Dragon's Keep

Chapter Four: Bringer of Truth

As the sound of hooves graced the fine cobbles of the upper town, Sabeline could feel the cloying luxury permeating every corner. This was where the nobles tended to remain, rarely venturing beyond their comfortable borders to the rest of the kingdom. It was fairly certain no one from the lower town would have made it this far. A handful of the nobles were kind, with morals instilled in them through generations. The majority however, were of a more spoilt nature and would detect in a heartbeat if anybody wearing less than silks and velvets was in their midst.

   Sabeline continued with a frown fixed on her face. She detested the upper town. There’s more finery to be found in actions, rather than appearances. What did how much gold you had matter if you were killed by a rampaging salamander? She could never understand the sensibilities of the noble families. Urging Hylix in, the war horse quickly trotted to the base of High Point. Sabeline’s routine disgust evaporated as apprehension once again began to take root. Craning her neck back and glancing up at High Point, the ostentatious castle loomed overall. A moment of clarity came over her as a sudden thought echoed in her mind. Whatever fate awaits me up there, I fear I will not find solace here again. Sabeline shook her head, short brunette locks angrily scattering as she did. Surely she was being ridiculous? The failed attempt on the dragon’s life was plaguing her, that was all. Her lips twisted unpleasantly. Then why did she still feel the same?

   Enough! Jerking the reins, Sabeline insisted Hylix gallop forward. The sooner she arrived, the sooner she could put an end to this nonsense. Obediently, the war horse sprinted up the stone paved slope. It was a fairly long ride, the idea being that if any invading enemies made it this far, High Point was designed to be their undoing. For a Knight of Idrelas however, it was common practice.

   As Sabeline rode, she kept her gaze trained on the Knights Tower. The possible figures she had seen from mid town were more substantial now that she was getting closer. The silhouettes appeared to notice her travelling towards the castle and stepped away hurriedly from the balcony back inside the tower. I’m going there first. If there was anyone she trusted in this world to prepare her for what may come, it was her sisters in arms. Hylix had been bred for endurance and speed and though her ears detected some slight panting, the war horse was barely breaking a sweat. She placed a comforting hand at the base of his neck. “Almost there boy, just a little further.” Securing her already tightly curled fingers around the reigns, Sabeline carefully adjusted them, ensuring Hylix would follow the direction and veer to the right. She refused to chance being seen near the main gate, widely left of her position. The horse didn’t fail and immediately aimed for the small courtyard laid out in front of the tower.

   Shining armour greeted her vision, the sun glittering off the various types and sections adorning those who stood before her. Mariel was the first to run up to her. “Sabeline, thank the goddess you’ve returned! The beast is slain then?”

A confused expression crossed her face as she dismounted. “It is good to see you too Mariel, but what do you mean by asking if the dragon is dead?”

This time Mariel was puzzled. “That is why you have returned is it not?”

The calm presence of Echoris took this moment to step forward. “We did not know of your return until moments ago, when we saw you riding. Before you left months ago, you always said you would return once the dragon was dead.” Her soft but powerful voice interjected.

Unease at their earnest faces began to fill Sabeline’s stomach. They do not lie. Why would the Knights not be told of her summons? Swallowing hard, she reached out grasping Mariel’s shoulder firmly. “Call a counsel of the Knights. From what you speak, it seems there is much to discuss.”

Mariel and Echoris shared a worried glance between them, but nonetheless nodded firmly.

“Go now, there is no time to lose.”   

The two knights did as they were bid and retreated to the tower. Once they were out of sight, a heavy sigh slowly left her. Something was amiss. She was sure that these events were not a coincidence. Receiving a strange summons, the mystery of lower town and now the Knights not knowing of her return? Gripping the reigns, Sabeline made her way to the stables, Hylix dutifully following her. “Come on boy, at least you can have a nice rest. I don’t think I’ll get the same.” She led the horse in, carefully removing the equipment gracing his form and settling him into his stall. Letting her hand pet his muzzle a few times, her thoughts drifted. Commander Karo would no doubt have made his way to the main gate, or would very soon. She’d lost him as she’d traversed the upper town, but as the man didn’t seem to realise anything strange was going on, she’d lose valuable time once he made his report to the King. Hopefully Mariel and Echoris will have gathered everyone by now. “I’ll see you later my friend,” Sabeline whispered, bidding her horse farewell. Hylix huffed in return as she walked back out. Sabeline paused by the stable entrance. She’d called a counsel and now it was time to deliver. Dusting off her fears and burying the unease, she stood up straight and held her head high. 

By the goddess, she was the Bringer of Truth and it was time for everyone to face it, including her. Determination blazed through her as she marched towards the Knights Tower, ignoring the fading aches and twinges from her healing injuries. Rapidly, Sabeline strode towards a large set of two doors, located opposite the Tower’s main entrance. The entryway was grand but modest, befitting of the Knights that lived there. Usually, Sabeline would stop and linger around the marble statue of Alondra, the very first Knight of Idrelas, who’s skill and kindness had become legend over centuries. Most Knights aspired to emulate Alondra, herself included. 

   This time however, Sabeline stepped passed it, refusing to come to a halt until she reached the large wooden doors. Nothing is as feared as the truth. With that thought, her eyes narrowed and she placed both hands flat on the doors, pushing them wide open.

   Several heads turned in her direction.