CHAPTER 7 - KAEL

“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.