"O brave heroes, please save our world!"
I admittedly tuned out the conversation as I further examined the shield I found on my forearm. It appeared to be a simple piece but there was something else inside it, I would have examined it further if we were not called before the King Consort. I kept my eyes on the shield as I casually shifted them to the eyes of a Sun Touched and began to study this curious item closely as we approached the throne room.
"So these men are the Four Cardinal Heroes of ancient legend? I am the King of Melromarc, Aultcray Melromarc XXXII. Heroes, name yourselves."
I listened with half an ear as I gave more of my attention to the shield. My prior assessment was indeed correct, outwardly it looked simple, but to our eyes, it would've been a treasure any of our kin would murder the other for. It was limited but it was much like a seed, the limits for its growth were beyond unlimited.
I had just raised my head when it was my turn to introduce myself when the Consort started speaking again, that gave me my first clue. Something wasn't right here.
I scattered all my senses, my ears heard the spiteful words, and my nose breathed in the heady scent of sad bitterness that had become a hateful wrath, there were other scents, yes, but this was the most profound to me. After all, I am well acquainted with that scent. My eyes caught several glares out of my peripherals, that clued me in on where all the negative senses were coming from, for one reason or another, all the anger, all the mistrust, and all the fearfulness were aimed at one point.
Right where I stood.
But even then I scented another presence. This one held no malice or ill will to me and I kept my nose trained on the scent and bided my time patiently. When we had been sent to our rooms I decided it was time to get some answers. As I stood in the empty room I called out to the scent softly.
"I know you are there."
They seemed to appear from the wind and shadow of a nearby curtain, a cloaked person but human, my nose knew this much to be true.
"Sir Shield Hero."
I nodded to them as they unexpectedly bowed.
"Time is short, so I ask, whom do you serve?"
The stranger looked up still kneeling and spoke in an even tone.
"I serve my Mistress who has a great deal of concern about you and your welfare."
I nodded once as I caught an older scent on the figure's cloak. It was fresher but there was no mistake where I caught it before.
"Is the one you serve her Majesty?"
If my answer startled them they gave nothing away, continuing to stare up at me they merely nodded.
"I have many questions, where can I find her?"
The figure stood and walked over to a small table before unrolling a small map.
"My Lady is currently in talks with the other heads of the nations here. It is currently impossible to speak with her."
I simply strode over to the window and shifted just enough for my wings to flex. I turned to them as they stared at me.
"Then let us make it possible."