A...scepter...
...sealed...away...
-0-
"-ake...-rake...You need to wake up, Drake! Father is expecting me at the castle soon and your guard shift begins as well" a voice beside me said as I could feel them trying to wake me by shaking my body. Still groggy from the nap that I took, the sun beating down on me was not helping. Moving myself into a sitting position, I rub the sleep from my eyes as they begin to focus on my surroundings.
"Finally, you're up. I was beginning to worry if I had to have Munchie wake you. He is probable the only one, Human or Mouse, that can actually wake you" a melodious voice spoke above me with a slight chuckle at the thought of my mouse trying to wake me up the usual way that he could; by biting me all over my face. The experience is painful and unpleasant, unless you're my friend and watches the show from the sides.
Speaking of my friend, I look up to see her shake most of the grass and dirt off her deep blue cape that she used as a make-shift picnic blanket. She was also mindful not to get any dirt on her red and white dress; what with being a Princess and all. Finally wide awake, I jumped onto my feet and begin to stretch out all of the cricks that made their way into me before facing the Princess. "I'm sorry about that, your Highness. It was just a nice out today and I wanted to be awake for the night shift later on."
The Princess had a small frown before it vanished with her usual smile. "Now Drake, I know I've told you to just call me Medea instead of 'Princess' or 'Your Highness', have I not? I understand that you need to show the proper respect for when we are back at the castle or even in the town, but it is just the two of us here" she stated as she twirled around to show me that it really was just us on this side of the lake.
From our current position I would take about an hour to get back to the main gate towards the town and an extra thirty minutes to maneuver our way through town to the castle. I suppose that we should have left some time ago but I wonder why Princess Medea didn't wake me up on time to escort her back. I suppose that is just one of her whims. "Forgive me, Princess Medea, it is just that there are only a few times where we can just be ourselves that I have more than likely made it as a habit. I will try to work on it the next time that we are alone together" I chuckle and scratch the back of my head at the request that she has made of me. If her father, King Trode, had heard this he would tie bricks of stone to me and cast me over the cliff for the sea monsters to snack on.
She sighed at my statement but didn't rebuttal it as she knew that there were scarce moments for when we both had any free time and this being the first in two months. Where if I was on day rest she would be with her Tutors; Or when she had a day off from studying I would be out in practicing the Captain of the Guard or cleaning pots and pans for the night's dinner. She had thought of a plan this morning to have an entire day to ourselves; the Princess had suggested visiting the town for an 'inspection' as she had told her father. When he said it may take time to organize a squad for her, she quickly stated that she didn't want to cause a fuse for the castle staff, Knights or the town's people and recommend having a Soldier accompany her and that she would not leave the town gates. Not wanting to disappoint his only daughter, he agreed with the promise that she would return to castle before sunset.
After thanking and hugging her father for her selfish request, she had rushed to the barracks to retrieve her friend and they were on their way to the gates of the castle town. Feeling slightly guilty for lying to her father, this was one of the only chances that she and I could spend time together when not surrounded by the castle staff. Now that it was getting late in the afternoon, we had to make our way back. She kneeled down to pick up a few books off the ground before putting her cape back on. Doing the same, I picked up both my sword and leather shield from the tree beside us for our return trip. Looking back over my shoulder to see if Medea was ready, she nodded and we began our walk back to Castle Trodain.
To get back, we had to go through a small thicket of trees to reach the main road and to follow the Town wall to reach the Southern Gate. This was the fastest way back that didn't cause a lot of strain on the Princess and we could avoid most if not all monsters in the area. Making sure to move the tree branches out of her way, we had arrived at the main road in little under ten minutes. Once Medea is out of the thicket, we continued to make small talk to pass the time.
"So, what was your dream about?" the Princess asked me while petting Munchie that I had taken out of my pocket for her to play with. With a quick scan of our surroundings for any monster activity, I turn to her a say "Nothing that would seem important. The only thing that really stuck out to me was some kind of scepter and a woman's voice." this statement had caught her by surprise and she tried to recover before I could see, but she wasn't quick enough to hide her worry. "Is something wrong, your Highness?" I asked concerned at the expression she was making.
She sees me and shakes her head before patting her checks to ease the situation. Once she had calmed down, the Princess looks back at me with a renewed smile "I'm fine, I'm fine. Sorry about that, I was thinking about the new trade agreement that we are trying to get with the Elf Nation in the Western Continent when you said about dreaming of a scepter. They are remarkable craftsmen that Father wants to have come to Trodain but they are very wary of Humans and it reminded me of some stories of men entering the nation only to vanish without anyone remembering them."
I looked at her to see if she was that afraid of the Elves. I had heard some rumors about Elves and their culture only through passing merchants and the occasional visitors in the town. Some of the rumors were outlandish while others were concerning, but there was no physical proof that could make them actual fact. I continued to stare at Medea to see if that was what she was so scared of. My mind told me that it was a concern, but not what had caused her immediate reaction from when I had told her about my dream. Sighing, I decided to let the matter drop for now and resume our walk back home. Deciding to be a little bold, I reach out my Hand towards her and wait for her to grab it. It took a full minute for the action to sink in, and Medea grabbed my hand softly. She had a slight blush covering her checks at what I was doing, but I decided long ago to not embarrass her about it. Not many people can get away with touching the Princess; the sole exceptions being her Father and Ladies in waiting. She never had enough interactions with the opposite gender since they were either twice her age or looking out the window from the castle to see the towns people, this moment being the most physical interaction that she has had with anyone other than her immediate family.
-0-
They both had remained in silence while holding hands for the rest of the trip towards the southern gate. When they had arrived, they let go of each other's hands for now that they had to resume the roles that they were born into; a Princess and servant turned soldier. Passing the gate and into the busy streets of Trodain. The ground is paved with stone as far as the eye can see and the house set with brick for both maintenance and design. The towns people were rushing back and forth to acquire the ingredients for both tonight and tomorrows meal. The population of Trodain was only a few thousand, but it is steadily increasing every year with King Trodes plan for expansion of the town and fields. Looking for one of the few paths that we could take to quickly get back, I turned to the Princess putting her books back in her leather satchel while Munchie on her shoulder nibbling on a chunk of cheese.
"In order to not cause a fuss with the town's people, I suggest that you raise the hood to cover your face and stick close to me until we reach the Castle Gate. Would that be alright?" I asked as she was already putting her hood up. Sticking close to my back, we weave past a few of the town's people and several guards through the back alleys. Growing up in both the castle and the town has its own advantages; being forced to make deliveries for the castle, one has to know where to go unless you wished to be punished for being late. That was a lesson I had to learn fast when I was a child. Spending no more than twenty seconds at each street corner, we made our way to the gates just as the sun hit the horizon. The guards stationed there looked to use with suspicion until I showed them my ID; a bronze badge with the Trodain Emblem stating my rank and position. They saluted to me and opened one of the side doors with their keys. Stepping inside, we made our way past the guards stationed at the castle wall and into the Gardens. There we could see the Castle of Trodain, One of the most beautiful pieces of architecture built since the construction of Savella Cathedral.
The castle was built on the edge of a cliff to force enemy nations of the past to attack by land and with the construction of the town, the defense had only improved over the two centuries. From a military perspective, it would be able to withstand a siege for several months before resulting to actual combat. But in these peaceful times, that would no longer be an issue and would hopefully become nothing more than a history lesson. Once we had arrived at the castle front doors, Medea removed her hood and spun around to face me; making a subtle hand gesture to inform the princess that there were several guards making the rounds near our location, a kneeled to the ground placing my fist over my heart. "The Inspection Mission is Complete and you have returned safely, Your Highness" I said to Medea as she knew that someone would be watching and needed to be careful not to show favoritism.
She nodded at the silent message "Thank you, kind soldier. I shall send a letter to the Captain about today's pay. You are dismissed until further orders are issued". She lifted the side of her dress and curtsied before entering the castle. Just as she had entered past the doors, she reached into her satchel and kneeled to the ground quickly before any of the servants passing by saw her. Waiting for the door to finally close, I could hear a small scuffing against the ground. Looking upwards slightly, I could see Munchie running as fast as his body could to reach me. Chuckling at the sight, I extend my hand for him to climb on so to place back in my side pocket that he decided to call home. Once getting off of the found and shaking the dust off, I make my way to the barracks and change into uniform for the night shift. 'Today wasn't so bad. I got to go outside of the Town, have a picnic, take a nap and spend some time with the princess. The only downside would be is that I won't get to bed until 3 in the morning' I said to myself as I was passing by some of the gardeners to reach my destination. Upon entering the side door of the castle, I came across a black haired man dressed in a very colorful outfit, looking around for something. "Do you need help with something, sir?" I asked knowing that this happens from time to time as visitors get lost in the castle.
Turning around to face me, I felt a chill run down my back as I saw his smile. "It's such a pity; I seem to have lost my way around when looking for the Banquet Hall. Do you perhaps know where that may be, child" he said in a sickening sweet tone that made me shiver at it. This tone was condescending and that the man standing here did not even see me as a living being, let alone human. Trying to leap my breath steady, I began to answer his question "If you head through this door and follow the hallway, you will enter the throne room. Once there, ask a guard to escort you to the rooms behind the throne. The Banquet Hall is the last room on the right hand side". I walk over to said door and open it for this guest. The sooner he left the better in my opinion. I can barely breathe with this menacing vibe coming off of this guest. He looks at me with that sickening smile and begins a light chuckled.
"I suppose I should give you my thanks, but only if your information proves to be accurate. Such a pity that I won't be able to thank you in person" the colorful man stated as he walked through the door towards his destination. After he had entered the hallway, I waited several seconds before slowly closing it and falling towards the floor. Trying to catch my breath, some of the guards from the upper floor walk down to see me clutching my chest. They run to me to check if I needed medical attention. "I'm...I'm alright, I just...just need to catch my breath" I stated huffing at every breath to steady myself. "Are you sure, we can take you to your shift if you like. You don't look well" one of the guards asked. I shook my head "Thank you for the offer but I'm fine. Instead, could one of you follow a man in a rather colorful attire heading to the Banquet Hall and the other to report to the Captain? I don't know what, but that man who was just here gave me the impression that he is not here just tonight's entertainment". Hearing this, one of the guards took off to catch up with this Entertainer while the other brought me back to my room and then headed off to find the Captain. After calming down from that experience, I changed out of my servants garb and into my soldier uniform which consist of a long gray coat with an iron chest plate, sturdy leather boots and a bronze helmet.
Once all of my equipment has been inspected, I grab my bag for some of the leftover food from the afternoon. "Munchie, sorry but I have work tonight. You can either stay here ant eat the rest of this cheese wheel Princess Medea got for us or you can keep me company through the night" I said looking for that dried meat I had saved. Looking at my desk, I can see the mouse looking between me and the bag full of food. I always found it funny when I asked this because if usually the mouse would scamper away with whatever food it could find. Munchie however always looked conflicted of having to choose either me or his favorite food. After a small debate with himself, he jumped off the desk and came to my boot. Laughing lightly, I picked him up and placed him in one of the coats pockets. After finishing the dried meat I sliced two pieces of cheese, one for me and the other for Munchie, and walked towards the guard station to date my time and switch with the current guard.
-0-
Several hours have past and the moon was reaching its peak. After securing both the Library and the Watch Tower, I had made my way to the castles top balcony to watch out for any Drackmas or Chimeras for aerial assaults. Pulling out the last dried meat I had on hand, I split it in half to give to my mouse in case he was hungry. Chewing on the meat, I perform a few stretches to keep myself awake till the shift change. During the middle of one exercise, I heard the large doors creak open. I'm sure that the guards know that the castle is not to be opened when his Majesty has gone to bed. Even the guests are not allowed out of their quarters and the guards are who due the shift change never goes through the front door. Drawing my blade, I slowly approach the edge of the balcony to peer over. What I saw was the same man I met earlier this evening holding what appears to be a large cane.
I couldn't hear what he was saying due to the distance from where he and I were. I tensed when he lifted the cane above his head and it started to glow a light red hue. Not liking what sort of magic he was using, I pulled out my whistle to summon the rest of the guard. Unfortunately, I would never get the chance to summon my friends of arms.
"aaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" a scream had filled the air surrounding the castle before hundreds of thorns shot up into the sky. "WHAT THE HELL!" I scream and dodge several thorns coming straight for me during the process. Their speed outmatches even the fastest Frizz spell from our court magician could muster. When I tried to slice one of the incoming thorns, my sword could only hold it for two seconds before it broke in half, the separate blade flying off into the air. When I tried to fall back, I failed to take into account of incoming attacks from behind and one had punctured through my armor. But that wasn't the problem; the major problem was that it had penetrated straight through my own chest. The thorns are still moving which is causing me even more pain then I could originally bear. I'm bleeding so much that there is a small puddle forming around me. I can't even scream from the pain. It felt like this agony would last forever when the thorns suddenly had stopped moving. My vision is becoming blurry from the blood loss. I think I'm losing my mind because I hear laughter from down below. Then a bright light shot up and I feared that the same curse or spell was being cast again, I try to shut my eyes but even trying that hurt much. Apparently the pain never came as the light remained stationary several hundred meters in the air before flying off eastward.
"I...I don...I don't know...if this...was a...blessing or hell...Please, Dear Goddess" I wheezed out as I cough up blood. "Keep...His Majesty...and...Medea...safe..." I say this small prayer to the Goddess to at least keep them safe from what has happened this night. The last thing I saw was the starry sky before blacking out.
-0-
I don't know how long I have been floating in this black Abyss; it could be days or months for all I know. The only thing that I knew was that I was all alone. I curl up into a ball and just wait for judgment to come for me. Even if I am to be condemned to hell, I can only hope that King Trode and Medea made it out of that curse alive somehow.
A scepter spoken of in Lore,
My head shoots up with surprise at the sudden voice echoing around the empty space. Scanning around and not seeing anyone, I put it that my mind is finally playing tricks on me.
And sealed away since days of yore,
"Who is there?" I said out loud for them to hear me but I'm too exhausted to search for the owner of this voice. When it didn't reply, I rest my head against my knees to ease the tension plaguing my mind. Replaying the events that happen over in my head, I recall that the Man who had caused my death never had that cane when I met him.
Unleashes its forbidden power,
"If you going to play tricks on me then do it and get it over with. I don't care what you do, I'm too tired to play anything right now" I half yelled out of frustration. 'What does it mean forbidden power? I've been to the Royal Vaults and there wasn't anything like that within them' I thought thinking over all of the items that I had to categorize from taxes to basic weaponry and nothing stuck out at me.
And heralds Trodains darkest hour.
After that sentence, every just shut down at trying to comprehend what the voice had just said. "No...Your lying...Trodain is one of the strongest kingdoms in the entire world...It couldn't have fallen in just a single night...It couldn't..." I said to myself and having a mild breakdown. Trodain has stood its ground against every other nation for centuries. For it to fall to one man in a single night is not possible. I'm breathing so hard that my chest is hurting and tears are building up in my eyes. I shut everything else around me out; but since there isn't anything it was easy to do. I remained in my position as tears were falling to the non-existent ground. After what felt like hours, I had calmed down enough to ask this mysterious voice a question. "Why am I here?"
If you so desire, would you go back?
I waited to see if the voice would either continue to speak or not. When it didn't, I gave it my replied without any hesitation. "Yes."
Then accept my Blessing, and I shall send you to where you belong.
By either my own delusion or magic, a white translucent flat box appeared before me. On the edges of the box had feather like design etchings that surrounded its border. There were several words upon it that read:
You have been chosen by the Goddess to receive her blessing "Divine Body". By Accepting this, the User shall live His/her life as a ?
Yes No
Seeing this came from the Goddess herself or my mind was replaced with a Trolls, I lifted my hand slowly to touch the floating box. To my own surprise, it was solid and hard like another crate you see around town. I hesitated at the realization but if I could back, I would gladly accept the consequences that my actions will have if I could save the man who took me into his home and the girl who helped me see the world for what it could be. I pushed the 'Yes' and the world that was once black began to shine a bright light. I figured that I was dreaming because the last thing I saw was a woman with white hair and large wings.
-0-
I wake up with shock at the agonizing pain in my chest while taking in as much air as my lungs can take. After several moments of calming myself down from my 'death', I look to my surrounding and to my surprise I am still within Castle Trodain in the balcony where I was skewered. Looking behind me I could see two thorn branches that would have been connected if my body was still placed there with the puddle of my blood still beneath it. I slowly bring my hand to my chest and wince at the scarred star-shaped wound that somehow had closed itself; now only being a tender area. Ripping off the now useless armor, I was now only dressed in white cotton pants. I hear a slight squeak from when I threw my coat to the ground. Remembering who that was, I quickly went back down to retrieve my old friend.
"Sorry! Sorry, Munchie. I forgot that you were in my pocket" I stated as I moved him out of the coat and into my hand. I could see that the little mouse was angry for having been thrown around but his angry look was replaced with as emotion that even I didn't know what it was. He just kept staring at me not like he would with cheese but something almost as close to it. "Anyway, sorry about that but we need to get back inside and see what has happened to the castle, alright?" I stated while getting back on my two feet. Munchie still did not utter a sound so I took that as a yes and placed him on my shoulder for the time being. Looking at the two doors before me, the one that I had originally came from was now covered in thorns so my only course of action is to head into the main corridor of the 3rd floor.
Once I reached the door, there were several thorn branches covering the door but was not as bad as the other path. Using what was left of my sword, I began to cut the vines off to allow me entry in to the castle. It is a slow process but I am making progress. It took a good ten minutes to chip my way through before I could open the door. What is saw inside made me vomit what little food I had in my stomach out on the floor. Before me was several servants all standing perfectly still with horror struck faces. Their skin a deathly pale green and their limbs were gone and replaced with thorns. I ran out of the as fast as possible to escape the scene only to see more servants and even guards in the same predicament.
"Hell….this is Hell…" I whispered to myself as slowly made my towards the end of the hallway Avoiding the thorn branches every now and then, I come to the staircase leading to the second floor and Royal Bedrooms. This particular wing is off limits to all but; the Royal Family, Captain of the Guard and the Elite Knights. Even the servants must be escorted by at least two Knights before entering this Wing. From what I have seen, no one had even been able to leave their rooms, let alone the castle. I clenched my fist so tightly while holding the broken blade that it began to bleed.
I turned towards the staircase when I felt the wind blow against my exposed back. I turned around to see that the door leading to the Royal Wing was slowly opening by itself due to the small breeze. Knowing that no this particular door is always locked and guarded by the Knights, now I see that it is left unlocked and no Knights posted on either side of the door. I decided to at least see what if the Princess was at least sleeping and not in agony like the rest of the Castle occupants. Pushing the door open, I could see more than ten Knights in the Wing but the strange thing was that every last one of them was on the ground. All of their weapons were even unsheathed, which made me question as to why the Knights would even draw their weapons. Following the trail of petrified bodies, I came to a semi open door far larger then even the front door of the castle. 'Now why would they be storming this room?' I thought to myself as I pushed the door open. When I got through, I could see that it lead to a staircase to ascend to another floor.
"-lp! Is anyone there! Please, we require assistance! Help!" a shrill voice echoed across the thorn filled stair case. I know that voice any and sprinted up the staircase as fast as possible and yelling out "YOUR MAJESTY!"
"EH! IS SOMEONE OUT THERE! DAUGHTER, THERE IS SOMEONE OUT THERE! HELP!" the King echoed even louder now that he knew someone was coming to rescue them. Before I could enter the room, the entrance was blocked by multiple layers of thorns. "Your Majesty! Princess! Please hold on a little bit longer! It may take some time to cut my way through but will get you both out!" I yelled out, not knowing how thick the thorns are here. Either way, I began the task of chopping the thorns one vine at a time regardless of how long it would take.
"I thank you, young man. Might I inquire who are rescuer might and what has become of the Castle?" King Trode asked as to know what has happened since he was imprisoned in this room. I stopped my progress as to how I could explain this. There is no easy way to word it so the best course would be to tell the truth. "My name is Eldrake, Soldier Second Class and as to answer your other question…it may be better to show you and the Princess what has happened, Your Majesty" I said in a somber tone. At the sound of the Princess's Title, I heard what I could only describe as a horses neighing. That caused me to stumble to ask "Was that a horse?!"
"I will explain what has happened, just continue to rescue us" His Majesty insisted and I agreed. It took more time then the door, but I have made it half way through the thorns in the outline of a door. My whole body is drenched in sweat after going at this for so long, but my task is almost complete. "Your Majesty, I'm going to make an entrance through the thorns. Please try to move as far as you and the Princess can away from my position. When you are in a safe position, let me know so that I may begin" I heard a few pitter patters and clopping sounds move a little away from my position. "Alright, my boy, you may proceed" I heard the King answered. I re moved Munchie from my shoulder for the next step as this would require his ability. "Hey Munchie, could you give me some fire?" I asked him but he was still looking at me with that same odd look. "Munchie?" I called again and that seemed to shake him out of whatever trance he was in. He looked around to see the thorn covered entrance. He puffed out his chest and the next thing I know hot fire was coming out of Munchies mouth heading straight for the thorns. This was the one ability that I have discovered by accident and it nearly burned the entire kitchen down.
When Munchie ran out of breath, I began to kick at the outline to make a new entrance for the King and Princess. After several tries and a pair of burnt boots, I was able to get in. but who I found was not who I was expecting. The occupants of this room were a smallish troll in an orange cloak and a white mare with a blue saddle. We were all staring at each other before I collapsed to the floor from exhaustion; both physically and mentally."I'm losing my goddess dammed mind. I'm seeing a troll and a horse inside the tallest room of the castle" I had to laugh at the sheer madness that was happening tonight.
"Unfortunately, what you are seeing is what that dammed Jester did to me and my precious Medea. And WHO ARE YOU CALLING A TROLL, YOU FRILLY-EARED SERVANT" the troll like midget spoke in the same shrill voice that I have come to know the king by. "YOUR MAJE-frilly eared?" my shock vanished quickly at the name that he gave me. I have been called a lot of things but that was new. Wondering what he was talking about, I reached up to feel my ears when I felt them much bigger then what they should be. It only got worse when I heard a bell ring.
Mission Complete:
Locate King Trode and Princess Medea before Sunrise
Bonus Objective:
Make sure that both the King and Princess were not Harmed during the Rescue
Reward:
2000 Exp, 4 Gold Pieces, Monsters do not Enter Trodain until you leave the Castle Town Gate
Bonus Reward:
Dragon Scale Accessory
Your Level has increased by 3
"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!?" I yelled out while still holding onto my ears.
-0-
Your Quest has begun!