Mr. Kaliester gives the order to open the gate for entrance past the wall. The guards standing at the gate make their way to the portion of the wall in front of us and murmur a spell.
A small entrance appears from within the stone wall, which we are then led through.
Past the stone wall lies Avalon Castle, a most beautiful castle indeed. The grounds are decorated with lush gardens containing foliage of all varieties. We follow Mr. Kaliester down the walkway.
"Halt!" Mr. Kaliester barks, stopping our advance. "We must wait for permission to enter the royal grounds,"
"Can't we just walk forward?" the fool asks.
Mr. Kaliester takes a sword from one of the knights, then proceeds to toss it ahead of us. In an instant, the blade starts to scatter and turn into dust…scattering in the wind.
"The royal grounds have the most impregnable defense within the city," Mr. Kaliester begins. "Without recognition from the caster, one will cease to exist if they step foot inside."
An attendant approaches us; the man is rather old and rather bespoke.
"If you please," the attendant inquires.
We follow him to the castle chambers, where Mr. Kaliester motions for us to stop.
The attendant steps forth. "Sir Kaliester, Captain of the Royal Knights, has arrived with the accused," he announces.
Mr. Kaliester enters as we follow him into the chambers, which is filled with spectators. Judging by their appearances, they are of the highest standings in the city. We are led a short distance to the throne before Mr. Kailester has us stop.
The crowd falls silent as the doors to our right open.
9
BARIN
Kaliester kneels, as do the rest of those in attendance. The old man who led us in is the only one to remain standing.
"I present his Royal Majesty, the thirty-fourth King of Avalon, third of his name, Allasol Zodar Selaric," the old man announces.
Through the doors, The King emerges, and everyone lowers their heads even further. Asteria and The Princess quickly show their respect for The King, leaving Aryn and I the only two standing.
The King of Avalon doesn't have the appearance of a normal king. He is dressed in a uniform with a black cape across his shoulder. His hair doesn't appear to be done in the typical way of the city's higher-class citizens. The only thing that gives off a king's appearance is the crown on his head, which is just a metal circle.
The King takes his seat on the throne.
You may relax," he commands the crowd.
His voice carries weight and sternness. It's clear that he has earned the respect of his citizens…well, at least those currently in the castle.
Two knights force Aryn and me to our knees, striking the back of our heads in the process. We're kept on our knees while The King settles, which seems to irritate The Princess.
The Princess stands. "King of Avalon, I am Princess of Aelfdene. I would like the courtesy that is expected to be shown to fellow royals," The Princess demands.
A knight approaches The Princess to restrain her.
"Who told you to move?" The King asks. The King's comment makes the knight halt. "Unless you are going to bring Princess Isla comfortable arrangement, I suggest you remove yourself from my sight," The King states.
The knight stands still for a moment, visibly confused, then leaves in a hurry. An official steps forward to speak, but The King raises his hand to hush him.
"Your Majesty?" the official questions.
"I told you to remain quiet. Do you dare go against my orders?" The King responds.
The official backs down, cowering as he lowers his head. The King hasn't raised his voice, yet it bellows through the hall. The King leans on his hand in silence. He remains like that for some time. Confused, the crowd remains silent as well.
Moments later, the two knights return with a large, cushioned chair and proceed to place it down for The Princess to sit in.
"My sincerest apologizes for the way the guards have handled you, Princess Isla. I do hope you are more comfortable now," The King remarks.
The Princess settles into the chair. "My thanks, King Allasol; this is somewhat pleasing," The Princess states.
The King smiles. "I am glad to hear that. I do hope you can return the favor and keep yourself silent unless I ask you to speak from now on," he responds.
The King’s affixed glare stops The Princess from speaking a rebuttal. I have to say…The King's gaze is full of unexpected power and authority.
The King motions for the official to begin the trial. The official hesitates to step forward, which agitates The King. A heavy pressure surrounds The King, intimidated, the official steps up.
"W-we are here on this day." He clears his throat. "We are here on this day to have these scoundrels answer for their crimes," he declares. "They stand accused of causing havoc at Avalon Academy, attempts to disrupt the governing powers, the disappearance of a slave merchant and worst of all… the death of our beloved Lord D'eon," the official finishes.
There are gasps and cries from the crowd. I'm sure they all loved Chevalier, but I don't recall meeting a slave merchant.
"I now present the main accuser, the man who fought them off, the man who nurtures our future, the ever so wise, Headmaster Regin," the official introduces.
From the doors to the left emerges that fucker Regin. For some reason, he has bandages wrapped around part of his head.
He makes his way to a chair adjacent to The King.
"Headmaster Regin," the official states. He begins making his way towards the cocksucker. "Are these the ones who caused so much chaos and destruction at the academy?" he inquires.
Regin turns his head towards us. "Yes, it was these candidates that attacked Avalon Academy and its teachers as we tried to protect the other students," he answers somberly.
More murmurs arise from the crowd. These people are blind to what actually happens in the city, only worrying about maintaining their lavish lifestyles. The King raises his hand to silence the crowd. The official moves closer towards Regin.
"Can you confirm if these are the ones who killed Lord D'eon?" the official asks.
Regin wipes a tear away then shakes his head, confirming that we committed the crime.
I'm beginning to think Aryn and I should make a run for it. The shackles on us may pose a problem, but I'm sure we would find a way of the city. It wouldn't be the first time Aryn and I have been on the run from a kind.
The Princess stands from her chair. "King of Avalon, I have not committed a single crime since I have entered this city, and neither has Asteria," she rebuts. "It was the brothers who attempted to defy the Academy and are the ones who killed Lord D'eon!" she snaps.
The King glances at her, The Princess quiets down. The King then motions for The Princess to take a seat…which she does. I guess even someone as high and mighty as The Princess recognizes one with more power than herself.
"Is that true?" the official asks me.
I look over at Regin, the shit sneaks a smirk at me. "I suppose it's not untrue," I reply.
The official walks towards The King. "But that was not enough, was it? You had to beat Headmaster Regin whilst he protected the students—the city's children and future!" he declares.
The crowd erupts into an uproar, I hear a few people shout for our deaths. The King raises his hand in an attempt to quiet the crowd; too bad they seem to have their intent on killing us at the moment.
"Silence!" The King commands.
The crowd hushes.
"Excuse me," Aryn interrupts, "None of us actually got the chance to hit him," he says with a chuckle.
The runes on Aryn's collar begin to glow, causing him to fall over in agony. Aryn doesn't scream, but by the look on his face, one can clearly see the amount of pain he's in.
I start an enchantment when my shackles glow too.
Unlike Aryn, I don't feel any pain, but these damn restraints are keeping me from using any mana to help him.
I dart my eyes at The King… his calculating gaze is fixed solely on Aryn and me. This king isn't one to take lightly; he's made the preparations to immobilize us.
I go to check on Aryn when a knight strikes me in the back with a club.
The crowd cheers as blood drips from my head. I turn to face the knight, who strikes me again, this time on the side of my head. I fall to the ground, partially dazed.
"Please, do not hurt them!" Asteria cries.
The King raises his hand for the runes on Aryn's shackles to stop. "I do hope you will refrain from causing an unsightly show," The King remarks.
Regin stands and shuffles in front of The King.
"Please, I humbly ask your Majesty, with a heavy heart, that you pass due judgment on these evil heretics," he begs as he prostrates himself.
"Punish them!" someone yells from the crowd, causing another uproar.
Aryn sits back up after recovering from the pain, and he's not in a pleasant mood. Maybe now he will feel like leaving this city.
The King raises his hand to silence the crowd. "I will now give a punishment I see suitable for their crimes," he announces. "The people brought to me, for their terrible deeds to my fair city, shall become our heroes," The King finishes.
The room falls silent. Everyone seems to be just as confused as I am. Why the fuck would The King declare us heroes of the kingdom?
“You will not take their lives for the insult they have brought Avalon Academy and me!?” Regin exclaims.
He rises swiftly and moves towards the throne, yet stops once he meets The King's eyes.
"Oh?" The King remarks. "Do you find my decision to be undesirable? If so, please tell me how to rule my kingdom," The King growls.
The pressure from The King is too much for Regin to stand against. Regin grits his teeth before stepping back from the throne.
"These four will, from this day onward, set out to save this magnificent country from any perils," The King states.
The nobles and knights in the hall can't hide their bewilderment from The King's declaration.
"I think I know what this is about," I interject. "You're taking care of two problems at once by doing this. We solve any issues arising in the land, and the chances of us dying is dangerously high," I state.
Aryn laughs. "You are a sly one," he remarks.
Asteria sits silent, most likely contemplating if she will die soon.
The Princess stands. "My father will not stand for this. I am not one of your citizens to command," she declares.
The King rises from his throne, then proceeds to walk down the stairs, the whole while, his gaze on The Princess.
He makes his way in front of her. "Your father was quite clear that you are under my authority and will adhere to my decree, Princess Isla Marin Parisa Siofra Aelfdene. I contacted your father as soon as this matter was brought to my attention," The King states. "He gave his blessings for you to be tried by my country's laws. Your father, being the understanding man he is, will not intervene in any matters involving your sentence," he declares.
The Princess glares at The King. "You are a boar of a man who lacks the dignity that comes with being royalty," she responds. "How dare you conjure false words from my father to satisfy your needs," The Princess sneers.
The King starts to make a comment when The Princess spits in his face.
The King wipes the spit off, then calls a knight over, "Take the chair away," he orders.
The knight then proceeds to take the chair that was brought out for The Princess.
Aryn starts a deep muffled laugh, gradually becoming the laugh of a madman. "This is just great," Aryn remarks. "So, what happens if we do become the heroes of Avalon? Will we be awarded titles and land that we can retire and grow old on, or are we going to spend the rest of our lives fighting all of your battles until we die on some random field?" he asks.
The King walks over to Aryn and stands in front of him. Aryn rises to meet The King's gaze.
They both stare at each other, though I can't say they meet at eye level, with Aryn being almost a head above him.
Finally, The King speaks. "You have the coldest eyes that I have ever seen," he remarks. "I have never felt such empathy for someone… yet felt so much fear from their gaze."
Aryn is visibly disturbed as The King starts to cry.
"I cannot begin to imagine the life you have lived, but it will not get any easier for you," The King states. "You will be faced with trials you will never have thought you will be in. You will see horrors that even the most gruesome stories could not hope to depict. Looking at your eyes, I truly do wish that I did not have to give such a deed to you," he finishes.
Aryn glares at The King. "If you dare to take pity on me again—"
"What, you will kill me?" The King interrupts.
Aryn and The King glare at each other; the pressure around The King starts to feel heavy.
Aryn chuckles as he steps closer. "Don't really know what I'd do; I've never been one to think ahead," he states. "However, if situations lead to me having to kill you…I will," Aryn replies.
The pressure from The King fades; he is overwhelmed by the murderous intent exuding from Aryn. The King steps back, a bead of sweat rolls down his face.
Two knights rush Aryns, lunging at him to bring him to the ground. The knights hit Aryn with a thud, unable to take him down. The runes on Aryn's collar begin to glow. Once again, Aryn falls to the ground in pain.
The King slowly makes his way back to his throne. He sits down, then proceeds to sit in silence for an extended period. The whole time, he keeps his eyes on Aryn.
He raises his hand for Aryn's shackles to stop.
Regin approaches The King again. "Please, my good king, I implore you to execute them as soon as possible," he pleads.
The King glances at him, "My ruling stands; they will spend their days fighting to become heroes of this kingdom, or they will die trying to fulfill their sentence," The King replies. "To keep them from trying to flee, each of them will have a contract placed on them," he states.
Regin growls and he leaves the chamber rooms.
The King motions towards the official.
"Our great and glorious King, the fourth of his name, Allasol Zodar Selaric, has passed his most righteous sentence of this group of heathens," the official states. "From henceforth, they will strive to bring peace to the lands and become the greatest of heroes."
The hall remains quiet, as those who are confused don't have the words to speak. Those who are dissatisfied remain silent with their discontent, as not to displease The King.
"Kaliester, take them to their quarters," The King orders.
Kaliester bows then stands us up.
He leads us to the doors on the left. "This way," Kalister orders as he herds us through.
We walk down a hall before coming to an abrupt stop. He walks over to the wall and presses in a stone. A doorway opens. "Hurry in, before we are seen," Kaliester says.
Aryn leads us through the opening while Kaliester closes the door behind us. A short hall leads to a furnished room with food and drinks.
Kaliester undoes our restraints. "We can wait here until His Majesty arrives," he states.
"Why is The King coming here?" Asteria asks.
Kaliester ignores the question as he sits down.
Aryn decides to make himself comfortable and grabs the pitcher of wine. The others seem to accept the situation and sit down on the couch. I lean against the wall, making sure I can see Kaliester and any possible ways in. I just have a feeling that something I like is about to happen.
Time slowly passes as we wait for The King. Eventually, Aryn, Asteria, and The Princess fall asleep.
The sound from the secret door opening awakens them. The King enters the room, he's alone. The King scans the room, then silently approaches the table. He grabs the wine pitcher and proceeds to drink it clean.
"Every single one of them are greedy bastards," The King claims.
Asteria and The Princess look stunned by the difference in his behavior; Aryn seems to care more about the wine than The King's demeanor.
"I want to apologize for what happened. If I did not hold a trial, then Regin's group would have been able to sway the power in their favor," The King states.
He then lowers his head and bows.
Asteria approaches him. "Please raise your head," she asks The King.
When he does, Asteria slaps him. Kaliester starts to move towards her, but The King motions for him to stop.
The Princess makes her way to The King, slapping and spitting on him. "You are a disgrace of a king and a man," The Princess declares.
The King glances at Aryn and me as though he expects us to strike him too.
"You're a cunt for doing what you did, but you're not worth me hitting you," I remark with a smirk.
He looks at Aryn, then straightens up. "If I hit you, you'd probably die," Aryn says with a laugh.
The King sits down. "I suppose I should tell you why you have to become heroes now," he begins. "The four of you refused to let Regin have his way the other day. Truth be told, Regin is using Avalon Academy to strengthen his power over the country. The best students of the academy are taken into his own private army. Those who try to resist have their minds altered for his benefits," he explains.
I'm starting to see what The King was getting at by forcing us to become heroes.
"This was the only decision we could think of to spare your lives," Kaliester chimes in.
I don't know about sparing our lives, so much as prolonging our deaths.
"You're a fucking idiot," Aryn states. "Don't sit there and tell lies about sparing us. We've still become pawns, just for someone else."
Everyone is quiet after his remark, but he's not wrong. If it weren't for the contract spells placed on us, I would convince Aryn to leave the city, but now we're bound to this kingdom until we fulfill our roles.
Avarice Twilight Page 8
