YAY! I'm finally able to update this fic ^_^ And just a few quick notes. Some of you may have read, My Wish for You, by Vilya (Good fic, highly recommended ^_^ It should be on my favorites list...) And there isn't a connection between them. Her fic may take place in the past, but mine's in the futue. She gave me permission to use Leon, as I explained in the last chapter. But I'm not spoiling anything with this fic to her fic. Thank you ^_^
Trials by Water: Decision
Picard strolled down the deserted streets of Lemuria, his home. He had traveled all over Weyard, and hadn't been to a single place like it. No other place had the abundant water, the ancient buildings, or the same watery energy coursing through the very air he breathed. No other place had the same everlasting beauty or the wisdom of the ages in its soil.
It was rare for people to stray outside past the evening hours. He didn't know exactly why that was, since Lemuria had spectacular sunsets over the surrounding sea. The nights were fabulous, the sky always filled with gleaming stars.
If only Lemuria could be what it used to be a long, long time ago. His uncle had told him stories about how the streets were always lit up. There was always somehwere to go, things to do and see, and people to meet. Lemuria had been an even more magnificent city back then. If only he could see it the same way his uncle remembered it. Would lighting the beacons be enough to resurrect the greatness of the only city he could call home? Or was it already too late for it to be that glorious again?
"Picard!"
The sound of his name startled him, breaking his train of thought. He looked up and smiled at the source. His uncle was standing at the door of his house, waiting to greet him. Even if everyone else in Lemuria hated him, he always had someone to go to.
Leon embraced his nephew. "Luke said that you were back! I thought I would never see you again!"
Picard happily returned the hug. "It feels good to be home."
"Please, come in. I have dinner and tea prepared."
"Thank you. As much as I love Garet's cooking, nothing tastes better than a home cooked meal." He smiled as his uncle led him inside the house.
"I heard from Luke that you had to go straight to the palace and see King Hydros. How did it go?"
Picard sighed, then frowned as he flopped into a chair at the table. "I was ordered to wait in the library for him, and I ended up meeting Conservato before King Hydros."
"Not him," Leon groaned. "I'm sorry, Picard. I'm sure that wasn't a enjoyable meeting. He's been spreading some nasty rumors while you've been away."
"That would explain the unwelcomed looks I've been getting from everyone." Picard folded his arms on the table and rested his head on them. "He seems determined to banish me. I fear this may be my last night in Lemuria."
Leon filled two cups with tea and placed one in front of Picard. "Nevermind Conservato. What has King Hydros decided?"
"He's speaking with Conservato right now," Picard said. "He'll summon me back to the palace once they have reached a decision, but I already know Conservato will refuse to let me stay."
"Look at it this way Picard," his uncle offered. "Hydros would never banish you. He'll do everything within his power to let you stay."
"I know that, but Conservato will put up a fight. He doesn't want me here. No one does-"
"That's not true! He's poisoned everyone's minds with his lies. Hydros will set them straight." Leon smiled. "Besides, you always have a home here with me. Are you going to give that up so easily just because of some rumors?"
Picard smiled back. "I'm sorry, uncle. Forgive me. I think I'm just tired. I've been sailing all day."
"It's all right. You may as well get some rest after dinner. Who knows how long the King will be talking to Conservato? They're practically famous for their long arguments."
***
"Are you mad?" Conservato roared. "Letting someone like Picard back into Lemuria? He's broken at least a dozen laws, not to mention he brought outsiders INTO Lemuria! Plus he lit the Lighthouses! You want him to go unpunished?"
Despite the obvious growing tension in the debate, Hydros remained calm. "If it's a law he's broken, you may punish him. Except-"
"If you agree about punishment, then it's settled. Picard will be banished from Lemuria forever."
King Hydros put up his hand. "No, he will not. You don't understand the situation at all."
"What situation? There is no situation here, Hydros; If you remember, I stated loud and clear that if he left Lemuria, he wouldn't be allowed to return. He chose to leave."
"He left for the sake of all of Weyard, including Lemuria. Lemuria was a dying city!"
"You're sticking to that story, Hydros?" Conservato asked in a voice that made him appear to be accusing the king of insanity. "The people were happy; they didn't want change. What kind of monarch goes against the will of his people? Picard has probably destroyed us faster by lighting the beacons. I demand retribution!"
"Conservato, the people didn't want change because of decades of your forced decree that we no longer travel or let outsiders within our borders! Lemuria isn't even a third of the size it used to be. I'm sure you can recall the liveliness of this city back then, and now it's just this tiny island that we stand on. Even ancient Lemuria has been destroyed. How do you explain that!?"
Conservato's dull, pale yellow eyes glared up at Hydros. "Did you ever stop to think that it wasn't the elements? Over time buildings crumble, people die, things grow old and wear out; it's a fact of life. Stop straying from the subject!" There was the implication in this that Hydros himself was wearing out, and it made the king furious.
"I still stand by what I say about Picard," Hydros said. "He doesn't deserve the kind of punishment you seek to hand out. He has never done anything that went against what was thought to be the right thing, or things, to do."
"Well then what do you propose we do with him? I hope you're not thinking about letting him get away with what he's done."
"We need to do nothing with him but let him live out the rest of his life as he so chooses and be thankful he did not die trying to save this island, Conservato! As I have said before, and I feel I am only repeated because of your faults in comprehension, he has done nothing!"
"Nothing! He has endangered the entire city with his breaking the laws of the Senate! His actions have turned some of the people against me, something I cannot tolerate! If i had not..." Conservato cut himself off, but he might as well have gone on, mused Hydros. He knew that Conservato meant to drive Picard away at all cost, even if it meant using the other Lemurians.
This argument wasn't getting anywhere. Hydros felt like he was trying to grind down a brick wall using only his voice. But he refused to give in on this matter. Perhaps they could somehow compromise...
"You are aware that Picard is the key to Lemuria, aren't you? Without him, we have no future."
Conservato rolled his eyes. "That lineage thing. Just because he's your great-grandson doesn't mean-"
"Picard is destined to become King, and he's the only heir to the throne. He's staying."
"Do you honestly think that boy is ready to take on the responsibilities of ruling Lemuria?" the senator inquired with a smirk. "He doesn't know where his loyalties lie. He would rather set off on some adventure than stay here and-"
"That's enough!" Hydros ordered. "His loyalties lie where all loyalties here belong. With the current king," Hydros added, in case Conservato wasn't sure exactly where that was. "Not with the head of the Senate."
"Well, I can see whom you favor in Lemuria, Hydros. But I refuse to be swayed on this matter. I will see him banished."
"I don't favor Picard any more than anyone else in Lemuria," said the King. "And as your King I am telling you...no, ORDERING you, to please reconsider."
Conservato paused to think a few moments, then his eyes seemed to light up with an idea. "Very well then. I am willing to let him stay, under one condition."
King Hydros raised an eyebrow suspiciously. The senator was clearly up to something, and it probably wouldn't be good news for Picard. "A condition you say? What would that be?"
"Picard is banished from Lemuria unless," a nasty smirk appeared on his face, "he can complete a trial."
"So instead of dealing with Picard yourself, you would rather ship him off to some foreign land?"
"It's not like that at all." But that sickening smile made it obvious that Conservato was lying
"Really?" Hydros asked. "Where are you planning to send Picard, then?"
"As I said, I refuse to let Picard stay here. You said he couldn't be banished forever, so he'll only be banished until he accomplishes a certain task."
Hydros nodded slowly. As much as he hated agreeing to his terms, he was left with little choice. "Explain yourself, Conservato."
"I'm sure you've heard of the city of Rowad."
"As much as anyone. It's a city of Jupiter Adepts if I recall. They are another ancient and advanced civilization, much like Lemuria. What of them?"
"I've heard stories about the trials that they hold there. They're challenging tests against the four elements: earth, fire, wind, and water to prove your true strengths-"
"I have heard the same stories. So you wish to send Picard there to participate in these trials?"
"Yes," Conservato said. "I think it would be very beneficial for him. Not to mention that I hear Rowad's princess is looking for a prince. Picard can't rule Lemuria on his own..."
"What kind of fool do you take Picard for?" Hydros demanded. "You expect him to go to any random city and immediately find someone to wed? It's not that simple!"
Conservato smirked again. "I was only kidding. Do you agree to my terms, Hydros? If he can complete Rowad's trials, I will allow him back in Lemuria. And it will also prove that he's worthy of becoming king."
Hydros sighed, knowing he was trapped. It was either agree to his terms or Picard would be banished forever. "All right-"
"Good! I'll summon Picard at once."
"I will send for him. I'm telling him in my own words and you're to keep your mouth shut. Is that understood?"
"Certainly. I'll stay here to make sure you deliever the correct message."
"As you wish," Hydros said coldly as he walked out of the throne room. He turned to the guard that was standing watch. "Allan, would you mind finding Picard and bringing him to me? We've reached a decision."
Allan nodded. "Yes, Sire."
Hydros watched him leave and then turned to head back to the throne room to wait for his great-grandson to return. It wasn't going to be easy telling him he had to leave.
***
Leon looked towards his nephew. It was already fairly late and Picard looked exhausted from his trip, not to mention his run in with Conservato. "You should try to get some sleep."
"No, I have to stay awake. I do not want Hydros to go through all trouble to talk to the Conservato, just to find I've fallen asleep." Picard gave a weak smile as he sat up straight. "Besides, I've had later nights than this on my travels. I've even been on night duty to watch for enemies. I can handle it."
"I suppose that's a good point-" There was a sudden knock at the door. "That must be them."
Picard stood up quickly to answer the door. "Allan, have you brought word from King Hydros?"
Allan nodded. "King Hydros has ordered me to take you up to the throne room."
"All right" Picard turned towards his uncle. "I don't know how long I'll be. You don't have to worry about staying up."
"I'll be here waiting for you."
Picard nodded and left without another word. Slowly, he walked up the streets towards the palace with Allan.
"It amazes me how you can travel all over Weyard and still have the guts to come back," Allan said with a smile. "Especially with the way Conservato's been talking about you."
"Oh believe me, I knew I would have this sort of greeting when I came back. I had second thoughts of just staying with my friends."
"I'm glad you're back." Those few words meant more to Picard than Allan could have realized. Allan was one of the few people who hadn't given him any dirty looks. "It shows you don't fear Conservato."
"Any idea on what Hydros has decided?"
Allan shook his head. "No. I don't like eavesdropping, but the King didn't sound too pleased when he sent me to get you."
Picard sighed sadly. "Then I guess this really is my last night here."
The two guards at the palace stepped aside to allow Allan and Picard to enter the palace. "You never know. There's always some hope."
"I suppose," Picard muttered as they headed up the stairs. When they got to the top, Allan went ahead to announce Picard's arrival.
"Picard's arived?" Hydros's voice echoed down the hall. "Please, send him in."
Allan had been right about the tone of voice. It wasn't the cheery voice the King would normally greet a visitor with.
Allan came back. "Lord Conservato and King Hydros are waiting for you." He lowered his voice. "Good luck."
Picard nodded a thank you and entered the throne room, standing before Hydros and the smirking Conservato. "I hear you've reached a decision about me?"
It was hard to read the King's expression. It looked like a combination of sadness, worry and some sort of relief, which wasn't particularly reassuring. "Yes, we have."
"And?"
"It's a bit complicated to explain-"
"You have been banished," Conservato blurted out, his voice filled with glee. Picard did his best to refrain from reacting. "Unless, you agree to our terms."
Picard tilted his head slightly in confusion. "Terms?"
Hydros glared at the senator. "If you recall, I told you to keep quiet."
"Well, if you're not going to explain to him, I will."
"What terms are you talking about?" Picard asked, somewhat confused.
Conservato glared down at him, eyes shining with malice. "You will have to complete a special trial if you wish to stay in Lemuria."
"Conservato!" Hydros hissed. It was clear that the King wanted to tell him, but Conservato wasn't listening.
"I've been across all of Weyard," Picard said. "I've conquered many obstacles on my journey. If it's a trial you want me to face, then I-"
"Picard, listen to what I have to say before you agree," Hydros interrupted. "It's not what you think. This is a very different kind of trial. It takes place in the city of Rowad."
Picard raised a eyebrow. "Rowad?"
"Yes. Over the centuries, they've had a series of trials going to test one's strength, speed, accuracy, and other attributes. It's not as easy as you may think; you could loose your life in these trials-"
"It shouldn't be hard for you," Conservato smirked. "They deal with each of the four elements. Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water."
Question upon question built up inside Picard's mind. Why Rowad of all places? Obviously, King Hydros thought this task would be dangerous, so what exactly would he be walking into if he agreed? The uncertainty was making his stomach flip and the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
'I wouldn't trust him,' Spring's voice echoed through his mind.
'Oh come on,' Serac began. 'He's been all over Weyard! This shouldn't be too hard.'
'I wouldn't trust Conservato either,' Shade added.
'Will you guys keep quiet?' Picard questioned. 'I'm trying to think.'
'But if he doesn't agree, he'll be banihed,' Rime said. 'He doesn't have much of a choice.'
'You do have a point there, Rime.' Picard answered. 'I don't have a option. Have any of you heard anything about these trials?'
'Nope,' Balm replied. 'It can't be any tougher than Dullahan.'
'Please, don't remind me of that.'
'Come on Picard, don't be a whimp!' said Serac. 'Conservato is begging you to say no.'
'Well, if that's the case, then I can't let him have his way. I want to wipe that smug smile off his face.'
'Yeah!' all of the Djinn chorused.
'It's dangerous-" Spring began.
'Come on,' Rime said. 'We'll be there every step of the way to help him.'
"What is your choice Picard?" Conservato demanded, growing ever more impatient. "Will you complete the trials or accept banishment?"
Hydros frowned. "He doesn't even know-"
"Everything will be explained when he arrives in Rowad." The old senator's eyes darted to the King. "That's all he needs to know."
Picard looked up, grinning. "I accept the challenge if it means I have a chance to walk the streets of Lemuria again."
Conservato frowned, but Hydros smiled, obviously pleased with his great-grandson's courage.
"Very well," Conservato said stiffly as he glared at Picard. "I will inform Rowad that they have a challenger."
"When do I have to leave?"
"Soon, Picard," Hydros sighed wearily. "But you may as well head back to your uncle's as it's getting very late. I'll send Allan for you once we've figured out some details." It was more of an order than a suggestion.
"Thank you, King Hydros." Picard bowed slightly, and then headed out of the palace.
Trials by Water: Decision
Picard strolled down the deserted streets of Lemuria, his home. He had traveled all over Weyard, and hadn't been to a single place like it. No other place had the abundant water, the ancient buildings, or the same watery energy coursing through the very air he breathed. No other place had the same everlasting beauty or the wisdom of the ages in its soil.
It was rare for people to stray outside past the evening hours. He didn't know exactly why that was, since Lemuria had spectacular sunsets over the surrounding sea. The nights were fabulous, the sky always filled with gleaming stars.
If only Lemuria could be what it used to be a long, long time ago. His uncle had told him stories about how the streets were always lit up. There was always somehwere to go, things to do and see, and people to meet. Lemuria had been an even more magnificent city back then. If only he could see it the same way his uncle remembered it. Would lighting the beacons be enough to resurrect the greatness of the only city he could call home? Or was it already too late for it to be that glorious again?
"Picard!"
The sound of his name startled him, breaking his train of thought. He looked up and smiled at the source. His uncle was standing at the door of his house, waiting to greet him. Even if everyone else in Lemuria hated him, he always had someone to go to.
Leon embraced his nephew. "Luke said that you were back! I thought I would never see you again!"
Picard happily returned the hug. "It feels good to be home."
"Please, come in. I have dinner and tea prepared."
"Thank you. As much as I love Garet's cooking, nothing tastes better than a home cooked meal." He smiled as his uncle led him inside the house.
"I heard from Luke that you had to go straight to the palace and see King Hydros. How did it go?"
Picard sighed, then frowned as he flopped into a chair at the table. "I was ordered to wait in the library for him, and I ended up meeting Conservato before King Hydros."
"Not him," Leon groaned. "I'm sorry, Picard. I'm sure that wasn't a enjoyable meeting. He's been spreading some nasty rumors while you've been away."
"That would explain the unwelcomed looks I've been getting from everyone." Picard folded his arms on the table and rested his head on them. "He seems determined to banish me. I fear this may be my last night in Lemuria."
Leon filled two cups with tea and placed one in front of Picard. "Nevermind Conservato. What has King Hydros decided?"
"He's speaking with Conservato right now," Picard said. "He'll summon me back to the palace once they have reached a decision, but I already know Conservato will refuse to let me stay."
"Look at it this way Picard," his uncle offered. "Hydros would never banish you. He'll do everything within his power to let you stay."
"I know that, but Conservato will put up a fight. He doesn't want me here. No one does-"
"That's not true! He's poisoned everyone's minds with his lies. Hydros will set them straight." Leon smiled. "Besides, you always have a home here with me. Are you going to give that up so easily just because of some rumors?"
Picard smiled back. "I'm sorry, uncle. Forgive me. I think I'm just tired. I've been sailing all day."
"It's all right. You may as well get some rest after dinner. Who knows how long the King will be talking to Conservato? They're practically famous for their long arguments."
***
"Are you mad?" Conservato roared. "Letting someone like Picard back into Lemuria? He's broken at least a dozen laws, not to mention he brought outsiders INTO Lemuria! Plus he lit the Lighthouses! You want him to go unpunished?"
Despite the obvious growing tension in the debate, Hydros remained calm. "If it's a law he's broken, you may punish him. Except-"
"If you agree about punishment, then it's settled. Picard will be banished from Lemuria forever."
King Hydros put up his hand. "No, he will not. You don't understand the situation at all."
"What situation? There is no situation here, Hydros; If you remember, I stated loud and clear that if he left Lemuria, he wouldn't be allowed to return. He chose to leave."
"He left for the sake of all of Weyard, including Lemuria. Lemuria was a dying city!"
"You're sticking to that story, Hydros?" Conservato asked in a voice that made him appear to be accusing the king of insanity. "The people were happy; they didn't want change. What kind of monarch goes against the will of his people? Picard has probably destroyed us faster by lighting the beacons. I demand retribution!"
"Conservato, the people didn't want change because of decades of your forced decree that we no longer travel or let outsiders within our borders! Lemuria isn't even a third of the size it used to be. I'm sure you can recall the liveliness of this city back then, and now it's just this tiny island that we stand on. Even ancient Lemuria has been destroyed. How do you explain that!?"
Conservato's dull, pale yellow eyes glared up at Hydros. "Did you ever stop to think that it wasn't the elements? Over time buildings crumble, people die, things grow old and wear out; it's a fact of life. Stop straying from the subject!" There was the implication in this that Hydros himself was wearing out, and it made the king furious.
"I still stand by what I say about Picard," Hydros said. "He doesn't deserve the kind of punishment you seek to hand out. He has never done anything that went against what was thought to be the right thing, or things, to do."
"Well then what do you propose we do with him? I hope you're not thinking about letting him get away with what he's done."
"We need to do nothing with him but let him live out the rest of his life as he so chooses and be thankful he did not die trying to save this island, Conservato! As I have said before, and I feel I am only repeated because of your faults in comprehension, he has done nothing!"
"Nothing! He has endangered the entire city with his breaking the laws of the Senate! His actions have turned some of the people against me, something I cannot tolerate! If i had not..." Conservato cut himself off, but he might as well have gone on, mused Hydros. He knew that Conservato meant to drive Picard away at all cost, even if it meant using the other Lemurians.
This argument wasn't getting anywhere. Hydros felt like he was trying to grind down a brick wall using only his voice. But he refused to give in on this matter. Perhaps they could somehow compromise...
"You are aware that Picard is the key to Lemuria, aren't you? Without him, we have no future."
Conservato rolled his eyes. "That lineage thing. Just because he's your great-grandson doesn't mean-"
"Picard is destined to become King, and he's the only heir to the throne. He's staying."
"Do you honestly think that boy is ready to take on the responsibilities of ruling Lemuria?" the senator inquired with a smirk. "He doesn't know where his loyalties lie. He would rather set off on some adventure than stay here and-"
"That's enough!" Hydros ordered. "His loyalties lie where all loyalties here belong. With the current king," Hydros added, in case Conservato wasn't sure exactly where that was. "Not with the head of the Senate."
"Well, I can see whom you favor in Lemuria, Hydros. But I refuse to be swayed on this matter. I will see him banished."
"I don't favor Picard any more than anyone else in Lemuria," said the King. "And as your King I am telling you...no, ORDERING you, to please reconsider."
Conservato paused to think a few moments, then his eyes seemed to light up with an idea. "Very well then. I am willing to let him stay, under one condition."
King Hydros raised an eyebrow suspiciously. The senator was clearly up to something, and it probably wouldn't be good news for Picard. "A condition you say? What would that be?"
"Picard is banished from Lemuria unless," a nasty smirk appeared on his face, "he can complete a trial."
"So instead of dealing with Picard yourself, you would rather ship him off to some foreign land?"
"It's not like that at all." But that sickening smile made it obvious that Conservato was lying
"Really?" Hydros asked. "Where are you planning to send Picard, then?"
"As I said, I refuse to let Picard stay here. You said he couldn't be banished forever, so he'll only be banished until he accomplishes a certain task."
Hydros nodded slowly. As much as he hated agreeing to his terms, he was left with little choice. "Explain yourself, Conservato."
"I'm sure you've heard of the city of Rowad."
"As much as anyone. It's a city of Jupiter Adepts if I recall. They are another ancient and advanced civilization, much like Lemuria. What of them?"
"I've heard stories about the trials that they hold there. They're challenging tests against the four elements: earth, fire, wind, and water to prove your true strengths-"
"I have heard the same stories. So you wish to send Picard there to participate in these trials?"
"Yes," Conservato said. "I think it would be very beneficial for him. Not to mention that I hear Rowad's princess is looking for a prince. Picard can't rule Lemuria on his own..."
"What kind of fool do you take Picard for?" Hydros demanded. "You expect him to go to any random city and immediately find someone to wed? It's not that simple!"
Conservato smirked again. "I was only kidding. Do you agree to my terms, Hydros? If he can complete Rowad's trials, I will allow him back in Lemuria. And it will also prove that he's worthy of becoming king."
Hydros sighed, knowing he was trapped. It was either agree to his terms or Picard would be banished forever. "All right-"
"Good! I'll summon Picard at once."
"I will send for him. I'm telling him in my own words and you're to keep your mouth shut. Is that understood?"
"Certainly. I'll stay here to make sure you deliever the correct message."
"As you wish," Hydros said coldly as he walked out of the throne room. He turned to the guard that was standing watch. "Allan, would you mind finding Picard and bringing him to me? We've reached a decision."
Allan nodded. "Yes, Sire."
Hydros watched him leave and then turned to head back to the throne room to wait for his great-grandson to return. It wasn't going to be easy telling him he had to leave.
***
Leon looked towards his nephew. It was already fairly late and Picard looked exhausted from his trip, not to mention his run in with Conservato. "You should try to get some sleep."
"No, I have to stay awake. I do not want Hydros to go through all trouble to talk to the Conservato, just to find I've fallen asleep." Picard gave a weak smile as he sat up straight. "Besides, I've had later nights than this on my travels. I've even been on night duty to watch for enemies. I can handle it."
"I suppose that's a good point-" There was a sudden knock at the door. "That must be them."
Picard stood up quickly to answer the door. "Allan, have you brought word from King Hydros?"
Allan nodded. "King Hydros has ordered me to take you up to the throne room."
"All right" Picard turned towards his uncle. "I don't know how long I'll be. You don't have to worry about staying up."
"I'll be here waiting for you."
Picard nodded and left without another word. Slowly, he walked up the streets towards the palace with Allan.
"It amazes me how you can travel all over Weyard and still have the guts to come back," Allan said with a smile. "Especially with the way Conservato's been talking about you."
"Oh believe me, I knew I would have this sort of greeting when I came back. I had second thoughts of just staying with my friends."
"I'm glad you're back." Those few words meant more to Picard than Allan could have realized. Allan was one of the few people who hadn't given him any dirty looks. "It shows you don't fear Conservato."
"Any idea on what Hydros has decided?"
Allan shook his head. "No. I don't like eavesdropping, but the King didn't sound too pleased when he sent me to get you."
Picard sighed sadly. "Then I guess this really is my last night here."
The two guards at the palace stepped aside to allow Allan and Picard to enter the palace. "You never know. There's always some hope."
"I suppose," Picard muttered as they headed up the stairs. When they got to the top, Allan went ahead to announce Picard's arrival.
"Picard's arived?" Hydros's voice echoed down the hall. "Please, send him in."
Allan had been right about the tone of voice. It wasn't the cheery voice the King would normally greet a visitor with.
Allan came back. "Lord Conservato and King Hydros are waiting for you." He lowered his voice. "Good luck."
Picard nodded a thank you and entered the throne room, standing before Hydros and the smirking Conservato. "I hear you've reached a decision about me?"
It was hard to read the King's expression. It looked like a combination of sadness, worry and some sort of relief, which wasn't particularly reassuring. "Yes, we have."
"And?"
"It's a bit complicated to explain-"
"You have been banished," Conservato blurted out, his voice filled with glee. Picard did his best to refrain from reacting. "Unless, you agree to our terms."
Picard tilted his head slightly in confusion. "Terms?"
Hydros glared at the senator. "If you recall, I told you to keep quiet."
"Well, if you're not going to explain to him, I will."
"What terms are you talking about?" Picard asked, somewhat confused.
Conservato glared down at him, eyes shining with malice. "You will have to complete a special trial if you wish to stay in Lemuria."
"Conservato!" Hydros hissed. It was clear that the King wanted to tell him, but Conservato wasn't listening.
"I've been across all of Weyard," Picard said. "I've conquered many obstacles on my journey. If it's a trial you want me to face, then I-"
"Picard, listen to what I have to say before you agree," Hydros interrupted. "It's not what you think. This is a very different kind of trial. It takes place in the city of Rowad."
Picard raised a eyebrow. "Rowad?"
"Yes. Over the centuries, they've had a series of trials going to test one's strength, speed, accuracy, and other attributes. It's not as easy as you may think; you could loose your life in these trials-"
"It shouldn't be hard for you," Conservato smirked. "They deal with each of the four elements. Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water."
Question upon question built up inside Picard's mind. Why Rowad of all places? Obviously, King Hydros thought this task would be dangerous, so what exactly would he be walking into if he agreed? The uncertainty was making his stomach flip and the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
'I wouldn't trust him,' Spring's voice echoed through his mind.
'Oh come on,' Serac began. 'He's been all over Weyard! This shouldn't be too hard.'
'I wouldn't trust Conservato either,' Shade added.
'Will you guys keep quiet?' Picard questioned. 'I'm trying to think.'
'But if he doesn't agree, he'll be banihed,' Rime said. 'He doesn't have much of a choice.'
'You do have a point there, Rime.' Picard answered. 'I don't have a option. Have any of you heard anything about these trials?'
'Nope,' Balm replied. 'It can't be any tougher than Dullahan.'
'Please, don't remind me of that.'
'Come on Picard, don't be a whimp!' said Serac. 'Conservato is begging you to say no.'
'Well, if that's the case, then I can't let him have his way. I want to wipe that smug smile off his face.'
'Yeah!' all of the Djinn chorused.
'It's dangerous-" Spring began.
'Come on,' Rime said. 'We'll be there every step of the way to help him.'
"What is your choice Picard?" Conservato demanded, growing ever more impatient. "Will you complete the trials or accept banishment?"
Hydros frowned. "He doesn't even know-"
"Everything will be explained when he arrives in Rowad." The old senator's eyes darted to the King. "That's all he needs to know."
Picard looked up, grinning. "I accept the challenge if it means I have a chance to walk the streets of Lemuria again."
Conservato frowned, but Hydros smiled, obviously pleased with his great-grandson's courage.
"Very well," Conservato said stiffly as he glared at Picard. "I will inform Rowad that they have a challenger."
"When do I have to leave?"
"Soon, Picard," Hydros sighed wearily. "But you may as well head back to your uncle's as it's getting very late. I'll send Allan for you once we've figured out some details." It was more of an order than a suggestion.
"Thank you, King Hydros." Picard bowed slightly, and then headed out of the palace.