on the cheek.

            “What is going on?” Memora wondered.

            “Please sit, and we’ll tell you.”

            The four sat around the small wooden table that adorned the balcony, surrounded by flowers and potted plants, and a view of the entire city beyond that took one’s breath away. It was a beautiful morning in Lossain.

            Her father wrung his hands and suddenly seemed nervous, and looked to Romay, “We’ve been thinking of how to tell you this, Memora, but now that the time is here, my words have escaped me.”

            “Well take your time father,” Memora adopted his anxious energy, grabbing fruit from the bowl to occupy herself.

            “Would you like more tea?” Emmy said, and filled the glasses.

            Romay spoke up, “Thank you dear. Now Memora, you know we love you with all of our hearts, so we wanted to share something with you, but this will stay a secret from the public for a while, so we need your discretion.”

            Memora stayed silent, there was something caught in her throat.

            “Your mother and I are going to have a baby.” Drom announced

            Once again, the two girls were dumbfounded. Emmy put her hands up to cover her open mouth, and Memora started to cry.

            “What!” Memora sniveled.

            “I am with child.” Romay said calmly.

            “Truly?” Memora yelled, suddenly excited.

            “Yes, truly. I thought I was ill last week, and Ida suggested that I may be, and that I was starting to show signs, so we had the physician come in and he confirmed it.”

            “You’re going to have a baby,” Memora said, mostly to herself.

            “Such wonderful news!” Emmy shouted.

            “We’re very happy,” Drom said, “but of course there is much to figure out, which is why we must keep silent. We’ll make a public announcement when the time is right.” He took his wife by the hand.

            “So what does that mean now, for you, mother?” Memora asked.

            “Nothing will change right away, but later on, Memora, you will need to take over some of my responsibilities.”

            “But that is something we will figure out later,” Drom said, “but we need to count on you when that time comes.”

            “Of course, I will do anything.”

            “Good, this is big news for this family and for the realm.”

            Romay stood, “Now you understand the secrecy,” the girls shook their heads, Memora’s eyes were still wide, “Now, we must be getting ready, Philly is off to receive our audience, and then we have court.”

            Memora stood and hugged her mother again, tighter than before, “I love you, mother, this makes me so happy.”

            Drom stood and took his queen and princess into his arms, embracing his family. Kissing both of them on the tops of their heads, he let go, “Join us for court later, will you?”

            “Yes, we’re off to breakfast with Ida and we’ll meet you in the throne room.”

            Memora realized she was still crying as she took Emmy’s hand, and the two left, looking back in a way of saying goodbye to her parents.

            Romay wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck, “An heir to a kingdom lives within me, and he is strong.”

            “You’re sure it’s a son?” Drom teased.

            “I feel it in my bones,” she said, and he kissed her; a deep passionate kiss that could only come from a lifetime of love.

            “Come on. We have time before Philly returns, and I want to kiss you some more.” He pulled her in by the sash of her robes, and she laughed, kissing him again as they stepped inside.

           

A knock at the door woke her from her sleep, it was at a quickened place, so whomever was there must have been at it a while.

“My lords and lady!” a muffled voice called out from behind the door.

Rosett sat up in bed, her hair was loose and it tumbled around her in a tangled mess. Looking around, she saw Roanan face down next to her, in the exact position he fell, and Aleks was asleep in the padded sill of a balcony window; the light outside was dim, and bathed the city in an orange soft glow. It was a new day.

Another knock made her rush, and she climbed out of bed, using as much of the drowsy strength she had to pull open the heavy door. It was Luzmarina, the fat innkeeper, who still had her bubbly aura about her, but looked annoyed at having to wait.

“My lady, the lord commander Hartley sent word, he will be here upon the hour to escort you to the castle.”

A moment of panic hit Rosett, how long had they been asleep? “Thank you, ma’am, we will be ready.”

“There’s honeyed ham and breakfast stew down in the main hall if you please. Woo!” she said, starting down the stairs, “bring all your things when you are ready.”

Rosett shut the door, and Aleks woke at the sound.

“What is it?” he asked her.

“Lord Hartley will be here soon; we have to hurry.”

Aleks jumped up and smacked Roanan on the leg, “Ro, it’s time!” he shouted, getting only a mumble in response.

Roanan sat up slowly, still in a daze, “Did we sleep all night?”

“You did,” Rosett said, “We had a hard time having to listen to you.”

“I had no trouble,” Aleks said.

“Did he not wake you? Oh, it was terrible!” Rosett went to Roanan and placed her hands to his cheeks, squishing his face, “You are lucky I restrained myself from smuggling you with this pillow.” She took the pillow and smacked him with it.

“I must be used to it then,” Aleks said, “now come on, there’s not much time.”

Rosett grabbed a brush and her clothes bundle and went into the washroom, “I’ll be just a moment.”

It was longer than a moment. Aleks and Roanan had changed, packed, and nearly fallen asleep again by the time the door opened. Rosett had tamed her hair, and swapped her simple sleeping shift with her best skirts.

Roanan was stunned at the sight of her, as she was of the brothers, for very different reasons.

“That is what you are going to wear?” she scolded.

The two looked to each other, and then to themselves, shrugging.

“What’s wrong with it?” Aleks asked.

“We are going to meet the royal family! do you not have anything finer?”

“We have been traveling for weeks!” Roanan said.

Rosett went to his pack, and after digging around for a moment, tossed him another shirt, “Wear this one.”

“You are impossible,” Roanan protested, but he switched them anyway, “Better?” he asked, pulling on the green and cream colored tunic.

“Much,” she said with a proud smirk, and then she turned to Aleks, “and now for you.”

She pulled a vest out of his pack, surprised at her find; it was leather, russet colored, with gold embroidery decorating the chest, collar and shoulder cuffs, with silver closures dotting the front, “This is lovely,” she said.

“I’d rather not wear that.”

“I’m surprised you brought that with you, Keil,” his brother said.

“What is the problem, it will look great!”

“Leave it alone, Rose.” Roanan said to her, and she stopped.

“No, it’s fine,” Aleks said, “It was…my father’s.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she saddened, placing it carefully back onto his bag.

“No worries, Rosett,” Aleks picked up the vest and put it on over his shirt, buttoning the clasps. It fit him like a glove.

“If I ever had a reason to wear it, this would be it,” he said.

Rosett hugged him on impulse, and tears welled in her eyes. Aleks held his arms up, not sure what was happening, he looked to Roanan for help.

“What’s this for?” Aleks asked her.

“I’m not sure,” she cried, “you two have been through so much, and today is such a big day for you. I’m just happy I could be here, and help in some way,” she peeled herself off, and looked to Roanan, “hug your brother!” she demanded.

“But I�"“

“Do it.” Rosett said.

Roanan timidly grabbed Aleks by the shoulder and pulled him in for a hug. Despite being forced, it turned out to be an emotional moment between them. Rosett spoke the truth; they had been through hell together, a part of each other’s lives for ten years, grown up as brothers, close as can be. Only they knew what the other was going through, and though many questions were unanswered in their lives, today would put an end to much of the heartache.

Rosett joined the embrace, and nestled between the two, and they stood there for a moment, silently.

“And what are we going to do with you?” Roanan asked Rosett, wiping a pesky tear from his cheek, breaking the tension.

“If you think I’m going anywhere after this, you are mistaken!” she sniffled.

“I mean about that.” Roanan pointed to the crimson Pyron sword that rested on the bed.

“I’ll hide it like before.”

“Do you think we can get away with it this time?”

“There is no other choice, we cannot leave it here.”

“It will be fine; we’ll just be careful like we have been,” Aleks said, “Now let’s get downstairs, I’m starving.”

The ham was the sweetest he had ever tasted; globs of honey pooled in his plate and Aleks swirled his fork in it. It was impossible to remember ever having a meal so fine, or to remember at all a meal that did not consist of old bread and cheese.

The hall was filled with noble lords and ladies from around the realm; all dressed in their fineries. Aleks had never seen so many fine people in one place, all milling about, whispering in each other’s ears, some throwing glances in their direction. The three kept their heads down.

“I know we are guests here, but I still feel so out of place,” Aleks said, adjusting his father’s vest.

“These people are not like us,” Rosett piped in, “some of them probably have not worked a day in their lives.”

“Yeah, well if they ever came to Pilant, they would feel out of place too,” Roanan added, scooping a bite into his mouth, wiping the honey from his chin. Rosett tossed him a silk napkin.

“They definitely do not have these in Pilant,” they laughed.

Luzmarina was bustling about, practically flying with how many feathers she donned; she weaved about tables with the greatest of ease, with a filling pitcher in each hand; she set them down, though and the room fell quite when the door opened, and a beam of light shot through the room.

Every head in the room nodded to the queen’s cousin, and the people standing bowed and curtseyed. Phillip Hartley looked ever imposing as he eyed the crowd looking for his subjects. Luzmarina went to the three who still sat, and whispered to them, gesturing wildly.

“Stand! Rise,” she said, “greet our commander, he’s here for you!”

They swallowed whatever mouthfuls they had and stood.

“Come friends,” Philly commanded, “the king and queen await.”

Whispers filled the room to every corner, and Roanan, Aleks and Rosett ignored them all and averted gazes as they cut through the crowd; another armored guard held the door open as Philly escorted them out.

What awaited them was a carriage like neither of them had ever seen: a white and gold painted wood and iron beast nearly taller than a house. It took a team of eight horses to pull it, and rather large horses at that. The whole train seemed to shine.

“Do we have to ride in there?” Roanan whispered under his breath.

“Are you kidding,” Rosett said, “its magnificent!”

“They are treating us like royalty,” Aleks added.

“Well you are on your way to meet royalty,” Philly stated, having heard their conversation, “only the finest.”

They only smiled to him.

It took four lunging steps up to climb inside, and it was as if they were in the castle already. Brilliant rugs overlaid the floors, and a deep red planking covered the walls and ceiling, giving the coach an oaky smell. Benches lined every wall, upholstered in a bright gold fabric, and dotted with too many pillows; sitting on them felt as soft as a cloud, and looking out the shimmering sheer grey curtains was like a dream.

“Now this I could get used to,” Aleks said as they all settled in.

“It feels odd being here, considering two nights ago, we were sleeping in the woods,” Rosett said.

“I don’t like it,” Roanan said, “it feels like they are buttering us up for something, like they are preparing us for the worst.”

“Oh, relax, Ro, you are overthinking it, again,” Rosett said; the benches along the back were deep enough to lie down and she forced him to his back and cuddled under his arm.

A tap on the outside of the carriage signaled that they were ready to go, and in a great heave, they started rolling, Philly following behind them on horseback, and his men close behind him.

It was a lovely journey, and a great time of reflection, for Rosett anyways; her companions had fallen asleep on the trek to the castle, Aleks at the front of the carriage, and Roanan next to her, who she watched quietly, listening to his heavy breathing, and smiled. Not long ago, she was set in an arranged marriage to a great lord from Highland, the arrogant Sander Leighton, and loathed the idea of being tied to someone; but this man, she thought, with his mussy hair and sad eyes and spittle running down his cheek, she could see a future with. This man, a merchant’s grandson that she knew almost nothing about that happened to stumble upon her in the woods, she was falling for.

After a while, a shout outside bid them to stop, and she heard Philly answer it. They were at the outermost gate to the castle, and Rosett looked out the front window and saw the heavy iron portcullis.

“You two better wake up,” she said loudly, “we’re here.”

The grinding sound of chains filled the air as the great metal gate began to rise from the ground. Then, it was commotion; there were commands being shouted from every direction and people were circling all around as another group of armored men arrived to greet them. All the three could do was watch, until Philly dismounted and walked towards them. Rosett quickly shoved some pillows on top of the Pyron sword to hide it, placing the last one just as the commander easily ascended the stairs of the carriage.

“Hope you enjoyed the ride, my friends,” he said, stepping inside, “please be patient as we get things sorted out here, it will be a few more moments until we are to the castle doors, and I ask that you wait inside the carriage until I come and get you.”

“Of course, anything you need,” Aleks said. They all became nervous.

“Great,” Philly nodded and backed out, jumping to the ground as he shouted more commands to his men.

“I wonder if it’s always this difficult getting in,” Rosett said, mostly to herself.

Just as Philly warned, the coach jolted forward again and they rolled through the main gate, gawking at the size of the wall, and past it, the splendor of the castle.

It was hard to imagine a tower could be so tall, and that so many tall towers could be in one place. They shimmered, the morning sun making the cream and red stone a brilliant copper. Ornate arches and detailed carvings and patterns lined the walls, separated by gleaming windows and creeping ivy. It was too overwhelming to take in; even the grounds were perfect, as every bush and flower that blurred past them was beautifully manicured.

The clip-clop of horse’s hooves slowed to a stop as they stepped into the shadow of one of those looming towers. As soon as the carriage was still, Rosett stood.

“The commander told us to wait here,” Aleks reminded her.

“Just getting ready is all,” she said, removing her sword from its pillow fortress. Roanan fixed her cloak around her as she strapped the blade to herself.

“How do I look?” she said, seemingly nervous.

“Like you’re hiding something,” Aleks honestly stated.

“It’ll have to do, the commander’s coming,” Roanan said in a sharp whisper.

Phillip Hartley opened the carriage door, and was startled by the three standing ready, looking at him tensely.

“Anxious, are we?” he asked them.

“Yes, actually,” Aleks said, “I… it’s just… what do we say?”

“Let me begin,” Philly reassured them, “I will make the introductions, and we will first be meeting in the antechamber, so it will be only the royal family, the chancellor, myself, and the three of you. It’s a private audience, as you are here by special invitation. So please, hold the nerves.”

The three relaxed at the news,

“Before we go inside, though, I need you to hand over the sword,” Philly said bluntly, and Rosett froze; Aleks and Roanan looked to him with wide eyes.

“I… what are you talking about?” she asked him.

“Come now, do you think all of these armored men are routine?” the commander asked, without getting a reply, “I know you did your best to hide it, but I noticed it yesterday when you arrived into town. I had asked Luzmarina at the inn to investigate as she is a very dear friend, and she kept a close watch on you. If the blade is what we suspect, we must be wary of its owners.”

“Wary? We are not Pyron!” Roanan said defensively.

“Then how did you come upon a Pyron blade?” Philly inquired.

“I stole it,” Rosett admitted, “in the woods. I came upon one of their camps.”

Philly eyed her suspiciously, stealing glances to the brothers as well, before raising up a hand, signaling his men outside, that neither of them had seen, to stand down.

“If that’s the truth, it would bring validation to many of the claims that we’ve received,” Philly said, “We’ll go in now, but I will take the sword, I’m sure the king would love to see it.”

And so, the commander, along with many of his guards, led them through the heavy wooden doors, and down the long, rounded white-washed corridor. Aleks stared blankly at his surroundings, as if in a dream, a dream that was finally coming true. It was hard to believe that they were finally here.

In a quick turn, the party turned left down another long hall, and the three newcomers all looked up as the ceiling rose above them; it had to have been at least twice as high as the house of prayer of Pilant, and three times as opulent. Great white marble pillars rose the height of the room in two rows, lining the path they walked; until it reached the tiled gables, which were patterned in brilliant mosaics.

“Is this the throne room?” Rosett asked, astounded.

“This… is the front entry corridor,” Philly chuckled, “Now this way, hurry along, the antechamber is right up here.”

Roanan, Aleks, and Rosett all gulped audibly when a pair of open doors came into view, and a man came out to greet them. He was a fat man, and had on too many layers of clothing, and looked to be sweating, as his long grey hair was wet and pushed back; still, he smiled and extended an arm when Commander Philly walked up to him.

“Chancellor, how do you do this morning?”

“Very well, Lord Commander, thank you. Ah, these must be our honored guests!” He eyed them up and down.

“We’ve been expecting you, and awaiting your arrival,” he addressed them, motioning with a hand to enter the open doors, as if it were an easy thing to do, like being asked to go to the market. But inside those doors waited the most important family in the realm. “Please,” the chancellor said, the three froze at the invite.

“Do not keep them waiting, present yourselves as best you can, and speak only when spoken too,” Philly whispered, pushing them from behind. Roanan shoved Aleks forward, and Rosett put a hand to his back, guiding him first into the room. Aleks wanted to protest, but there was no time; the Chancellor stepped in front of him and ushered them in, with commander Hartley following, his men waiting at the door.

To their right, large painted windows opened the room to a beautiful courtyard, with colorful bursts of blooming flowers and patterned cobblestone paths that circled around flawlessly sculpted stone statues; a streaming fountain could be heard, and birds were singing, but it all went unnoticed. The three were focused on the left of the room, where, like a portrait, the royal family sat, watching them as they entered.

The first Aleks saw was the queen, as she had a presence that demanded attention first, who sat closest to the door and eyed them curiously, but remained perfectly elegant; the king was to her left, and he sat tall on his throne, with both hands on the rests of the chair, seemingly unburdened by the weight of his crown and chain; and by his side was the princess, more beautiful than Aleks remembered. She gasped when she saw them, and frantically whispered something into the ear of the girl next to her, with beautiful dark skin and hair, who also looked to them in shock, and sent a rushed whisper back. There was another girl there, on the princess’ other side, but Aleks did not recall who she was, though there was no ignoring the necklace she wore, that of a white rose.

Commander Philly and the chancellor both bowed after they were all in the room, and Aleks, Roanan and Rosett followed suit, going lower than the others, holding their poses until they were addressed.

“Please, rise,” the king spoke, and they stood slowly, as he did too, the four women around him also getting to their feet. The chancellor and commander left the three and stood on either side of the royal family, Phillip next to his cousin, the queen, and the chancellor across from him next to the princess; he spoke first.

“Your graces, these three come at your request, answering the invitation you released after the Pyron attack…” he went on. Aleks cringed at the word attack, remembering that night in Pilant, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw Roanan become restless at the implication of their grandfather.

“…if you’ll please introduce yourselves,” the chancellor finished, and Aleks jolted back to the conversation, suddenly aware of all the eyes on them. Luckily, Rosett answered.

“I am Rosett Sehr, your majesties. From Hidden Falls,” she said.

“Roanan Garning,” his brother said next, “from Pilant.”

“Garning?” the king piped in, “so how do you relate to our friend Buur?”

“He is my grandfather,” Roanan said.

“And you are?” the queen asked, directed at Aleks, instantly nervous under her gaze.

“My name is Aleksandar Keilrich, your grace, from Pilant as well, Buur Garning raised me,” for some reason, he looked to the princess, who looked down when their eyes connected.

“Well, my dear lady and gentlemen,” the chancellor spoke again, “you have the privilege of meeting the royal family. His majesty, King Drom Sease,” the three bowed as each name was presented, “Her majesty, Queen Romay Beauvior; Princess Memora Sease-Beauvior, the Lady Emmyria Kvale, and Lady Fiora Greer.”

“My friends,” the king spoke, “what happened to your grandfather was an utter tragedy, and we are very sorry for your loss. However, what happened was also a blessing to us.” Roanan scoffed at the thought of his grandfather’s death being a blessing, and then the king went on, “If your grandfather had not made the journey here, and told me of what he suspected of the Pyron clan, we would still be in the dark. It was important enough to him to travel all this way, and he was willing to sacrifice whatever it took, and unfortunately, that was his life.”

“We had no knowledge of his plans, your grace,” Aleks choked out, “he told us that he had business to attend to in Plock, and that he would be back. We waited for his return, but it never came. And then Pyron attacked again and drove us out of our home...”

“Yes, we have heard many reports of the attacks in the eastern Woods,” the queen cut him off, “we have something for you.” She gestured with her hand to an ornate wooden box that sat atop a table by the doors where they entered.

Philly crossed the room with it and presented it to the king, who opened it to his three guests.

“It’s the Emperador Cross,” he said when he noticed that neither of them said a word, their mouths agape in wonder; it was pure gold, and glistened, as if giving off its own light. Nestled amongst a pillow of black silk, it sat; five rings, meshed together a circle forming an ‘X’ where they met, each ring lined with a different color.

“This metal is given to one who has shown themselves as an asset to the realm,” the king continued, “One, like your grandfather, who has proven themselves, and exhibited bravery, loyalty, dedication, and above all heroism. I would like to present this to you, in memory of him.” The king passed the box to Roanan.

Upon further inspection, the different colors in the rings where made up of gemstones, and Roanan studied them, he heard Rosett gasp; there were blue sapphires, green emeralds, red rubies, yellow amber, and purple amethyst.

“It is named after the founder of the realm, Emperador Reacon,” a voice called out sweetly. It was the princess, who stepped forward, “the five rings are symbolic of the five countries he discovered, there’s Sheezen, Canonal Woods, Pyron, Cardal Plains, and Lavaliere Suites,” she pointed to each ring as she said the names.

Aleks never once looked at the metal, his eyes were on the princess, the sway of her skirts as she stepped towards them, her lips as she talked, the curls of her hair flowing across her shoulders… she looked at him with a smile when she was finished talking, as if she felt his gaze, to which he reddened instantly.

“The cross is only given to those who are a benefit to the realm that bears his name,” Philly interjected, “normally, it is a member of the militia or past rulers, rarely is it given to merchants or common-folk, but here we made an exception.”

The Lady Greer spoke next, “I came here today, because I wanted to tell you that I met your grandfather,” she said, and Roanan and Aleks’ eyes went straight to her.

“We exchanged but a few words as I passed him on the street, and though he was lost, he seemed well. If you were worried about him, or were concerned, I hope it is a comfort to know that he looked in good health, and was cheerful.”

Aleks saw Roanan smile appreciatively, and felt relieved too that their grandfather had made his journey with little trouble.

            “That is very kind of you to tell us that, my lady,” Roanan said, and for the first time in a while, Aleks noticed a brighter tone to his voice.

            Not sure what was supposed to happen next, the three looked to each other awkwardly, while the king studied them with an intense gaze. It was almost as if he prolonged the pause on purpose to increase the tension in the room, until he finally said:

            “Now, before this meeting can end, I need to ask you about the sword,” he said, at the cue, Philly exited the room, coming back in with the blade laying across his palms, he grabbed the blade deftly, eying it a moment before he continued, “The Commander here told me about everything, and I must say, it has us concerned. If you are associated with the Pyron clan, we’ll have to have you killed,” he looked up from the blade at them with a gaze that cut worse than the sword ever could, “and if you aren’t, then how did you come to own th�"“

            “She found it in the woods!” Aleks and Roanan said at the same time, pointing to Rosett, “your majesty,” Aleks finished. Rosett squeaked when all the attention fell to her.

            “Is this true, girl?” the queen addressed her.

            “It is, your grace, I came across one of their camps in the woods, after I left home.”

            “Where was this camp?” the king asked firmly.

            “I do not know exactly where, I did a lot of traveling in the dark, all I can say is that it was south of Hidden Falls, but not as far south as the forest road, where I met these two.”

            The king took a deep breath, as if examining their information.

            “Why did you leave home?” Rosett grew more nervous with every question the queen asked.

            “I… it’s silly…” Rosett tried to avoid the question, but the queen gave her an unblinking stare that urged her to speak, “I ran away because I was arranged to be married, and could not go through with it?” She bit her lip, knowing she was admitting that she broke the law by leaving her marriage contract.

            With sharp disapproval, queen Romay turned her back to the three and faced her husband with a dramatic flourish of her skirts. The tone of her whispers allowed them to hear every word, like she cared not if they heard.

            “We cannot trust them Drom, they could have fabricated their stories before arriving, and the girl is a renegade and a thief!”

            Both her husband and daughter protested her remarks with an eye roll, the king seeming to have already made up his mind, and the princess sympathetic to Rosett, knowing full well the resentment of betrothal, which she fought her mother on frequently.

            The queen fell back in line when the king spoke again, addressing the three, “We will have you stay in the capitol for a while longer, under close supervision, until all of this is sorted out.”

            They all gave a deep bow at the statement. Aleks was happy at the command; he did not want to leave Lossain, or the princess, he was still grinning at his boots when Roanan spoke:

            “If I may ask, your majesties, what happened to our grandfather?” Aleks shot upright at the question he desperately wanted to know the answer to as well.

            “He is here,” the king said, after running a finger over the flame detail on the pommel of the Pyron sword, “as of now, there is a crowd gathering in the court room for today’s hearings, which I invite you all to attend, then after I can have it arranged for you to go see him, if you would like.” The king handed the sword back to Philly, who left it in place of the Emperador Cross on the table by the door.

            “Very much,” Roanan smiled, and tears welled in his eyes, Aleks and Rosett happy too, “Thank you, your grace!”

            The king gave a gesture to the chancellor, who stepped forward to command attention, “This meeting is now adjourned, by the grace of his majesty King Drom Sease, and Queen Romay Beauvior, we thank you for coming all this way, now go in peace, and may each day be your happiest.”

            There was a final bow, before everyone parted ways. Commander Hartley led them out first, leaving the royal family’s antechamber. Aleks tossed a look back before stepping through the doors, and was happy to connect his gaze with the princess’, his heart fluttered when she quickly averted, whispering to her friend, a flush to her cheeks.

            “That went well,” Philly said, once they were out of earshot.

            “Did it?” Rosett seemed out of breath, “I cannot remember a thing!”

            “You three were great, I’ve known people to faint in a cold sweat in those meetings; I know that could not have been easy.”

            “Quite the opposite, actually,” Roanan said, “I feel like I can breathe easier.”

            Aleks noticed he did walk a little taller, though Roanan never had a problem talking with people, whoever they were; still they were both relieved to finally have some answers.

            Philly led them down the hall from where they came, past the marble columns, “You can relax too, miss Sehr, nobody thinks you’re with Pyron, we only try to scare you to see if you can handle it.”

            All she did was give a nervous giggle, and the brothers laughed at her.

            Listening to more instructions given by the commander, the three, along with the Chancellor and the rest of the armed men, were led through a great courtyard, as beautiful as could be expected, and into the throne room. They had been invited to be audience at court by the King himself, even if they could get away from their escorts, they could not refuse.

           

            By the seventh person who had come seeking the King’s council, it was well past midday, and the third man who had spoken of the repercussions of the Temple Rock rebellions, and how they had not received the help promised. Roanan sat with his head resting on a fist, leaning back in his chair, and Rosett sat close to nudge him awake every now and then, also because she always seemed to be close to him as of late; Aleks however, could not stop his eyes from wandering. They had been seated in the mezzanine of the throne room, in the first row just behind the bannister, and had perfect vantage of the room and its inhabitants. Until now, the public yards of Plock had been the most people he’d seen in one place, and that was after an entire village had added to the cities numbers, but he was sure the number of people in this room had it beat. Still, he was in awe of the size of the room, and its décor, as richly detailed and lustrous and colorful as the clothes of the people here, most of all the royal family seated on a brilliant marble stage that reflected every light that touched it, each in their thrones.

            The man who addressed the royal family stood in a cleared spot at the foot of the platform, encircled by the great mass of people, who all had their eyes on him, he was a farmer from outside the city of Isolan, who’s lands and crops were taken over and destroyed by the rebels of the Temple Rock uprising, who gathered there to cross the Imball sea to the capitol. Aleks wondered how the man could speak a word, knowing exactly how nerve-wracking it was to speak to a king, let alone in front of the hundreds of lords and ladies in attendance.

            The King spoke after the man finished and every head turned to listen, “Good sir, I understand your urgency in these events coming to a close, as it is continually on my mind as well. However, with the Pyron attacks a more serious present threat, all of my recourses are extinguished to allow any relief for you. I will however, as I have done with others who have come to discuss this matter, provide a monetary token to signify my regret on the matter, as well as to sustain you in the coming months.”

            The man’s face lit up, “No regret on your part, your grace, and thank you, your grace!”

            An elderly woman in a fine green dress, like jade, walked up though the isle and escorted the man out of the room, taking him to a holding room, where Aleks assumed they would wait to receive their promised gifts.

            When he was cleared, the King called to Chancellor Diversey to call in the next party.

            Chancellor Diversey opened a large scroll and read the next name on the list, adjusting the heavy collar at his neck before speaking, “Sir Ansell and Lady Tearney, messengers of Lord Adamore of Pebble Beach.”

            A low rumble filled the air as doors opened and a great wooden cart was led up to the platform, on it, a large dark-wood chest sat, its locks clicking together with every bump. In front of it, a tall slender man walked in the clearing forced open by the armored guards to allow the wagon through, a girl clung to him so tightly it was as if she could not walk unaided. She was as enamored as a person could be, and held her chin so high, Aleks thought she was looking at the ceiling.

            “They stand out worse than we do,” Rosett whispered. And it was true, the duo put on airs about them of importance, but there was no hiding his rough look and her tattered clothes.

            They knelt before the royal family, not as low as they should have, and the queen turned her head at that, though they did stay down until the King spoke.

            “My good sir and madam, it has been a long while since I heard news of the southern Crags, tell me, how fares my lord Adamore,” the king studied them head to toe.

            “My Lord Bisilio fares well, my king, and his lady wife sends her regard.”

            There was a long pause, though all eyes were on the wooden chest.

            “Very good, I suspect there is a decent reason for sending this without word.”

            “Yes, your majesty, only that he wanted this to be a surprise, and for you to have it before the fall festivals.”

Though it did not seem possible, the King sat up straighter, his gaze focused on the man, “Strange,” he said, “as King, there are some things I am required to know that seem so trivial, such as the names of all the great Lords and Ladies of my realm, and those that speak for them. Now, little more than a week past, I received word from Lord Adamore of Pebble Beach, informing me of Pyron ships spotted crossing Discovery Strait, and that was delivered by his messenger, in fact his own son, Arseo, who came bearing his family’s standard, where you come with nothing and a name I do not recognize.”

            The girl next to the man in question let go of his arm, and the whole energy in the room shifted.

            “Commander Hartley, arrest this man!” the King ordered.

            Before any guard could get close to him, Ansell stepped back and threw the lid open on the chest.

            From the mezzanine, it could not be seen what the box contained, but a scream filled the room as Tearney, hands over her mouth, backed away from Ansell with a horrified gasp. The people closest to them on the ground floor returned the shouts and all scrambled to get away, men pushing through and ladies holding their noses. The King and Queen both stood abruptly, Drom putting an arm defensively in front of his wife, the princess and her confidant huddled together, averting their eyes. Chaos filled the throne room.

            It was then that the smell reached the second level, and it was enough to take away breath. Rosett gasped, and Aleks and Roanan tried their best to block the odor with the crook of their arms. All around them, people reacted, some screaming, some choking, some backing against the wall as far as they could go. On the other side of the balcony, Aleks could hear someone retching. It was a stench worse than death; it was certainly the putrid odor of decay, but also a burnt smell, like ash.

            Seconds before the Commander himself was on him, Ansell reached into the chest, and heaved its contents out, tossing it onto the floor with an ease not seen in his stature. The familiar sound of metal hit the polished floor with a clang, and the mass slid to a stop in front of the stage, leaving a brown bloody smear in its path.

            Unfolded, Aleks could make out the shape of a man, or what was once a man, and was horrified to realize that the smell was burned flesh. The form wore armor, that, under the dirt and blood and char, showed silver, much like the armor of every guard in the room. Beneath that, though, remaining clothes were burned off and bits of flesh peeled back in blackened crisps, layers of muscle and even bone were exposed in places, as if it were melted away. Its face, uncovered, was the matter of nightmares; tufts of hair remained in some places where the flesh was not torn from the skull, and its soft parts, the nose and eyeballs were gone, leaving black holes staring at nothing.

            It was impossible to look away.

            “What is the meaning of this?” the King shouted.

            Ansell struggled against the Commanders grip, as Philly locked the man’s arms behind his back, denying any effort Ansell gave to get free. A guard had restrained the girl he was with too, though in her shocked state, required little strength. Ansell quit struggling when two more men came to Philly’s aid, and shouted above the roar of the crowd: “You can ask your daughter.”

            Aleks looked to the princess and her eyes were as wide as they could be, and not from shock, something else flashed in her eyes. Fear? She gripped her friends arms tighter, and her mouth was held open, as if words would not form. He would have given anything to be able to jump down and save her from this.

            The room stilled, and Aleks noticed he was not the only one watching her. Nearly every person in the room paused a moment, holding for an answer, even the King and Queen looked to their daughter, waiting for her to speak.

            “Come now, girl!” Ansell yelled in the sudden silence, “afraid to speak of your dragon?”

            All formality aside, the Queen darted to the edge of the platform, her skirts flying, raising her voice to match the ferocity of her gaze, one that should have cut right through Ansell, “You will not speak to my daughter ever again!”

            It was then that over half of the guards that stood at the royals’ defense turned and raised their lances to the Queen, who stumbled back away from the steel points.

            “I order you to stand down!” the King stepped in front of Queen Romay, addressing his men.

            The Commander chimed in then, “You heard your King, lances down!”

            None of them moved, and the half who were not at the ready stared at their brothers in confusion.

Then, a voice made itself known from the staircase behind the thrones, it was Chancellor Diversey, who deftly descended the stairs, not needing to speak loudly for his voice to fill the room, “Now, my King, if this man speaks true, this is indeed a very serious accusation, as you know as well as I that owning a dragon in this realm is prohibited, and has been for centuries.”

            “Enough talk of this, Chancellor, I will not have it!” the King commanded.

            “Apologies, my King, but why not ask her for the truth?” the Chancellor tucked his arms into his sleeves, his eyes going to the princess, accompanied by a smug grin.

            “Memora?” the King whispered, looking to his daughter.

            The princess stood, stunned, “I-uh,” her mouth was dry, and her eyes burned, she tried desperately to close them, but panic would not let her, and her gaze veered from her father and mother, to Ansell in Philly’s control, and finally to Emmy.

            Her friend mustered all of her courage and spoke out for the princess, “It is not true, Your Grace! It is Pyron with the dragon, this must have happened the night they attacked the wall.”

            “It did not, girl,” Ansell said, “I saw this man die.”

            “We will not have any more of your lies this day!” the King said, “Commander, take him to the cells.”

            Ansell continued to speak despite the command, “Pyron has a dragon, true, black as ink, but the one that killed this man was scaled blue as the midday sky, and lives in the abandoned quarry north of here, we’ve tracked your daughter through the woods many times.”

            The Commander struck the man with a gauntleted fist to try to keep him from saying anything further, and Philly’s eyes connected with Memora and Emmy’s. Memora thought she was going to faint. So they do know about Nirare.

            “We must take her for questioning until these suspicions are sorted out,” the Chancellor said, and he clapped his hands. At that, doors opened all around the throne room and more guards stepped in, some even coming from under the stairs behind the royal family, these ones not wearing the King’s blue cloak, but ones of deep crimson, with flame sigils on the backs.

            “You will not touch her!” the King yelled.

            “The law is the law, and must be upheld no matter the subject.”

            The red-cloaked men moved forward, surrounding the royal family at a wave of the Chancellor’s hand.

            Watching it all unfold was like imagining all the great stories that Buur had told them as children, then, Aleks had listened to it all in wonderment, grand tales of kings and queens and knights and battles, of beautiful princesses and evil warlords; now that it was all happening right in front of him at once, and to people he knew, was too much to comprehend. The three could do nothing but stare in awe.

            “Those with me, protect you sovereign Lord!” Aleks heard Philly yell, and those still cloaked in blue drew their swords and fought against the men next to them, who they thought were allies.

Once the singing of steel was heard, the room erupted again, people pushing each other, trying to avoid the battles and the swinging of swords and lances. Even on the second story, people shoved and yelled in an effort to get to the doors at the back, the force of the crowd pushing the three against the bannister rail, threatening to send them over. The problems on the lower level were forgotten as the three fought to stand. In a flash, Roanan reached behind him, grabbing the nearest man in silk clothes and a feathered hat, and punched him in the jaw.

“We need to get out of here!” Rosett said, barely heard over the shouts.

“No,” Aleks said, “we need to help!” He looked to Roanan, with a persuasive look in his eyes, and his brother simply nodded back to him.

“Right,” Roanan said, “Keep up!”

At that, he took two people by the shoulders in front of him and shoved them aside, throwing an elbow into the face of the man who turned to confront him. Roanan muscled his way forward, and Aleks pushed Rosett in front of him as the three made their way through the crowd.

Below, commands from the three men in power were heard over the bustling of action all around them.

Commander Philly was doing his best to give orders to his men, while trying to manage control of his prisoner. He stared in bafflement at the blue-cloaks who stood against other blues, trading blows and sword strikes with their allies. What treachery is this? The swirling of steel became a blur, but it was easy to see that the men on his side were far fewer than those they were fighting, he yelled, though he was sure his orders fell on deaf ears, “Fight on, men! For the Realm!”

“Take her into custody, but do not harm any of them!” the Chancellor’s voice cut him off, he stood, oddly calm, at the back of the platform, reveling in the sight of his work unraveling. He knew Ansell would come here this day, just as he has known every move that Pyron has made since the end of the war, as he has, ever since, given Merit Schanandore full reports of the on-goings inside the capitol. This day was a final step in the beginning of a new empire. He knew he would be rewarded greatly for this.

“I am your King! You will do as I command!” Drom Sease’s efforts to control the crowd were useless, the soldiers fought on with battle-focused senses, and would listen to nobody. He turned to see the Chancellor at the back and rushed to him, but was stopped by a red-cloak, who stepped in front of the Chancellor with his lance raised. The King, in an eye-blink, pulled the lance from the guard’s hands and rapped the soldier upside the head in a quick turn; that soldier fell away, but another instantly took his place, “You will pay for this, Diversey,” the King spat through clenched teeth.

“You have other things to focus on now, Drom,” Fransisc Diversey turned and disappeared through the doors at the back of the platform. How could I lose control so easily?

            “Drom!” he heard Romay call out his name, and he snapped back to focus, and turned to see a red cloaked guard on either side of his Queen, each holding her arm. She was resisting with all of her strength, and he saw her dress had torn and her hair fell from its clips. He went to her, when she stopped him, “Get our daughter, Drom.”

            At the other end of the stage, five armored men surrounded Memora and Emmy, and they cowered together in the middle, frantically searching for an escape, trying not to make eye contact with the men.

            “If either of you touch her, I’ll have your heads!” Drom yelled. His daughter looked at him with a pleading stare that destroyed him inside. Every ounce of courage that remained of him fueled his body and he lunged at one of the armored men, relieved when two blue-cloaks jumped in beside him. Drom grabbed him by his steel shoulder and threw a fist at the face who turned to him; he heard his hand crack upon impact and the man simply righted himself and drove a sword pommel into the Kings stomach. Losing all breath, Drom collapsed to his knees, and he heard his daughter scream. He felt a warm spray shower over him as the two soldiers on either side were extinguished, and fell in a bloody heap around him. A steel boot came out of nowhere and made contact with his face and Drom flew onto his back, his vision a blur, seeing stars; he felt his crown fly from atop his head. He could hear more screams, and knew they were Romay’s, and when shapes came into focus, he saw two armored men pulling his daughter apart from Emmy, and he looked down to see his wife dragged off in the opposite direction. The room had cleared of people and only a few battles still raged, but many red-cloaks stood at the end, wiping their swords clean. Two of them stepped to Drom, and he could feel himself rise from the floor, before his sight failed him again, he saw was his family being pulled apart, and the last thing he heard was the screams of the women he had failed. 

Author's Note

This is one of my first chapters with multiple POV, and I hope it lead to an exciting conclusion! Please let me know what you think, as well as any constructive criticism!
Thanks! Write on!