The presence of everyone had been still ever since that night, and the air now always had a sickly feeling to Justin. To say he was paranoid was an understatement, despite Adius' assurances that nothing would happen to him anymore. The report had been made, the papers had been filed, and Oden was set to see the judge herself. The contempt of every rabbit towards Oden was now unthinkably high, not that it was much different before the attempt, and even if it had been successful, it would have been on the end of the rope. The disgusted glances and scoffs from his cohorts were justified, and the black rabbit had etayed silent.

  Adius had wanted to cheer Justin up, though the time had been too soon, and he acknowledged their wants to be left alone. He felt enough time had passed now since the trauma. Adius motioned Justin to him, taking him to the North wing of the castle, the one that so for hadn't been explored. Adius explained that this section was home to their historical collection and appraisement of many people, especially that of Asher the Great. Asher was a warrior in the time of the Collective, the time in which the continent they stood on was founded and conquered by many species at once. Adius explained further that Asher fought for their rights and future generations, and even the presence of the Orycto kingdom at all! He, Adius dare said, was what Her Grace wishes she could be. The center of the archive was dedicated to Asher's memorial, opening to a large space with marble walls and gold trimmed pillars connecting their edges. Many tapestries and moderate findings encased in glass were about the room, and in the center stood are very large statue with a sunlight shining down upon it. Asher stood proudly, handing his sword up to a point in his colonial style coat; his muzzle, ear tips, and clothing were of a dusty darkened copper finish, the rest of him, the copper gleamed brightly as if it had been polished that morning.

  "I come here to help me calm down." Adius said, "It really helps me appreciate my life."

  Their life? Justin thought. He looked up at the massive colonizer. He couldn't relate to any of this. His home was that of the big city, not of a rural diplomatic heritage home scape. It was impossible to tell Adius, but Justin wanted to say 'This doesn't do anything for me; I'm sorry.' He couldn't do it. He continued to stare at Asher, and with his heart heavy, he simply nodded to their friend without a word.

  A guard looked into the chamber, surprised to see others in there. He straightened up. "Her Grace orders to lock down the perimeters!" He ordered, "Everyone must come and stay indoors!"

  Lock down? No one had heard anything about it! The two rushed to the center of the castle; Adius lead the way. There was a large gathering and verbal calamity, not everyone in the kingdom, but Adius guessing around 300 persons. Another guard shouted.

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  "Calm down, all of you! In light of recent events, Her Grace has ordered an internal lock down! She has not given a reason at to yet, and we will relay the message when we have received one! In the meantime, no one must leave the castle!" More shouts from the crowd rose up, "All bucks on watchman duties will be brought in!" Adius just so happened to spot Axel, and he did not look happy.

* * *

  Two days passed. It had all been a sudden drill. Har Grace must have come to the conclusion that, due to someone almost succeeding with murder, there should be a preemptive lock down put into place to huddle up suspects, whether in or external. Needless to say, this did not help relieve the denizens' concerns on the matter, and all rabbits, whether they knew him or not, consulted Justin in passing. Thankfully for Justin, with it soon coming to his realization, everyone cared for his well-being, and that was enough to ease him. Adius had gone off to fend for himself in the corridors; likewise, bucks also passed him, inquiring about their friend, to which Adius relieved their concerns as well.

  That was, until the perpetrator was within view far away, and they had the misfortune to lock eyes.

  One day before, Oden's judgement had taken place, having been brought in front of Her Grace to face his consequence, after Oden had very reluctantly confessed. Rumours were told that there were cries behind closed doors.

  Oden forced Adius to stop next to him, pushing his hand against his chest, staring at him with with fury in his eyes and standing as still as a rock.

  "Why do you protect them?" He asked forcefully.

  "Because it's the right thing to do." He began to turn away.

  "Just because it's the right thing to do, doesn't mean you should do it." Oden became gritting.

  "I didn't get any sympathy growing up-!"

  "Oh, boo-hoo, Adius! You know what I got?!" His voice echoed in the hall, "I got disposed of, after putting everything into everyone's trust for all my life!" He paused, as if not sure if he should say something, "I needed to sanctify the kingdom, and you, you took that away from me and had my life thrown away!"

  "Oden!!" Adius fumed himself, "Listen to what you're saying! Drawing blood isn't the answer! Never! Why do-!"

  "But it's a sure way to get rid of the problem!"

  Adius was more than surprised. This rabbit who he'd known for so long...The tan rabbit looked straight into their face.

  "Well maybe you never deserved a title." He pushed Oden away, and walked to his destination—away from them.