Dragon's Keep

Chapter Five: Knights Counsel

Ignoring their stares, Sabeline calmly walked behind four seated knights on the left side of the table and took her empty seat. Silence reigned for a moment more, then Ivetta and Jaketta, the Twin Suns, spoke in unison. “Why the need for a counsel? What has happened?”

“Things are amiss.” Sabeline stated simply. “And I feel apprehensive about the future.”

“I too, have sensed ill on the wind these past few days.” Echoris added. Some of the Knights gathered began to lean forward at Echoris’s words, giving the Counsel their full attention. Echoris was a mystery, but if she sensed something, you would do well to heed it. At least it is not just me.

   Sabeline let out the breath she was holding. To have her fears validated by Echoris was a relief in one way, but the niggling dread that had followed since receiving the summons suddenly flooded her stomach. “Very well. Then what have you seen that is amiss?” Ascilia, seated at the head of the table, asked curiously.

“When I returned earlier, Mariel and Echoris asked if the dragon was dead. It is not.” There were a few gasps and murmurs at this. Perhaps I was more adamant when I left than I realised. She held a hand up for silence. “After my last attempt on the dragon’s life days ago, Commander Karo appeared with a Royal Decree from King Falon stating I was to return to Idrelas.” At this, Sabeline placed the document on the table. She had procured it from her saddlebag after telling Mariel and Echoris to call this meeting. As expected, the gathered Knights immediately tried to get a better look. In the end, Mariel claimed the parchment and read it before passing it on. “Why were we not informed of this?” Kilyn frowned, passing on the scroll to the next Knight.

“I do not know. I had hoped that our Creed would have the answers, presuming that suggestions had been given to the King in how to combat the dragon. Though now I doubt that is the case.”

Ascilia nodded. “As far as I’m aware, no one has provided any strategies or plans to the King.”

All Knights murmured their agreement.

“I do not like these words,” Echoris interned. “There is something strange about them.” She put the decree down quickly, as if the paper itself had burned her. Sabeline agreed.

   “There is something else. When I arrived in Lower Town, it was deserted. There was no one to be seen. As I travelled to the castle, I kept a lookout for any Lower Town residents, but it was as if they had vanished. What has happened there?” She watched as various expressions of surprise flickered like a candle flame across each Knight.

“The Lower Town you say?” Ivetta ventured.

“Yes, it is still in good condition. Though the residents appear to be missing.”

The twins shared a meaningful look. “We saw soldiers leaving the castle two nights ago. Not many, but enough. We thought they were just going on patrol but now…” Jaketta trailed off troubled.

“We need to investigate this. First we’re not told that Sabeline is to return and now the Lower Town is abandoned?” Mariel slammed her fist down on the table. “Something has to be done.”  

“Did anyone see anything else out of the ordinary? Something that they dismissed, but upon reflection could be important?” Sabeline drew her hands together, interlacing her fingers and resting her chin on her knuckles. Secrets did not sit well with her. Especially ones apparently being kept by the King himself. What could he have to gain from these events? Or perhaps, what is he trying to put in motion? If he performed the actions before revealing his plans, no one would be able to contest as it had already been carried out. But why? King Falon wasn’t known for scheming, rather the opposite. It was an enigma they needed to solve, for the good of Idrelas if nothing else. 

“I didn’t see anything two nights ago, but when I was in Mid Town this morning two Commanders went through the entrance to Lower Town. I thought there may have been a skirmish, but if Ivetta and Jaketta say soldiers went in before, do you think they were checking for something?” Kilyn offered.

“It’s a possibility.” Echoris spoke. “I think we are at a stage where every avenue must be explored.” There were mutters and nodding from all the Knights at the table.

“I will go.” Mariel said, determination lacing every sharp word.

“The it is decided.” Sabeline raised her head from where it rested on her hands, gazing around the table. “Mariel will investigate Lower Town and we will all be vigilant in any observations, reporting on those deemed unusual.” She felt somewhat lighter as she addressed her creed and at least provisions had been made for Lower Town. Her brow furrowed at that train of thought. It was just like when she had been staring up from the bottom of High Point and the ominous words had floated through her mind like wisps. Why was she being haunted by these thoughts? It was just a decree, wasn’t it? But Echoris had sensed something sinister. This counsel was not going as she’d hoped, it seemed she was getting more questions than answers.

    Ascilia broke through the swirling storm in Sabeline’s head as she called “All those in favour?” All Knights raised their hands. Ascilia nodded. “Then we have an accord.”

“The decree still troubles me.” Bersaba uttered, the first words she’d spoken all counsel. “King Falon does not seem himself in this scripture.”

“Then I must await my fate.” Sabeline announced, eyes flashing like lightning. “If this decree is as perplexing to you as it is to me, then there is little more I can do.” 

    Reluctant exchanges were made around the counsel along with discontented arguments. Sabeline snapped her gaze around, taking in each separate discussion happening around the table. Some Knights wanted to go to the King and demand answers. Some wanted to go to The Hand instead, because if anyone held the kingdom’s secrets, it was him. Others wanted her to remain in the Tower while they infiltrated the main castle on an espionage mission.

   The arguments ceased when Commander Karo and another Sabeline didn’t recognise entered their counsel hall.