“What on Earthos has gotten into your head, Sir Denvorn?” Councilor Tomen spoke once all servants and guards left the five of them alone in the Council Chamber. “Have you not learned from the countless failures you had during Terrowin’s reign?”
Kael had his eyes on the table, his one hand on his lap, thinking of how stupid he was. He never thought King Arth would send him away just to visit Lucas in the dungeons.
“I assume you still remember the most important task you have as the Divine Knight. You are not to let the King slip out of your sight. No matter what he tells you, his safety and protection must always come on top. Do you understand?”
“I understand,” Kael replied, his voice lowered.
Councilor Vornell shook his head. “We cannot let this pass, I say. He left the King to speak with the most dangerous prisoner in the dungeons … alone. The Crown’s Council have voted to suspend Sir Valor, Sir Osmen, Sir Royce, and Sir Lorand the Warden from their duties for six months. In your case, the Council passed the judgment to us, the High Councilors.”
Kael nodded, his eyes still locked on the table. “I accept full responsibilities for the mistake I’ve committed.”
The momentary silence that followed had caused Kael to look up, only to see the high councilors’ eyes communicating with each other.
“We have already discussed of what to do with you,” Councilor Davion said, brushing his beard with his fingers. “Since His Grace himself told us he’s the one who ordered you to leave him, thus claiming his fault on the matter … We will give you another chance … one last chance, to be exact. However … should you make another mistake of putting the King’s safety at risk, then the four of us shall have to vote to remove you from your position and let someone better replace you.”
“It will never happen again. You have my word,” Kael replied.
Councilor Tomen snorted. “I highly doubt it.”
“Now … we shall discuss about what you must watch out for at this time around,” Councilor Vornell said, eyeing Kael sharply. “Earlier this morning, we’ve received a report of a murder from the fifth district of the Lower Ring. The body was found in an empty alley … and it’s blood was said to have been traced on the ground, forming a large circle,” the councilor took the parchment in front of him and slid it on the table towards Kael, “the blood circle had that kind of symbols.”
His eyebrows furrowed, Kael opened the parchment and found a circular drawing. Then his eyes widened as he recognized the symbols—demonic symbols—identical to the ones they’d found in Lucas’ cell a month ago, where his brother had been speaking towards the magic circle in an entirely different language. “This couldn’t be …” Kael finally said when he found his words.
“Yes … it had the same symbols as the ones we’ve found from your brother’s prison.”
“But ... how? Why …?”
“You are the Divine Knight … you should already know why.”
Kael shifted his eyes back towards the parchment. Such symbols were definitely cast by someone from the Underworld … and it must’ve been the same person whom Lucas was caught talking to.
“And it’s not just one,” Councilor Davion spoke. “We’ve received multiple reports of murder … about six, if I recall … all having the same circle drawn by their blood.”
“When did this happen?”
“The deaths started last week … one for each day … and the latest one happened earlier this morning. Have you got any idea of what this could possibly mean, Sir Denvorn?”
“I still do not understand … but I know these symbols,” Kael replied. “It’s one of the ancient arts of dark magic, still practiced by those who learned it from the Underworld. The mage who cast this mark must’ve been the same one who attempted to free Lucas from his cell … a demon, perhaps.”
“Just as we thought,” said Councilor Tomen. “And now that there’s a demon in our lands murdering citizens and trying to free the most dangerous prisoner … the safety of our King is at a higher risk.”
Kael nodded. “Do you want me to investigate on the matter?”
“That’s the most foolish question to ask, Sir Denvorn. We have just told you to put all your attention on nothing else but the king.”
“I know. But I have some trusted men to—“
“We asked the Archmages from Galadhor to handle the investigation while they are on their stay here in Glacia. Earlier, they have found a sense of a demonic presence inside the walls of the citadel.”
Kael looked at Councilor Vornell with wide eyes. “Demonic presence?” he said, his pitch a bit higher than normal.
“We were as shocked as you are … They said it would take some time before they could track the presence, as the demon seemed to have cast a concealment magic to avoid being traced. But they assured us they will find it soon enough.”
“I … see.” Kael cursed inside his head as he took a hard swallow in his throat, not realizing his heart pummeling against his chest. Then he sprang to his feet. “Now if you’ll excuse me, dear Councilors, I must see His Grace at once.”
The High Councilors raised their heads to look at his troubled face. Then Councilor Davion said, “Go … and perform your duties … And remember, should you make another mistake again, you already know what will happen. Do not fail us again, Kael Denvorn.”
“I won’t,” Kael replied, then he walked out of the chamber, his legs seemingly faster than usual.
***
“I don’t understand,” King Arth shook his head as he picked up his pace down the long hall. “I had Magus Jade conceal Janshai’s presence from any kind of senses. Are you telling me his magic concealment was dispelled by the Archmages?”
Kael paced alongside of the king, explaining the matter they had discussed earlier. “We know not a lot about the magic they’ve been practicing in Galadhor, Your Highness. All magical elements are still out there … even light and dark spells … Thus it is possible they managed to break through the concealment to be able to track Janshai.”
“The High Councilors made a move without informing me …” King Arth sighed, then he glanced at his hands while walking. “Do you think I’m letting them use my power to rule instead of making decisions on my own?”
Kael gave it a thought for moment, before he answered. “Your Highness, it’s their duty to counsel you and guide your leadership for the country. I believe they know what’s best for the crown and for the people.”
“You have not answered my question, Sir Kael.”
“We shall talk about this after. Let’s just hope those mages haven’t found him yet.”
They climbed upstairs, rushing, but not as obvious as it seemed, as someone might’ve gotten the wrong idea. Janshai’s chamber was on the highest floor of the Left Wing. The tower had long spiral staircases, and so they had to pick up their pace.
“When’s he leaving?” Kael suddenly asked.
“Pardon?”
“Tristan … is he leaving at dawn for Drava?”
King Arth was silent for a moment, taking as much steps as he could, before he replied. “He did not accept the quest.”
“What?!” Kael’s voice echoed through the tower. “How could he not?”
“I’ve no idea … some people he can’t leave here, I guess.”
“That kid …” Kael muttered a curse.
They arrived at the top floor, where one door awaited them at the end of the hall. The two made their way towards the door, Kael’s heart beating faster than ever.
They had to keep silent as they opened the door. It revealed the spacious room, having only one window covered by a dark curtain. Only the lamps gave light inside. On the desk were plates and bowls of food and fruits … but all had been untouched.
As Kael shifted his eyes at the white bed, he breathed out in relief. There, under the cotton blanket, was the black-haired young man, sleeping like a lifeless bird. His skin and lips became a bit paler than how Kael had last seen them. His body turned thinner, his jaws and cheekbones sharper by no flesh.
“We have to get him away from here,” King Arth whispered as he went to the closet and took out some clothes.
“But … wouldn’t that take him out of the magic concealment cast inside this chamber?” Kael asked, watching King Arth pack the clothes inside a knapsack. “They will track him much more easily if he’s out of this room.”
“It’s fine. Janshai’s aura is weaker now that he’s ill. They won’t recognize his presence if we sneak him out of the castle.”
King Arth came to sit on the bedside and brushed Janshai's hair out of his face. “Hey, man …” the king said in a hushed voice. “It’s me.”
Janshai’s red eyes opened, slowly blinking, then he saw King Arth, his pale lips pursed. He would always look tired and weak no matter how many times Kael saw him.
“Listen, we have to get out of here now,” King Arth whispered.
“Why …?” was all Janshai could say from his dry voice.
The king glanced at the door, then back at Janshai. “They’re coming for you. The archmages from Galadhor are now tracking your presence in the citadel.”
Janshai’s eyebrows stormed as he studied the king’s worried face. Then he closed his eyes and said, “I had a new dream … I … damn it … I saw that tree again … the giant tree from the Underworld. But this time—”
King Arth let out a huge breath. “We don’t have much time, Janshai. Can you sense where the archmages are now?”
“Two unfamiliar presences … they’re at the foot of the tower, heading up here,” Janshai said, still closing his eyes.
The king cursed under his breath. “We don’t have time to talk anymore. We have to go now. I’ve called Luna to help us. She’ll wait for us at the underground tunnels.”
“They’re almost … here,” Janshai said, his tone weak and raspy.
Heartbeat racing, Kael searched for the hidden trapdoor under the carpet. It was right at the center when he found it. “Your Highness, use this … it’s the only way you can get out … then your path is clear once you head for the staircases.” He opened the trapdoor, revealing the lower floor.
King Arth had to carry Janshai by his arms as the sick young man couldn’t walk by his own feet.
“I can do it,” Janshai said as the king sat at the edge of the square frame, his legs hanging through the trapdoor.
“Are you sure?” King Arth asked, he’s the first one to jump down.
“Here … I’ll help you,” Kael said as he attended to Janshai.
Seconds after and there was a loud knocking on the door, followed by a commanding voice, “Open this now or we won’t hesitate to break through with full force.”
“In a minute,” Kael called out, closing the trapdoor and covering it back with the carpet. He brushed his shoes along the surface to check if it’s the same as how it would normally look.
The knocking continued, getting louder in every second, until Kael held the knob and twisted it, opening the door.
Arch Garaman’s face slowly changed from shocked into puzzlement. Along with him were his apprentice, three Grand Mages, and five Grand Knights from the Order.
“Sir Kael,” Arch Garaman said, his eyes sharp under his stormed eyebrows. “What on Earthos are you doing in this chamber?”
Kael tried to maintain a calm expression, despite his pounding chest, afraid that they would hear it amidst the dead silence. “I was looking for someone … but I found the room empty.”
The Archmage darted his gaze through Kael’s eyes while he said, “Search the place.”
Kael had to step aside as the Grand Knights and Grand Mages entered and began scurrying around the wide chamber. He swallowed hard, hoping they wouldn’t find the trapdoor.
Tristan was back at home after a long day of travel. The village of Cold Hills would always give him a sense of comfort … and he could not tell what part of it exactly … perhaps it’s just everything about the village. The northern wind sent a cold brush on Tristan’s face as he rode on an open carriage. They reached the eastern entrance of the village, passing through the watchtowers and guards, before they made their way down the road. The breeze carried the scent of winter cherry trees. Considering the place having the highest population among all the villages of Glacia, most people of Cold Hills had still been suffering from poverty, despite the higher funds and aids given by the new reigning king for the supply of the village. And the darker side of that, what you would see out in the sun was not what it seemed. The village might’ve had less violence and crimes, but at night, far worse things would happen … unimaginable things done secretly by those nobles … the r
The fireplace crackled and disrupted the silence in the small room. Arth sat on the huge chair, facing the hearth, his eyes dazing on the flames. He could never imagine what would’ve happened had they got caught by the archmages. Everyone would know about Janshai’s identity. All the people in Glacia would go mad and wild if they discovered their king had been keeping a demon in the castle for almost a year now. Trusts would be broken and suspicions would arise. As much as Arth could not want to break his people’s trust, he also couldn’t afford to let Janshai fall into danger from the archmages … much more now that he’s ill. He promised himself he would protect his friend no matter what. And now, he’d been faced with a hard time, not knowing what to do to address both needs. It was of pure luck that the archmages had yet to find them, despite taking Janshai out of the concealment barrier in his chamber. They could’ve traced them by now. But a day had come by since the
Tristan plunged through the crowds in Western Market, wincing at the booming yells and noise of the sellers and merchants. The space had only made him more irritated as if every person he’d encountered meant to bump him on the shoulder. But he had no other choice. It was the shortest path he could take towards the Northwest Harbor. And he was … well, not in a hurry … not at all, damn it. He only had to catch his ship, which would leave a few minutes from now. The disgusting smell of fish and crab and shrimp in the market was the worst. Tristan hated every type of seafood, and only the smell of it had already made him want to throw up. This was why he kept on having second thoughts about this quest. He’d have to spend most of his time traveling on the ship. The smell of the sea, along with his motion sickness, would already kill him even before he’d reach Drava. “Fresh salmon from Northern Bay!” “Queen Crabs you want, good Sir?” “Giant Tuna! Giant Tuna
Along the dark streets of the Lower Ring’s third district, Kael Denvorn strolled silently under the cold night, his face shadowed by the hood of his cloak. It became an empty street, mostly. Finding another dead body in the district had made an alarming panic and fear on the people, with rumors spreading about a demon lurking in the alleys of the capital. “The body has already been taken, Sir Denvorn,” a knight spoke, walking beside Kael. “I don’t see why you still want to check the alley.” Kael shook his head, chilly wind brushing against his face. “It’s not the body I want,” he said. “You said the mark’s still there.” “Aye, Sir Denvorn.” “This is the seventh case we’ve had received,” Kael said. “I want to see the mark myself.” “But …” the knight hesitated, then he continued, “I thought the councilors have given you all the details and clues … why would you bother going here?” “Not all …” Kael’s eyes dropped towards the dark cobblesto
That night, Arth dreamt of burning lands and red skies. He thought it was Crown Galacer fallen by the Legion’s invasion … but it was something else. There were no deaths … no humans … only demons … hundreds of thousands of them … Arth forgot what they’d been doing … he forgot what they looked like … he forgot what happened after that. He awoke in his king-sized bed, breathing fast with sweat trickling on his forehead. Then he held his chest; his white sleeping garment soaked and cold. What could’ve awoken him? And what the hell was that dream?One second he was looking around, the next his eyes caught the glass windows gleaming in red light. It came from the outside. Arth jumped out of his bed and walked towards the windows. “What on Earthos …” His mouth parted open just as he spotted multiple red portals pierced at the night skies, all around the Lower Ring. He muttered a curse as several flying beasts screeched and cried … huge birds having wings of an eagle and the
Tristan wanted to curse the world. Had he not been too taken away by that damn noble, he would’ve caught the cruise ship before it sailed off from the port. There’d been no longer cruise ships arriving on the harbor that day, as the next one would arrive in two days. So Tristan had no other choice but to ride the pettiest and stinky ship he had ever been. It was the only ship that would sail in that hour. And Tristan could not afford to wait any longer. The sun had risen from the eastern horizon—his first day away from land—and Tristan had missed a lot already, especially sleep. He couldn’t get his eyes closed as his wooden bed, flat and hard, kept on swaying from the moving ship. Several times his stomach had turned. Several times he threw up. Until now, even if he’s on the deck, he always carried a bucket with him, as he could throw up anytime. Tristan stood on the right side of the deck, his arms resting on the taffrail while he gazed on the endless ocean, gleaming under
Terror had loomed amidst the dark, snowy plains. Kael never wanted this. Letting the King travel with him outside the walls of the capital towards the north was perhaps the biggest mistake he had ever made in his entire life. But it was not as if he could force His Highness to stay, as King Arth would never agree to that. And now, Kael had regretted it. They galloped down the snowy road, the freezing wind blowing against their faces. Kael could already glimpse ahead the high walls of Stone Glacier Ruins rising from the dark horizon. It had been hours of riding and they never made any stop. Kael had never been worried and scared in his entire life. He’s the only one now who could protect His Highness, and it would be the end of Glacia if they’d lose King Arth … if he’d lose again another King, the last King of Glacia. Kael stared at the King riding ahead of him. The scent of rage and bloodlust from the young King had mixed with the wind that brushed on Kael’s face. “Your
"You won't get a single blood from me," Arth said as he unsheathed Frostcalibur, facing six, armed demons. They had muscled bodies with rough burnt skin, wide wings, and long tails. Their armors screamed in black metal, their capes burning red. One of them was dressed in a dark purple cloak, with a long staff in his hand. The others were armed with dual machetes. Arth had found them waiting around the portal just as he entered the Underworld. Good thing he had sensed the presence of demons already before he walked out of the portal, that he immediately closed it to prevent them from using it. He came into the same place where he, Lucas, and Janshai had been. The ground was dark and cold, with several glowing ice crystals surrounding them. The skies were nothing but dusk and thunder. Arth stood on his guard, trying to calm his anxiety and fear, but his heart betrayed him as it pounded harder and faster against his chest. He could feel the enormous aura radiating from their pr