Chapter XVI

The King in Castle Athalera

Halt! State your names and your business, the guard said.

Marrack walked up to him. We're criminals in a very bad mood, and we're gonna see the king and get jailed. Wanna try to stop us?

The guard, obviously intimidated, swallowed, then said: Very good, sir, then turned to the guards on the wall: Open up! Then he said to Marrack, stuttering: Er... Have a nice day in Castle you, little man, Marrack said and shoved him aside as he entered through the gates, followed by the others.

The Castle town was already at dawn full of life. The bakeries had been busy, and were now marketing, loudly, their wares. The second Marrack stepped onto the main street, many of the bakeries grew silent, while the smiths were getting louder in their marketing.

Castle Athalera was built in such a way that the outer areas were farmlands, then came the moat and the first gate. It was all built by the edge of what seemed like a rock peninsula in a sea of grass, with a city built on the plains by the shores and up along the sides of the cliff.

The second wall surrounded the base of the cliff, and had three gates, one in each direction, except west, where the cliff rose. All three gates led to the inner square, from which a broad passage had been hacked into the cliff and a paved wall built. This road led up to the Castle, up along the ridge of the peninsula, and it was made in such a way that it extended all the way to the inner square even though the cliff was still a hundred meters away. This was to make it less steep than the cliff otherwise was.

The aristocratic regions were on the southern side of the peninsula, while the military had a semi-vertical compound built along the northern side. Above those were the Castle itself, a towering structure partially built into the rock, and atop of the peninsula sat a tower, which though primarily was a seat of magic and science also functioned as a watchtower.

On the peninsula, further away from the tower, was a society of magicians and scholars, and their grand halls, some in more decay than others, as that was the oldest part of the City. There was a wall and several military structures further west, but as the mountain regions were too troublesome to bring a hostile army through, there was less need of a great defence there.

The city was quite a vertical one, the stone structures were built several floors tall, and some had bridges from one building to another. Aside of the road from the first wall to the second was an elevated passage along the second floor, and there were businesses on both levels.

There wasn't as much wood in the city as one might expect, there was clay and masonry, but wood seemed rare. Of course there were wood panels, wooden upper floors, but the overall appearance of the city was that it was one of stone. Different types of stone, but still stone.

To it's general appearance, it was pale grey, orange, and pale red stone, garments of all colors imaginable, and many of the wooden houses had been painted in different colors, depending on where in the city they were.

Once the group had passed through the gates of the second wall, they found there to be metal as well. Some structures had large stained glass windows, especially the halls of learning or of worship, as the images of the windows depicted different scenes from myth and history.

It clearly wasn't the average backwater town, there were signs with writing everywhere, every guild shield had a slogan or at least a name on it. Road signs, special offers, slogans, some posters as well. The posters generally concerned items that someone either wanted to find or to sell, but occational lost children posters could be seen.

Then there were, of course, the wanted criminals posters. Balgard couldn't resist spotting their faces on one of the boards. He went over, and pulled them down. Well, those of them that remained in the group.

It'll shorten the introductions, or at least make them more amusing, he explained.

Two familiar figures were sitting by the window in an inn by the street. From the upper floor, they easily spotted the four travellers.

Tergard, do you see what I see? Garad asked, rising from his seat without taking his eyes off the new arrivals.

I see them, Tergard calmly replied and took another sip of his morning tea.

Shouldn't we, like, tell the guards or something?Why are they here? Tergard asked. Garad was silent. Tergard said. Did they come here on their own, by their free will? Then there's no need for any guards. Were they brought ehre by a pack of guards, soldiers, whatever? If so, there's probably more than enough of them already.

A sleepy and all but cheerful Racklan joined them. He hadn't quite dealt with failing his mission: escorting the prisoners to the Castle. What are you two rambling about? he asked. Tergard lift an eyebrow.

Garad quickly answered.

Racklan frowned. Why did I ask you? Tergard, what were you talking about?Four early bird travellers, Tergard said. Garad spun around and looked again, not having noticed they lacked Janaris and Elps before. Nothing you should bother with. Racklan yawned. Move over, I need a window seat or else I won't wake up 'til noon, he said, shoving Garad away from the window. Racklan sat down, to Garad's and Tergard's relief, but froze. He then, slowly, turned his attention out the window and at the travellers. What the... Tergard asked, trying to keep his cool. Garad was sneaking away from the table, knowing his commander.

Those... four... Racklan said, just staring out the window, right at them.

What about them? Tergard asked, starting to sweat. Racklan had had enough of a breakdown already before they got to the Castle town, and having to report their, or rather, his failure hadn't improved anything. Tergard was afraid Racklan would lose it completely, but he kept his cool as well as he could. Which was enough.

Nothing I'm just... I'm starting to see things, Racklan moaned and bashed his head into the table.

Yes sir, Tergard said, and cast a glance towards Garad, who had found a seat next to a couple of young and fair female travellers. Tergard said, putting on a revelated act, you thought those four were...Tergard, are you all right? Racklan asked.

Yes of course, why? he replied, his act and his cool on the verge of failing.

You're just being strangely... Chatful, this morning, Racklan stated.

I like this morning, Tergard replied. Look, I think it'd be best if you'd not look out the window, if your mind is playing those tricks on you. I'll get some fruits, fruits are good for your head, it'll get you back to your usual self in you say, Tergard, Racklan mumbled, but you're still being strange.

Strolling up the paved road to the Castle, the four travellers were spotted by an inquisitive patrol. Marrack grinned, Balgard sighed, Maveari cast a tired glance their way. Keethra was oblivious and kept walking, even after the patrol commander called them to halt.

What's your business up at the Castle? she asked. Because that's where you're heading, isn't it?Balgard, I'll keep an eye on Keethra, explain the whole deal, would you? Marrack asked. We could sue a bunch of royal plateheads to get through the last gates. Balgard said, and rolled up the posters. There was a mixed response from the patrol, some of the guards frowned at their audacity, while others snickered. The commander didn't move a muscle. Wolveneye asked you to escort us to the Castle, it'll speed the whole deal up.I suppose your things are in order, the commander said. Lettoth and Serd will escort you there.

Two guards left the patrol, and it continued it's patrols across the street. The two guards led the four, once having caught up with Keethra and Marrack, to the Castle gates.

They're wanted criminals, the young Serd explained to the gate guards.

The guards laughed. That you've apprehended? Yeah turned themselves in, we were assigned to bring them forth, Lettoth explained.

And what'd you mean with...! Serd started.

Either you let us through or we let us through, Marrack said.

Needless to say, they were let in.

The Castle was beautiful, especially in the light of the sun. There were small gardens on the large balconies along the white walls. Lettoth and Serd escorted them through the second Castle gate as well. They were now in a tall hall, well lit by both magical flares and conventional lanterns.

The castle was built so that a large mirror on the ceiling always reflected sunlight into a large crystal, which divided the light along the ceiling and walls of the entry hall, which had two passages to either side, and ended in an arched passage into the throne room.

The back wall was a white chalked alcove in the cliff, and the walls were white masonry. Along the sides of the throne room were large banners, flags, and draperies, all with the symbols of the cities in the kingdom of Athalera.
There were a few flags hanging next to the throne alcove, flags that depicted the main factions, castes, profession groups, lifestyles, whatever one would deem an appropriate word; of the kingdom: the magicians and scholars, the craftsmen, the farmers and hunters, not to mention shephards; the traders, and finally, the crown. Above the alcove was the flag of peace and the flag of war. The the moment, the flag of peace was above the flag of wall.

The king was not in the room. The royal guardians were. They were highly trained in both domestic and foreign arts of combat. They were clad in the colors and with the marks of the cities, one from each city bearing his or her city's mark. There were three of them present.

The king has been notified of your approach, one of them, a short yet fierce looking man, bald, but with three stripes of beard on his chin, said. You've been recognized as Marrack Wolveneye, Keethra Ender of Endskeep, Maveari, and Balgard the inventor, wanted criminals that escaped custody en route to here. Yet you have kind'a felt like we didn't want to live on the run, Marrack said.

Her idea, actually, Balgard said, putting his hand on Maveari's shoulder.

I see, the man said. A fourth guardian ran in from a seemingly invisible passage not far from the throne. The throne alcove was in shadow, and impossible to make out. he whispered something to the other guardians, then ran back. I hear you cleared the Bridge Cliffs from the cliffmen, the raiders of the valley. However, you are missing two members of the initial group. Marrack stated. Both fell in the Bridge Cliffs. One by the hands of their leader, his former friend; the other taking him assume you wish to have your cases reviewed by the king himself. Is that so? Marrack said. We'll just picnic here and then go back home.

Balgard rolled his eyes. I take that as a yes, the man said.

And we've got a warning for the king, Balgard said.

Tell us, he said.

Them ancient magi still ain't gone, Marrack said. The man was silent. They're building an army, they've outgrown the magic seal, and could bust out of there any doubt this, he said. But as we have received word from a scholar we long thought had perished, we have no choice but to heed to your people talk weird, you know that? Marrack said. The man ignored him.

He's probably in work mode, Balgard told Marrack. I've heard of those people that enter a totally different persona when they work. It's some kind of special technique they use, to be de-personalized so your emotions or anything won't interfare with your job. Marrack replied. What good are emotions if you can't sue them in a fight? Balgard just sighed. He would still side with Marrack.

There was the sound of a horn, and the throne was lit up. Apparently, the horn was not just the audible symbol of the Athaleran ruler, but also a signal for the light manager to rig the throne light mirror.

The glorious throne was built in such a way that it featured two smaller thrones, they were used for the steward, or for the prince or queen who might rule when the king was unable to attend to matters from the throne. The throne was made of metal and stone, and featured a large metallic plate above the king's head.

The plate was written in an ancient language which very few could read, and said:

Athalera, the crown of the plains,
The home of the wise
A welcome house
A judge of it's children
And a just cause to defend

The king, fairly old, but not as old as Balgard, came. His hair was starting to get silvery grey by his forehead, but his face showed little sign of getting soft in his old days. He had a face riddled with signs of experiences, but even the nastier scars failed to cover up his royalty. He had a certain royal presence about him, it wasn't just that he was born as a prince, he was born to be king.

He came as soon as he heard, and was not dressed in the full royal robes he normally wore while on the throne, but rather, in what seemed like the most luxurious casual clothing there could be. In gold and green, with a large red emblem, the flag of peace, on his chest. He wore not his large ceremonial crown, but the more helmet-like crown, which was quicker to grab and put on while on the move. He had been on the move ever since he heard they were there.

The king rose to his throne. The guardian in the middle, the man that had talked before, kneeled, and the two others moved to stand in front of each of the smaller thrones by the foot of the king's.

Marrack did what his people did to their king, he spread his hand over his chest, where his heart was, and raised his left fist, while kneeling, as was the custom in Athalera. Balgard, as he was old, legally had no obligations to do more than to bow his head, but kneeled. Maveari grabbed her shoulders and fell to her knees.

Keethra was oblivious. Marrack, standing next to her, nudged her. She blinked, then spread her legs, grabbed an imagined staff with both hands, slammed it into the ground, and bowed her head. That was the custom of elder magicians. Magelings, as most magicians, would kneel, clutching a short staff right by their chest. Apparently, Keethra didn't see herself as the average mage or mageling anymore.

The king wasn't interested in their culture of showing their respect for him. he said, formally and mightily, but then took a more concerned voice as he asked: What is it you have learned of the old magi?In the Old Forest, Balgard started. Marrack had opened his mouth, but Balgard was quicker. ...They have been building an army. Theiorla and a man by the name of Lords of the Banished each have a great host of ghosts to their command. We barely escaped, and that was with the help of Behadhrer and the Resident of the Old Resident I have heard enough of, the king said. But Behadhrer...?He was banished to the same location as the old magi, to see with his own eyes that magic was real. he was young and foolish at the time, but we would not have escaped without he spent the last couple of hundred years forgetting how long he had been there before he lsot count, Marrack added.

Do you wish this to redeem you? the king asked.

Well, I wouldn't mind if it did, Marrack said.

But we put no claim to freedom, Balgard added.

Your majesty, Maveari interrupted them. He nodded at her to proceed. We trust that you are just. In my land, we have heard of your ancestors, the kings, and their just rule. I can't speak for all of us here, but I came here because I believe you are a fair judge, and... Well, that's about it. That's why we came. Because I believed you to be just. I believe you to be just.

The king took on an expression Maveari couldn't tell whether it meant good or not. He rose from his throne. I know of you all, and reviewed your cases before you came here. I need not to hear your cases our sides of 'em? Marrack asked.

the king said. I have already decided. The magicians here will tend to the young mage. I know the weight of magic. He looked at her. What you need is not to be locked away, you just need to find you, king Valaner, she said. Monotonously, as if she recited something; but nevertheless.

The king turned to Maveari, and said: You have no need to worry, journeyman. What you did was just. You bear no crime. That I know of... or will have a say in. She nodded, putting on a smile. She was thinking about Elps.

The king then turned to Balgard. I hear you have aided a small host of rebels from time to time.

Balgard rpotested: You ears lie poorly, your majesty, I am a rebel, and there were many of us in the Dim Fields.I have chosen not to hear such a thing, the king said, when I heard you have been leading a crusade against the unjust rule of certain governers I am unable to deal with myself. Even a king has limitations. You, Balgard of the Dim Fields, are an extension to the arm of the crown. I thank 't exactly leading it, but details aside... Thank you, your majesty.

Then, though having turned satisfied with his verdict so far, he turned to Marrack, turning his expression to an apologial one. Marrack Wolveneye... The crimes, aside from the ones I keep getting brought the average troublemaker here for, are torture, maim, and murder. Slaughter, even. Despite your hero business, there is nothing I can do. I am bound by law to have you executed.I have a will to live, Athalera, Marrack said, referring to the king as the whole kingdom, but I have my honour as a son of Wolveneye. I will resist him away, the king said, turning around so he wouldn't have to face him. He will be prepared for today's was worth a shot, Maveari, Marrack said. Goodbye, my friends. It was a thrill, and I wish I could spend more time by your sides.

No-one said anything. One of the throne guardians stepped forth to lead him to the guards that awaited outside the throne room. Then, she stopped. The guardian that spoke before noticed this, and chose to do it himself. But he also stopped, about at the same distance from Marrack. The third looked at them, then at Marrack.

he said. The king turned around. Now he saw it as well: Janaris scimitar.

How did you get this? the king asked.

Janaris must have dropped it before she fell, Marrack guessed. I just picked it up.

The king was silent. I declare you free from all charges, Marrack Wolveneye.

All four companions were surprised. Marrack was the least happy about it, save for Keethra being oblivious again. he asked.

You don't know why Janaris was being brought here? the king asked.

Marrack replied.

She said she was an assassin, Maveari said.

I know. Janaris is also the child of one of the guardians' teachers. She also bears a royal name.I kind'a wondered about that, Balgard said.

Arrange accommodation for these, the king ordered one of his guardians. I will summon you later today.

They were escorted out, and the throne alcove became unlit. Keethra was brought up to the magi section of the city, while the three others were led to a building on the military side, one on a hillock, one tall enough to let light shine into the second floor, into which they were led.

There will be two servants sent here, in case you need anything, the guardian said, and left.

Balgard hauled out his notes from the cottage. I have to try it. What do you think, can a machine fly?Here he goes again, Marrack sighed and joined Maveari by the window. What are you thinking about? he asked her. She first didn't notice him, but he asked again.

She looked at him. Do you think this is the end?I'm not sure if I want to go on. If I , just because it's cloudy doesn't mean the sun doesn't rise. Balgard mumbled from within his notebook. He meant that the sun was shining outside. It was blinding, shining down on the castle town, right at them.

It's something we say where I come from, Marrack said. Some things change. Some don' 're right, she said. She didn't mean it, though.

You miss him, Marrack said. She nodded. I don't think it's the end, he continued. Things tend to end every now and then, but not Elps it everything, Marrack said. His sword is still with us. Not much comfort for you, but for me... That's because I'm a warrior. I can carry on his fight.I have nothing of him that I can carry, Maveari sadly declared.

Yes you do, Marrack said. His testimony. His redemption.