The legend of the dragon knight

The Duke's Judgment

Hermes and the king’s men arrived in the beautiful city of Queensville on the morning of the second day, where the kingdom’s training ground was located. Though the journey was long and filled with challenges, they made it through safely. The entire city was a living display of magic. Children, youths, adults, and even elders used different forms of magic as though it were the most ordinary thing in the world. Seeing them made Hermes feel bad about himself. But he had no choice. What could he do? He pretended as though it was nothing.

In this city, there was a governing law established by the 26th duke who ruled there a decade ago. The law stated that any stranger who entered the city had to report to the castle and state their main purpose for coming. If their intention was to stay for a while or permanently, they were required to fill out a registration form that would grant them access to the city.

Because of this, Livinus and his fellow guard, Andre, decided to take Hermes to the castle to complete the necessary procedures for him. They arrived at the castle that same morning. The castle was the definition of beauty and magic. The main gate opened by itself as Hermes and the king's men arrived at the front entrance. The gate and the fence surrounding it were made of gold. The entrance pathway leading to the gate was paved with silver stones. The garden within the compound was so beautiful that Hermes almost got carried away by its sight.

The castle gate was large and magnificent, decorated with amazing colors. Both the interior and exterior walls of the castle were made of gold, while a shiny white roof covered the structure.

“Welcome to the Castle of Queensville,” Ambrose, one of the castle guards standing beside the gateposts, greeted them with a smile.

“Thank you,” Livinus replied.

“You two are guards from the Thaedorian kingdom,” Ambrose said as his eyes locked onto Livinus before shifting to Hermes. “And as for the boy,” he went on, “who is he, and what is his purpose here? Forgive my curiosity, but the boy’s aura feels unusual.”

Livinus didn’t waste any time. He narrated the entire story of what Hermes had gone through in the village and explained their main purpose for coming there.

Ambrose was shocked when he heard Livinus say that Hermes was magicless. He wanted to prevent them from seeing the duke, but because Hermes was accompanied by senior guards from the main kingdom, he allowed them into the castle.

Deep inside the castle’s council chamber, meetings were held. The duke, Lord Evander, sat upon his throne alongside ten other nobles who were dukes from other cities, seated in their royal chairs.

Hermes, Livinus, and his fellow guard, Andre, walked into the council chamber while being accompanied by four guards.

“Greetings, my lord,” Vincent, one of the four guards who escorted them to the council chamber, said as they prostrated themselves before the duke.

“You may all stand,” the duke replied, his eyes locked onto Livinus, his fellow guard, and Hermes before shifting back to Vincent.

Livinus explained how they met Hermes to the duke after being called forward. But there was a problem.

The Duke was not pleased with what Livinus had said. As for the other dukes in the chamber, confusion spread across their faces. They could hardly believe what they had just heard.

Things like this had happened centuries ago, but since then, they had become nothing more than stories of the past. And now, they were about to witness it again.

No. This had to be a joke.

“Hahaha!”

The Duke laughed along with his fellow dukes.

“You dare bring a curse upon this land?” he asked.

“I'm sorry, my lord, but the boy needs my help,” Livinus replied.

“This is insane... How is this even possible?” Hansel, one of the dukes, said.

Murmurs filled the chamber.

“Let's kill the curse. He has no place here.” Julian, who was also one of the dukes seated at the back, said with his eyes wide.

“Hey, boy, come closer. I would love to know you better before I kill you,” the duke commanded, his eyes locked onto Hermes.

Hermes didn't waste any time. He moved closer even though fear had taken over his mind.

The duke studied him closely.

“Who is your father?” he asked.

“My father is Mr. Davidson. He was a very popular merchant before he was murdered by assassins,” Hermes replied immediately, his eyes fixed on the ground.

The duke was surprised to hear that name because he had known Hermes's father when he was alive. Something like pity flickered in his eyes, but because Hermes possessed no magic and was seen as a curse, it disappeared quickly.

“Your father was a noble man,” the duke said.

“He was a man of integrity,” he continued. “But I never expected him to give birth to a curse like you.”

He paused before continuing.

“You are a disgrace to his name.”

He paused again and went on.

“You see, I would have loved to forgive the son of Mr. Davidson. But Mr. Davidson deserves better than having a bastard who brought disgrace to his name.”

Upon hearing those words, Hermes fell to his knees and began begging the duke to spare his life. But the duke didn't care.

“Guards!” he shouted. “Come and take this unfortunate being to the tiger cage. I want my beautiful tiger to be fed.”

He pointed at Hermes as he gave the order.

Just as the guards were about to approach Hermes and drag him to the tiger's cage, Livinus immediately stepped between them and Hermes, his eyes locked on the duke.

“My lord, please. This is all my fault. I shouldn't have brought him here.”

“But you did. Now he will become food for my pet,” the duke answered with a smile.

“My lord, the boy can be useful at the kingdom's training ground.”

“What do you mean?” the duke asked.

“I mean he could wash the toilets, sweep the training ground, and do all the menial jobs. In fact, he could be your slave.”