The Dreamlands - SBI Royal AU

Chapter 2

Tommy took off through the main gate while Wilbur hesitantly headed East to the gardens. Philza walked off mumbling something about "chaotic birds" on the way the main hall. Techno needed to find Ranboo.

He was most likely in the library to the West Wing. He almost never left that part castle, and Technoblade could almost always find him somewhere nearby. Come to think of it, Ranboo never spoke of any family like the others. Ranboo only left to see Fundy, the mechanic and Tubbo's mentor, to fix sparring equipment or to restock the barracks.

But if anyone knew what had been stolen, it would be Ranboo.

Technoblade glanced out the window to see another raven gliding on the breeze outside. He quickened his pace but couldn't help being distracted. It seemed to be enjoying itself. Who would hurt such a noble creature?

Techno had to remind himself. Stay focused. "Ranboo!" Techno called. Anyone within the West Wing could have heard him echo through the halls. Within seconds, the commander slid around the right corner with a book in his hands.

"Yes, sir?"

"Formal meeting in the main hall. One of the king's crows was injured by an enchanted arrow."

"Only the royal guard uses enchanted arrows," Ranboo stated.

"I know, which is why you need to attend."

Suddenly Ranboo saw the severity of the situation. "You know I would never hurt the birds."

"I didn't think you would, but your quiver is loaded with poison arrows. I know you wouldn't, but maybe consider switching out your arrows for normal ones before you walk into the meeting with a similar weapon used in the crime."

"You're probably right. Give me two minutes." The commander took off in the opposite direction from the armory. Techno was about to call for him before Ranboo ran back the other way without his bow.

Technoblade silently laughed at him. Some commander of the army.

Techno retraced his steps to where he had seen the raven surfing the afternoon breeze. Two other birds had joined the first. None of them seemed to notice the prince staring at their beauty. It would take great accuracy to ever hit one with a projectile. The birds swooped downwards. A trained hand. They rose with the wind. It was no accident, and Phil knows it.

"General!" Ranboo waved. "I swapped out my arrows, and the enchanted stock seems normal."

"Good," Technoblade nodded. He led Ranboo into the color-filled hall. Wilbur and Niki had already taken their seats to the left of Phil. The injured bird perched on the king's robes had a bandage wrapped around its wing. It already looked much livelier, which was a relief. Phil, on the other hand, still had his arms crossed.

Tommy, Tubbo, and Fundy ran into the main hall, breathing heavy with exhaustion. Philza glanced at the clock. "Two minutes early. Good, let's get started."

Everyone filed into their seats, and Techno could swear that Tommy purposefully made his chair scrape against the floor with an unsatisfying groan. Two guards standing near the door showed themselves out, leaving the highest members of the kingdom to a civillized, formal meeting. Hopefully.

Phil commanded everyone's attention. "This morning, a royal crow was found injured in Ponk's orchard. Among the injuries, burns and poison of an enchanted arrow." Niki gasped. "I have the victim here. May the guilty member speak up now, there will be no punishment."

Silence.

"Fine. Stay silent." Philza whispered to the bird, "Tell us what happened."

The crow cawed incomprehensible words, but Philza nodded. Tommy shared a judging glance with the rest of the table. No one else understood any of the pointless cries from the bird.

"Last night," Phil translated. "Two people. Correct?" The crow clicked its beak twice. It began to mock the enderian language.

The royal family had all studied the enderian language and knew it fluently.

Tommy sighed, "It's talking nonsense."

Techno understood better than Phil could translate.

"I bring the scroll tomorrow. Thank you... wander. Don't be followed."

Phil ruffled the crow's feathers. "Good job. Did you see the people?"

The crow stopped mocking enderian. It switched back to distressed caws and clicks, which Techno couldn't understand. Phil frowned. "No people."

"Crazy bird," Wilbur said. "It's not making any sense. Two people, no people, are you sure its not just talking nonsense?"

The crow objected again, one wing flapping wildly while the other remained uselessly bandaged. Phil whispered to the crow and it immediately stopped its thrashing.

"If it helps," Ranboo spoke up, "None of the enchanted arrows were out of place."

Phil brushed a loose feather off the table. "That does help. It didn't see anyone, but it heard two people. Accurate or not, it's the best lead we have. Should the birds hear anything else tonight, I'll know. Technoblade, position extra guards around the library and main gate. If these intruders, thieves, or traitors are to reveal themselves, they will be captured and fairly punished. No further actions are required. Is that clear?"

"We're trusting this lazy bird to keep us up all night?" Tommy argued.

"Yes. Any other objections?"

"Uh, why are we here?" Fundy asked.

"I have reason to believe it may be outsiders. If that is the case, I would like to speak to you in private."

"Outsiders from where?" Tubbo asked.

"I'll elaborate if I'm proven right. Otherwise, there's no reason to worry. You are dismissed."

Tubbo wasn't satisfied without an answer. "But-"

"Dismissed."

"But who?"

"Shut!" Phil exclaimed. He stood with the injured raven sat on his left arm and walked out of the main hall.

"That went better than expected," Ranboo stated cheerfully.

"Phil's mad, like not just about the bird. He thinks it's intruders." Wilbur still seemed stubborn. "But there's no reason any intruder would be looking for a stupid scroll. The little feather-covered gremlins just want to see us on edge, spread false information, and laugh as we scramble, like they always do."

Technoblade gestured to Ranboo and led him out of the main hall. "You know the library better than anyone. Tonight, you guard the library with your life, okay? I'll send extra guards, but if these 'intruders' ever manage to get past me at the perimeter, you take charge. Lock up the restricted section, and under no circumstances do you let anyone pass. Am I clear?"

"Yes, but you know I don't-"

"No exceptions. This is our first order directly from the king. We're not messing it up."