Chapter 6: A Brief Introduction
They approached the closed gate. It had two large dark brown doors. Even in the light from two torches on either side it remained black. All three of them looked a mess their clothes ripped and full of mud. They had finally arrived at Arinstall but they were completely exhausted from traveling.
"Hello is anyone there?" called Valon hoping someone would answer on the other side.
Nothing came for a long minute until fiddling was heard and a latch popped open. A guard peered out at them.
He studied them before asking, "What's your business sir's? It's awfully late and we do not allow passage after nightfall. You ought to have a good reason if you want to see that gate open."
"We're from Dreasfjord and we have an urgent message for the king. If you would let us see him at once we would be grateful." explained Valon.
"Is that so." the guard pauses, "Would you step closer into the light."
They all moved into the torch light so the guard could examine them more closely.
"State your names."
"I am Valon and these are my two companions Xev and Zanir, Sir." Said Valon.
The guard quickly closed the latch and voices started to sound behind the gate then the gate began to open. Four armored guards emerged.
"Please, this way to the king's hold." said the guard who greeted them. He walked in front while the three other guards followed close behind.
Through the gate they followed a muddy path towards the keep of Arinstall. As they were walking past an inn Xev noticed a paper stamped to the left of the inn's doorway. The paper was a wanted sign and it had their names and sketches of themselves clearly visible. A sinking feeling overcame him as he realized what was happening. The guards were taking them prisoner. Why didn't they bind and disarm them?
Valon noticed the sign an instant later. His face began to contort his veins bulging and he froze for a second. He stumbled, slightly unbalanced and glanced back at Xev and Zanir. Valon shot a venomous look pass them to a man dressed in a dark cloak in the shadows. Xev began to draw his sword but found his arm held in place by an invisible force, Zanir in a similar situation.
"You three will be accompanying us in the dungeon. " stated the unknown shadowy figure from within his pulled hood. He was taking control of them without evident difficulty. "Please, continue, I insist. We don't want to make a scene now do we?" his voice sounded eerie and twisted.
The force that held them in place was released and they had no option but to follow the guards.
Just before the entrance to the large stone prison Valon made a tripping motion. "Now!" he shouted.
Valon took control of the magician before he lost the chance, Xev and Zanir drew their swords and engaged the armored guards. While Valon was battling the mage for control Xev and Zanir cut through the guards effortlessly killing three and knocking one unconscious. They turned on the mage which was held in place by Valon. They charged and stabbed the mage but their blades repelled off of invisible wards that shimmered after each blow.
Valon cried out, "No!" a concussive explosion warped into existence in front of him he was thrown across the street and slammed against a building.
Xev and Zanir were seized and thrown upwards where they hovered in the air unable to move or breath, completely helpless. All faded into darkness.