Chapter 5: Sightless Mind

I awoke to the sound of metal clashing with metal. I would have jumped to my feet were I physically able, but I was shackled. However there was no battle, but Maxell, knocking on the prison bars with his sword. To be correct, knocking on my prison bars.

"Maxell! What is the meaning of this? Let me out of here!" I shouted. I glanced around and I was stripped of all my equipment. Fortunately, that character next to the crusader must have been a priest because my chest seemed fine with the exception of some red markings.

"Sorry sir Aki. King's orders." Maxell did not turn to look at me. He stood with his back to the wall next to my prison cell, his right hand ready to snap to his handle should the need arise.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Explain why I am here and why the king has ordered my capture!" I yelled. It was infuriating. Everything since last evening seemed so unreal and every waking moment was a surprise; I was ready to wake up from this nightmare anytime now.

"Don't act stupid. They're coming to interrogate you in a moment. I don't know why the hell you'd do what you did, but you better have a damn good reason." Maxell said spitefully. "What the hell."

Two crusaders entered the ward and approached Maxell. "Release the prisoner to us." They definitely were crusaders, with that lack of emotion in their voice. Any normal person would sneer and add in an insulting remark. Not the crusaders however. Their silence speaks of discipline. Maxell opened the door and the two crusaders ushered me out politely. No dragging or pushing.

We entered the King's hall, where the guild leaders were sitting. I felt extremely embarrassed to be displayed in front of all these powerful lords barely clothed and covered in a false shame. I did not do anything wrong but the environment made me feel guilty nonetheless. Most depressing of all was the disappointed look on King Tristam the thirteenth's face. Even the king was convinced of my supposed wrongdoing? The leader of the hunter's guild stood, his gleaming rudra's bow hanging precariously around his torso.

"Sir Aki, you are guilty of high treason and conspiracy in the assassination of our leader, King Tristam the thirteenth. You will be executed promptly, but not before public humiliation and a thorough interrogation that will be conducted in the following moments by the guild leaders. The accused is responsible for the illegal release of the assassin prisoner that attempted to murder King Tristam the thirteenth, as well as many less drastic charges including attempted murder of a hunter of Payon. However those charges matter not in the final decision for your punishment, which is death." Silver, the Hunter guild's leader, sat down with contempt scrawled all over his face.

"I am innocent! Why would I do such a thing? You have been deceived! Where is your proof? I awoke in the forest with an injury. . ." I was desperately trying to reach these people.

". . . sustained to your knee? There is your first piece of evidence. In your escape with the prisoner, a hunter of my guild noticed you and you tried to kill him. The hunter is now in my care with his wounds healed, but he reported to us saying how he had the chance to retaliate and shot a single arrow that grazed your knee. Upon inspection of your wound, it was indeed pierced by a silver arrow, which would indeed be the stock of arrows in current use due to the predicament that has brought us here. Also the medicine used on your wound is derived from a scorpion poison, a very common medicine used in Morroc." Silver was looking around at the other guild leaders, seeking their support and agreement. "Also, may I call Knight Beatrix." The mighty Beatrix strode into the room. "What can you tell us about this knight, regarding the prisoner that was recently held for attempted assassination?"

"He showed emotional attachment to the prisoner and asked if he should intervene in her punishment. I warned him to keep his distance but he did not appear to listen. Furthermore, he was the only one who fought with the assassin, making it seem like a setup from the beginning. What ulterior motives he may have I am completely unaware of." Her steadfast tenacity only made me angrier. The woman with no compassion has sealed my fate. "May I be pardoned? I have troops to rally." King Tristam waved her away and Beatrix began to walk away, but not before giving me a cold icy stare that just told me she wanted to meet with me on the battlefield to set me straight.

"King Tristam you have to believe me! This was all a big setup! I must have been drugged when guarding Riyu, because I fell asleep and the next thing I knew I was in the forest! You have to believe me! There is no time for squabbles with the impending battle!" I was begging now, but it suited the mood since I was already on my knees, my hands locked together. This was a time to put aside my devastated pride.

"So tell us of this battle! I am sure you know much more about it than anyone in Prontera!" Bellowed Gandalf the White, the chief of the guild of wizardry, standing up and rumbling the room slightly as the earth trembled with his power.

"What exactly are you implying?" Silver asked slyly, cocking his head to one side.

"I am implying that he must be in league with the demons of Glast Heim! Along with the assassin guild! Spill the information, or something else will be spilt!" A crackle of lightning leapt between his fingers, tenacity in his voice.

"Hold on! Give him a chance to confess his evil sin. Knight, tell us of the conspiracy between the guild of assassins and Glast Heim, and your punishment may be lessened. I am sure we all would be willing to show you some leniency if your information led to a turn in the tide. Speak now, or God will surely rain down his divine retribution upon you." Lowe, the highest of priests spoke with authority yet sympathy.

I was at a loss for words. What could I say? Should I fabricate a story to save my own life? Thousands could die from my misinformation. If I said that I knew nothing, then everything would proceed and my execution would be imminent. Instead, I kept quiet and muttered, "I know nothing. I would give up my life for you to believe me. Do not let me die a traitor; at least let my death have meaning. I would rather have you turn your attention to the upcoming battle, for it will definitely be an intense skirmish, and if the guild of assassins has joined them, then they are surely not alone. The assassins are powerful yes, but they would never go up against Prontera without allies. I would highly suspect any guild that is not present at the moment. More dangerously might I add that there is probably at least one traitorous guild amongst you, serving as the ultimate spy and instigator." I know this made me sound even more suspicious, but at least it would get them thinking.

"Nonsense! All us guild leaders here are comrades in arms. How dare you make such a bold and untested accusation! You know nothing of how deep this brotherhood runs. We all fought together when Gefenia was here, and we physically endured the tribulation together. I think we have heard enough counsel from both sides, let us reach a settlement and move onto the real reason we are here." Pengu, the commander of the legion of crusaders, declared this and the leaders turned to each other, as the same two crusaders ushered me out of the room.