Chapter 33
The three Gelflings and the Spitter traveled as a group out of the forest and to the large, dark castle that was home to the Crystal of Truth, and currently the home of the Skeksis as well. When they reached the castle, they were surprised to see two large beetle-like creatures guarding the entrance.
"What in Thra are those things?" Gurjin frowned. "I've never seen anything like them before."
"Arathim, can you go check it out?" Naia asked the Spitter.
The spider-like creature agreed and crawled up to one of the guards, however, once it was close enough, the guard suddenly sprang to life and started snapping its large claws at the Spitter, clacking them together in a threatening manner. The Spitter shrieked and fired its venom at the offending creature. Almost immediately, the guard's armor began to melt, showing nothing underneath it. It was just a hard, empty shell.
"What in the world…" Kylan frowned.
"No time to think about it. Spitter, can you melt the other guard?" Naia asked it. "We need to be absolutely sure that these… things… won't be coming anywhere near us."
The Spitter agreed and spat its venom at the other guard, melting it just like it's partner. Once both guards were gone, the Gelflings and the Arathim entered the castle, making their way to the throne room, being guided by Gurjin as he was the only one among them that actually knew the corridors of the castle.
Unknown to the group, Skektek and Skeksil were walking through the corridors themselves, heading to the throne room as well to discuss on the ways they could gather more Gelflings for their essence. Now that the Gelflings had risen up against them, obtaining them was going to be a lot harder than it used to be.
"I still say that it was unfair of the emperor to have you stay here while the rest of us went to confront the Gelflings." Skeksil said to Skektek.
"Ah, you didn't feel that way when you were standing there watching it." Skektek spat.
"Mmmm, but of course." The Chamberlain hummed. "I had to keep up the appearance to stay on his good side. And if agreeing with him on not letting you come along with us is what I have to do to achieve that, then I will do it."
"Bah, all you care about is your dumb chair." Skektek spat. "I bet you were actually the one that killed Skekvar and not Rian as you say happened."
"Why, dear scientist I am hurt." Skeksil mock gasped. "Do you really think so little of me?"
"Yes, yes I do."
"Well then, see if I'm so kind to you again after…" The Chamberlain then stopped mid-sentence, sniffing the air a bit. "Skektek… do you smell that?"
The Scientist frowned and sniffed, his mouth starting to water at the smell. "Drenchen."
"And Spritton." Skeksil added, sniffing again. He recoiled. "And an Arathim."
Suddenly, around the corner, Naia, Gurjin, Kylan, and their Spitter friend walked out into plain view of the two Skeksis. The Gelflings recoiled a bit at the sight, but the Skeksis hummed and smirked at the little group.
"Well, well, well," Skektek chuckled. "It seems the essence has come straight to us."
"Don't come any closer!" Gurjin ordered. "Or he'll have the Spitter spit on you."
As if to show that he wasn't joking, the Spitter reared up and screeched at the Skeksis, waving it's two front legs in the air threateningly at them. Skektek and Skeksil recoiled at the sight, frightened for their lives now.
"How did you get past the Garthim outside?" Skektek hissed.
"Garthim?" Naia frowned. "Is that what those things guarding the entrance were?"
"The Spitter melted them with its venom." Gurjin explained. "And we'll have it do the same to you two, if you don't escort us to the throne room right now."
"Ah, and what reason could you possibly have about going there?" Skektek challenged.
"We need to talk to your Emperor." Naia explained. "It's of great importance. This conversation may shape the future of all of Thra, and that includes the Skeksis."
The two Skeksis looked at each other, honestly curious about what these three Gelflings may need to say. They came to a silent agreement and nodded before looking back at the group.
"Alright, fine." Skektek hissed. "We will take you to see the Emperor."
"But we cannot guarantee that he will listen." Skeksil added.
"He must… for we are all in danger."