Lords of War
Chapter 3 True Betrayal
The morning sun beat hot upon Darithal's head but his determination was greater. Closer and closer Drakethorn appeared. Darithal would soon return to the nation that had exiled him. But the king does not know of what the Dark Paladins do, so an audience with him would be easy. The entrance to Drakethorn had now become clear to Darithal. It had only taken him two days to reach Drakethorn from Fenkeep, and the guardian was an easy enemy.
But the guardian's words still rang in his head.
"Of coarse you don't remember!" it had said. "I know your true name."
"That is nonsense." Darithal thought. "I am Darithal of Drakethorn, and that is that."
Finally he made it to the entrance to the Drakethorn capitol city. The streets were filled with many hard workers and guards patrolled the streets with care. Their uniforms were black with the Drakethorn crest upon their shoulders. It was just like he remembered it. Now he had to find the king.
Like in Fenkeep, Darithal barged through the doors and made his way to the throne room. There sitting upon his throne was King Fascal and his advisor, Senka. Darithal walked up to the king, but did not kneel before him. He stared at King Fascal with great rage in his heart.
"Where is the princess?" demanded Darithal. "Return her at once!"
"What is he talking about, Senka?" the king asked Senka.
"I have not the slightest clue." he replied.
"You have kidnaped Princess Sensia of Fenkeep and I have come to reclaim her!" shouted Darithal.
"I have done no such thing!" shouted King Fascal. "But Fenkeep should return our supplies!"
"What?" uttered a confused Darithal.
"About three days ago Fenkeep soldiers were seen taking some of our uniforms." said Senka. "The reason is unknown to us, but we wish them back!"
"So are you saying that you have been framed?" asked Darithal.
"Exactly." said Senka. "But I also noticed that the Fenkeep soldier's skin we saw was not from Fenkeep. It was a nationality we had never seen before, pale skin with red eyes."
Darithal looked at Senka and King Fascal. Never before has the king of Drakethorn from any era told a lie such as this. Someone was framing Fenkeep and Drakethorn, but who? Who was pulling the strings? Then it hit him.
"It must have been Ajuk!" exclaimed Darithal.
"The advisor of Fenkeep?" questioned King Fascal. "But why?"
"Ajuk sent me here for two reasons." said Darithal. "He wished that Princess Sensia was rescued and the Chaos Gem taken from your hands. But if I couldn't find the princess I would have to get the gem first. That must be why he wanted to steal the gem, to start a war!"
"So who has the princess?" asked King Fascal.
"Ajuk must have the princess, and those soldiers must be from another realm." said Darithal. "A realm unknown to Drakethorn, Fenkeep, or any of the other realms."
Then a large amount of Fenkeep soldiers burst into the throne room, holding down everyone, even Darithal. They also had red eyes and pale skin. From the halls a laughter echoed. From the hallway came a figure, a figure of royal Fenkeep uniform. In his hands was a blue jewel that glowed like the sun. It was Ajuk, and he had the Chaos Gem!
"That you for helping us distract the guards, Darithal." said Ajuk. "It was too easy."
"Why, Ajuk? Why?" asked Darithal.
"Fool! I wanted the power!" shouted Ajuk. "For years the realms have been so peaceful, war was nowhere in sight! But then I heard of a realm to the north, a forgotten realm. With my leadership I united the forces of that realm and have created my own army! But what better way to claim both thrones then to make them fight each other. Soon Senbana will be mine, and there is nothing you can do!"
"You... you..." muttered Darithal.
"Be seeing you, Darithal." said Ajuk.
Then he released a fireball from his hands and blasted the roof open. Above the palace was a flying fortress. Ajuk and the other men then disappeared, and the fortress flew away. There was a moment of silence following, until King Fascal spoke.
"This means we will need help." he said. "The forces of Drakethorn and Fenkeep must join under one banner!"
A few days following Fenkeep and Drakethorn made an alliance, pledging themselves to join under one flag and fight against Ajuk's army of barbarians. The princess was still not found though. The fight would be upon Fenkeep soil, to the north of the realm. It will take all they can to defeat the onslaught. But Darithal had only one thing on mind.
"Ajuk will die, I swear it..."
If you are still wondering how this has anything to do with Escaflowne, just wait until the next chapter to find out!
To be continued...