The Visit
1201 Words
In the middle of a desolate desert, the light of a blood moon illuminates a scorched, barren landscape. Several flickering torches give light to a coven of necromancers covered in black hoods as they precess to assemble around an ancient tomb.
"Follow the instructions I gave you strictly, and we will have our great King back." A magus carrying a pail of fresh blood instructs the coven before pouring the contents of the pail into a furrow leading into the sepulchre as the rest move in circles with smoking venders, chants accompanying their movements.
Suddenly a sequence of rhythmic tremors shake the ground and an outburst of energy blasts from the tomb and dust and fog fill the air. Everyone ducks as the flames of their torches go out.
As the clouds of dust dissipate a shadowy figure appears from within the debris. The sorcerers scramble to assemble and bow in respect in front of the dark figure.
"Hail Zedon, commander of the armies of darkness! Our brotherhood beseech that you reign over all races and let us serve you as you multiply your dominion over the lands." They chant in unison.
* * * * * *
PALACE OF ARWOS
King Edric sits at the head of a long table, surrounded by the richest and most notable men of his kingdom that make up his council. His son and heir to his throne, Theo, sits closest to him.
"Your Majesty we advise that you pay tribute to the beggars that helped protect our Kingdom. Rewarding them as they have asked will wash away the shame of our imprudent decisions." An old man advices.
The king grudgingly nods. "And what exactly do they want? Clothes? Blankets?"
"One said that they would like horses." The councilman hesitantly answers.
The King's jaws tightens and he shakes his head. "How dare they act so ungrateful? Hasn't my daughter been feeding their lazy bellies for years?" He asks in a raised voice.
"I will not surrender my horses for filthy beggars to ride! The remnants of grains in the palace store is the best they can have. I will have my servants collect it all and carry to them." He states in mounting agitation.
Everyone in the room including Theo falls silent, their faces reflecting worry and disappointment.
A door at the far end of the room clicks open and King Edric's servant steps inside. The young man bows his head in respect before proceeding to make his way to King.
"My lord your brave daughter, Princess Shella, has asked to see you." He reports with a thrilled smile which immediately reflects on the king's face.
The councilmen glance at each other and anxious whispers immediately break out amongst the aging men.
"Allow my daughter to come join us. This council can use her stupendous wisdom." King Edric orders his servant.
The man returns to the door and welcomes in Princess Shella who has changed her outfit from her warrior armor to a flowing white dress that conceals her fierceness and unmatched wits so that she is able to pass for a mild and modest princess. But a smile lacks on her face.
The councilmen stand, bow and applaud as she makes her way in, their genuine respect and admiration showing on their faces. Pride spread across King Edric's face as he leaves his seat to welcome her
"You look delightful my dear!" He exclaims. "Glad to see that you have rested and washed off the filth of that battle. Me and my council were about to discuss how best to honour your accomplishment. I think a beautiful celebration where our people will bring you gifts is the most befitting."
His council nods and murmurs in agreement. But Shella shakes her head.
"I would rather you send messengers to Lodz before King Adriel kills my sister in his anger." She demands and the smile on her father's face drops.
He turns and heads back to his seat, looking thoughtful. "I send messengers to King Adriel? To tell him what?"
"Tell him that we have information that can help find the sword of Zedon and once it's found it will be handed to him in exchange of my sister." Shella replies.
All eyes turn to King Edric as he mulls over her suggestion.
"My dear you're letting your emotions clog your good judgement. First we don't have any valuable information about that sword unless there is something you haven't told me. Secondly, we had a tremendous victory over our enemy thanks to you. Your triumph will be remembered for years to come. But if we humble ourselves before Adriel and plead for his mercy all your hard-won glory will vanish. Is that what you want?"
Shella's eyes narrow in anger. "It's more glory that you care so much about than Mila's life? Her mother trusted you!" She scolds.
Her father sighs and leans back on his seat,a rueful expression settling on his face.
The door bursts open again before he can offer an answer. A guard stumbles inside, panting as if he has ran miles.
"Your Majesty, there is urgent news from the northern border," the soldier exclaims breathlessly. "The royal escort of the great elvish King, Tolis Varno, has been spotted approaching our border. We think that he is on his way to visit our kingdom."
The king and his council look at each other in shock. They know that elvish royalty has not been seen in human kingdoms in a thousand years, not even in bigger, wealthier kingdoms.
"What does this mean?" Theo asks, his voice betraying his confusion.
"It can mean a number of things," one councilman replies. "Perhaps he is interested in forming an alliance, or maybe he wants to discuss a trade agreement."
"We all know that the only thing that would bring him here is the infamous sword." Shella say. The shock on the faces of the councilmen multiplies. But her frowns in scepticism.
He clears his throat to draw everyone's attention back to him.
"King Tolis must have heard about our momentous victory, news of great achievements spread fast." He says firmly. "This is a special opportunity for our kingdom, and we cannot afford to squander it. We must be prepared to receive him with great accolade."
The council nods in agreement, though their expressions are still tinged with disbelief. They quickly set to work making preparations for his arrival, aware that they have a lot of work to do if they are to impress the great elvish King.
Shella shakes her head, realizing that getting her sister back is no longer her father's main priority.
"Go get me my royal robes." King Edric orders his servant who dashes out immediately.
"Go tell your sister's to prepare to receive the greatest royal. They must put on the best jewellery. You as well." He says to Shella but she scoffs in response.
"King Tolis is not on his way here to see your daughters! He seeks the sword and we can use his influence to get Mila back." She retorts.
Her father's nostrils flare in frustration and rage. "Leave!" He roars.
She angrily turns and storms out of the room.
- Writer
