Chapter 4: The Golden Hall of Emperor Galfore
Bannzag'r was right. The Porkins did not tire easily. By nightfall, the Teen Titans reached the Royal Castle.
Maximus was listening to his mother as she told him where he was and Maximus repeated it to his friends.
"The Tamaranian Royal Castle, and the Golden Hall of Meyog'r, the first emperor of Tamaran." Athena began. "There dwells Galfore, emperor of Tamaran, whose mind is overthrown. Stay close. Do not look for welcome here."
The Titans rode into the castle and walked up toward the throne room. No one greeted them and even said a word.
"You'd find more cheer in a graveyard." Beast Boy said.
They continued up until the Titans reached the entrance to the throne room where several guards were waiting.
"We cannot let you go before Emperor Galfore so armed, Teen Titans. By order of Advisor Blood."
Maximus nodded to his friends and everyone handed over whatever weapons they had.
When they were finished, they waited to be let in.
"Your staff." The guard said to Rorek.
"Oh, you wouldn't separate an old man from his walking stick."
"Alright, you may go in." The guard said and the doors were opened.
Rorek winked at Maximus who got the message and held Rorek under the arm to make him look like a weak old man.
"My lord," Brother Blood whispered to Emperor Galfore, "the Teen Titans have come."
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Emperor Galfore." Rorek said.
"They are not welcome." Brother Blood whispered.
Galfore turned his attention to Rorek. "Why should I welcome you, Rorek of Nol?"
"A just question, my liege." Blood stand up and walked toward the Titans. "Late is the hour of which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lath spell I name him, ill news is an ill guest."
"Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I did not come though fire and death to parry words with a witless worm." Rorek said as he raised his staff.
"The staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!" Several Tamaranians jumped at Rorek but were intercepted by the other Titans.
Cyborg pinned Brother Blood down on the ground. "I would stay very still if I were you."
Rorek approached the emperor. "Galfore, emperor of Tamaran. To long have you sat in the shadows! I release you from the spell."
Galfore began to laugh. "Ha ha ha. You have not power here, Rorek of Nol."
Suddenly a light was shone on Galfore from Rorek and Galfore was pinned to his throne by Rorek's magic. "I will draw you, Trigon, as poison is draw from a wound!"
Starfire gasped and ran to Galfore, but Maximus stopped her. "Wait."
Rorek continued his mental battle with the possessed Galfore. "If I go, Galfore dies."
Rorek pushed him back. "You did not kill me. You will not kill him."
"Tamaran is mine."
"Begone."
Galfore leapt at Rorek. Rorek pushed him back and Trigon was expelled from Galfore's mind.
With a groan, Galfore fell to the floor. Starfire ran to his aid.
Galfore looked at Starfire. "I know your face. Korinda'r. Starfire." Galfore turned his head to Rorek. "Rorek?"
Rorek smiled at him. "Breath the free air again, my friend."
Galfore stood up with Starfire's help and looked around. "Dark have been my dreams of late." Then he looked at his fingers.
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword." Rorek held Galfore's sword to him.
Galfore slowly drew his sword and felt his strength return. Then his looked at Brother Blood with fury.
Brother Blood was thrown out of the castle and he cried out in pain when he landed on the red earth. "I have only ever served you, my lord."
Galfore followed him out. "You're leech craft would have had me on all fours like a beast!"
Brother Blood backed away. "Send me not from your sight."
Galfore raised his sword to strike but Maximus stopped him. "No, my lord! No, my lord. Enough blood has been spilled on his account."
Brother Blood saw his chance and ran from the castle. "Get out of my way!"
Maximus stood beside Galfore and shouted to the Tamaranians. "Hail, Emperor Galfore!"
All of Galfore's subjects bowed before him.