The morning came faster than I would have liked, but my body and mind were able to get some rest after my night with Rosh in the tower. Speculation lingered in my thoughts the whole way down from the top of the mountain and back to the Gala, but as I sat in the medical room with Leo and Christina who had decided she would come along for Chrollo’s sake, the only thing in my head was my friend's health.

“This never should have happened,” Professor Gillot stressed as she stood fidgeting without rest. “There shouldn’t have been any Imps in a Beta-level dungeon,” She said. “Yes, it’s known that the tower sometimes accommodates the challenges it provides depending on the skills of the adventurers, but history has shown that certain creatures don’t show until you reach specific dungeon levels. No matter how strong someone is. Imps have never appeared in Beta dungeons.” She insisted.

“So then why was it there?” Christina asked. She sat on a chair next to Chrollo’s bed, her hand holding its frame.

“I do not know,” Professor Gillot replied hesitantly. “However, I will be sure to report and make this known with Thomas - our class’ dungeon guide. He is a member of the governing body that regulates dungeons within the Arcadian ruins. I can ask him to file a report and see if some of the higher-ups have ever run into an incident like this.” She said with a worrying hand on her forehead.

The nurse who was watching over Chrollo walked back into the room we were in with a clipboard in hand. “So, your friend Chrollo seems to have a bad case of blood poisoning from the Imp that he encountered, and on top of that, he may have experienced some brain injuries and most likely a serious concussion to the head.” She said regretfully, taking a glance down at the clipboard before she spoke again. “Usually, the blood poisoning by an Imp can be taken care of by us pretty easily if the patient is awake, however, due to his lack of consciousness, we will have to call in a specialist who we currently don’t have in the Gala with us at this very moment. They won't arrive for a few days, so there will be a wait. However, they will be able to help Chrollo with the blood poisoning and also check the state of his head injuries too.” She said, attempting to shed some light on the situation.

“Thank you,” Professor Gillot replied as the woman handed her a copy of the report.

She turned her head to face me, “As for you, young man, since I’ve looked at your shoulder and seen that it’s been put back into place, all you need to do is focus and keep a constant mana flow in that area and it should heal within a month or two. You might feel some stiffness or swelling within the first couple of days, but it should subside quickly.” She finished. She then nodded to Professor Gillot before she left us to ourselves again.

“Ok, I want at least one person to be in here with Chrollo at all times until this specialist arrives,” Professor Gillot said looking at the piece of paper. “I’m going to find Thomas and check up on the other groups. I will check in with Chrollo later. Make sure you all stay fed and, Elex, keep that arm rested for the time being.” She said before leaving us.

We were silent as we all looked at Chrollo lying in the bed. I glanced up at the princess who kept her eyes directly on Chrollo’s face and wondered to myself how close they really were. I knew that they had spoken with each other in the past, but she seemed to be acting as if it were her closest friend lying on the bed in front of her.

Leo, with his back, leaned against the stone cavern walls of the Gala medical room and flipped through the pages of Morsom's diary without distraction. He seemed to have full confidence in Chrollo’s recovery as he claimed he knows how resilient people like Chrollo can be. I, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure. Deep down I knew that Chrollo would be fine, however, it seems that situations like these always cause people to have irrational thoughts and worries when they should know better.

As I sat in my own chair across from Chrollo, my mind began to drift off again back to Rosh. Something kept me thinking about him, something about the words that came out of his mouth, or about the dreams I was having that led me to his cell. I had no idea what to make of the images and things I had heard, I only knew that something wasn’t right within me and that the Trigon must play a part in it. I even considered asking one of the doctors in the medical area about it, however, I made a promise to my father that I would tell no one about my condition, not even my friends.

‘Not even Chrollo and Leo,’ I said to myself as I glanced up to look at them.

I figured that thinking about this kind of stuff wouldn’t do any good for my mental. So, like any sane person would. I tried to distract myself using the people around me, and my attention went straight to Christina who continued to eye at my sleeping friend.

“You’re Highness,” I said. She took a glance at me and I corrected myself, “Christina, I mean. How is it that you actually know Chrollo?” I asked. “I know you two have spoken in the past, and that it was you guys who worked together to find the location of the second key, but how did you meet?”

A small smile formed on the raven-haired girl’s lips, “We first met in a carriage at the academy.” She said. “I had seen him in one of the classes we had together, and I thought he looked like he would be interesting to speak with. So, I caught him at the carriage area near the edge of the district border.”

“And was he?” I said. She looked at me questioningly. “An interesting character, I mean.”

“Not at first,” she said, her smile beginning to show teeth. “He was quite . . . cold, I suppose, or hard to read. He didn’t treat me like how most people usually would when they meet me, and in its own way, that got me more interested in him.” she finished. “That was about a year ago, and I can say within that time we have gotten closer as friends.”

“I can agree with you on that,” I said with a small chuckle. “Chrollo sort of has this look that makes him seem kind of unapproachable, and his royal-like features don’t help with that either.”

“You’re right,” she agreed. We both let out a small laugh between the two of us, Leo still flipping through Morsom’s diary unbothered.

She sighed, “You know what though?” she glanced over at me, “Despite us getting closer, I still feel like I don’t really know much about Chrollo. I mean, aside from the obvious things, like the fact he’s from Vientor and that his family stays in the capitol - Stornoway. I don’t think I know anything else about him. Do you?” she asked.

I looked over at Leo, who peeped his eye toward me for a second before returning to the diary. “I’ve sort of come to understand that Chrollo hides aspects of his life or at least hasn’t told me things because he isn’t comfortable speaking about them. For example, I’m sure you guys might be wondering where all the ice came from when you found us at the tower.” Leo lowered the diary from his face. “Well, it turns out when Chrollo was under the control of the Imp, it made him use his other affinity.”

“He has an affinity for ice?” Christina said slightly shocked. “Why would he hide that? Ice is one of the four rare affinities, I would flaunt it around if I were him.” She said now staring at the black arc stones embedded in his arm.

“I don’t know,” I replied. “But that wasn’t the first time I had seen him use it, I think. When I first met him, during one of our training classes with Professor Dom, I’m pretty sure he began to use it on me, but then stopped himself from doing so, and then on top of that, he just froze in place and let me have the win. What do you think, Leo?” I asked him.

He looked to the ground as he sprung himself upright from his leaned position against the wall. “I think, you’re worrying about the wrong questions,” he said. “You know who I am, Leo Hurston,” he began with a hand on his chest, “You are Christina Porlov,” he pointed at the princess, and then at me. “And you, are Elex Vinspear,” he said. “Doesn’t it concern you that all we know is that his name is Chrollo?”

“I don’t think so,” I said honestly. “I mean, why would it matter what his family name is? It doesn’t define who he is.”

“No, it doesn’t.” Leo agreed, “But it does define where he comes from and might explain why he acts the way he does.” Leo sighed. “Elex, you know that I am one to pry into people’s lives. Perhaps more than I ought to. However, when I tried looking in on Chrollo’s name with the school registration slips at reception, everything they have about him . . . well, we have pretty much summed it up and said more with this little conversation of ours. There is nothing about Chrollo. No family name, no family address, and no family letters received or sent.”

“Well, maybe you couldn’t find any information because the staff at the reception didn’t want to invade another student’s privacy. Why would they even allow you to look at someone else private information?” Christina asked surprised.

He smirked, “ Actually, I’m quite fond of one of the receptionists at the school and I told them that I was checking something for him - as a friend would,” Leo explained himself.

“And they just let you?”

“They did,” he said proudly.

“That has to be brought up with the headmaster,” Christina complained.

“You’re missing the point,” Leo said flickering his hand dismissively, “Isn’t what I’m saying concerning? Forget the fact that I got ahold of what little information I could, the problem is that there was literally nothing on him,” he said, looking at me to back up his claims.

“I don’t know, Leo. Maybe the stuff you were looking for wasn’t written down for reasons that don’t necessarily have to do with Chrollo hiding it from us. We don’t exactly know how his relationship is with his family.” I said. “Some things you just shouldn’t pry into.”

Although I tried to speak with an ethical mind, I couldn’t help but ponder on the fact that Chrollo spoke so little about himself. He knew about my father, and I had told him about my grandfather and his business. Of course, I hadn’t told him about my mother and little brother - albeit I hadn’t told anyone - but I had still openly told him about my family. Chrollo had not done such thing to me yet. Even on the day when we were first heading to the dungeon, Chrollo was one of the few students who had no family with them to see them off. Although, he did mention that he has a sister. It's not like I’m obligated to know about his relationship with his family, but it does raise questions, considering we’ve told him about ours.

Leo looked to the side, “Perhaps, but it still makes me wonder, nonetheless.” he finished. He glanced down at the open page of Morsom's diary to continue reading but a sigh escaped from his mouth shortly after. “I’m going to get soemthing to eat from the market, will you come with me?” he asked.

“Sure,” I replied, but before I could get up, Christina intervened.

“Better not, Elex,” she said. “Don’t want to risk anything happening to your shoulder again. Why don’t you stay here and watch Chrollo, I will go with Leo.” She offered.

Leo visibly tensed as the princess rose from Chrollo’s bedside and made her way over. “Ok, if you say so,” I said with a shrug, taking the seat she had just left empty next to Chrollo.

Once they had gone, I stared down at my friend, letting my curiosity take over me again. I used the fingers on my free hand to hold open one of his eyelids to see his pupils. To my relief, the red shade of the Imp that I had seen in him before was now gone and back to its natural dark-sapphire colour. Letting his eye close again, I wipe away some of the hair that covered his face. He looked as if he were at peace as he slept, and it felt cruel to wake and disturb his time of solace.

“I’m sorry, Chrollo. I’m the one to blame for this.” I said gripping the bed frame tightly. “I’m the one to blame for this,” I repeated under my breath.

Harrison Saundont (POV)

Walking through the lower floors of the king’s palace was truly a privilege in itself. The way the towering white marble columns twirled and twisted with their adorned carvings supporting a vaulted ceiling as I walked by was quite the view to behold. Walking down what many called The Great Hall toward the council room, a multitude of tapestries depicting the history of the kingdom sat comfortably at the sides of the walls, and with every step I took, the more embellished they became.

My footsteps and heartbeat were all I could feel and hear as I traversed through the hallway. It seemed my nerves would rise whenever I knew I was about to enter the presence of the Senary Head Council, and I doubt I would ever get used to the feeling. They were an intimidating bunch, the top of the top, peak of society, and a simple man like me was given the honor to sit amongst their midsts. I hadn’t really thought too much about it until Omar mentioned it. ”The council's lapdog” he had said. It rang in my mind for the entirety of the time I spent coming back to the inner city. Omar was wrong, of course. I was no lapdog. A pawn, perhaps, but every move I make for the king will be useful - at least that's what I tell myself. The kingdom is under fire with these terrorists and I’m sure the council doesn’t want any other liabilities such as thieving ex-adventurers pillaging their storehouses. I was employed for a good cause, and although a part of me still felt uncertain about everything, I intentionally shut that part up.

I continued to rationalize my actions within my head as I walked. My footsteps created a rhythmic beat as they echoed in the empty hall which somewhat began to calm my nerves. However, that was all short-lived when another set of steps could be heard coming from my left, ruining the rhythm. Although, shortly after the footsteps, followed the sound of clanking jewelry, and I knew who was approaching me without having to look.

“Ah, well, if it isn’t the Headmaster,” the words came out from the pudgy man as he walked toward me. “You seem to be late,” he said with a persisting tone.

“Lord Lucintroph,” I acknowledged him, bowing my head slightly. “It would appear that we are both late to the council meeting,” I replied. “Wouldn't you say?”

He stopped in front of me, and the smell of his fragrance was now present in the air. Despite the aroma being a pleasant one, the man whom it came from did not have high standards in my eyes.

“But you forget, Suandont, I am not the guest at this meeting, now am I,” he said raising his head. “However, I must commend you, Mr Saundont. Your ability to take on the tasks from the council and run the ever-reputable Haulburn Academy is quite admirable.” He said with a sly voice.

“Y . . . Yes, my lord,” I replied, not completely sure what he was getting at. “I invest much effort into what I do, and I take pride in it.”

He smirked slightly, “Oh, as you should, Mr Saundont. Yes, you should indeed take pride. After all, you are the cornerstone for raising the next leaders of our kingdom, you hold complete responsibility as to what happens to them,” he said.

“I would agree, my lord,” I said slowly.

He stared me down for a second, before opening his mouth to speak again. “You know, Harrison. I spoke to one of the leading board members of your school recently - Lewis Swine.”

My eyes widened slightly, “Ah yes, Professor Swine, the religious history teacher.” I said hesitantly. “How is it you know of him?”

“Oh, we met some time ago in the past,” he dismissed the question with a waving hand. “But, he told me a funny thing when I met him.”

“Oh? And what would that be?” I asked curiously.

“He said that you had recently hired a new member of staff, an Ascended, to be specific.” I felt my heart sink into my stomach, how could he know this? Did that boy tell Professor Swine exactly what I told him not to tell anyone? No, it doesn’t matter. I don’t know how much Lord Lucintroph knows, and It's not like there’s anything wrong with hiring an Ascended. I should continue to act oblivious to anything suspicious. After all, if he finds out that “Simon Hall” isn’t real, I could put myself and lord Kelting at risk.

“Yes, my lord.” I said humbly, “A talented young man with a history in the ruins fell into my palms, would you believe it?”

“Oh yes, and I applaud you for that,” he said “It's just that there was something that struck me as odd when I looked a bit further into this . . . Ascended,” he continued. My heart began to pump faster and a sweat broke on the sides of my neck within my suit.

“What would that be, my lord?”

“When I looked into this person’s background, I saw that he had all his papers in line. In fact, he even comes from the same city that some of my other friends do,” he said fidgeting with one of the rings on his finger. “However, I suspect that he may have forged or even fabricated some of the information on his documents,” he said leaning a little closer.

‘Play the fool,’ I thought.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“Really? I didn’t seem to come to that conclusion when I reviewed his application,” I said showing a fake expression of shock.

“Oh, I don’t mean to frighten you, Mr Saundon’t. It’s just that it would be terribly awful if anything were to happen at the school, and this Ascended’s seemingly dubious background was to come to light, it would reflect badly on your sense of reasoning,” he said elongating his words.

“I . . . I suppose you are right,” I said. “I will look into it when I return to the academy.”

“Yes, that would be wise.” He said moving in closer and placing a hand on my shoulder.

“My lord?”

“Harrison, I want to make this clear - from one friend to another,” he said. “The council may be putting more pressure on you than what you signed up for. However, I would remind you that the king’s desires are very clear, and they align with a particular course of action.”

“I . . . I’m sorry, my lord.” I said uncomfortably, “I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

His grip tightened, “I’m saying that that the council’s word is explicit, and that compliance is expected, Harrison.” He said emphasizing the word “council.”

I was no fool. I knew what this was. Power and control over others is something that everyone yearns for, and it seems that Lord Lucintroph here was an avid contender of the game. However, just because I didn’t play my cards as upfront as he did, didn’t mean I was going to allow myself to be pushed around.

“Of course, my lord,” I replied, “I will always follow the order given by the king,” I said clearly.

His smile broadened, and he took a step back. “Very good, Mr Saundon’t, very good,” he stared me down in the eyes, the tension rising between us in the air.

“What are you doing?” another voice called throughout The Great Hall. Their footsteps echoed along with them as they approached us.

Lord Lucintroph looked over his shoulder to see Prince James - the heir to the throne - and we both bowed our heads in respect. “Your Highness!” Lord Lucintroph spurted.

“I said, what is it that you are doing?” the prince repeated more sternly.

“We were simply making our way to your father’s council meeting, Your Highness.” Lord Lucintroph said raising his head. “Important matters await our guidance, so we will be heading off now,” He nodded again trying to leave.

“Wait!” The prince called out. “A council meeting you say, my lord?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

He staired at us both, “Then who might you be?” He said facing me. “Perhaps I had it wrong, but I thought council meetings were only for council members?”

“Forgive me for not introducing myself, Your Highness. ”I lowered my head again. “My name is Harrison Saundont - the headmaster of Haulburn Academy. I was invited to the council meeting by the king.” I explained.

He stepped forward, tucking the book he had in his hand under his armpit. “Haulburn Academy? Ah, yes, the school Christina is attending,” he said to himself. “What matter has my father invited you for?”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness, but that would be confidential information. Strictly between members of the council.” Lord Lucintroph interjected.

“I see,” the prince said. “You may go, my lord.”

“I’m sorry?” Lord Lucintroph replied taken aback.

“Head to the meeting, I would like to speak with the Headmaster a while longer,” he said firmly.

The young man held all the qualities you would expect from a young king. Despite this being the first time I had ever met him, he made a good impression in my eyes. I could tell he had studied well on how to act when it came to his subjects - or at least, soon-to-be subjects.

He hesitated, “Very well, Your Highness.” Lord Lucintroph said, leaving me and the prince alone in The Great Hall, bumping my shoulder gently as he left.

I turned back to face the prince and prepared for my first conversation with the heir to the throne. His slick black hair sat well atop his head, obviously inherited from his father, and his refined garments made him look scholarly. It was common knowledge that the prince had an interest in religion and philosophy, so, seeing the way he held himself in person only verified those statements.

“Worry not, I won’t hold you for long, Headmaster.” he waved his hand. “I only ask that you take this letter,” he said whilst taking out a missive from within his waistcoat. “Give it to my father and only my father.”

“Of course, Your Highness,” I said whilst taking the letter into my own hands.

The prince sighed, “How is my younger sister? I hope she isn’t causing you any trouble with the school?” he asked.

“No, of course not, Your Highness. Princess Christina is doing just fine,” I said gently. “She is currently on her practical expedition right now, so, If I’m not mistaken, she should be within the Ruins at this very moment.”

“That is good,” he said. “To tell you the truth, Headmaster, that is all I wish to use you for. I was going to give it to him myself,” he pointed at the missive.“But as I saw you two here I thought it would be better to send the letter through someone I know who is loyal to my father, as I am quite busy.”

“You think of Lord Lucintroph as unloyal, Your Highness?” I asked curiously. "After all, why would you choose me over him?"

He smiled while rearranging the book under his arm again, “He’s a council member, I don’t trust any of them, and as for some advice, you shouldn’t either.” He said.

“They will be the same council members that will serve you when you take the throne, your Highness. Would it not be both beneficial for you and them if you put your trust in them now?” I asked. “Don’t they deserve that right?”

He looked at me with a questioning expression, “The very fact, Mr Saundont, that these people are in a position of power where the king is dependant on their loyalty, makes them that more dangerous. My trust and respect is something they must earn, it is not a right,” he said. “Or do you mean to tell me that at Haulburn Academy, you could trust your board of directors without a second thought?”

I was silent. For I didn’t know what to say. He was right, and I should have known that from the beginning. When it comes to people in power, trust becomes a rarity. Something that can arguably trump the bonds of family. The board of directors at Haulburn was my personal experience of that lack of trust. I am a fool to assume it would be any different in the council.

“I suppose you are right,” I replied. “So, I ask you this, Your Highness. What would it take for me to earn your trust?”

He smiled, “Why don’t you start by handing that letter to my father,” giving me a slight nod, he turned and began to walk away.

‘Right,’ I thought. I quickly made my way up a few side stairs that exited the Great Hall and entered an antechamber that led to the council room. The murmuring of voices could be heard as they escaped through the slightly open wedged door.

I stood at the doorway and took a breath, preparing myself before I entered. The door opened gently with the push of my hand, and they came to a halt in their conversations while turning to face me.

“Harrison,” King Solomon said. “You seem to have taken your time to get here!”

“Forgive me, Your Grace,” I said with a bow. “Your son, James, held me back.”

“Yes, yes, lord Lucintroph has informed me of the details.“ he said waving his hand. “I trust you won’t hold up this council meeting any longer?”

“Forgive me, Your Grace,” I said walking around the council table and handing out the missive to his majesty. Lord Lucintroph eyed me down as I walked with my hand out. “A letter from your son.”

He took the letter from me, and I sat down in the empty chair next to lord Kelting and lord Haugh. “James gave you this?” King Solomon said as he broke the red wax on the envelope.

“Yes, Your Grace. Though, he did not tell me anything about its contents.” I said. However, as I looked at the king’s face as he read the missive, I wasn’t sure what to make of it.

His face looked pale, dead even, or perhaps apathetic. I couldn’t tell. The other council members had noticed this as well, as they all sat in silence waiting for the king to say something.

“Troubling news, Your Grace?” Lady Peirce asked.

He tucked the note away and looked up at her with his kingly expressions slowly returning. “Nothing of concern, just news from the Lumin Cathedral,” he said while taking a glance at lord Lucintroph.

There was definitely something going on within this council. Any regular outsider who had never spent a day with one of the Senary head council members would overlook their small mannerisms. However, I had spent a good amount of time around lord Kelting, I knew how these kinds of people acted, and right now, there was something that I was missing. Something I couldn’t put together. Something I’m not meant to put together.

“Think of it not,” King Solomon said. “Please, lord Kadmin, will you get on with the report, and then we will hear from Harrison.”

I always noticed he allowed lord Kadmin to speak. The man holds himself with dignity, and compared to the other councilors, he has his own unique aura. Daunting, unwavering, and imposing with how he presents himself. Despite the fact that it was lord Lucintroph who sat nearest to the king, and acted more conceited. It was lord Kadmin who gave off those same impressions without putting on an act.

He stood up, “Of course, Your Grace.” he said clearing his throat, “Aside from what I had mentioned before, there is only one thing left to discuss,” he began. “In Drammen - the home of the Giant Kingdom - King Hailion Chrysor, has enforced new laws, or reinstated old ones, if you will.”

“What could he have done that would pique our interest?” Lord Kelting asked.

“He is reforming the military of the Giant Kingdom, sanctioned new curfews for the working class, enforced mandatory military service to all men in the Giant Kingdom from the age of eighteen, and sailors on the west side of Sunderland have spotted ships far in the distance. Ships that could have only come from Drammen.”

“I don’t see how this has anything to do with us,” Lady Peirce commented. “King Hailion has every right to do what he wants with his own kingdom, as long as he stays within his kingdom. From the reports I have read, he has not overstepped his boundaries,” she said.

“We cannot ignore the signs, Lady Peirce,” Lord Ardon said. The old religious leader had been a council member the longest. Despite his raspy voice, you could tell that from the whitened hair that sat on his head. Although his time as a council member was respected by his peers, his words more times than often fell on deaf ears.

“What are you suggesting?” She turned to ask him. “That King Hailion is preparing for some sort of conquest? That he plans to take over our kingdom?” She nearly broke into laughter with a smirk on her face. “Or that we should prepare our own men for an oncoming battle? Perhaps we could call for aid from Amon Troziz.” she scoffed.

He looked at her, “ Tell me, would you stay in your house while the storm rages on outside simply because it hasn’t reached you yet?” Lord Ardon replied, “The worst course of action one can take, is no action at all. It would be foolish of us to regard this as something as simply military defense training, or anything of the sort. The evidence shows that King Hailion is preparing for something, in response, should we not do the same?”

“You know,” Lord Haugh said joining the conversation, “Speaking with proverbs doesn’t make your point any more valid, Lord Ardon. The previous ruler of Drammen - King Dorthune - Hailion’s father, was a man who advocated for peace and continued down the path of his father before him. I’m sure that whatever Hailion is doing will not breach that act of peace that his ancestors tried to protect all this time.”

“And you know this how?” Lord Ardon replied. “Is Hailion his father? Or do we not all know that when people come into power they tend to do the things they’ve always wanted?” He turned to face King Solomon. “You’re Grace, as you know, I was a counselor for your father and I counseled him well. He was able to pass on this great kingdom to you because he cut the bad roots before they could grow. I have far more experience in this than anyone else in this room,” he said looking around. “And I swear on Arcinose above that I have only our kingdom's best interest in mind. So, I’m not advising you to strike, but to at least prepare for the worst.” He finished.

The room was quiet as they sat waiting for the king to respond. However, the only noise that came shortly after, was the slow clapping of hands and a haughty chuckle from one individual. “Very good,” Lord Lucintroph said with a smile, still clapping. “What an honest heartfelt short speech. Did you think that the sincerity of your words would persuade the king to agree with you?” He said mockingly. “Experience you may have, but times are changing, old man. Why don’t you keep preaching salvation and leave the political matters to us.”

Lord Ardon frowned and adjusted his collar, “Perhaps if you showed this kingdom the same love your mother showed you as a child, lord Lucintroph, then maybe it would be just as portly!” he said.

“What?” Lord Lunintroph scowled, beginning to get up from his seat. Albeit it slowly due to his pudgy form.

“That is enough,” King Solomon said with a raised hand. Arguments and disputes such as this occurred often between the council members. The only objective person is the king himself. Without him, I’m sure they would tear each other apart. “King Hailion’s actions are concerning, I have no doubt of that. However, I cannot focus on the movements of another king, when my own kingdom is being flooded with its own problems. Or have you forgotten that we aren't exactly living in a utopia?”

“What do you plan to do, Your Grace,” Lord Haugh asked.

“I believe control within my own kingdom should come first before we turn to foreign matters. We will wait.” he finished, gently slapping his palm on the side of the table.

Lord Ardon sighed, the man most likely did have more experience and knowledge to give than the other counselors. I could visibly see the pain in his face when the king made his decision. However, there was nothing he could do. The king was making a gamble: keep his men spread throughout the kingdom to instill order and report back to the capitol when something arises, or reign them all in and prepare for a potential attack. Of course, the latter option seemed ridiculous when compared with the former, and on top of that, the fact that there was no firm basis or reason for King Hailion to make an attack made it seem irrational to prepare for battle. Our two kingdoms have been at peace for many decades now. Lord Ardon's caution was built on speculation. After all, who wouldn’t be suspicious when a kingdom such as Drammen - financially prosperous and socially passive- reinstates its military force after more than two centuries of peace? However, the king's word was final, and lord Ardon was left at a loss.

“Very well, Your Grace,” He submitted. I sort of felt bad for the old man. Surrounded by arrogant aristocrats, he was the only one out of them - aside from lord Kelting - who seemed humble and genuine.

“Now,” King Solomon said turning to face me. “What news have you, Harrison.”

I stood up just as lord Kadmin had done. I didn’t know if I was supposed to, but I did so anyway. I didn’t want to be disrespectful. “Well, I was able to locate the culprits who we assumed to be the ones raiding the supply storages around the city.”

“And?” lord Kadmin asked starkly.

“Turns out it was some of my ex-guild members at the Yellow Vanguard,” I said. “However, after I was able to find and speak with them, they told me they were being blackmailed into doing it. Something about a huge debt they owe, which means there is still someone else behind the scenes to catch.” I explained.

It felt good to get the news out to the council’s ears. This job they assigned to me helped me restore my past relations which I thought were going to be ruined forever, and on top of that, the real culprits weren’t them. I could help the council with their problems, and at the same time reunite with my family.

“Ridiculous,” lord Lucintroph said. “These ex-guild members of yours are the ones who have been making the robberies, yes? If so, bring them in to be put away. Simple as that.”

“What?” I said with a blank expression.

“You heard me, didn’t you? I said bring them in, so we can put them away and be done with this farce,” he repeated, a little more firmly this time.

“My lord, you don’t understand,” I said. “Someone is forcing them to commit these crimes. Arresting them may not solve the problem at hand” I argued.

“Foolishness,” he said. “Saundont, you disappoint me. Your reasoning may just be as bad as lord Ardon’s.” a smirk formed on his face. “We had no problem with storage raidings before your guild members showed up. This tells me that whoever may be “forcing” them to do it, is also dependant on them. As they cannot do it themselves. Take out your guild members from the equation, and the problem we care about - the theft of our supplies - is solved.”

“My lord, that's highly unlikely,” I said. “Do you really think the real mind behind all this will stop once their pawns have been taken down?”

“It's not unlikely. And it doesn’t matter if it does or doesn’t stop them. However, it is a start, Harrison. Besides, you can’t expect us to not have them punished for stealing government property?” He said. “You will bring them in, or we will be forced to do so ourselves.” he finished sternly.

“Your Grace,” I pleaded to King Solomon, my voice slightly trembling in the presence of the council. “They have fallen under certain circumstances that under the eyes of any morally sound individual would take pity on them,” I said “So, please understand that this is not their will.”

He raised his hand and I fell silent. “Harrison,” he said. “I respect you, and I understand where you are coming from. However, as king, I cannot allow injustice to go unpunished,” he said firmly. “If they are being manipulated into doing the will of another, then we will find that person and punish them too,” he said. “However, I implore that you see greater stakes are at hand.” He finished.

I didn’t know what to say. They were telling me to go and arrest my own friends, my family, and over something that they were forced into doing. In a way, I was the reason they were in that situation in the first place. If I hadn’t made up the lies and then left them in the past, we all might not be in this situation right now. I sat back down, with my mouth slightly agape. In my peripheral vision, lord Lucintroph sat tall with a persistent smirk on his face. I swear I could see him bobbing up in down in his seat out of laughter.

“This isn’t a hard choice to make, Saundon’t,” the stout lord said. “Was it not you just earlier who told me that you would submit to any command of the king that befell on you?” his smile grew wider. “We will provide you with a group of men, and they will escort you when you next travel to the outer city.”

“That is unnecessary, my lord,” I said. “These are my old friends, not some wanted criminals. I will be more than enough.”

“You don’t get a say in what the council chooses, Saundon’t.” lord Lucintroph said bitterly. “Better to stay quiet and let us-”

“That is enough, Dean,” King Solomon interjected “If you think you can convince them to come into our custody without making a racket, then do so,” he said. “However, if you fail, we will take matters into our own hands.”

“Thank you, your grace,” I said.

The rest of the meeting was just a debriefing of what the council had planned as we began approaching the final months of the year. However, I didn’t listen. I was too busy thinking, and planning how I would fulfill my request. I understood that they had to keep the peace and that the law could not be changed for a group of commoners. It just hurt me that they couldn’t show a little more empathy. Perhaps my thoughts were biased, and if I sat in their shoes, I would be making the same commands. However, could I really do it? Could I betray them a second time? I got many silent glances from the other councilors every now and then. They knew that I was distraught at the fact that I had to do what they ordered, some of them looked pitiful, and some of them relished on my pain. However, I wouldn’t let either of them know what I was thinking. I had to plan fast, for I wasn’t going to disappoint my frie-. . . my family again.