"Yes. We are in search of a secret map." The words just came out before Tum could think of a better way to put it.

Bonnie froze again. A look at her face and Tum knew she must be thinking of him as belonging to a special breed of idiots. Now that he had let the secret of their coming here into the open, the king might chase them out of his palace or send them to the mines, or worse still, lock them up in dungeons with no hope of escape.

"Why do you want the map?" The king asked, suddenly growing defensive.

"Treasure," Bonny quickly said. "We heard about the treasure and some sword, but we have his sword already. Maybe we can sell the sword."

"I will buy it," the king said. "You can name your price. I will buy the sword if you get it."

"Why?" Tum asked, pretending.

"There are things you do not need to know," the king said. "I will give you the map. All I want is the sword."

"What is it about this sword?"

"Something that should make my advisor find the sword and hand it to me. The peasants are planning to attack us, and all I want is peace. With this sword, everybody will listen to me, peasants and royals alike," the king said.

"You definitely need the sword then," Tum said, turning around to look at Bonnie.

"Get us some wine," the king barked.

Someone dashed into the room, carrying a tray of goblets and wine, as if he had been standing there, waiting for the king's call. The king waved at the other goblets and wine in the jug, and the servant cleared the old wine. He was back in no time, pouring drinks into the three friends' cups and that of the king. Tum was already wishing he was the king. The king was young, but he carried himself with such regal grace, and would never raise his voice above a certain decibel.

After throwing a cup of wine down his throat, the king turned towards Tum.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"My advisor does not seem to care. Of course, he lies that he has sent men after it, but I am sure he hasn't. Tell me, what does it take to secure a crystal sword from a place where no one lives?"

"Maybe some things live there," Buckle said.

"I don't believe that," the king replied. "I can't believe that. The sword is my only hope to keep the kingdom together."

"We will find the sword for you," Tum suddenly said without consulting his friends. They could not object, not in front of the king.

"I would be extremely grateful," the king replied, standing up.

"Please, provide Sir Greg with whatever he desires. Fair maidens to massage the soreness out of his muscles. Men to please his seamstress. You can get more drinks for his servant," the king instructed one of the guards.

He walked towards the door as he stood up from his seat.

"You can make this place your own, Sir Greg. Perhaps tomorrow, I will present the map to you, so you may locate the sword. If you find treasures other than the sword, they will belong to you. And even after that, the crown would be in your debt. You will have lands and titles as much as you want."

With that, the king walked out through the door, leaving one of the guards behind. The guard stood still, an unmoving statue. His presence caused the trio great discomfort.

"Hey, can you get us what the king has for us?" Bonnie asked the guard in a bid to dismiss him.

"What would that be?" the guard asked.

Buckle was shocked to hear him speak, having already concluded that the guards were dumb.

"Everything," Bonnie replied. "Take your time."

The guard turned and walked out of the room.

"A spy, huh?" Bonnie asked, turning to Tum.

"We have to leave," Buckle said, fidgeting.

"What is wrong with you, Buckle?" Bonnie asked.

"Don't you see what is wrong?" Buckle asked, getting more and more agitated. "We are getting into the middle of this. We need to be outside of it."

"Didn't you think of that when we agree to help Quil?" Tum asked.

"Well, who are we helping now? Quil or the young, well-mannered king? And don't think I have not seen how well you have warmed up to him, how you are enjoying a life that does not belong to you. Even you, Bonnie. I did not expect this of you."

"Well, we have suffered a lot in this life. How about we relax and enjoy this royal life?" Bonnie asked.

"I don't want anything to do with it," Buckle insisted. "My life was perfect the way it was."

"Well, mine wasn't. I dressed like a boy half the time and in tattered clothes. No one really knew what I looked like."

"Don't you think you are being selfish, Buckle?" Tum asked. "You are only thinking about yourself. What about Bonnie? What about me?"

Buckle became quiet as he thought of a rejoinder. "What about Quil?" he asked immediately he thought of it.

"Everything will be sorted out in the end, but for now, let us relax and enjoy this life."

Buckle had nothing else to say. He watched them glumly. Two against one. There was no way he could win.