101 Chapter 29 - Bishop to D4 (2/2)

Swiftly Jack and Phillip marched through marbled halls, all manner of noble fluttering about like flies. Magicians too from the Royale Magic Academy, Holy Knights here to swear service, and even the Royale Paladin.

Paladin Stuart had been a famous man once, his curled golden hair and stoic frame inspiring many a poets balad. Yet after entering the king's service, his fame was cut short, as he had faded from the public mind.

”Stuart, is his majesty close?” Phillip asked, the stoic Paladin activating [Greater Sight] to form a blazing eye in his forehead.

”He is, although pray make it quick. No offence Inquisitor, but our majesties available time is limited these days. Made the All-Seeing guide us all,” stepping aside, Paladin Stuart revealed a humble door hidden behind his large frame.

Turning the handle the Paladin allowed them within, where King Thunberad planned over a servants table. Two Inquisitors were present, one with artificial eyes covered in a magical script, and another who stood tall and still as a statue.

The room was rimmed by similarly still servants, each with sword and shield scrawled with runes the like Jack had never seen, and staring at the blank ceiling without emotion.

”What is happening?” Jack whispered, Phillip, entering without a word.

”Phillip, it is good to see you. This is the boy you spoke of?” the King of all Alandria said, his arms going wide as if to embrace them from afar.

But where were his guards? His courtiers? His priests, retainers, knights...

And why did the King look so haggard? Dark rings shadowed his eyes, his black heard was unkempt, and a wicked series of scars curled down his left cheek to vanish under an old scarf at his neck.

”Indeed your majesty, he is ready I believe. To be told the true purpose of his existence, and to be allowed into our order. May the All-Seeing guide us,” Phillip whispered Jack, staring at him as if he had gone mad.

”You can speak your mind, boy, in but a short time. Until then, there is something. i most show you. A dark secret as to our reality, and the ONLY hope humanity has at salvation,” with a wave of his hand the room began to hum, and Jack felt near weightless.

Gravity returned with a kick, and the door was opened behind him. By a man with spiked hair, wild eyes and a maniacal grin, glowing green light spilling out from the chamber behind him.

”Welcome, brother. The Order of the Manics has long awaited your arrival. Come, let us show to you your destiny.”

”No need to be shy, the King will be right with us,” Phillip said reassuringly. ”Just take the first step, and the rest will come to you naturally. This is what you were made for Jack, this is what you were born to do, aren't you curious?”

The first step beyond that doorway was hard, but as curiosity took hold the following became easier. A destiny? Him...the little orphan brat that hadn't been worthy to lick the scum of a nobles boot?

The second step came easier, and the third felt right.