The Red Door

This is an Allegory for a situation I was in with my brother in 2005, the point was not about me being in love with a girl but because my brother didn't care about me anymore.

-The Red Door-
By: Ryan Shukis
    
               This world is that unknown to you but very well known to me.  A world of monsters, creatures, hero's, kings, queens, and a manner of dark characters.  This was the third age, long before the time of John Ivan, Vragrin, or King Augustine of Adonia.  The world was young, through the eyes of man.  The city of Orefesto was new.  Fairy tales and folk lore are the very fabric of the World of Hevarth, it was all they had.  
        It was early morning, a judge ran down the streets of Orefesto with scrolls in his arms.  He had a white wispy beard on his chin.  Big white eyebrows covered his forehead.  Tripping over a pale of water he brushed himself off and picked up his scrolls.  Panting hard, he made it to a tall oak door.  The guard stepped out of the way and let him pass.  The old man ran down a stone hallway, his footsteps echoed down the corridor.  
        "Excuse me for my tardiness, but I had urgent matters to take care of this morning", said the old man placing a long pointy had on his head.
        A room full of benches was set before him, it was a court room.  The old man sat at the judge's desk and opened his scrolls.  There were maybe eight people in the audience, but an empty desk for the convicted stood empty.
        "Please bring in the accused", the old man said with his nose barred in the scrolls.
      

(2)
  One of the guards toward the back of the room knocked on the door three times.  The doors opened, a man whose face was covered with brown fabric emerged cuffed with three guards escorting.
        The guards walked the man to an empty desk and attached his chains to iron rings embedded into the stone floor.  As they finished they looked up to the judge.  He flicked his wrist to take the flower sac off the man's head.  As one of the guards did so the rest of them retired to a bench behind the accused.
        It was a man, rather young in his early thirties.  He had straw yellow hair that fell to his shoulders.  A light yellow beard covered his face.  He smirked as his blue eyes looked up at the judge.  There was a scar that ran from his left eye through the following ear.  The very tip of his left ear had been severed; stripes of green and red ran around the wound.  Whatever it was it was no sword, the judge thought to him.  He looked back down at his papers.  
        "As I read here it says that on November the 12th you were brought to the Asylum of Orefesto on charges of thievery and murder.  How do you plead to such crimes"?
        The man looked up at him, almost as if he was going to muster a magic trick and run out the doors in the next couple seconds.  "Not guilty", he kept his eyes fixed on the judge, not looking away.
        "Do you have reason for this"?
        "Yes, a story if you would care to here it"?
        "If it is relevant and supports your case, then yes.  Now tell me this story so that I may make a decision on what to do with you".
         (3)
"Once upon a time there were two brothers.  One was named Ligart the other was Calsive.  Ligart was an artist, a terrific one who could paint anything from his imagination.  But he was quiet and shy, solace was his only friend during most days.  Then there was his close brother Calsive, he was a musician.  Calsive could woo any maiden he wanted through the powerful strokes of his ambidextrous hands.  Jealousy had always filled Ligart, he often tried to do the same with his art.  Calsive and Ligart were the sons of King and Queen Malstrung of Orefesto.  To ease the decision of who would be next to the heir, King Malstrung had begun a new project.  Far west, deep into the Jogdunt forest he had sent two thousand workmen to begin on erecting a castle.  This would be the capital of a new country called Conwato.  Whoever would not be crowned king in Orefesto would rule Conwato.  Excited to this new idea the brothers decide to throw an opening party when the castle would be finished.  
        One night while Calsive was playing a tune in the city bar a girl had approached Ligart.  She was a pretty one of extra ordinary features, love at first sight you could say.  They talked and laughed but to Ligarts ignorance the girl wasn't interested in him but was in love with his brother Calsive.  She just didn't have the heart to tell him.  The girl didn't want to break his heart and chose to hide her secret romance from him.  She saw Calsive in secret after hours.
        One day Ligart invited the girl to dinner, she was unable to attend; giving the excuse of an already planned evening.  Ligart told her to enjoy her evening and decided to talk a walk.  Ligart went to the park; he painted the sun setting and couples enjoying

(4)
the show.  During his work he decided to change his focal point, as he moved to a different location he discovered his brother with the girl.  Rage took hold; Ligart could not explain what he felt.  Dark evil thoughts crept into his head, betrayed by his own brother.  Ligart saw the girl kiss his brother on the lips.  All he seemed to know was the girls name was Agatha, and yet his brother had crossed the finish line.  Ligart grew sad and angry.  Returning to his room that night he shut his door, locking it from the inside.  Ligart did not leave his room for three days.  Calsive worried, he had a small suspicion that Ligart had seen him with the girl.  He tried many times to get Ligart out of his room; he had even given him the name of another young girl to help him out of his misery.  Nothing worked except for their father's messenger who came.  He came to Calsive to announce that the castle was complete.  Excited Calsive thought this would be the best way of rescuing his brother from his sorrow.  Ligart agreed with Calsive.  The two of them readied their things and packed for their opening party in the castle of Conwato.  Invitations were sent everywhere, inviting everyone who was close with their family.  The trip to the castle took a time of a month and a half.  It was through harsh desert and thick forest that they traveled.  New roads to the castle were constructed for only one existed.  Ligart felt no sorrow for the girl, he felt better than before.  Through a long talk with Calsive he confessed that he was sorry and what he had done.
        At the end of the festival the brother's father would choose who would stay at the castle and rule the new country of Conwato and who would go back and rule Orefesto.  Those of high class and royal blood traveled and attended the great festival.  
(5)      
  Ligart and Calsive arrived first, they directed the workmen, butlers, and servants to help set up with the festival.  They helped set tables, design menus, and even create the color theme of the festival.
Calsive talked to the musicians and helped teach them what music would be played.  Ligart helped the artist and educated them on what theme they should focus on.  They spent a month preparing for the festival as the others arrived, that castle was a new born fantasy.  Everyone was talking about it, and no one would forget it.  The birth of a new country, everyone wanted to be there.  So they could tell their children and their grand children that they were there with Prince Ligart and Calsive.  It was the final week; the guests began to pour into the castle.  Many houses had been made for them to stay in, thirty in fact.  The intention of many more would be made after the next month, in order to support the castle and the country of Conwato.  The houses were filled; it was as if a city grew over night.  The first night twenty people arrived.  Calsive could remember hearing only a little chatter at night outside his window.  The next night the number had double.  It was the third night that a total of 200 people were within the castle walls, and the numbers only increased.  The festival was set by the end of the week, a party that'll expand over a time of three days.  There were plays, competitions, dances, and even more glorious games of entertainment.  It was the last day; by midnight of that night the two Princes would meet in the main hall where their father would crown them.  Along with all who came for the festival, they would be seated in the audience.  Their father would crown one of them king of Conwato and the other king of Orefesto by the stroke of midnight.  Then the next day instead of two prince's two kings
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would emerge.  They already had a name for the next day; it would be a national holiday for humans in the world of Hevarth.  'Gevreuld' would be the name of it, also known as "All Kings Day", for two kings would made.  A whole day still resided, the best of plays and games still occured.
        It was eight o'clock in the morning; Ligart had a great day before him.  Possibly one of the greatest days of his life, he was 23 now.  His brother was 24, they were both young and both hoped that they would find suitable women that night to name their queens.  They both wanted to surprise father and present him with two girls to help them run their kingdoms.
        "Today will be a great day", said Ligart as he rose from his bed.  Looking outside his window he noticed people were already up and about.  By the look of it he felt as if he were running late, there were so many people it felt like he slept in on a Saturday.  A whimsical young servant by the name of Pivrune walked in when Ligart was finished.  He had a smile on his face and a wooden cane that had a strip of purple paint wrapped around it.  
        "My lord, come there is much for you to enjoy this day", he said as he skipped out the door.
Pivrune had taken him down the stair case toward the dressing room.  Twirling his cane he skipped a little with his steps. Since it was going to be King's day Ligart needed to be fitted to proper robes for the occasion.  Pivrune lead him to the fitting room where three elderly women dressed him to perfection.  As Ligart was being fitted Calsive helped

(7)
organize the events for the day, to insure all would go as planned.  Calsive had four scrolls under his armpit as he pointed people to their correct posts.  He seemed to be an utter mess.
        Ligart emerged from the fitting room with a crème white undercoat full of golden beads around its linings.  Long pointed brown boots covered his legs and feet, as a long red cloak flowed behind him.  A small pointy hat covered his head as two large red and white feathers protruded out of it.  Two sheaths were strapped to his belt, for later that night he would be presented with the sword of the kingdom that would be chosen for him.  The other sword would be presented to him at midday.  Nerves began to be racked in Ligart's system.  Ligart went outside, it was a glorious day.  A city had emerged over night; hundreds to thousands of people were there.  All of them carrying objects that would help to support the festival.  Some were tent poles, some were archery targets, and some were suits of armor.  Ligart saw some people carrying lances and some carrying fine clothing.  Calsive was beginning to break a sweat by how much work he had to do.  Ligart walked toward him.  People stared in awe at the beauty of his clothing.  Entranced they were by his vibrant colors and King like presence.  Ligart walked behind Calsive and tapped him on the shoulder.
        "A little frustrated my brother", he said with a smirk.
        "Ligart", Calsive said eyes wide.  "My god look at you", he said grabbing his shoulders and brushing his cloak.  Then touching his clothing, "I must look like a mess".
        "A little Calsive, go get changed I'll take care of things for now".
     
(8)
  "Thank you, about time I got a break; I'll be right back", Calsive said as he ran to the castle.  
        Ligart directed the town's folk till noon that day.  They put up large tents and set up games and shows that would start very soon.  Ligart continued until he noticed it was a little past 1, the games had begun and Calsive was nowhere to be seen.  Ligart grew worried and went inside to see where he was.  Ligart asked all the servants, he interrogated everyone he saw.
        "Do you know where Calsive is?  Excuse me have you seen my brother Calsive?  Excuse me Sir, Sir!"
"My lord, I believe he is in the changing room still".
"Oh, thank-you very much", Ligart ran down the hallways and staircases to the changing room.  Hitting himself in the head to why he didn't think of this place first.  Ligart's feet could be heard echoing down the stone halls.  He came upon the door, his hand reached for the door knob.  He stopped; he heard what sounded like yelling behind the door.  It was slightly muffled but he put his ear up to the door.
        "What are we going to do, what are we going to say", Calsive said.
        "Nothing, we can just tell them", said a female voice.
        "Tell them, you mean him".
        Ligart's yes widened, it must've been him he was talking about who else would it be?
     

(9)
   "Well we can't keep on wasting time, he's probably wondering where I am.  Just don't show yourself okay, stay hidden at all costs.  Whatever country I get crowned tonight I'll make sure you come with me.  Just for today, while I'm with my brother stay hidden".
        Ligart heard a gentle kiss on the lips and then footsteps confronting the door.  He couldn't let his brother see him at the door way at this point; he felt things would fall apart between them.  Ligart ran up the stairs, stopping at the first step so that he could see the women that Calsive had brought.  The door opened, Ligart peered from behind a suit of armor down the staircase at Calsive.  He wore ropes as beautiful as his own, except his suit was gold colored and his cape was blue.  Two scabbards lay on his side as Ligart had for himself.  Then behind him Ligart saw the women that Calsive was hiding.  She was a pretty girl he could say that, but he didn't recognize her.  Who is this woman, he thought.  Looking closer to see if he could maybe recognizer her better, he peered around the corner.  She turned and started to walk up the stair case where he was.  Ligart froze hoping she wouldn't see him behind the suit of armor.  
        "Agatha, no this way", Calsive said from behind.
        "Oh sorry still new to this castle", she said descending the stair case.
        "Agatha", Ligart said to himself.  The name immediately had begun a chain reaction of memories flowing to his head.  It was like a match that ignited the dynamite.  Soon Ligart had fallen to the floor clutching his head at the massive epiphany that had just occurred.  There were memories of him happy with her.  Then there was the memory of her saying no to his love request.  Then he saw the memory of the fight with his brother about the situation.  Then he remembered the night of his discovery of
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his brother with her.  His remorse, his deep depression for his loss of love and his broken heart thrust back into his mind.  Vengeance, anger began to flow with his brain.  As Calsive and Agatha had left, Ligart screamed and knocked the suit of armor over in anger.  His breathing was rapid, his muscles tensed.  
        "Why, my brother lies to me for the last time", Ligart said as he readjusted himself and walked out of the castle.
        They watched and participated with the games.  He felt a little better while playing the festival games.  It helped him forget about Agatha and encouraged him to just enjoy the night.  A little later than expected but Ligart and Calsive were presented with their first swords of the day.  Ligarts handles was red as Calvices was blue, they were amazing.  Done with fabulous craftsmanship, white marble covered the handle.  As the top and bottoms of the handles looked like human fist's made in a mixture of gold and copper.  It was beautiful; the top hand even had what looked like red and blue rings on it.  A work of art, Ligart could not stop looking down at his sheath to see the beautiful wonder.  They continued to enjoy the festival.  There were some great sword fights by the finest swordsmen of all the land.  Kings and Queens from countries such as Locutar, Duckto, Rhinosubore had come to insure they were a part of history.  Everyone one approached Ligart and Calsive and seemed to worship them like heros.  Letting them know how honored they were for being there.  Then there were a couple of amusing plays that both Calsive and Ligart enjoyed.  It was an hour before midnight.  Everyone was in the main hall, dancing and eating to beautiful music.

(11)
        Ligart swirled is wine glass as his thoughts were still directed toward Agatha.  How she could be here from all that time, and with his brother of all people."  No", he thought to himself.
        "I can't let this ruin my night, for now just forget it.  For god sake, it's less then an hour before I will become a king".  Ligart stopped swirling his glass and poured the wine down his throat.  A slight tingling occurred; a buzz vibrated his muscles.  Not too strong, but enough to get his body moving.  Ligart stood with a step in his legs, a dance moved up and to his hips.  Some of his friends slapped him on the shoulder.
        "Nice of you to join the party", one of them said.  Ligart joined the circle and began to become entwined in the musical number occurring.  The night went on; Ligart was also known for his dancing.  Becoming loose when needed, many men envied his ability to thrust his body in a rhythmic fashion.  As he danced on he caught someone's eye.  Ligart looked, it was a women.  He looked away and continued to dance, hoping that she would focus on him more.  Thrusting his hips everywhere, a trickle of sweat poured past his ear but he didn't care.  Ligart looked back; the girl looked at him more.  Now it was time, Ligart make a swift move and turned facing her.  Before he was able to say anything he noticed right away, it was Agatha.  Ligart stuttered surprised it was her and stared.
        "My god Agatha, what are you doing here"?
        "Your brother invited me, I wanted to see you".
        "Oh, well how have you been doing"?
      
(12)
  "Not bad you know getting here and there, wanted to make sure I was a part of history when I came here".
        The music then stopped being upbeat, it grew quiet as the dancers began to settle down.  Then a single violinist began to play a quite but lovely tune.  Men and women began to embrace each other, wrapping their arms around their bodies.  The females rested their heads on their male partner's chest.  The men rested their bony chins on their partner's heads.  They slowly danced in the torch light.  
        "Well, do you want to dance", said Agatha.
       Ligart was hesitant, quickly remembering all the misery his brother and this lady before him had put him through.  Maybe this was a farewell present from his brother.  Maybe this was his way of saying he was sorry, bringing Agatha.  This could be the best night of his life right here; he couldn't just waste the moment.
        "Yeah, let's dance", Ligart said embracing Agatha.  "So why did you really come, Agatha.  Are you and my brother trying to get back together"?
        "No, well here is the truth.  I feel terrible about what I did to you", she said brushing her fingers down his cheek.  "I don't know what it is about your bother, but it's all in the past now.  I like you Ligart, I want to know you better.  I wasted so much time with your bother when it was you who I loved all along".
        Ligart grabbed her hand from stroking the hair on his cheek.
        "I don't know, you hurt me pretty bad.  I just don't know about this".
        She put her hand on his lips.  "Pleas Ligart, let me make this right".  She reached forward and kissed him.  Ligart couldn't help but to kiss back.  They danced the night
(13)
away, with her head on his chest.  Looking down at her Ligart saw his life. It was in her hands, and now the odds moved toward him for once.  He couldn't feel more thankful in his life then that very moment.
        "My people, please it is time", said Calsives and Ligart's father.  He was a tall old man; his sons were around the same height.  A short white braided beard fell down his chin as his wrinkled eyes peered out toward the crowd.  
        "My people please settle down.  Take your seats", his booming voice filled the entire hall.  Everyone from all of Hevarth was there, the historic moment they were all waiting for.  The king looked down at the vast crowd; his bright golden crown illuminated his face.  
        "My friends, and brothers, and sisters from afar, I bring you my two sons, Calsive and Ligart Malstrung".  His arms stretched wide, his two sons to step forward.  Both of them kneeled before they're parents.  Their mother Victoria stood next to her husband.
        "I first give thee my son Calsive, the strong, the musical, and the brave the sword of Demure.  The sword describes its user, a modest, reserved, and serious man.  I present this sword To Calsive Malstrung my first son, in hopes that he may use it in times justice and honor".
        Their father knighted him and gave the sword to Victoria who gave the sword to Calsive along with a kiss on the cheek.  The crowd applauded as Calsive stared at the sword.  Its handle was a mix between a lion and a dragon fighting over the blade.  A sign of bravery and fearlessness both meant only for a king.  Calsive sheathed the sword and kneeled once more.  
(14)       
"Now my youngest of kin, Ligart Malstrung I give you the sword of fauvism, in hopes that you may slay your enemies in the same matter you color our world.  With your skill and love will you rule".  He knighted Ligart on both shoulders, and then gave the sword to Victoria.  Who then gave the sword to Ligart along with a kiss on the cheek.  The crowd applauded once again.  Ligart looked at his sword, the handle was in the shape of a hand the held the blade as one would hold a paint brush.  He smiled then looked at Calsive who winked at him and smiling back.  The moon was at the highest point in the sky, it was midnight.  Bells sounded in the tower not far, announcing the end of the day and the beginning of another.
        "Now my people, the historic moment you have all been waiting for.  It is time to crown a King of Orefesto and a new king of Conwato"!!!
        At this he held his hands high in the air as the crowd whistled and applauded, they couldn't wait to see who would be king.  Some had even placed bets on who would be king of Conwato and who would be king of Orefesto.  The girls jumped up and down, the boys screamed at the sound.  The seniors simply smiled, as the parents held their children high in the air so they could see.
        "I shall first announce the new king of Orefesto, who will take my place in these next long years".  He removed the crown from his white head, and held it in his hands.  
The crowd sat at the edge of their chairs, this was the moment that they would tell their children for generation to come.
        "I hear by crown king of Orefesto to rule in my stead for our future years to come.  The future face of Orefesto, I crown Calsive Malstrung"!!
(15)       
The crowd cheered greater then they had ever cheered before.  It is said that a whisper could be heard in the wind that very night in Orefesto.  Calsive stood as his father stepped down, eye level with him.  He placed the crown on his head.  Calvice then spun and looked to his people.
        "Behold your king Calsive Malstrung of Orefesto".  The crowd cheered his name, not just a king but an idol, a hero, a god for future to come.
        "Now, as you may have foreseen I give you king of Conwato Ligart Malstrung"!!
        Victoria handed his husband a white crown with blue stripes engraved in it.  He then took the crown and placed it on Ligarts head.  He then hugged both of his sons and moved them to face the crowd.
        "Behold your new kings, embrace and love them as you embraced and loved me".
        The crowd went wild, people began to play music and sing and dance as messengers were already sending birds to distant cities to spread the news.  Calsive and Ligart hugged their father, they then hugged each other.  They turned as artist began to paint and draw quick portraits of them.  
        They drank, ate, danced, and had the merriest time of their lives.  Soon Calsive and Ligart walked toward their rooms to retire.  Ligart couldn't find Agatha anywhere, ever since that dance he had before the crowning he hadn't seen here.  He had been asking and looking everywhere.  Loss of hope then drove him to retired his tired body to bed.  As he walked down the second to last hallway he stopped.  He heard her voice.  Looking everywhere he followed the sound.  Ligart looked down the hallway that led to a balcony.  There she was with another man kissing in the moon light.
(16)    
    "No", said Ligart", no not again".  His hand grasped his sword of fauvism.  Ligart crept a little closer; trying to see who this man was that had stolen his one true love.
"I lost her once, I can't lose her again".
        Ligart peered closer, it was Calsive.  No it couldn't be, he walked even closer.  There was no mistaking it, it was his brother Calsive.  How could this happen, how could he do this to him?
        "Calsive"!, said Ligart with his sword drawn.  Agatha looked quickly.
        "Oh god, I'm so sorry", she said as she ran crying, "I'm so sorry".
        "What do you think you're doing", Ligart said approaching Calsive.
        "I can explain, this is not the time for a fight Ligart.  Come to your senses, the people do not want to remember this night as the night two kings were crowned and two kings fell".
        "You want to steal her from me again, that's what this is all about isn't it"?
        "No it's not, Ligart wait just".
        "Ahhh", Ligart said as he swung his sword at him.  Calsive drew his sword quickly and blocked it.
        "Enough, she thought that I was you it was a common mistake".
        "That's your excuse, after all my sorrows after all the times I forgave you you turned your back and betrayed me.  You are not my brother, you are something else, you are not the Calsive I knew.  What stands before me is an arrogant king who has changed into a monster".  Ligart swung his sword again; Calsive blocked these strokes

(17)
as quickly as he could.  They began to fight on the balcony railing, their swords clashing together.  The sounds of the durable metal reverberated off the walls.
        "Ligart it's the truth".
        "Liar, why should I believe you"?
        They began to climb the outside walls of the castle, clashing their swords in the moonlight.  Ligart kicked Calsive in the chest, he fell backward falling to the roofs edge.  His upper body hung off the wall, over a hundred feet lay beneath him.  Vertigo took its toll; he sprung from the edge and struck Ligart.  It had missed but Ligart made a swift move and retaliated.  He struck Calsives ear, part of it fell on off the roof top.  An empty triangle was made in his left ear as it began to bleed.  Calsive screamed and fell on his back.  Ligart transformed into a hulk of a creature, staring down at Calsive with his sword pointing to his throat.  
        "Brother why, why would you do this to me"?
        "Because she loves me, and I love her".
        "You lie; she confessed her love toward me just an hour ago".
        "I wanted you to feel good so I thought she should make up for everything that happened to you".  Ligarts eyes grew monstrous as they stared down at Calsive in a haunting fashion.
        "I loved her Calsive, it's the only thing you had that I wanted.  Even now when I had long forgotten her you still thrust her in my face, to hell with you".
        Ligarts sword flew down like lightning.  Calsive had grabbed his sword and blocked  the blow just in time.
(18)     
   "I'm sorry my brother, I had always loved you", Calsive said as he kicked Ligart in the chest.  Ligart inhaled painfully and was thrown above Calsive.  He then fell parallel to the castle wall head toward the ground, he screamed along the way down.
        "Calsive"!!!!! He screamed as he fell.
        Calsive turned to his feet and looked over the edge.  A tear fell from his eye, how could things go wrong so fast?  Looking down he saw that Ligart hadn't fallen far, he lay facing up on a balcony just a little below the one they were on.  His body sprawled out, the moon light bathing him in a yellowish glow.  
        "So sorry brother, I'm so sorry", Calsive said as he disappeared from sight.  A woman screamed as she saw Ligart on the balcony.  Many others came; voices began to grow in volume.  Pivrune was the first to alert the past king.
        "My god what happened"?
        "Is he alive, what happened"?
        The sounds echoed the castle halls, as the past king came out to see his son.
        "Get a wizard immediately; carry him to the mess hall".
        Calsive had left a letter to his father, telling him of how he had an urgent matter back at Orefesto, having to return immediately.  Agatha joined him, return as Calsives wife Queen of Orefesto for many years to come.  Ligart lived but was disfigured with a hunching back due to his fall.  His face had twisted, and he had become more of a creature then a man.  He reigned as a king for only a year and a half before he lost his mind.  The town's people of Conwato had fled back to Orefesto.  Ligart had grown mad, depression had settled in once again.  He had walked beyond the boundaries of the
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walls one day and was found bitten by a Suzyria, a creature who was a distant cousin to the Mungrols.  Mungrols were creatures who infected others transforming them into Scry Mungrols, monstrous trolls to do their bidding.  But Ligart had become something more sinister and strange in the end.  Of which was why the castle soon grew empty.  A hunch backed monster now roams the stone halls.  Screaming at night for the one he loved, tearing visitor's limb from limb for the anger that swelled his brain.  A great legend is told of how there is a single room where he spends most of his time.  For if you found this room you would discover, an ancient secret that leads to the great vessel lost in the woods of Locutar.  Something a visitor had once, but Ligart now a days doesn't take too kindly to visitors.  The vessel in Locuatar holds a key that goes to an ancient grave deep in the Mungrol Mountains.  This secret lies in one of the rooms in the castle, behind a red door.  But there is a catch; this red door is not on the outside of the room but the inside.  It isn't red from paint, but red from those who dared seek out this secret.
        "I don't understand what this secret has to do with you, and your current predicament", said the judge.  "This ancient fairy tale has only distracted the audience from the current matter.  It has distracted them from your crimes of murder and thievery in the city of Orefesto".
        "It was not murder, I cannot control it.  Thievery was the only way I could survive, the last couple of days for I had no money".
        "Control what, something you stole"?
        The criminal lifted a sac filled with something and dropped it on the table.  
        "The secret behind the Red Door".