The castle was more detailed and opulent in person compared to their sightline from the middle of town. Well-maintained and trimmed trees, bushes, and flowers lined the pathways around the palace. They were filled with vibrant colors and contrasted with the grays and browns of the castle. As they approached they got a better view of the land beyond the rock. Dead trees filled the landscape. Their trunks were rotted and black with corruption. A few small buildings edged near the line cutting through the space, but they were sparse. Beyond the corrupted lands, old and empty buildings lay in places. Nature and evil took them over, covering them in vines and rotting the wood. It stood in opposition to the grand castle.

Elias and Alice followed the two guards through the imposing gates of the castle, their footsteps echoing on the cobblestone path. The grandeur of the castle's exterior was nothing compared to what they now beheld inside. The main courtyard was a symphony of architectural marvels and meticulous landscaping.

Tall, majestic towers soared into the sky, their turrets crowned with fluttering banners bearing the royal crest. Gargoyles perched on the corners of the buildings, their stony eyes watching over the inhabitants below. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and stained-glass windows that filtered sunlight into a kaleidoscope of colors.

As they walked further into the castle, they passed under a grand archway adorned with ornate, wrought-iron gates. Beyond lay a lush garden filled with exotic plants and fragrant blooms. A network of cobblestone pathways crisscrossed the garden, leading to hidden alcoves and serene fountains. Birds chirped in the trees overhead, creating a tranquil atmosphere in stark contrast to the corrupted lands they had left behind.

The guards led Elias and Alice through a grand hall, its walls lined with suits of armor and paintings of past monarchs. The air was cool and tinged with the scent of polished wood and ancient tapestries. Elaborate chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm, golden light that danced off the polished marble floors.

They passed by a vast dining hall with a long, polished oak table that could easily seat a hundred guests. A massive fireplace dominated one wall, its flames crackling merrily, and above it, a tapestry depicted a heroic battle scene. The room was filled with rich tapestries and large, intricate paintings that seemed to tell stories of a previous era.

Finally, the guards led Elias and Alice to a set of double doors at the end of a long corridor. These doors were embellished with the royal emblem, carved in intricate detail, and gilded with gold leaf. The guards paused, turned to Elias and Alice, and nodded. It was clear that they had arrived at their destination—the king's chamber.

Elias and Alice exchanged nervous glances before the guards pushed open the grand doors. One of the guards stepped forward as they entered the room.

“I present to you, Sword Master Elias of Easthaven and the Hero, Alice of the Verdant Hills,” he said with a bow.

Elias and Alice followed the man’s gestures of their own while waiting for the king’s response. The king sat in his chair at the end of the hall. It was a practical thing though had some adornments and wispy designs along its edges and sides. He had his hair short with a largely white beard. The king’s clothes were patterned to mimic the blue and gray of the royal colors and banners. Blue represents Elder’s Lake and gray represents the grand rock that held up the castle and the kingdom. To his side stood a man in waiting. A few guards stood around the edges of the room.

“Welcome back Alice and Elias as well. You have been missed, both of you. How was your journey?”

“It went by without much issue,” Elias responded.

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"Merely 'much'? “Tell me everything that transpired on what was supposed to be a straightforward journey,” requested the King, his eyes narrowing. His posture shifted so that he leaned forward.

“We stopped in a village on the way here. The place was vacated or so we thought. Corruption had gotten to an ogre. There were no people left in the village. We dealt with the ogre. There was no one left for us to save.”

“That is truly unfortunate. I shall command the King’s Guard to unravel the cause of this incident. Nevertheless, your swift arrival brings me solace. The populace needs to witness your resilience, Alice. I hope that your training has gone well.”

“It has sir.”

The king nodded, his expression softening. "Good, good. I have high hopes for both of you. Now, let us discuss the upcoming parade and festivities. Lord Cedric, please, continue with the arrangements."

The attendant to the king’s side stepped forward. Lord Cedric, a man of average height with thinning hair and a wide smile walked down to meet Elias and Alice. His tunic matched the colors of the king’s and he held himself high as he spoke.

"Indeed, Your Majesty," Lord Cedric said, bowing slightly. "The parade, set for the morrow, will traverse a meticulously planned route through our city's heart. The people are eager to see their hero again, and we have arranged for you to stay in the castle for the duration of your visit."

Alice nodded in agreement, her enthusiasm for the upcoming events evident. "We're looking forward to it, Your Majesty. It's an honor to be here and to have the chance to meet our fellow citizens."

The king smiled warmly. "I'm glad to hear that. The parade shall be a magnificent festivity, a splendid chance for you to forge bonds with the people who eagerly await your return. They have been eager for your return ever since you left to hone your skills."

As the discussion continued, Elias couldn't shake the feeling that Lord Cedric was watching him closely, his eyes darting with a calculating glint. Lord Cedric's presence seemed to grow more unsettling with each passing moment, but Elias couldn't pinpoint the reason behind his discomfort. He had returned to his spot next to the king watching over them and the room as a whole.

After concluding their discussion with the king, Elias and Alice were escorted to their rooms within the castle and offered food for the evening. The chambers were comfortable and lavishly decorated, a stark contrast to the humble accommodations they were used to during their adventures. Elias couldn't help but feel like a fish out of water in such opulent surroundings. Two weeks ago, he was sleeping in his simple cabin but now the room he was staying in was worth more than everything he owned.

The nice beds were a great chance for their spot on the road or even in small spaces in villages. Elias went to bed quickly under the silken sheets and fluffy pillows. His last thoughts as he drifted off to sleep were of hoping to be out of the capital soon and in the arms of Nat.

Elias was woken early in the morning by servants of the king. He ate and bathed before he was given new clothes to wear. The food was humbly presented, and the bath made him feel more refreshed than he had in weeks. The clothes were in the traditional city style with the blue and gray colors of the king.

The day of the grand parade had arrived, and Elias couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. As Elias adjusted the finely tailored attire, he couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship and the rich fabrics. The servants had helped him dress which felt strange. In the back of his mind, he still wished that they could just go on their way and start their journey to the Witch Coven. But this could no longer be avoided.

Alice, too, looked resplendent in her gown, which flowed gracefully as she moved. They met in the corridor outside their rooms, both wearing expressions of awe. "You look incredible," Elias said to Alice, a genuine smile crossing his face.

"Right back at you," she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Are you ready for this?"

Elias took a deep breath. "As ready as I'll ever be. Let’s put on a show.”

As they made their way to the courtyard, the energy in the castle was palpable. The entire city seemed to have come alive, with citizens eagerly lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the heroes. Trumpets blared, and colorful banners fluttered in the wind. The royal guards, clad in their gleaming armor, formed an impressive honor guard that led the procession.

The king, resplendent in his royal robes, joined Elias and Alice, flanked by Lord Cedric and other dignitaries. Elias noted the persistent, scrutinizing gaze of Lord Cedric, seemingly measuring every detail. It was as if he was trying to discern something hidden beneath Elias's exterior. He still watched from the king’s side.