Chapter 17: The Pryce of Treason

Callum continued ahead, with Ezran trudging behind him, as the terrain ahead became more snowy, and the temperature dropped around them.

"Do you think Rayla's okay?" The young king asked.

Callum closed his eyes and bowed his head.

"I don't know, Ez."

"But you know her. She could've made it out, right?"

Callum balled his fists.

"Ezran. I don't know." He repeated tensely.


"Treason?!" Rayla exclaimed, balling her own fists. "You think I did this?! You think one moonshadow elf burned down a whole city? Are ya serious?"

"I don't know exactly what part you had in this." Pryce replied, arms crossed. "But you were charged with protecting the king. And the prince. And you deserted them. This crown was nowhere near where we found you. At best, you abandoned your post. At worst, you collaborated with whoever did this. It doesn't matter which of these the council decides occurred. You're a moonshadow elf. You're alive. The king and prince are dead."

Rayla's eyebrows flared, and she shook her head.

"You don't know that. They made it, I know they did! I got them to the catacombs, they had a clear path! They're on their way to Katolis right now!"

"LOOK AT THE CROWN!" Pryce shouted, causing her to jump. "Burned! Mangled! You let this happen!"

Rayla looked down at it again, and continued shaking her head.

"It's just a piece of metal. He's still alive. They're both still alive. You have no idea how strong they are..."

"Look around. Look at this city. There's no way they survived." Pryce insisted. "Nothing survived! Just you!"

Rayla's eyes narrowed, as she looked up at the general.

"You didn't find their bodies did you?"

Pryce let out a huff of aggravation, and waved his hand dismissively at the elf.

"I don't have to tell you anything..." he remarked quickly.

"Ya already did." Rayla replied, her eyes glaring as sharply as her blades would have. "You didn't even look."

It wasn't a question. It was written on the general's face.

Pryce cleared his throat.

"You're a moonshadow elf. One of the same party that struck down King Harrow. To be present, when King Ezran and Prince Callum fall...you'll be convicted easily. The level of suspicion against you was high even before."

Rayla's eyes slowly widened with each word.

Then narrowed again. With a look of disappointed understanding. And judgment.

"Tell me General...if the king and prince are dead...who gets the throne?"

General Pryce's eyes locked with Rayla's. Anger and bewilderment on his face.

"You'll be transported to the capital city to face charges. You will be found guilty, and sealed away in the dungeon while we decide what to do with you. We will not speak again."

He turned, and walked out of the room.

"We will. Consider that a promise." Rayla replied angrily, tugging on the chains.

"She's dangerous." Pryce stated, walking past Corvus in the hallway. "I think it's possible she coordinated with whoever attacked this city. If that's the case, expect resistance when transporting her."

Corvus nodded, eyes placid, focused.

"Did you find out anything regarding the whereabouts of the king?" He asked, looking up at him.

Pryce let out a pained sigh.

"I fear...she left them to the barbarians, during the attack. Those two boys against those...savages...my heart quakes at the thought."

Corvus eyed him carefully.

"She'll need to be interrogated further when she's returned to Katolis. You'll be in charge of getting her there. Understood?"

Corvus nodded firmly.

"It will be done sir."


Azrael watched from a safe distance, as the soldiers combed through the ruins of Etheros.

"Disappointing." He muttered.

There was a loud, earth shaking thump behind them, as Borvir landed.

"I would certainly hope you are not referring to me. I left very little standing." The dragon boomed.

"Oh no, excellent work Borvir. That isn't my problem. This has simply become a bit...messier than I anticipated."

"What's wrong with a little mess?" Talon asked.

"Nothing, if it's under control." Azrael replied. "But here we are. So much blood on our hands, but not the blood we came for." He said, turning to Talon. "The blood of Harrow."

"I can find him." Talon replied with a bow. "You know I can."

"Indeed." Azrael agreed. "But not as quickly as I need. Borvir!"

The dragon shifted, lowering his head to the hooded warlord.

"Find King Ezran. Then report back to me." He commanded. "And DO NOT KILL HIM. Vengeance will be mine alone."