“Thank you for your mercy,” Niles replied, his voice ringing out in the hall as he performed a bow exactly as Winston had instructed. King Xerxes, however, looked barely interested, his gaze skimming over Niles as though this exchange was a matter of no importance.
Niles straightened. “In our world, Earth, punishments often have time limits. How long will this banishment be?”
The king barely lifted a brow, replying with two words: “Until death”
A flicker of mischief crossed Niles’ face. “Then, am I permitted to bring along anyone willing to join me?”
The king gave a faint smirk. “Negotiating to the end, I see. If you find fools willing to follow, by all means. But your friends—” he gestured toward Roy and Gustavus—“they will remain here.”
Niles nodded, then turned to Winston with a look of mock solemnity. “Winston, would you care to join me on my journey?”
Winston let out a nervous chuckle, clearly uneasy. “I’m sorry, Sir Niles, but my place is here at court.”
Niles’ grin widened. “King, there’s actually one more matter we’ve yet to address.”
The calm expression on Winston’s face faltered, a flicker of dread creeping in. The king narrowed his eyes, activating his Veritas Gaze to search for deception. “And what would that be?”
“Winston here was partially responsible for the tower’s destruction yesterday. I trust he has yet to receive judgment for his involvement.”
Winston’s face went ashen. He glanced at Niles, who had transformed from a loyal friend to a devilish conspirator in mere moments. The king’s gaze turned on Winston, his eyes piercing. “Is this true?”
A single, timid nod from Winston. “Yes, Your Majesty,” he stammered.
“Then you are banished.” The king’s decree fell like a sword. Winston’s shoulders slumped, all life draining from his face. “Thank you, my king… for your mercy,” he whispered.
Niles shot him a proud thumbs-up. “Glad to have you, buddy.”
Winston sighed and turned to Roy and Gustavus, his voice dry. “Well, I think my days as a ‘Planet Buddy’ might be over.”
Gustavus offered a sympathetic nod. “I can try a healing spell on you, if that’ll help?” Roy, arms crossed, managed to conceal a smirk. “Look on the bright side: you owned up to it.”
The king rose from his throne, signaling the meeting’s end. “Prepare for tonight’s ball. We will reconvene then,” he commanded, striding from the throne room with his Xargian Guard in tow. Xemena beckoned Gustavus to follow, while Xhiva ordered Roy to his side. In the end, only Niles, Winston, and Prince Xander remained.
Prince Xander grinned, crossing over to Winston with an amused look. "Well, that was… unique," he remarked, giving Winston a sympathetic nod. "I have a feeling your future’s about to be one big adventure."
Niles chimed in with his own attempt at reassurance, “Hey, I’m sure there are plenty of other people who can take over your chores, Winston.” Xander leaned toward Niles, whispering, "I’m not sure that’s comforting." Niles nodded thoughtfully. "Then I'll resort to Plan B," he announced, patting Winston on the back with an overly enthusiastic, “Cheer up, buddy!”
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Xander raised an eyebrow and watched Winston’s blank expression. “How long until we see the effects?” he wondered aloud, inspecting Winston’s face from various angles. Niles came to stand beside him, equally focused. “Hmm, maybe you should give it a try?”
Xander shrugged, stepping behind Winston with a mischievous glint. “Alright then, here goes.” With exaggerated concentration, he drew back his hand. Winston’s eyes widened in terror, but before he could step away, Xander delivered a royal slap to Winston’s back, complete with a booming, “CHEER UP, BUDDY!”
The slap sent Winston stumbling forward, shrieking as he flew through the air, his voice echoing down the corridor. “It worked!” Niles yelled, delighted. Winston landed with a thud, rolling onto his back and breathing heavily. “Thank you,” he wheezed, “I don’t need any more… help.”
Niles and Xander exchanged a look and burst into laughter, each reaching down to haul Winston up by an arm. Xander exhaled, still chuckling. “I’m off to the salon to get ready for the ball. Care to join?”
Niles tapped his chin in thought. “Soon! We just need to recruit another… ally for our party.” He turned to Winston with a mischievous grin. “You know the way to the salon, right?”
Winston, clearly not wanting any further encouragement, nodded vigorously. "Right. I do."
With a lingering smile, Xander waved them off. "Alright, see you soon.” He turned and made his way down the hall.
As Xander disappeared from sight, Niles turned to Winston, already bounding down the corridor. “Alright, Winston, recruitment time! Let’s go!”
Winston sighed, but with Niles calling, “Faster, Winston!” he quickly picked up speed, his courtly robes flapping wildly as he ran after him.
The duo burst out into the training yard, where the morning sun bathed the castle walls in golden light. The flags hung still, their proud colors resting in the calm air. As they jogged across the courtyard, castle guards and courtiers shot curious glances at the odd pair speeding past. In the distance, the moat bridge came into view, guarded by the same two knights from the previous day.
“FELIX!” Niles bellowed, his voice echoing as they neared. Felix, hearing his name, squinted at the approaching figures. “FELIX!” came the call again, ringing across the yard. By the time Niles and Winston reached him, Felix’s look of puzzlement had softened into recognition.
“Sir Niles,” Felix greeted him with a polite nod. “How do you fare this fine morning?”
“Never better!” Niles beamed. “Felix, I’m starting my own party, and I need you in it!” His eyes sparkled with excitement, a bit like a colt first let loose in the pasture. “The king himself said I could bring anyone willing to join. Please, Felix, we need you!”
Felix blinked, taken aback by both the unexpected invitation and Niles’ earnest enthusiasm. His guard partner beside him rolled his eyes, about to interject. “I’m sorry, but—”
“Yes, sure, I’ll join your party,” Felix cut him off, his voice calm but resolute. Niles jumped in delight, practically dancing on the spot.
Winston leaned in close, whispering urgently, “But… why?”
Felix gestured to Niles, his expression soft. “Look how happy he is. You’d need a heart of iron to turn him down.” Winston sighed, coming even closer to explain in a hushed tone. “He was banished, and by the king’s grace, he’s allowed to bring along… any ‘fools’ who agree to follow him.”
Felix’s eyes widened at this revelation, his breath catching. He glanced back at Niles, who grinned at him like he’d just gained a lifelong friend. After a pause, Felix nodded firmly. “Then I’ll stand by him.”
“Perfect! That makes three of us!” Niles whooped, brimming with excitement as he eyed Felix’s companion. “Hey, what about you?” The guard shook his head, declining, and as Niles continued his search, getting turned down left and right, Winston and Felix struck up a quiet conversation.
With a sigh, Winston confessed, “I’ve been banished as well.”
“Why?” Felix asked, curious. Winston pointed at the rubble of the destroyed kings tower, “I’m partly to blame for that incident, which is why I’m following Niles… at least for now.”.
Felix looked out over the courtyard “that’s rough”, a glint of longing in his eyes. “I’ve been stationed here for years, with little to show for it. Maybe… this is the chance of a lifetime.” He extended a hand, he said, “I’m Felix.”
Winston grasped it firmly, a flicker of hope in his voice. “I hope you’re right, Felix. And I’m Winston.” as they clasped hands in greeting. Felix, with his calm, steady gaze, gave a small nod of approval. “You’re a good man, Winston, it’s an honor.” he said, the warmth in his voice revealing his certainty. Winston felt a strange relief wash over him, smiling as he shook his hand firmly, a spark of pride in his voice. "Thanks. And you as well, Felix." Their handshake lingered, a pact unspoken yet firmly understood.
Niles, catching the moment, grinned. “That’s what I’m talking about! With you two by my side, nothing can go wrong!”