The Emerald Throne

by Sarah Coley

  At the end of the fourth day when Eleanor was beginning to wonder if Rogard even existed, they spotted a white gleaming city in the distance. The walls seemed high and gleamed a brilliant white. Eleanor was forced to squint from the sun hitting the painted walls. Just above the walls, Eleanor could make out towers and high roofs cascading from a central fortress within. The roofing on the towers were grey in comparison, and draped magnificently over the tall towers of the inner keep.

  From a distance, the city didn't seem that big, at least not by the modern day standards that Eleanor was used to, but compared to the several small hamlets they'd passed through on their way here, it was impressive.

  They camped that evening in a small meadow just off the great road, and as night settled in, the roar of the camp fire became more welcoming. Eleanor sat herself down opposite Astel who was showing a map of the city to Owen.

  “How big is the population of Rogard Astel?” Eleanor asked whilst taking a sneak peak at the map on Astel's lap.

  “Approximately seventy seven thousand give or take. There has been a recent influx of refugees from the northern villages given the raids, but the King decided to shut the gates after the first influx came through, and there are now several camp sites set up around the city walls.”

  “What about provisions? What amenities does the city have?” Eleanor asked.

  “The Kings palace and the magic tower are found in the Northern part of the city. They contain the treasury and the city guard barracks. The rest of the city is mainly made up of traders and their families. The city has it's own water supply as it's build so close to the river Igrait, and the majority of our food comes from the surrounding villages.”

  “And yet the King couldn't help his own people who have come to the city for aid? Why?” Owen asked in disbelief.

  “Because the King’s a mental, selfish bastard,” Brennus piped up in the background. It was his turn to cook dinner that evening, although no one was entirely sure what it was he was cooking.

  “Brennus that's quite unfair. The King works hard to...”

  “He sits there with his paranoia and his riches whilst Goblins attack his borders, and his people live in poverty. He cares for no one but himself,” Brennus was speaking with such venom that Eleanor was concerned Astel might become offended.

  “Brennus, you are an outlaw by choice. You've never met the King, and have spent most of your life thieving off people in the Elven woods. Normal hard working people who have little to give, but you take it anyway. You're opinion is based purely of gossip and hearsay, and is hypocritical at best. If you truly cared for these people, you’d stop thieving off them and do something to help rather than making the matter worse,” Astel spoke with an authoritative tone but kept her composure.

  “Think what you will mage, but I wasn't born in those woods. I had a home and a family, but thanks to your King I lost that at a very young age. He sat behind his palace doors whilst my family was massacred by Goblins and he did nothing,” Brennus shook his head and went back to cooking.

  “What about Prince Elian? What's he like?” Owen asked desperate to change the subject.

  “He cares a great deal about his people. He is always generous, fair and kind, but his father is King so he has to follow his orders,” Astel said with a hint of a smile, “when we reach Rogard, it is he I will speak to.”

  “I heard he was a pompous, spoiled brat,” Brennus interjected.

  “Well you heard wrong Brennus. Besides, wasn't it you who impersonated the Prince to get yourself out of a sticky situation a few years ago?”

  “You impersonated the Prince?” Eleanor asked in disbelief.

  “It was a minor misunderstanding with a governor on the coast."

  "Another governor? You have a lot of these minor misunderstandings don't you Brennus?” Eleanor joked.

  “You impersonated the King’s son in order to justify you being in the docks warehouse at three in the morning Brennus. Why do you think he was angry?” Astel asked in disbelief.

  “Even so, there’s no need to raise that bounty on my head. I'm risking my neck accompanying you here. This reward better be worth it mage.”

  "Does Brennus even look like Prince Elian?" Owen asked.

  "Well, if the Prince is all good looks and charm then we could be twins,” Brennus replied.

  Astel rolled her eyes. “The Prince is taller than you, has more muscle and is blond. You were never going to pull that heist off Brennus. Don't worry, you'll get exactly what you want,” Astel answered shaking her head before returning to her maps.

  “Right. On a different note, grubs up everyone,” Brennus said whilst passing something black on a plate to Owen.

  “It might be a bit crunchy on the outside,” Brennus announced, "but it'll keep you full until morning."

  “And crunchy on the inside,” whispered Owen as he poked the meal.

  “What was that?”

  “Nothing Brennus!”

  The next morning, they awoke before dawn and quickly packed up the camp. It took the rest of the morning to reach the city, but as they approached, Eleanor was breath taken by the sheer size of the external walls. It had to be as high as a three story house and hurt her eyes with the brightness of it.

  Eleanor figured the walls had to be built and then painted, as limestone or chalk wouldn't offer a good enough defense or stability. Around the walls was a moat that spanned a good twenty five metres across, and on the far side, away from the walls were small tents and camp fires, presumably set up by the refugees Astel had spoken of.

  They kept up their pursuit of the outer wall until it opened out to a large draw bridge and huge gate complete with grates. At the top of each side of the gates was a stone carving of a man wielding a shield containing the symbol of a dragon. Eleanor surmised that the statue was Arthur judging on his importance to this place. A guard was positioned at each side of the gate with a large spear in one hand.

  Astel slowed her horse as she approached and the others followed suit.

  “Lady Astel. It is good to see you back. The King awaits your arrival,” one of the guards spoke as they both parted to let Astel's party through. Eleanor noticed Brennus had raised the cloak of his hood in order to hide his appearance.

  “Thank you kind knight. I will go without delay to the palace,” She replied. The two guards banged their fist against their armour in response before moving aside.

  After entering the gates, they took an immediate right and meandered through narrow street after narrow street. Some were lined with shop, and others with houses or inns. The roads were cobble stoned and the houses were timbered. Eleanor felt as though she'd entered Shakespearean England, and she could see Owen was in equal awe. The majority of the people they encountered were on foot and dressed in a similar style to Eleanor and Owen.

  As the four of them meandered through the crowded streets, people stepped to the sides, stirring at them or bowing slightly to Astel. What struck Eleanor was how poor these people seemed. There where several shops and market stalls as they traveled, but most of the people she looked at were dirty and begging for food. Was this really what Astel wanted to save, and if this Elian was so great, why did he let his people live like this?

  Eleanor was about to mention this to Astel, when they arrived at another, smaller wall and a large set of iron gates. Beyond was a large castle like structure, white like the outer walls of the city, with a large court yard. The floor of the courtyard was cobbled, and various people were going about their business. There were many paths and doorways giving way to various walkways going off in all directions, and ornate alabaster gargoyles and spinally staircases and balcony’s were everywhere Eleanor looked. It reminded Eleanor of all the fairy tales she had read when she was younger, and she half expected to see medieval damsels walking the grand staircases and paths.

  They came to a stop at the foot of a large flight of white steps the rose to a massive entrance. This was probably the main entrance judging b
y the guards that stood in the doorway. Eleanor got down from her horse and followed Astel into the main keep in front of them. Owen fell in beside Eleanor with Brennus at the back.

  “Can you believe this?” Owen asked in a hushed tone.

  “Not even remotely,” Eleanor replied is disbelief.

  A servant greeted Astel at the door. He was dressed in a red tunic and brown trousers, and carried an air of grace as he walked despite the fact he appeared to be getting on in years.

  “My dear Lady Astel. It is a delight to see you back from your quest. I'm sure the King will be over the moon to see you.”

  “Thank you Gerald,” Astel replied. “Tell me, where may I find Prince Elian? I have much to discuss with him.”

  “Oh, my Lady I thought you knew. The Prince did not return from his expedition to our Northern borders. He's feared missing or dead.”

  “When did this happen?” Astel snapped. Astel was clearly shaken by this news and stood for a few moments debating her next move. Gerald looked suddenly anxious and withdrew slightly for fear of getting fried.

  “He was meant to return a week ago my lady, but no one has heard from him since. Scouts have been sent to find him but have so far found nothing.”

  Astel was shaking with a mixture of anxiousness and rage. “You'd better take me to the king immediately.”

  Chapter 13

  Astel practically frog marched to the doors of the throne room and had to stop herself from barging straight in. Why hadn't she been informed of this sooner? After all, the King had messengers.

  The others were chasing after her and were panting from the effort of keeping up. Gerald was at the back of the group, running and shouting for Astel to stop, with his arms waving loudly, but how could she? She could hardly think straight. What if something bad had happened to him. What if he was captured? What would those evil crooks be doing to him right now? If he was still alive. Coming to Rogard was wasting her time. She needed to leave the city, head North and find him, and she had to do it fast.

  She took several deep breaths as she paused in front of the great wooden doors that lead into the throne room. The King was difficult at the best of times and she would needs her wits about her if she was going to succeed.

  Astel wasn't sure it was a good idea bringing Eleanor and Owen to see the King this early on when she’d not had chance to formulate a better plan, but she didn't have a choice now. As for Brennus, well he could look after himself.

  “I don't think I should be here,” Brennus whispered in her ear with his hood still up.

  “We haven't got time to rethink this. If there's no Prince Elian, then there's no reward Brennus,” Astel pleaded.

  “I knew I shouldn't have trusted you. Now we're all going to hang because of your actions. I need time to find an escape root out of the dragons layer,”he spat in her ear.

  “Don't be ridiculous. I'm the head mage. You're safe with me. Besides, I've seen the way you look at Eleanor when you think she's not looking. You couldn't leave her here even if you had the opportunity.”

  Brennus smirked a little. “ That is the worst excuse to justify your reasons I have ever heard, but I still want my pay,” He demanded.

  “Are my ears burning back here of did I just here my name,” Eleanor suddenly spoke.

  “It's nothing to worry about Eleanor,” Astel replied.

  “Why do I not believe you Astel,” Eleanor mumbled.

  Just as Astel was about to answer that remark, the doors opened slightly and Gerald re-emerged with a bow, still panting from all the running.

  "The King will see you now My lady. Where would you like your guest to wait?” He asked.

  Astel knew that if the King was in a wrong mood, everyone’s lives would be at stake. It was safer to keep them with her than sent them away and risk them being discovered anyway. At least this way she could protect them if she needed to. “They're with me,” She replied.

  “Very well,” Gerald bowed and opened the double doors before bowing close to the ground.

  Eleanor walked through the thick wooden doors that were guarded by two knights with long pikes, and was overcome by the opulence of the throne room. It was a large open hall with windows from the floor to the ceiling to let in the light. There was a red carpet leading down the middle of the hall up to what appeared to be a gold thrown, and on each side of the procession were a combination of statues of people that Eleanor didn't even recognise, and large hearths with roaring fires in them. As they reached the end of the hall to the raised platform that contained the throne, Astel bowed deeply. Eleanor did the same as did the rest of them only now realizing someone was sat in the throne itself.

  He was old, possibly in his late seventies, with balding hair and deep blue eyes. He had a long hooked nose and carried an air of disapproval with him. He wore red robes with fur around the edges, and a gold crown upon his head that was inlayed with the green crystals Eleanor's necklace contained. He looked at them one at a time for some length, with a mixture of disgust and growing anger in his eyes before settling on Astel.

  “Where have you been?” He snapped at Astel. His nasally voice adding to his cruel features.

  “In the Elven wood my King, as we discussed when Elian left for the borders,” Astel answered. Fear was obvious on her voice but didn't show in her face. You clearly didn't mess with this guy.

  “You mean to tell me whilst my son was off fighting Goblins and getting himself captured possibly killed, you were hiding away in that forest consorting with my enemy?” The King bellowed. Things were not going well.

  “My King I was not consorting with anyone. No one has seen the elves for years. I was merely following your sons orders in trying to find a spell that could end this conflict.”

  “And did you?”

  “Yes my Lord. I discovered the ancient spell that the great Merlin cast to bring Arthur to our realm.”

  The King chuckled to himself. “Really Astel, and what were your results? If any.”

  Astel turned to face Eleanor and then Owen for a short while before bowing her head slightly, regret etched on face. Eleanor did not like were this was going.

  “It was a success my Lord. Two people from Albion have come to us. The prophecy is fore filling itself.”

  “Really? Well bring these two closer then,” King Edgar snapped in annoyance, but had a look of mild interest on his face. The cat was definitely out the bag now. Eleanor knew they would either be accepted as these heroes that Astel seemed to think they were which judging by this King was highly doubtful, or thrown into a very deep pit never to be seen again.

  Eleanor and Owen stepped forwards on either side of Astel and bowed again. The King did not look impressed by their presence. “You bring me a boy and a woman to end Rogardium's troubles. Tell me, does the boy do magic or the woman fight? We need warriors not hand maidens and children.”

  “We're detectives my Lord,” Eleanor answered before Astel could respond.

  “And what is a detective pray?”

  “We look into crimes to find answers,” Owen answered.

  “Really? And what is your hypothesis on the disappearance of my son detective?” The King asked them both mockingly.

  “I fear we have only just learned of your sons disappearance my Lord since entering the palace.” Eleanor answered. Eleanor wasn't about to admit that her immediate thoughts on Prince Elian's disappearance was that he was most probably dead. She knew that in ninety percent of missing cases if the person wasn't found within 48 hours, the chances of finding them alive were slim.

  “It's as I've feared,” The King declared whilst shaking slightly, “My son has been captured by Goblins and you've picked up two strays you believe to be the chosen ones. Shame on you mage. I’d have expected greater things from the successor of Balzidar. Pray, whose you're hooded companion there? A jester?” The King smiled but because of his cruel features it came out as more of a sneer.

  “No my Lord. This is our protector. He saved us
in the woods on the way here,” Astel answered.

  “His name!” The king asked impatiently. Astel bowed her head in shame.

  “Brennus my Lord.”

  “Brennus! The same Brennus who impersonated my son and constantly steals gold from my coppers. How dare you! I should see you all hanged for this treachery,” he bellowed. “You bring two useless mortals and an outlaw before me and tell me that they are going to find my son and save the kingdom? Luckily for you Astel, we need you're magic here to find my son so you're misdeed is forfeit for now. Consider yourself lucky. As for these rogues, throw them in the dungeon and they will hang in the morning. Do not waste my time again with fairy tales Astel.”

  The King abruptly stood as several guards closed in from all directions.

  Eleanor was furious, and judging by Owen's expression so was he. How dare this smarmy King decide her fate for her. He didn't even know her. She'd made a big mistake coming here and she knew it now.

  She started to edge forward whilst unsheathing her dagger to go for the King, but felt a strong grip around her wrist. She turned around to see that it was Brennus and he was shaking his head at her, having picked up on her actions.

  “Not now,” He whispered, “Too many guards.”

  “What, we're going to let this bastard take us? I didn't sign up to get killed Brennus.”

  “You pick your battles. This isn't it. Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to us.”

  Eleanor sheathed her dagger before moving in closer to Brennus and Owen as the three of them were being closed in. She could hear Astel protesting in the background, but knew that she wouldn't disobey her King even if he was completely mad.

  “So what's the plan?” Owen asked in a whisper as the guards surrounding them began to raise their swords.

  “There isn't one,” Eleanor replied.

  “Shit!”

  “You took the words right out of my mouth Owen.”