Samuel grinned a broken toothed smile and visions of wealth and fortune danced in his eyes but he only tilted his head in thanks as he stepped forward through the massive doors, following the escort down the long corridor, theirfootsteps echoing off the walls. Samuel swiveled his head side to side, marveling in the opulence of the palace. One day soon he would also live in the splendor of the rich. The escort paused before pushing through another large door. They had arrived at the throne room, empty except for Queen Vivian and her royal bodyguard.
Samuel could see where Queen Vivian sat upon her throne, her long white hair shining against her emerald green dress. Perfectly manicured nails tapped impatiently on the arm of her chair. Her piercing blue eyes watched him approach, with a look ringed with malice. Nearing the throne, Samuel bowed deeply.
“Thank you my Queen for seeing me on such short notice.”
Queen Vivian watched him for a moment, her eyes burning into the top of his head.
“Rise, what have you brought me that was so urgent?”, she asked, her voice laced with scorn.
Samuel rose but kept his eyes downturned, in a show of respect. “I have returned from the Varon Province. I have worked there for the past few years, under your orders, to find anything that could be used to grant you power over Queen Rivka. I believe I have found just that, your Majesty.”
As he finished his statement, he chanced a look up at Queen Vivian whose eyes sparked with interest. Captain Luther Blackwood, her bodyguard, stepped slightly forward. His stocky build gave him an imposing presence, but it was his black eyes that held the most power. One look could make a man quake.
”I found a chest, on the edge of the gardens and the cliffs. It contained a book filled with what appears to be spells, and detailed instructions on how they work. There is a black pillar candle that accompanies the book, needed for the spells I suspect,” Samuel paused, chancing a glance up at his queen.His speech was quick, frantic even, worried she might dismiss him before he could prove his value. She was staring back at him with suspicion. He rushed on, “There was also a piece of old parchment, that I believe is a prophecy of a future to come. I left Varon as soon as I realized what I had found. I told no one, your Majesty.”
Queen Vivian made a quiet humming noise, “You told no one, you say?”
“No, my Queen. I came straight here.”
“Good. Good.” She drawled, shooting a sidelong look at her guard. With a flick her wrist, “Go retrieve the chest from him. Bring it to me at once. If what he says is true, this is most valuable indeed.”
Samuel smiled to himself, keeping his head bowed, as the guard approached. He had made the right choice. Captain Blackwood took the chest from him, striding back to Queen Vivian. He opened the lid, removing the book of spells first, handing it quickly to his queen. She opened it, a sinister smile spreading across her face.
“Hand me the parchment.” She ordered.
The Captain did as he was told, removing the thread as he handed it to her. Unrolling it, she began reading aloud.
“In the age of splintered lands, when citizens turn blade against citizen, a girl child shall rise from the heart of the strongest province. Born pure of heart, she will carry the blood of warriors and the wisdom of queens.
Marked by the sigil of fate, her cry shall shake the halls of the mighty, and her hands shall bind the fractured throne. Through trials of loss and sacrifice, she willwield not only steel but the will of the forsaken. Her leap of faith from the cliffs of the veil will mend the sundered oaths of old.
The banners of strife shall wither in her shadow, and the voices of the lost shall rise in unison. With each step, the land will remember its unity, and with her coronation, the age of discord shall end.
Thus, from the strongest shall come the savior, and in her reign, the people shall be one again.”
Once again, a slow smile graced her face. Rolling the parchment back up, she placed it on her lap.
“Very well done. You have found a great treasure indeed. You were right to bring this to me, and you will be rewarded handsomely.”
Upon hearing this, Samuel’s smile widened, his body beginning to vibrate with excitement.
“Luther,” She barked at her guard, “take our friend here and make sure that he getseverythingthat he deserves for being such a loyal servant to his queen.”
“Of course, my Queen. I would be honored.” Bowing low, the Captain turned towards Samuel. “Well, come on then, stay close,” he directed as he strode away.
Captain Blackwood led the beaming man back out into the corridor from which he had come. Samuel hadn’t taken the time to pay attention to his surroundings, simply intent on getting to Queen Vivian as quickly as possible. They continued through the palace halls, turning every so often until they were in a completely separate section. This wing of the palace had to have been part of the original build, the fanciful colors and grandeur subdued and waning.
Well, if they want to hide their valuables, you definitely wouldn’t expect them to be hidden here.
The Captain pulled up in front of a set of guards who moved out of his way without so much as a signal, opening a path to a set of stairs leading downward.
The power this man has over his men, that is what awaits me.
The stairs wound down to the dungeons.Wait. That didn’t make sense. Why would we be heading to the dungeons?At the bottom step, a third guard waited in front of a door, and quickly opened it upon seeing his Captain striding towards him.
Captain Blackwood stepped to the side, guiding Samuel in front of him through the door. The room was virtually bare, apart from a sole chair placed directly over a grate in the center, a wash basin, and a table. Samuel turned, a questioning look on his face, just in time to see the Captain draw his blade.
“What are you doing?!” he exclaimed, taking a couple of steps backwards.
