“My captain stationed outside his chambers immediately reported his strange behavior to his supervisors who, in turn, reported it to me as soon as we had arrived.
Upon reaching his chambers, the king had gone entirely mad and was having to be restrained by my men. He was shouting and screaming something about the end of the world, that the Defiant One would rise again, that he would soon be free to roam the land and seek his revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment.”
The General paused for a moment to let the information sink in before he finished.
“He then said that he knew who would be the one to set him free....”
“Liar!” shouted Tyrius, “You have no proof!”
“Actually, I do” replied General Krauss. “Men! Bring me the guards who were stationed outside the King’s chambers this afternoon.”
Immediately a group of young soldiers quickly entered the room followed by several officers. The general turned to address one of the younger soldiers who looked extremely uncomfortable and refused to look at Tyrius directly.
“Captain, kindly tell Master Tyrius what you saw earlier and why you felt the need to report it to your superiors.”
“Yes, sir!” the young man shouted nervously. “I was standing guard at the post by the King’s chambers when I heard what sounded like the king shouting. Immediately my partner and I rushed through the doors to see what was causing the commotion. The King…. he was…different, somehow.
“He had a mad look in his eye and sweat was beading on his forehead…his hair was drenched in it. He was pacing around frantically, shouting something about the prophecy.
“When he saw us, he tried to attack us! We called for help and tried to restrain him. When my superiors arrived and saw the state of the King and what he was saying, they immediately left the room in search of you, sir! They felt you would know what to do…” he trailed off, looking down at the ground, ashamed to have handled his King in such a manner.
“You see, Tyrius?” continued the General, turning to the Elder. “I have told you no lies, although, I haven’t told you the whole story, yet.” He smiled at these last words.
“What do you mean?” asked Tyrius, cautiously.
“You see, when I finally arrived and tried to speak with the king, at first he resisted. But, in short time, he confessed to us all. He said the Defiant One would be released from his prison of darkness. That if we did not do exactly as he said, we would all die too.
“Of course, I sent away my men for fear of their safety and to save them from having to see their king in such a state. They had already been devastated by what they heard, and from the mouth of their own king, who they were sworn to protect…to hear him speaking of such horrifying things, the men were very afraid”
He slowly shook his head as if he were having difficulty getting out the words.
“When the men left, my first lieutenant and I stayed behind to try to calm down the King, to get him to speak rationally, clearly…and help us understand what had happened to him.
“That is when he confessed the true nature of his intentions – he had been secretly intending to release the Defiant One from his prison. He said it was the only way to ensure the survival of his kingdom in the coming days.”
“Impossible…I…. I don’t believe you!” said Tyrius desperately searching the eyes of the Lieutenant who stood before him.
The Lieutenant only shook his head slowly, “I am afraid it is true, my lord” he replied solemnly. “I couldn’t believe it myself, but I heard it with my own ears and saw him with my own eyes – he’s gone mad…”
“Thank you, Lieutenant. You are dismissed now” replied General Krauss.
He waited for his men to leave the room and slowly shut the door behind them before turning back to Tyrius. His eyes again flashing that eerie green hue before returning to their normal shade. Tyrius quickly searched his memory for the reason this left him so afraid.
The general began slowly pacing around the room.
“His reign was long overdue you know… once I heard the orb had been taken, I knew a change was coming. I’ve been studying the books of prophecy for years. I am well versed in what is to come, what signs to look for…It’s a shame that the King and his little band of Elders were too absorbed in economics and politics to see it coming, really…but I can’t blame them. Who would expect their own King to turn against him?”
He turned and looked at Tyrius, reaching out his hand in a welcoming gesture.
“This kingdom is now mine, according to law. The king has no rightful heir and his wife is long since passed, so therefore I am the king’s second-hand man; and in the event of the King’s untimely demise, or, in this case, intended betrayal, absent of an heir, I am the one responsible for the survival of the kingdom.
“Join with me and together we can make the world bow at our feet. We will grow our borders and wealth to limits never known before. What do you say, old friend?”
“You’re mad! You can never rightfully rule. The people won’t allow it. An Eldergate has been ruling this kingdom since it was founded. The council won’t let this stand!” replied Tyrius, “I don’t know what you have done with the King to make him say such things, but I am going to get to the bottom of it! I demand you let me speak with the King at once!” he started towards the door as if to leave.
General Krauss withdrew his hand and slowly shook his head. “I was afraid that you would decline my offer, so I set aside a few precautions. Guards! Seize this man. He is a traitor to your King!”
Chapter VI
The
