by Donald Davis
As he slowly calmed his nerves, Joshua trotted his horse down the hill and approached the village. It was even smaller than he expected. When he got within a minute’s ride to the outermost building, he reached the darkened grass. It seemed to form a near-perfect circle all the way around the village perimeter. Just as the grass was, every building and all the surrounding environment was darkened to black and gray. What happened here?
Joshua wasn’t sure how he could discover the origins of what happened or why, but he would try for his family. If it would be anywhere, it would be in one of the buildings. To his dismay, however, every single building in the village was damaged. Most were collapsed all the way through. The village gave off an ominous feeling as well, Joshua noticed. Something just didn’t feel right. As he had gotten closer and started to look around some of the buildings, he felt as though someone was watching his every move.
After hours of being there alone and searching what buildings were relatively intact, Joshua still hadn’t found anything. The feeling worsened. He didn’t see anyone, but he could have sworn that he had started hearing voices in his head. He couldn’t tell what they were saying, but he knew they couldn’t be welcoming. Maybe it’s just the wind? He hoped.
There was one building that remained that Joshua had not checked. It was the largest building of them all, still partially intact. He trotted to the steps and left his horse as he started to climb them. Reluctantly, he walked until he reached the top. The door was barely hanging on, so he tried to slowly open it. When he scarcely touched it, the door came falling to the floor and crashed with a loud bang. Joshua’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly looked around to see if anything had happened. It appeared to be nothing, but that’s when he started to hear the voices again. This time even louder. Then louder. Then louder. It was almost unbearable, as the voices were deep, yet high pitched. So unnatural.
Joshua finally stepped into the hall. When he did, he saw a shadow swiftly cross the other side of the room. Joshua immediately spoke out. “Hello? Is someone there? I am a king’s knight. If someone is here, I demand that you reveal your position and intentions of being here.” Joshua stood there in silence for a moment as the voices suddenly stopped. The shadow slowly crossed further towards him in the room. “Get out,” it mumbled. Then it shouted, “GET OUT NOW!” The shadow lunged forward at Joshua, just barely missing him as he managed to dodge. The figure came into light. It was the most horrifying thing that Joshua had ever laid eyes on. It had the resemblance of a man, yet had skin that resembled coal. It was dark and appeared hard as stone. He could scarcely see the eyes of it, but when he saw them, he noticed that they were a deep orange. This creature was definitely not natural.
“Stay back!” Joshua shouted as he drew his sword. It was too late. The creature lunged forward and took a swing at Joshua. He dodged and tried slicing its legs. As the blade slid across the surface, it almost felt like stone and rock. Joshua fought with the creature for several moments, trying to find a weakness. Normal attacks with the sword clearly were not working. He had all but given up hope. With each swing of his sword, Joshua felt the life leave him. Everything that had gone wrong over the past few months was starting to take a toll on him. It seemed that he had given and given, yet received no reward. Worse yet, there appeared to be no end in sight. For a brief moment, he thought about just letting the creature finish him off. In a last-ditch effort, Joshua sprinted forward and jammed his sword into the eye of the creature. To his surprise, the attack worked. The creature was stunned. As it stood there, it started losing light, then it collapsed in a pile of rubble.
Joshua couldn’t believe it. Is this my lucky break? Have I lifted the curse of Grimedrift? Will I finally be able to find something of use to aid my family? Several pleasant thoughts crossed his mind. So many that he shouted in triumph, overwhelmed at the joy that the odds had finally tilted in his favor. He laughed, but only for a moment. Out of nowhere, seemingly without a sound, at least forty creatures identical to the one he had just fought emerged from the shadows. Joshua was struck with horror. He slowly started to back away. As he backed towards the entrance, he looked below to see the pile of rubble reform into the creature from before and stand back up. “No… No,” Joshua whispered. The creatures all started walking towards him. He slowly backed up, then quickly turned and sprinted down the stairs.
Joshua ran as fast as he possibly could. He cleared the stairs, hearing the creatures behind him. He looked ahead of him to see that his horse was gone. Even more panic was setting in as he quickly tried looking around. He eventually spotted it in the distance ahead, as more creatures came lurking out of the shadows. There was nothing to do but run. Joshua sprinted as fast as he could towards his horse, hoping that he would make it in time. More and more creatures surrounded him, getting closer. Joshua was close now. One creature stood between him and his horse. He quickly grabbed the dagger from his belt and threw it perfectly in one of the creature’s eyes. Just as before, the creature crumbled for a short time.
Joshua quickly mounted his horse and took off, not looking back. The creatures surprisingly ran quickly, almost keeping up with the horse. They started closing in. They got closer and closer until Joshua passed the circle of dark grass and back into the green. As he did, all of the creatures that attempted to follow started crumbling into rubble. Joshua noticed and turned to see this happen. They all followed until they reached the mark and shattered into several pieces. Joshua sat on his horse, out of breath. He panted as he saw the creatures one by one slowly rebuild until they all once again stood before him. They stared angrily at him, then turned and walked back towards the village.
Joshua started crying, feeling lost and hopeless. Why am I here? He sobbed for a time, grasping the fact that he once again barely survived. His sadness quickly turned to anger. Braden, he thought. He must mean me harm. Why else would he constantly send me away on dangerous missions? He then started to realize that his duty had also kept him away when the king had decided to take Emilia as his wife. He knew that if Joshua had been there, he would never have allowed it. Is he plotting something else as I’m away? As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Joshua galloped his horse as fast as it could go. Back to Roseshire.
Just a day later, Joshua returned to Roseshire. He quickly stabled his horse and grabbed his supplies as he dismounted. He ran until he reached the door to his chambers and dropped his supplies there. He then proceeded to the council chamber with anger. Normally the chamber was a place of peace, just as Joshua tried to be a peaceful man. This time, Joshua forced the doors open to the chamber, slamming them. He looked ahead to see the king, one of the elders on the council, and several guards in the room. He quickly walked towards them. “Braden, I have something to say.” The king looked at him unamused. “Not now, Joshua.”
“Yes, now,” Joshua demanded. “I’ve put up with a lot from you and have gotten little in return.”
The elder then spoke up. “Joshua, show some respect. This isn’t a good time.”
“Oh, I have shown respect. Perhaps too much of it. Now it’s time for him to listen to me.”
“How rude!” the elder exclaimed.
The king then looked at Joshua. “Joshua! This really isn’t a good time. My wife… Your sister, Emilia is missing.”
Chapter 18: Breaking Point
“What do you mean missing?” Joshua demanded. “It is just as I said,” the king replied. “After a long day of hearing appeals, I started towards my chambers earlier than usual. When I arrived, the queen was nowhere to be found. It is now night and there is no sign of her.” Joshua was baffled. How could this happen? “You have no idea where she might be?” The king shook his head. “No. The elder and I have been discussing the situation, and fear that she has been kidnapped.” Joshua didn’t know what to think at this point. It was too overwhelming with everything else.
The king tried to explain. “Look, I know this is a lot to take in. The elders and the city guards have been thinki
ng of ways in which we can try to find her. I’ll send a messenger for you later in the night to notify you of any further news.” Joshua tried taking this all in. Then he realized something. “Mother. Does she know?” The room grew silent for a moment, then the king spoke up. “I don’t believe so. But do what you must do. I apologize, I know this can’t be easy for either of you.” Joshua resisted. “There must be something that I can do.”
“I’m afraid not,” the king said. “We will be devising a plan best suited for her recovery and for the rest of Asedith. You will be needed when the time comes. Just try to prepare and be at your best when it does.”
“I shall,” Joshua answered. Without so much as looking at the others in the room, Joshua walked out of the hall in moments. He was focused on one thing; getting his sister back. As much as he wanted to look for her right now, there was nothing he could do on his own. He wouldn’t know the first place to begin searching. As much as he hated it, he decided to do as the king advised. He walked down to his family’s quarters and brought in his belongings that he had set down before.
Joshua walked in and set down his equipment in his room. As he did, he noticed his mother in the main room. “Oh, Joshua,” she started. “I didn’t realize you’d be getting back so soon. This was definitely shorter than your previous trip.” Joshua approached the main room, trying to keep from pacing too much. “Mother, there’s something that you need to know.” Hearing the seriousness in his voice, she listened. “Okay, what is it? Come now, you’re starting to worry me.”
“Emilia is… missing. The king thinks that she has been kidnapped.”
Terra was struck. “What? How can this be? I thought that she was surrounded by the king and his guards each day.”
“I know, as did I. I don’t know all of the details yet, but I was told to expect a messenger with more details later. Braden is working with the elders and the city guards to create a plan for locating her.”
“Well, that’s a start. Still, it doesn’t make sense. How could she just up and vanish like that?”
“I don’t know, mother. But I do intend on finding out.”
“Thank you. I just can’t imagine what she might be going through. If she were truly kidnapped, she could be held captive in exchange for coins. And that would probably be the best situation that we could ask for at this point. Most kidnappings result in far worse situations.”
For several hours, Joshua and Terra stayed up consoling one another and discussed possibilities for Emilia. Both of them were still shocked and devastated to hear of her disappearance. They had just hoped that there would be some way to assist in the search. Several moments later, a messenger knocked on the door of the Bracken residence. Joshua quickly stood up to answer. “Yes?” he asked. “Joshua Bracken,” the man said. “The king would like to speak to you immediately.” Normally that would annoy Joshua, but this time he was almost relieved. I hope that he’s devised a plan. “I’m on my way.”
Joshua quickly left his place and reached the main hall once again. It had been so long since Joshua had gotten back, it was now almost sunrise. He walked in and approached the king at the end of the hall. “Your grace, you have news?”
“Yes, Joshua. We have finally devised a plan and I thought that you would need to know immediately.”
“Thank you. Where am I to begin searching?”
The king looked confused. “Searching?”
“Yes, searching. You were going to point me in a direction to begin a search for Emilia, correct?”
“Oh, Joshua no, you’re mistaken. I need you to travel to a town that’s a decent way from here. Farwall still remains the most productive town in Asedith. I need you to go there and make sure that the food and supplies are still scheduled to arrive from there as planned.”
Joshua was confused and started losing patience. “Pardon me, your grace?”
The king just looked plainly at him. “I’m sorry, is there a problem Joshua?”
“So you would have me go and inspect a food delivery while your wife, my sister, is missing and is potentially kidnapped?”
“Why Joshua, it’s more important than you realize. By keeping food and supplies lined up, the city of Roseshire, the capital of Asedith, will be well provided for and still reflect a strong image for the kingdom. We need that. We need to give the people hope that the kingdom is still in good hands, even though the queen has recently disappeared. We need this situation to be seen as a minor bump in the road in the people’s eyes.”
Joshua stood there in disbelief. “It is your job to protect her. If she is your wife, you should be doing all you can to protect and save her Braden!” Joshua didn’t even realize when he started raising his voice. Braden looked at him. “I realize that you’re frustrated, but calm down. You want to search for your sister, I know. But we must protect the image of the kingdom first and maintain order and balance.” Joshua then thought for a moment. “Who do you currently have looking for Emilia?” The king shrugged, “Nobody. The guards are needed here and I’ve already given you a task. You best be on your way if you’re to make it in time. You leave today.” Rage filled within Joshua. He wanted to jump forth and strike the king where he stood. He would, if not for the several guards near them. Why? Why won’t he search for Emilia? Something isn’t right about this. I can feel it.
Joshua stared at the king in disgust. Then, an idea came to him. “Very well, I leave today.” Joshua knew what had to be done. He walked back, gathering his thoughts. He reached his home and started packing his belongings. His mother, Terra, was there. He explained the situation to her. “What? That’s ridiculous!” She said.
“At any rate, I am due to leave for Farwall today. Mother, would you ride with me there?”
“I’m not sure, son. I don’t think I’d enjoy riding on a horse all that way. And no offense, I’m not convinced that that would be a fun trip. Remind me again, how does this help Emilia? The person who could help her the most is the king. He would have the most followers and influence to get it done.”
“Exactly my point… Now, mother. Would you please ride with me to Farwall?”
Hesitantly, Terra accepted. “Very well. Lead the way.” After gathering both of their belongings, the two of them mounted horses and left Roseshire. Terra followed Joshua for hours on the road, then realized. “This isn’t the way to Farwall.” She mentioned to Joshua. He looked at her, then back in front of him. “I know.”
After another day and a half of traveling, the two of them arrived. They dismounted and were welcomed at the gates of Keridion. They walked in and immediately went through the small town to approach the leadership hall. Hearing of their arrival, Grayton met them outside of the hall. He greeted them. “Terra, it's been a while! Joshua, good to see you again.” He then shook hands with him. “Very good to see you, Grayton,” Joshua said. “May we speak in private?” Grayton shook his head. “Of course.” Grayton, Joshua, and Terra all stepped aside to themselves. “So, what brings you to Keridion, ser Joshua?”
Everything had been too much on Joshua. From Braden sneaking in the election and taking the crown from the Bracken family, to forcing Joshua into his service, making Joshua stay gone all the time, not even hearing out Joshua’s proposal for possible marriage with Evalyn, marrying Emilia for a power claim when Joshua was gone, and now not even trying to save or find her now that she’s gone? It was too much, and it had gone on for far too long. “I need you, Grayton,” Joshua said. “I need your help in starting a rebellion against Braden Telvan. Against the king. Against the crown.”
Chapter 19: The Beginning
Grayton immediately grabbed Joshua’s arm and gave him a fierce look. “Are you serious?” he whispered with a high voice. “I am,” Joshua replied. “Oh, we can’t talk about this here,” Grayton started. He then spoke louder so any nearby people would hear him. “Why of course we can discuss our supply storage. The king will always get his share, I assure you. We can discuss this further inside the hall.” He then
looked back at Joshua. “Follow me,” he whispered.
Joshua and Terra followed Grayton inside the leadership hall. They all remained silent until they reached a private room for the three of them alone. “I suspect we will be here for some time,” Grayton told the guards. “You may leave us. Remain outside the doors and make sure that we are not disturbed.” The guards bowed and did as they were told. As they closed the door behind them, Grayton looked at Joshua. “I loved your father like a brother, boy. But I’m surprised that he didn’t teach you the art of discretion. Things such as this can’t be discussed on the streets.” He turned and started pouring wine glasses.
“I understand, Grayton. However, this is urgent.” Joshua said.
Grayton finished filling three glasses of wine. “Clearly. The wrong person hears what you’ve said, the king could order your death immediately.” He handed the glasses over, each of them almost filled to the brim. Joshua was going to try to toast, but Grayton instantly drank from his glass.
“Grayton,” Joshua started. “It’s been bad. Very bad.”
“Ah yes. I was saddened to hear of your father’s death after the battle here. But I found a glimmer of hope that you would be the king to succeed him. To my dismay, even that did not come to pass. What exactly happened?” Joshua took the next several moments to give Grayton the details. From his father’s death to Braden being crowned, to Joshua being a king’s knight, to Joshua’s adventures in Treadrock, Yordenfall, and recently Grimedrift, and the events that had transpired with his sister and Braden. Grayton sat there, trying to take it all in. He lay back in his chair. “My, you’ve been busy,” he said. “Ever since the battle, I’ve just been trying to maintain this small town. Even that is a struggle from time to time.”
