Atlas Of Megaras

The Royal Council

The security in and around the Palace had been increased. Instead of the four guards at the main palace gates, there were sixteen. Usually I could ride right in but I was requested by them to leave my horse with them guards. I could later take them from the royal stables.

The Palace of Megaras was located on an elevated mound of earth. A second defensive wall had been set up as a last resort for when the enemy made their way past the much higher and stronger outer defense walls which protected the entire city.

I walked in, with the guard handing me a bronze medallion with an owl emblazoned on it which I hung from my belt. The interior of the palace was divided into three sections. The lowermost was where the maids, guards and other workers in the palace lived. The middle one was where all the other government offices were placed, along with the houses for other noble families. We used to live here but after the death of our mother, father had decided to move out to the city. The higher most section was reserved for the royal family. It served as their residence and was rumoured to be one the grandest courtroom in all our lands. I hadn't been there because there was no need to.

I needed a cloak to wear, as it was expected of all the warriors to do so. Some days I didn't understand why this rule existed but then I was also in no place to question. Waiting for me at the arch that lead to the King's audience chamber was my oldest friend- Aeneas. He had been my only friend in military school and I don't think I would have survived the relentless bullying without his presence by my side. I did wonder why did he choose to stick to me all those years ago. But I was lucky he did.

"Here you go." He said handing me a green linen cloak. "Thank you." I shrugged on the cloak as he took the medallion handing from my waist. He handed me a pin in exchange which I used to fasten the cloak. Both of us walked in. our strides matching. Which was quite a difficult thing to do because he was much taller than me.

We walked up the marble stairs, "Do you have any idea why we are called?" He asked. "What reason could it be than another war?" I shook my head. Our King had a very fragile Ego. He could have lived his entire life in peace but he wouldn't just because of his greed.

The guards opened the door for us. When I had first come to the audience chamber of the king, I had been amazed by the splendour. The walls were covered to the top with swords, bows and armour. Sixteen giant columns kept the ceiling high above our heads which was covered in purple paint. The sides of the audience hall opened into wade balconies. One side over looked the township and the other overlooked the hills. Sixteen seats had been placed, facing each other for the important members of the king's court. While the King's throne was placed on high wooden platform overlooking the entire chamber. The seats were all occupied in order of rank and seniority. I bowed my head little and walked over to my father who was seated third from King's Throne. Aeneas's father was located right opposite to mine across the wide corridor.

"Well look at you. You have just managed to make it time." He whispered harshly. "Learn to be on time." He reprimanded. Aeneas looked at me and then back at my father. We are on time. He mouthed at me. I shrugged. My father had to point out faults. There was nothing more than he loved doing than pointing out fault that I possessed.

"And straighten your cloak." I nodded my head, as I adjusted my cloak a tiny bit. He nodded his head in approval. Aeneas rolled his eyes as I glared at them. Everyone in the room was busy walking around discussing things. By no means we were the last people to arrive. My father was known for exactly four things- his flaming red hair, inscrutable gaze, his skill with a spear and a constant need to find faults with me. Most people assumed it was because I was his 'son' and thus objected to a higher standard. But I swear most days it reminded me more of military school than a father's reprimand.