Iron of the Innocent: The Dark Judge (Vol 1)

Chapter 8: The Threat

274 I.C.
Sacren
Black Sword Kingdom
Black Sword Castle

Dark tension clung to the great hall like black mold on wet, cave walls. The shadows in the room moved with the flames in the massive hearths as they devoured freshly cut logs from dead, broken trees. They were set in each wall to the sides. The hall's huge double doors stood open. Dark armored guards stood in protective positions, spaced out along the hall. Long spears, with sharp steel tips varnished in coal dust, were held in each right hand with the handle's pommel resting on the stone. Wide windows stretched from floor to ceiling in this protected part of the castle. Gray light shown through as the clouds had covered the sky earlier in the day.

The stone floor was cold as it always was and stretched from the massive doors to a raised dais with four steps leading up to the raised area. On the dais, a tall throne carved from a single block of obsidian overshadowed everything else in the room. Its glassy surface captured and reflected the light on its sharp edges. A black dragon carved in profile rested on the top of the throne's back piece, the creature's head resting on its front clawed legs, a single white stone eye looking blindly on. Its tail appeared to wrap around the other side.

The King of Black Sword, in his majesty, sat on the edge of the throne, leaning forward with his hands on each armored knee. His long black hair was crowned with a dark steel crown with inset white stone. His black, heavy eyebrows were pulled together in anger, shadowing pale iris eyes, a trait passed from father to son in the kingly line. His moustache and black beard were groomed and cut with precision. His age showed through the abundant white that revealed itself along his temples and beard. A large, black cloak embroidered with the Black Sword emblem was clasped to his plate armor. An intricate designed, two handed sword was held to the side of the throne in a carved slot for the king's weapon. His silence and anger spoke volumes as he listened to the delegation before him.

To each side of the dais, three smaller thrones were positioned. There was one for the queen, one for the prince, and one for the princess. The queen's throne was as barren as the dead womb that would never again give birth. Only one was occupied. Princess Dalora Blacksword sat with courtly grace appearing relaxed, but deep inside her stomach twisted with fear and trepidation. Her dark eyes were witness to the argument before her.

Her long black tresses flowed from beneath her thin, white stone crown that circled her brow. Jewels fashioned in her hair glimmered. Her dark eyes accented with dark color applied with a skilled hand. Diamonds graced her neck on a white gold necklace, a single strand of diamonds flowing down accenting her bare skin in the center of her chest. An extravagant gown hugged her shapely form. It was designed in layers of black and white matching the royal family's colors. Her skin was flawless, treated with oils and lotions on a daily basis, except for a long jagged scar that flowed from the inside of her right elbow to the center of her palm.

A delegation of messengers, each clothed in their respective kingdom's colors, stood before the king. They were led by the kingdom of Ordain and included Solorn, Harting, Nok Brannon, Edonmost, Black Shield, Brendose, and the Mage Circlet. Accompanying them was a small contingent of soldiers from each. All wore serious expressions of disapproval.

The messenger of Ordain stood with scroll opened, and began to read before the court.

"From the court of King Erlsis Wil Ordain, to the traitorous Lord Baron of Black Sword. You are hereby commanded to surrender yourself to my representative immediately. You are ordered to disband all military operations currently under your command. You will cease all activities of sedition and treason against your king. Presenting yourself before me, you will be examined and judged for your decade of crimes against the peoples of Ordain and the surrounding kingdoms you have violated.