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Abode of Savages
The creepiness of the night did not seem to affect the savages. They were drinking, dancing and merry-making around the fire. They were extremely happy that night for their King had got hold on a treasure chest through which their names will be etched on the annals of History forever. So, they did not forget to keep four of their best as her guards that night.
Meanwhile, Lucy sat on the floor of a dirty dilapidated hut which was 'decorated' by cobwebs and dust. But now, she did not care about that. She, who always set foot on the pristine palace floors, did not think about her dress getting dirty from the blackened floor made from cow-dung, husk and dry leaves. She clasped both of her hands together in nervousness as the time was moving in a faster pace. She had to reach back the castle before her absence was notified. Her guards were separated from her and were put in another hut.
Finally Porlyusica emerged from the room next to her and chimed.
"Girl, he has opened his eyes. You can meet him now. But be careful not to make him talk for a long time as he has just recovered."
She stood up but fell due to being tied up. Porlyusica untied her ropes not caring the protests of the savages. " The hut is locked and it is just the next room which doesn't even have windows. So, be assured, fools that she won't be able to escape. " Then she turned to Lucy and said scratching her head, "dear me, my services aren't free."
Lucy understood what she meant. She removed her precious amulet and placed it on Porlyusica's hands and quickly went to the Knight's room.
Porlyusica scanned the amulet and then clutched it in her hand and mumbled, "not a bad night after all - got both money and stuff. Praise the lord of the jungle." She then opened the doors and went outside to meet Gajeel and claim her stuff.
As soon as Lucy reached the room, she saw him sitting up on the bed. His eyes were scanning the entire premises trying to find out where he is. Upon seeing her, he tried to stand, but she gestured him not to and went and sat close to him.
She looked at him with utmost curiosity. He was lean and muscular with a tan skin tone, black eyes and spiky pink hair. He had a cross-shaped scar on the left side his abdomen.
"Where am I?"
She told him the entire story of their meeting and ended with a note that they were now prisoners of the savages. He listened to her words with utmost interest.
"Where is Happy and my bow?"
She did not understand what he meant. So, he explained. "Happy is my horse."
She looked at him blankly and said. "It was tired and injured and collapsed on the way. At that moment, we were just concerned about your safety and did not give much thought to the horse."
"That horse is just like my little brother. I have to look for him first and then go west to reach the castle."
"What is the information that you have?" She asked the question bluntly.
He shrugged. "I cannot give you the details as it is top-secret. The future of the entire Kingdom depends on this information."
"Top-Secret? Then I would surely like to hear that." In came Gajeel with enlarged eyes.
"Who is this idiot?" The young knight asked sharply.
"Don't get too cocky, kid for I was the one who saved your life. But that doesn't mean that I won't hesitate to cut you down."
"Oh, yeah? Then let's see who cuts who down. Give me a sword and let's have a fair duel."
This was now getting on Lucy's nerves. She separated them and yelled.
"Can't you both understand the gravity of the situation? The kingdom is in danger. Unless we are quick, it won't even exist." She turned to Gajeel , "you want to make me your wife, isn't it? Prove to the King that you are his most loyal ally and ask my hand in return or else the knight might snatch the entire glory and be the hero of the kingdom. I hereby give my word that I will marry whoever, who saves this Kingdom."
Both the youth blushed deep red. But Natsu was still puzzled and she understood his doubt.
"I am Princess Lucy of Fiore. I was lured here promising information by this thug which turned out to be false."
Natsu's attitude changed immediately. He bowed and said.
"Natsu Dragneel, the son of Igneel Dragneel who is now the Governor of the territory of Magnolia and the former head of the Dragon Legion. I finished my formal training and was on to meet the King to receive my formal appointment into the military."
Lucy was astonished to hear this as Igneel Dragneel was a living legend in the country. His Dragon legion never tasted defeat in the battle field and was one of the most loyal forces in the Kingdom who would never betray the King or the Kingdom.
"I would have liked to see your skills. But right now, you just recovered and it would be cruel to even ask of that. " She paused and continued, "as soon as you are in a position to travel, we'll set off."
Gajeel really got irritated. "Hold your tongue, missy. I haven't consented to your schemes. He cannot leave here unless both of us duel and decide who the victor is. If he wins, both of you can leave; else, I will forcefully marry you and lay my claim to the throne."
Natsu wiped his mouth. Fire was burning in his eyes. "Bring it on, blockhead. I will prove it to you that you were never a match to me."
Lucy was concerned. "But Natsu, you are not in prim health to have a fight. Too much of action and stress might bring back the effect of the poison."
Natsu smiled at the Princess and said. "Princess, I am foremost a Knight devoted to protect the Kingdom and its subjects. My life would be the last thing that I would care for. I cannot die here for I have a Kingdom to protect from the evil schemers."
He paused and continued. "Since I don't have weapons now, let's have a fight with our fists."
"Agreed, braggart. Let's have it outside."
They came out of the hut only to find the entire place deserted. None of the savages were in view. Gajeel became suspicious and screamed, "Sol, Nab, Wakaba, Totomaru, Where are you all?" His sharps eyes frantically scanned the area to find the traces of his comrades. Neither did he see them nor did he get any response from them. He arched his brow and looked down clutching his spear for a moment. Then he looked up and said.
"Whoever is up there, if you are a man, I challenge you for a fair duel rather than cowardly plunging on my drunken comrades. I swear that I will defeat you and avenge them at any cost."
"Really? Then I would like to see that." Out came a horse from the woods with its rider who sat majestically on its top.
Lucy's throat suddenly became dry and she looked just like a ghost. "Brother, why are you here at this time?"
"That's my line, Lucy. Care enough to explain?"
Gajeel and Natsu looked at each other with awe. She called him brother. Doesn't that mean that he is either the Prince or the King?
Lucy guiltily looked down clenching her hands."Brother I, I …" She gulped at the loss of words.
Natsu took the cue and stood in front of her. "It is my fault, sir. She waited here for me to regain consciousness as I had some information which could affect the future of the Kingdom."
"Quite interesting. But how did she come to the fray?"
"Sir, Gajeel my friend here sent one of his messengers to the royal palace who mistakenly gave the message to the Princess. She got anxious and came here to meet me." Natsu lied smoothly.
The King immediately knew that they were lying from their features. But still, he decided to take the bait to know the 'top-secret information' that the youth had.
"Alright, now tell me everything about this 'top-secret information.' Be careful enough to tell the truth; else your head will be rolling down." He alighted from the horse and patted it gently. That was when they both saw the royal crest tattooed above and below his right eye. Natsu readily bowed with one of his knee down which was hesitatingly followed by Gajeel .
Natsu disclosed the entire story to the King which he listened with deep interest.
"Oh! so, they are on the moves? The Deca Conglomerate, huh?" He pondered. "And according to you, his Excellency is also part of the scheme along with my uncle! Good to know that Fullbuster and Warrod Seiken has declined the invitation and Duke Scarlet is in the neutral position."
He then turned to Gajeel and said. "I will forgive you for your earlier 'misdeed' of luring Princess here with the false information if you are ready to work under me with your whole heart. If you hesitate, my sword will just have a bath with your blood. So, what is your take?"
Gajeel did not have many choices for he was alone with most of his men under the mercy of the King. He knew that his entire tribe would be wiped out for treachery. So, he thought that he will wait for his chance and sneakily attempt on the life of the King later. He bowed on both knees and laid his spear before the King
"I, Gajeel Redfox, the tribal leader hereby pledge allegiance to his Highness King Jellal Fernandez of Fiore."
The King gestured him to get up. Then he gave a signal to Erza who was hiding behind the trees to come. As soon as she came, he asked her to free Lucy's guards which she did immediately. The party then took off to the castle with the King on the lead followed by Natsu and Gajeel . Erza and Lucy followed suit and then Lucy's guards.
By that time, traces of sunlight were finding its way through the thick curtains of darkness. The fine layer of frost lying above the trees started to become visible. The grass blades were adorned with night dew which shone like rare precious gems with different hues of sunlight emanating from its prism-like surface. The birds started waking up and fly to deeper skies in search of food. The creepy aura of the night was soon replaced by a placid dawn.
After a few hours in Castle's secret chambers
The King's most trusted in the castle were attending an emergency meeting following the revelations of the 'aspiring Knight.' All of those attending the meeting were silent and serious knowing the graveness of the situation.
"Laxus, I want you to meet His Excellency immediately. So, set off to the Callisto mountain where he resides today itself. I don't care whether you use force or not. But the end result should be positive. I mean, clear all the misconception that he has about the Kingdom."
"So, your highness believes that he is not necessarily evil?" Laxus pondered arching a brow.
Jellal nodded his head. "Yes, I do. He was always truly loyal to the Kingdom and I think he has some misunderstandings which I want you to clear. Set off now itself as time is now even more precious than gold." He handed over a red silky scroll to Laxus Dreyar and continued, "one week from now, all of us will meet at Flavia at ten o'clock sharp and the venue will be the graveyard."
Laxus nodded his head, took the scroll, bowed and left the chambers.
Next turn was Cobra's. "Meet Vice General Macbeth and ask to send communication to all Generals to carefully scan and find the traitors and mutineers in the camp. Execute them and make it look as natural deaths to prevent the soldier uprising. Also meet General Neekis and hand over the temporary charge of Commander-in-Chief until General Laxus Dreyar comes back. Am I clear with the details? " Jellal's business like voice echoed in the hall and he handed the folded red, green and blue scrolls to Cobra.
"But your Highness, if I leave now, who will take care of your safety? " Cobra bowed and asked politely with concern on his face.
"Scarlet is more than enough for that. Any doubts?" Jellal's calm voice sent chills through Cobra's spine.
"No more your highness, I'll do the needful and return at the earliest." Cobra bowed and departed for his mission.
Azuma came forward. "You are to meet Warrod Seiken and ask his help for the crusade on my behalf. After that, meet General Clive and ask him to enroll general public in large number in his company and train them personally by his elites." Jellal ordered while handing over the scrolls. Azuma nodded and without a word promptly departed.
"Doranbolt, Check the condition of the treasury and report to me at the earliest. Deploy your most trusted men to shift it to a safer place. Do it now itself. Got it clear?"
"Yes, your majesty. I was about to say the same. I will do the needful." The Prime Minister replied without hesitation and departed.
"Freed and Bickslow, be in charge of the gates. Apprehend all the suspicious looking people and execute if found guilty. Take care that Public is not made aware of the situation as it would trigger a panic reaction."
Next, he turned to Gajeel and said. "Set off and meet Fullbuster at the earliest. Inform the gravity of the situation and ask him to assemble at Flavia Graveyard one week from now at ten o'clock sharp. " Jellal then asked a short petite girl with short blue hair to step forward. "This is Levy Mcgarden. She is an excellent cartographer and one of my most trusted. She will help you with the way. "
Gajeel twisted his lips in protest, "I am a savage, Lord. I don't need the help of a carto—whatever. It is an insult for my manliness."
Jellal looked at him sternly. "You are in no position to decide what is right for yourself as you have forfeited that last night with your treacherous act. My personal guard, Pantherlily will accompany you for this mission and beware, he is the best assassin in the country and will end your life at the slightest display of treachery."
Levy came forward bowed in respect and took the blue scroll from the King. "Your majesty need not worry about this thug. I will wrap him around my fingers within one week."
Gajeel was offended. "Let's see it, shrimp. My name isn't Gajeel unless I make you forget your own existence."
Levy pouted. Jellal gestured Pantherlily to take both out and carry out the mission. The colossal figure of Pantherlily grabbed them both by their collar out of the room after bowing the King.
"Whew! That was quick. Mirajane, you and Lisanna take care of Sting and Yukino." They nodded in obedience and left.
"What about me, highness? You did not give me any order." Natsu was getting really impatient.
Jellal took out another scroll, opened and read the contents. "Natsu Dragneel is hereby officially granted the title of Knighthood and is appointed as Princess Lucy's personal guard." He gave the scroll to Natsu who took it with puppy eyes. He was elated in both his body and soul.
Jellal continued, "You are to take the Princess to Magnolia and ask Igneel to re-assemble the dragon legion with Atlas Flame, his second-in-command. Ask Atlas Flame to meet me at the graveyard at the same time and date as others." He handed over a beautiful ornate sword with exquisitely carved hilt adorned with precious jewels and diamonds.
"Take care of this. It symbolizes your position as the Royal Guard." Jellal said softly.
Natsu bent on one knee and accepted the sword. "I swear that I will protect the Princess with my life." Then he bowed politely and set out along with Lucy who was watching everything with awe.
Now, only two were left. Erza came forward and bowed. "Orders for me, Highness?"
The King scanned her graceful features. He was clueless at the change in her demeanor. One week before, she was vehemently opposing him and now she is one of his loyal supporters. Strange is the way of world, he thought.
"Aren't I supposed to say something like 'protect me with your life' to my precious bodyguard? But believe me, my order is not that. Be with me in my every venture as my partner. Always be my light and prevent me from traversing stray paths." Jellal said earnestly closing the distance between them; but he did not touch her. She could hear his fast heart-beat and see his anxious face awaiting her response.
It is true that her opinion about him was a bit altered after staying so close with him for hours. She was amazed at his charisma, strategic thinking and level-headedness. It seems that he was not just an emotionless tyrant and he does have his human side deep inside. The look of concern that he displayed about his sister showed that. The King is full of surprises, thought she.
But still, it does not wash away his vile deeds which he willfully committed to expand his borders which included plundering of treasures, mutilating the enemy soldiers, giving away the women of his opponents to his soldiers etc., The nobles who opposed him just vanished out of plain sight along with their families and were later banned as traitors who fled from the empire with enough supportive evidence to back up the claim.
"As long as I am your body-guard, I will do my duty with all honesty and will never ever betray you. But your Highness, let me ask you a simple question? Was it necessary to do all those harsh deeds that you did to proclaim your supremacy? Why did you have to mutilate enemy soldiers and give off their women to your army? Also, why do you give so much importance to your personal pride?"
Jellal's brow twitched. No one dared to question his motives until now. All those vile deeds that she accused him of are common war-time practices which had been running for years. He did not oppose it as he knew that even a single foe left out in a battle field could be a dangerous threat in the future.
"Planning to be a Messiah, Scarlet?" He shook her violently forgetting his promise of not touching her. "I think you took my words too seriously. You are not his Excellency to comment upon my actions. Whatever I do is none of your concern." He hissed.
"Didn't your majesty say something dramatically like 'preventing you from traversing stray paths?' I was just showing the fallacy in your argument as you won't listen to anyone else. Did your majesty think that I will fall for you with that silly statement? How naive you could be my lord?" She smirked unfazed at his fury.
He clenched his teeth and looked at her with furious eyes. Then he pushed her to the side and marched off from the room. She was not offended in the slightest bit. She smiled inwardly and said, "Jellal Fernandez, I will fulfill my promise of bringing back the human in you. You can be sure of that. Until then, I will not let you know who I really am." She wiped her lips and followed the King.
Night time, Crocus
Two maids were talking and moving towards the castle. They were about to reach it when the castle suddenly exploded. Both of them were shocked and their voices got trapped in their throats. But after a few seconds, one of them started screaming.
"Help ! Help ! The castle is on fire. Save his highness, please." She yelled at the top of her voice and ran towards the guards' station showing them the fire which even made them shivering. Still, they gathered the men and set off to put down the fire.
The main building of the castle was engulfed in flames. The explosion that started five minutes earlier triggered off a chain reaction. The maids, servants, attendants, guards and even soldiers tried to extinguish the fire by pouring buckets of water pulled from the near-by moat. But the fire did not show the slightest trace of dying down. Instead, it expanded its encroachment.
"His highness, he is in the main building. Somebody…. Somebody help him." A maid screamed at the top her voice.
One of the soldiers who stood near to her covered her mouth and pierced her neck with a poisonous dart.
"Shut up now, will you? Allow his majesty to rest in peace. His subjects are now more than capable of taking care of themselves." He laughed frantically like a maniac brushing off his blonde hair with one hand and taking the half-burnt weed from his mouth with his other hand letting out the smoke. He then said, "adieu your majesty. See you in hell "and disappeared in the crowd.