Dragon's Keep

Chapter Ten: Procession of Death

She had been permitted to wear her armour in a “gracious” act by King Falon but of course, they were insistent she wear the flora headdress. Sabeline imagined her appearance was at a contrast, but her attire was all for practicality (well, both her and the King’s idea of practicality). She had been reunited with her old friend, the iron shackles, though this time they were restraining her arms behind her back. By the time they arrived at wherever they were going, her arms and wrists would be in agony. Another ploy to ensure she didn’t make a dash for it the moment she was un-cuffed.

   The night air was cool on her face as she stood on High Point, surrounded by a small plethora of guards. She noticed the two who had dragged her from the cell had been drafted in for escort duty as well. A humourless smirk crossed her face before she hid it. Looks like those two are having quite the day. Commander Karo was there too, situated on top of his horse and casting his gaze around everything but her. Whenever he did accidentally make brief eye contact, he dropped his eyes quickly before turning his sight towards something else he pretended to find fascinating. A soft sigh escaped her lips, leaving a little mist of breath in the air. This was going to be a fun journey.

   To some extent, she understood why Karo was acting that way. Nothing had been able to change the King’s mind and now they were here. The vague notion Karo could be feeling responsible for all this suddenly struck her. He’d delivered the decree and insisted on them returning home effective immediately. If she was able, she’d try and remedy that before her heart stopped beating. Of course, she could be wrong and the Commander was only acting awkwardly because of him.   

    King Falon was perched on his white steed, his regal status emanating from his elegant posture and manner with which he held himself. Occasionally a confused expression wandered across his face, as if he couldn’t quite recall what they were all doing here, before it smoothed out again. The Hand was also here, hovering on an older horse next to the King and watching him warily. Now that was interesting. The Hand had been doing the same thing during her audience with the King. It was also The Hand’s occupation to know everything about Idrelas, including every depraved secret lingering in the walls and histories of the place. Something is being kept from everyone. Something even The Hand is unsure about.   

   Before her thoughts had chance to explore this avenue further, the King’s delighted call of “Ah they’re here!” interrupted all those gathered. Each and every Knight of Idrelas had been led under armed guard to where Sabeline had been waiting and each one had a face like thunder in the sky. It was not a good move to anger one Knight, let alone the whole creed of them. “I do not appreciate being treated like a dog!” Ascilia snapped at a guard, making them jump in fear.

“Now, now,” King Falon spoke, “No one would ever treat you like that Ascilia.”

Ascilia just glared in response, but Echoris let loose what they were all thinking. “Just as no one would divest us of our equipment and lock us in our own tower until summoned. Isn’t that right your majesty?” Echoris’s strange voice wrapped around the last two words as if they were a threat, but Sabeline had no idea how that could be. 

The King adopted a puzzled frown at Echoris’s words. “Yes, no one would do that…” he trailed off and suddenly his face appeared brighter “Unless it was for the good of the realm. It would not do any of our people any favours for Sabeline to have escaped and the dragon to destroy more villages, when we can put a stop to it tonight.”

   Contempt was evident in their faces, but they said no more. Probably dawning on them this is a battle they cannot win…yet. While the others were stewing in rage, Sabeline had heard the odd intonation of King Falon’s voice. Coupled with his shifting expressions, there was definitely something wrong. It wouldn’t save her now, she knew that, but if she could just voice her suspicions to her creed without being noticed…  

   “Well, now everyone is in attendance, perhaps we should press on your highness?” The Hand uttered nervously. 

“Splendid idea Viras! We must make haste.” The King ordered. “Keep the Knights under separate escort to the Bringer of Truth. I don’t want any conspiracies or plans being made.”  

There were a few shouts from her creed in response, including Bersaba’s distinct grumblings. So she made it back after all. The nervous guards tried shushing them, but soon gave up. Sabeline was already being pushed forward, remaining under watchful eye of King Falon, The Hand and if he’d ever look at her, Commander Karo. Guards closed in behind her, sealing her off from the rest of the Knights. As they marched, Sabeline realised she was going to be paraded through each of the towns. The glowing lamp lights in the darkness of Upper Town below already told her word had gotten around and fast. The people she protected, the people she cared about, were going to see her bound like a criminal in a procession of death, populated with lies from the King. There was no guarantee this insane course of action was going to work, (unless someone could secure an oath from the dragon that after killing her, it wouldn’t devastate a village).    

    She refused to be beaten. Not now. Taking a deep breath, Sabeline braced herself. She stood taller, prouder, with all the honour and courage she could summon. She was a Knight of Idrelas. She was the Bringer of Truth.

   And despite the humiliation the King was trying to force upon her with this unhappy spectacle, she always would be.