The Reef's Treasure

Chapter 10

No Forks just a KNIFE

In a booming voice he spoke, "Distinguished guest and honorable warriors of the reef, I welcome you!" Spinning on his heels, he addressed everyone in the hall. "For tonight's entertainment, the Queen has arranged something special."

The crowd erupted with excitement as all eyes seemed to draw on me. Attempting to focus on anything else but the swarm around me, I noticed that the elaborate tables were filled with finished plates instead of overflowing with nourishment. Quickly scanning the room, I also realized that that the enormous food platters scattered about the tables were also sparse as well. It was slightly disturbing to say the least.

I thought I had been invited to dine with the ruler, not be the evening's entertainment. My gaze immediately shot towards the Queen herself. I could feel my face contort as my anger stirred. A heartbeat later, I suddenly felt the Prince's breath at my ear. "Lower your gaze Guardian if you ever want to draw another breath again."

I slowly redirected my gaze to him hoping he wouldn't think his threat worked. Completely unaffected, the arrogant Prince merely tilted his head like someone scolding a child. Further chapping my ass, he sighed slightly before continuing his announcement.

"It has long been rumored of the theatrical combat skills the Guardians."

I was boring a hole in his skull as he spoke.

"Well tonight, our great Queen and majesty has arranged to test that skill against a real warrior."

I wanted to lunge at the asshole when a gasp of surprise from the spectators caught my attention.

"The Queen has hand selected one of her personal Royal Awoken Guards for the task tonight for your pleasure."

The crowd flared up as a figure emerged behind me. I didn't even have to turn around to know who it was. I could feel her hated 10 clicks away. Rounding my left shoulder I heard Prince Uldren announce, "Lieutenant Seetra of Gilroy House."

The onlookers suddenly seemed divided with the Queen's choice; half cheered while half did not. Instantly I thought, if this is how they treat one of their own, boy was I in trouble. I quickly scanned the audience for Peetra and was disappointed when I didn't see her.

After an overly melodramatic entrance, where she shot her hands high in the air urging her cheering fans on even more, Seetra pulled out her twelve inch knife and thrust it high above. I wondered if it was as long as her sister's but when the light caught the blades sharp edge, it quickly dawned on me that shortly it wouldn't matter.

I couldn't help to glance in the Queen's direction. Neither she nor did her precious patriarch seemed impressed.

When the crowd began to die down, Seetra snarled at me before finally taking her place next to me. With both of us facing the queen, the Awoken Guard bowed and declared, "Thank you your grace for this high honor."

Still bent over, Seetra whispered under her arm, "Bow you cow. Show respect."

I did as suggested but even after I complied, I wondered if the woman sitting high on her throne even noticed. Before the festivities continued, there was a brief exchange between her majesty and her brother. Another scowl then he headed towards my direction. Begrudgingly he withdrew his elongated dagger and approached me. The grinding of steel as it left its sheath caused the hair on the back of my neck to stand up.

Inches from me, he stopped and shifted his weight. Glaring at me with every ounce of hated about everything that had gone wrong in his life, Prince Uldren spun the blade in his hand, hilt now pointed at me. Shocked that he didn't try to slice my throat, he offered, "Here, take my Shashka".

Remembering what my ghost had told me, the long daggers used by the awoken were called Shashka, I had been hoping to use that knowledge to impress Petra, but I never got the chance.

I was unable to thank the Prince before he quipped, "A small bit of advice guardian, There was that son of a bitch tone again, don't forget your ghost can't hear you, so I suggest you don't die." There's another damn head tilt, "He won't know to revive you." He chuckled heartedly as he walked away.

…Asshole.

It wasn't long before the room suddenly went silent as all eyes were drawn on the Ruler of the Reef. Vaguely interested, she lazily waved her hand, still lounging on her throne. "Let it begin."

Right on cue, Seetra raised her blade high in the air before turning to face me. Facing me in my near matching cat suit she chanted, "May you die with honor".

At first I felt like she was threatening me until I saw the Queen's brother signaling me to repeat the phase. Not as enthusiastic, I resounded, "May you die with honor."

Slicing through the noise so loudly that it echoed off the walls, Prince Uldren roared, "So it shall begin!"