The way to the throne room felt excruciatingly long and difficult, every step she took feeling like she was climbing up the steep side of a mountain. Her mind had grown blank as she didn't wish to think or feel while her heart pounded in her chest and even though two armed guards walked right behind her, Alys didn't feel at ease. She had to answer for a crime she did not commit, all to protect her people from being accused of treachery and be hunted down or shunned by the inhabitants of this world. The weight was a heavy burden to bear, but she carried it because there was no other choice. There was nobody else to turn to but her.
The tall doors of the throne room were an unwelcome sight when the small escort came to a stop before them after the long feeling trek through the palace. The chamberlain Toufdru turned a little towards one of the guards who had carefully watched Alys and said to him while pointing with a finger down to the floor," please wait here, miss Alys." He stepped forth while not realizing his common mistake of mistaking identities, before pushing one of the doors open to slip inside and inform his king that the accused had arrived.
Alys swallowed while staring ahead of herself, afraid of what she had to face beyond those doors. She could hear the voices present within the throne room through the narrow crack, the audible tones sounding displeased, concerned or disgruntled. She could only imagine the hatred and anger towards her and Qilby and that immensely scared her. She was, after all, their only target to take the outrage out on, all because the true culprit had fled and wasn't bound to return.
"Remain calm."
She slowly shook her head after the Bontarian master stepped up beside her and softly spoke to her, a little subdued in her doing. She was trembling all over and fighting back the urge to run, even after she reluctantly tore her eyes away from the slightly ajar doors to look at the ne who was trying to be there for her in his own way. "I am petrified, Joris..." she whispered, feeling lost and helpless," I thought I could do this but… but now that I am here, looking like this, I am not sure if I am able to face all these people and their accusations."
Joris looked up to her from under his hood before he eyed her bindings after she gestured to them with a nod. She looked like a criminal, but then she would be seen as such by the more vindictive of souls, even without the requested restraints. He clenched his fists tighter while pressing them firmer against the bent of his back at the personal reminder that he needed to stay neutral in this trial, but could he? "You have to, Alys," he said to console her and make her aware of the severity of the situation," you have to make them understand the situation and act to it. Right now it is chaos; the people are ruled by fear and rumors. You are the only one who can change their minds and bring some manner of peace to it." He lowered his gaze when he saw her bit her lip in response, knowing full well that she was dealing with a very complicated and difficult ordeal. It wasn't easy to see her like this and even worse to know that he couldn't come to her defense like he had done before. But he knew there were a few who supported Alys and believed in her, himself included. All she needed was encouragement. "Alys…" he quietly said her name, as if he was about to say something which was meant for her alone, before he leaned closer towards the Eliatrope and whispered to her," be the queen you claimed not be."
Alys stared at him in awe after his words sunk in and left her speechless, not even noticing at first that the doors of the throne room slowly opened to grant her entry. His words of encouragement struck her deep... He was one of the few who didn't doubt her and was by her side whether she knew it or not, be it watching her from afar or sit quietly next to her. He was there for her just as he was now, trying to convince her to have faith in herself. She gave a small nod in response while straightening up and looked into the throne room, before whispering to him," thank you for believing in me, Joris… it means so much to me." She stepped forth to enter the trial and not keep the Council waiting after giving Joris her gratitude for all he had said and done for her, knowing there was no turning back from this point on.
She entered the large round throne room with her natural grace, her turquoise eyes gliding across the large space and the many faces that watched her with either detest or pity. All the visiting delegations had gathered, seated in a circle before the well lit throne in the very same order as yesterday's Council meeting.
Joris quietly slipped into the dark hall when the female Eliatrope entered the makeshift circle with the two guards close behind her, the taking of his seat close by Prince Armand and the mote surrounding Sheran Sharm's throne almost going by unnoticed. It was as if the Bontarian master had never left the throne room to begin with.
Some of the representatives leaned towards one and another to whisper while they eyed the Eliatrope until she took her place in the middle of the circle and looked to the one sitting elevated above everyone else. Her eyes met the King's, a quiet exchange of unspoken thoughts and feelings before he rose to a standing and pushed his shoulders back. The room grew silent when Oakheart stood up from his throne, most of the attention on him while his was on the woman who willingly came to this trial, no matter bound. "Alys of the Eliatropes," he began with a heavy heart, his deep voice sounding loud and clear," you stand before us on accusation for the alarming disappearance of your king and the relic which belongs to your people, the Eliacube. Please, tell us what happened last night."
Alys nodded before gazing down to her vine shackles and recalled the events from the night before. "Last night," she began, her voice cracking at first as nerves refused to settle, though she spoke up to be heard by everyone," Qilby came to my chambers to speak to me in private. He was displeased with the outcome of yesterday's Council and had decided to act without the requested aid and consent from the currently present nations and delegations... to free my people. He came to me in the hopes to gain my support, but I refused to take part in his plans after I figured out his true intentions. I tried to have him reconsider taking the Eliacube with him, but to no avail..."
"So His Majesty Qilby truly has the Cube?"
"Did he take anything else?!" the Enutrof king asked with a sudden panic and quickly checked himself with a frantic patting of his thick hands across his expensive looking robes to see if he had lot anything of value, his dramatic paranoia causing the Master of Ecaflip to roll his eyes at him and scoff.
A murmur rose up in the throne room when the representatives began to talk with each other, uncertain if to believe what was being told while awaiting what else the female Eliatrope had to say. There was still much which hadn't been told or shared. "Yes, it is true... Qilby has the Cube in his possession," Alys confirmed with a small nod after noticing the skeptic glances she was given from the surrounding representatives, a few perplexed and scared sounding gasps following her words.
"Where did he take it?"
Alys shook her head in answer, looking apologetic towards the one who had asked the question," I do not know, I am sorry."
"As if," the Prince of Brakmar snubbed, his head resting upon the back of his fingers while he sat in his chair like a bored child. His faithful general nodded to the Prince's words to agree with it all and everything his liege had to say," spare us your apologies, Eliatrope. You couldn't even prevent him from getting away in the first place."
"Like you would have been able to," the master of Ecaflip smirked tauntingly with an amused glint in his eyes while he peered to the Prince from under his straw hat, the Brakmarian's growling in insult and objection towards the feline only amusing him.
Alys lowered her gaze after hearing the Prince's accusation, the aching in her chest a reminder of how she failed to stop Qilby. She didn't need the Prince's prodding words to refresh her memory, no matter that they rung true. It stung however… As if she wasn't ashamed enough already.
Another question made her stand up straight and look to Eniripsian queen who had been gentle and kind during the previous meeting, the winged woman speaking softly with a hint of concern while she stroked the fur collar of her robes," what is he planning on doing with the Eliacube? Is he going to free the children? If so, where will he be taking them? Here…?"
"No…" Alys' quiet answer caused a few of the representatives to express their surprise or confusion in audible grunts or moans, the plan Qilby brought forth during the previous meeting becoming vaguer by the minute. She shook her head before closing her eyes to gather courage and speak of the ill fate this world would succumb to if Qilby succeeded. Her bandaged chest ached with the heavy but quick thumping of her heart, her fingers curling around the wood that was wrapped tight around her hands and wrists. "Once Qilby manages to free my people, he will them him away from this world."
"Good riddance…" the Brakmarian prince muttered before he was shushed by the Iop king, the large man wishing for the female Eliatrope to continue so he could try and understand what exactly was being discussed. It wasn't easy for an Iop to keep track of a conversation when no fighting was involved and all this Eliacube and trapped children nonsense was making no sense whatsoever to him. He tried though and he understood the gist of it... kind of.
Alys hesitated after the Prince interrupted her and the Iop king shushed him, her gaze flickering between the two very different men before she licked her lips and stammered," but... to be able to make the journey into the Krosmoz and transport all the children, he will need this world's Wakfu to power the vessel required to carry my people." Her voice grew louder and clearer the more she spoke before the look in her eyes became darker and more serious. She focused on the one who sat on the large throne, hoping he would understand the importance of what she was to say next," all of this world's Wakfu."
The shock her words caused echoed silently through the throne room. Mouths hung open and eyes were wide open while most present were speechless in distress and disbelief. The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to slowly fall into place for almost everyone.
"But… that means-"
"He is going to suck this planet dry?!" the Iop king asked enraged and slammed his fist upon the edge of his chair, interrupting the Feca master's bewilderment," did I get that right?" His pupil-less eyes scanned the room, seeking for an answer to his question while veins bulged across his arms and clenched fists.
The master of Feca nodded in confirmation and adjusted his glasses while his secretary continued to write down the developments of the trial," you did… very much so. If he requires this world's energy to transport thousands of children on some sort of Krosmoz faring ship, there won't be anything left. The World of Twelve would be destr-"
"Please don't say it..." Queen Daihitsu pleaded with a closing of her eyes, her servant holding a matching expression of denial and deep concern. The news that the world would fall by a single man's actions left everyone in shock. Turmoil began to flare up in the throne room, the previous murmuring growing louder as with the turmoil and shock came anger and confusion.
Armand sat with his elbows resting on his knees, a storm brewing on his face. While the whole world would take a heavy blow from Qilby's treachery, no matter the outcome, it was the people of Sadida who received the absolutely killing blow. They welcomed the supposed Eliatrope king with open arms, generously indulged him and blindly believed everything he said, all to be betrayed in the end. It infuriated Armand to the point it made him numb. When his father spoke up and silenced the room, Armand glanced towards him from the corner of his eyes while he kept his hands firmly folded before his mouth, the numbness he felt containing his burning anger.
"Alys, answer truthfully. Were you aware of the sacrifice required to power this... vessel, before Qilby took the Eliacube from the Dofus chamber?"
The question from Oakheart Sheran Sharm brought forth mixed feelings and thoughts among the present people. Would they believe the answer given? Could Eliatropes be trusted after what happened and may happen?
"I wish I was, Your Majesty..." Alys said with a tremble in her voice, feeling remorse for not having figured Qilby's plan out sooner. She was his confidante and yet hadn't been given any true secrets to keep. If she had known, there may have been a chance to prevent all this, but Qilby remained tight lipped and plotted in silence. "But he fooled me like everyone else..." she said with a lowering of her shoulders and hidden wings," I opposed him when he asked me to join him. I don't want my people to be branded murderers by his actions; they are innocent children, and I don't wish for the destruction of the very world I and my family call home. I instead want to find Qilby and stop him, like everyone else here." She would beg the Sadida king for forgiveness after he had shown nothing but kindness to her and her brothers, but it wasn't hers to beg. It was Qilby who had turned everything upside down. Everyone wanted to see him pay for the crimes and betrayal; she was but a temporary substitute...
A finger bearing an over sized ruby crested ring rose to accusingly point to Alys, white cheeks puffed up and rounded in anger but also fear after the Prince of Brakmar sprung to a standing. "Lies! We should throw her in a dungeon and lure Qilby out of hiding!" he shrieked and kept his finger pointed at the Eliatrope standing in the middle of the throne room. The disapproving glance she gave him was hard to miss, but her lips remained sealed. It wasn't the right time to bicker with someone like the Prince, no matter that he was eager for a fight.
"You fool! He has the Eliacube in his possession! Do you honestly want to anger him further by taunting him?" the Feca master asked, looking distraught as he held onto his staff. The idea of Qilby unleashing the powers of the Eliacube in a fit of rage was enough to make him shiver and judging by the rise in voices within the throne room, many agreed wholeheartedly with him.
"He is bound to come back for her," the prince spat in defiance, paranoia carving through him while he glared at the female Eliatrope," you said so yourself, Lady Alys! Those opposing the Eliatropes are your enemy and we all know how loyal you've been to your king!"
"Don't assume you know anything about her," the voice of Joris sounded, causing a vein to bulge on the prince's forehead. The Master of Bonta had been silent since the beginning of the trial, observing and listening while others asked their questions and shared their opinions or hateful remarks about the situation. The new knowledge that Qilby was willing to sacrifice this world even shocked him, but he knew that they needed a solution and not more accusations and mad ravings.
"I know enough!" the Prince barked, insulted by Joris' interruption and once more pointed towards Alys with a jabbing of his finger," who is to say she is truly willing to betray her king? Or that she isn't playing the victim to buy Qilby some time? You?! You think you know much, Master of Bonta, but not even you know the Eliatrope's true intentions! She could be playing you for a fool, just like her king played you!"
"He is no king of mine," Alys said harshly to interrupt the prince, being completely honest like she had been during this trial," and he is no king of my people." She narrowed her eyes at the prince, no longer taking his vocal battering like she done before. "A king who sacrifices the lives of others to achieve his own dreams is not worthy of the title, or my respect."
The serious and confident attitude she showed abruptly changed when a familiar but unwelcome noise sounded close behind her, a strange sensation like that of a predator breathing down the neck of its prey following shortly after the sound subsided. It was ominous and threatening, a sudden shift in the already thick atmosphere which hung over the throne room. She didn't dare to turn her head and find out what exactly was behind her, though the looks upon the Prince's and his associate's faces said enough while they gazed to whatever had suddenly appeared behind her.
"Tut tut, my dear. Talking behind other people's backs?" A voice sounded close by her ear, a voice which didn't belong in this place. The whole room grew eerily silent, frightened and shocked stares pinned on the one who appeared behind Alys.
Alys felt like she couldn't breathe when she instantly recognized the voice, even though it sounded mocking and had a higher pitch to it. The presence of the Eliacube was pulsing behind her, she could feel it and it scared her to her wits. She turned her head to finally look back over her shoulder and met the bright glare of a Zaap, a twisted pale face bearing a fanged grin and curled black lips amidst the sharp glow. His name got stuck in her throat when she sought for the nerves to move or act, but found she couldn't, the shock paralyzing while she stared at the tall man standing before the open portal.
"I expected better from you."
"Qilby!" she gasped, the man who claimed to be her king no longer looking like he did before. His skin was sickly white, dark markings visible across his body while his missing left arm was replaced by a glowing claw which radiated with power. A wince escaped her when the unnatural claw grabbed for her, the cyan colored arm stretching to reach out before it coiled around her body like a hungry snake. She felt the floor disappear under her feet when she was lifted up and pulled over towards Qilby to not escape, trying to wring herself free while the claws of the arm clenched around her throat.
"I see you survived our little endeavor better than I anticipated," he said while keeping Alys in a tight grip and eyed her bounds which prevented her from creating any Zaaps. "I am surprised you let them do this to you. You are so submissive," he smirked before movement and sounds attracted his attention. He rose till he stood his full height while inspecting those who decided to jump into action rather than cower away behind their escort or chair. He was taller than before, the ear-shaped parts of his hood erected on the sides of his head like sharp horns hidden under the torn cloth. He recognized the Iop and the Sacrier kings after they rose from their chairs and stood ready, soon joined by a few others who were willing to put up a fight.
"Where are the children, Qilby?" Alys asked him while she struggled to get free, the rustling of armor and rushing footsteps sounding after the guards began to assemble on the quiet command of King Oakheart Sheran Sharm. Nobody acted however, not even after weapons were at the ready and nerves steeled; it was a tense standstill. It was certain that Qilby posed a threat to everyone present, but hesitation lingered after the so called king of the Eliatropes acquired a hostage. "Tell me!" Alys snapped, her voice echoing through the throne room, her patience growing thin as Qilby refused to answer her.
Qilby gave her a little mocking grin and chuckled instead of answering her demand, though said after he somewhat rose her to get a better view of what he was dealing with in the throne room," and here I was hoping you would be a little more passive. No matter… I got what I came for." His grin faded when something small came rushing at him, silent and swift though not swift enough for one powered by the Eliacube. "Ahh yes… you," he said with disdain when Joris leaped at him to meet the male Eliatrope head on, brave and determined to stop him and free Alys from his grasp. Qilby rose his normal arm after Joris pounced with his mallet swinging, the corners of his dark blue lips cutting deep into his cheeks with his growing wicked grin before an eruption of Wakfu shot from the palm of his held up hand.
The sudden blast struck the hooded master at a very close range, the heat of it searing through the cloth of his attire and into his chest. The attack was far stronger than the one Qilby diverted back to Alys the night before and harmed her with, the so called Eliatrope king charged beyond his normal capacity after having merged with the Eliacube. His senses were enhanced and his strength doubled. The Master of Bonta didn't stand a chance against the Eliacube's power.
"Joris, NO!" Alys cried out in horror while she watched him skid and roll helplessly across the floor and slam into the king's throne with a sickening sound, his back colliding against the moss covered wood without any chance of preventing it. He landed in the shallow water surrounding the tall throne after gravity pulled him down before he laid motionless, his mallet discarded during the knock back. Alys thrashed in Qilby's hold and shouted in despair after not seeing Joris move, frantically kicking with her legs with a wild shaking of her head and tugging at the vine bindings around her hands.
The moment the small master was hit after his failed attempt to take Qilby on with a surprise attack, king Oakheart rose a large hand towards the male Eliatrope and the Zaap behind him. "Guards!" his voice boomed, unable to withhold a growl after hearing the marked Eliatrope laugh in response. Barbed vines sprouted from the ground, tainted blood lashed through the air and a hulking mass of muscles jumped forth with a deafening roar after the sign was given. Those who wished to fight or followed the king's order attacked in full force with Qilby being their target. Strong fists connected with wood, dark blood which was as sharp as knives cut the air and vines slammed upon the floor like massive sledgehammers and yet all missed their mark to everyone's frustration.
Qilby was gone like he had never stood there upon the torn up floor within the throne room. Like a coward, he retreated through his Zaap and took Alys with him to who knew where, not leaving a single trace behind.
"We're all doomed!" the Prince of Brakmar said with his high pitched voice while peeking out from behind his chair, looking paler than he did before, even with his white make-up. The Iop king punched the floor once more in a fit of anger, surrounded by the shrinking vines that retreated back into the ground below the broken floor boards while the king of Sadida closed his eyes to contain his anger and worry. Things had gotten much worse...
To be continued