CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE“Move!” Two of the soldiers behind Aleric pushed him toward the passage up the stairs while Lord Thorne watched him closely with both hands behind him, his countenance showing signs of intense contempt.Aleric grunted as the soldiers continued pushing him from behind, not minding the fact that he was going up the stairs with his hands bound together.“What is happening? Is that the way to the Royal Palace?” General Morbius appeared from a corner of the palace, glaring at the soldiers who halted instantly with their lips sealed, and their eyes stealing glances at Lord Thorne who was facing the gate of the palace.“I am certain that I wasn’t talking to animals! Where were you taking him to? Why isn’t he yet in the Royal Prison?” The General’s tone was resonant, but the soldiers were skeptical about giving him a response, as they were not sure of the best way to present the situation to

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREEAleric continued to pay keen attention while he waited patiently to hear what else the man was going to say. For a while, nothing was heard, and he felt that those were the words of a crazy fellow who was just trying to get his attention.He sighed softly and after he had looked at his bound hands for a while, he took a step backward and looked at the entrance to the prison, hoping that the General was going to show up really soon.“You are still there, aren’t you? You heard everything I said, didn’t you?” The strange man questioned him with a loud tone, but even though he returned to his previous position close to the iron bars to be able to hear all the things he was saying, he refused to give him any response.At that time, it had already occurred to Aleric that he couldn’t trust everyone, not even the General who had left him for a while only to return just when he was about to be thrown into the dungeon.“Have you sworn an oath of silence? Have you been force

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVEAleric was certain that Lord Thorne couldn’t see him, but that didn’t stop the conflict that nestled in his mind from making him feel very nervous. He watched as the councilman approached with slow but steady steps, looking toward him with so much suspicion written all over his face.At that time, the soldiers who were moving with him had gotten close to the doors that led into the King’s Chambers, and they stood still, waiting for him to join them.Lord Thorne continued to approach, and when he got a few steps close to Aleric, he lifted his robe and gently pulled out a bronze dagger that was strapped to a leather sheath.“What?” Aleric whispered to himself while he watched the councilman hold up the dagger in front of him with his eyes still showing flashes of suspicion and uncertainty.For some reason, Lord Thorne could feel the presence of someone around there, but he was unable to tell if the person was gone and if he was still hanging around, with each step he

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVENAleric remained in his position as he watched the Councilman who angrily walked toward the exit of the King’s room, a few steps ahead of the guards who struggled to catch up with him. He grunted while he moved to an increasing speed, and just when he was about to walk past Aleric, he felt that sudden sensation that made him stop instantly while he looked at Aleric whom he was unable to see.At that moment, the soldiers walking behind him were able to catch up with him after taking a few steps, and they stopped to catch some air.“Is everything okay, Lord Thorne?” Asked one of the soldiers who trailed in the direction of his eyes, wondering what he was looking at, but the councilman ignored him and continued staring as though his life depended on it.Unable to get rid of the strange feeling that engulfed him instantly, he took three steps closer to Aleric and stood a few inches away from him, looking at his invisible face while Aleric struggled not to make a sound

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINELord Thorne sniggered with a vile expression on his face, nodding in confidence while the other man stared at him with curiosity, wondering what he was up to.“What do you plan on doing?” The Healer asked, seeming a bit wary of how dangerous the councilman was, but all he got was continuous sniggering, making him more nervous even though the intended actions were not meant for him.“I need you to do what I have asked you to do, Elder Clagmor. We have a meeting tonight, and we shall discuss the rest of the details of our mission at the venue. Inform the others, that no one should be late, and we should all endeavor to remain unsuspicious until all of this is over. We shall surely have victory.” Lord Thorne nodded in confidence while Elder Clagmor bowed down slightly toward him.Even though Aleric stood close to them silently, listening to everything they said, he was very restless and had several thoughts running through his mind.“Someone is coming! Quickly! Hide!”