Fables of the Gods: The Knight of Misrule

Chapter •7• ~Genesis of the Lost Choir

The day seemed to vanish in a blur, the sun gradually descending, leaving behind streaks of amber and crimson in the sky. Before I knew it, the time had come to prepare for our mission. My thoughts raced as I laced up my boots, the weight of what lay ahead settling in. The anticipation gnawed at me, but I steeled my nerves, focusing on the task at hand.

"So," I asked as I walked up to Tieran, who was adjusting his own gear. "How far is Dracontine?"

He glanced up, then nodded toward the horizon where the silhouette of a sprawling city stood against the dimming light. "See that big city in the distance?" He pointed with a smile. "That's Dracontine."

I squinted, taking in the sight. The city was massive, its tall towers rising like guardians over the land. The faint glow of the setting sun caught the rooftops, making it look almost ethereal. The sight should have been comforting, but something about it set me on edge. Maybe it was the knowledge of what awaited us there.

Tieran, noticing my quiet contemplation, chuckled softly. "But for safe travels," he continued, "we’re using a portal. That way, we won’t be exposed to the outside world. Fewer chances for unwanted surprises."

I nodded in agreement, though my thoughts were still racing. "Nervous?" he asked, his voice casual but laced with understanding.

"A little," I admitted. It wasn’t the journey itself that had me on edge—it was what came after.

Just then, General Knave approached, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around him. His armor gleamed in the fading light, and his stern expression only heightened the gravity of the moment.

"Alright, everyone, gather around!" Knave’s voice boomed over the small crowd, and the chatter quickly died down as the group assembled around him. His eyes scanned the group, landing briefly on me before continuing. "Tonight, we’ll be hunting a Hauntedghast—an abomination of the Ruination. This creature poses a grave threat, and we must protect the city of Dracontine from its wrath. When we arrive at our base in the city, you'll be issued specialized armor. Some of you will take part in the hunt, while others will patrol the streets to ensure the citizens’ safety. But make no mistake—tonight you will face danger. Be prepared." He paused, his gaze hardening as it swept across the gathered Knights. "We are Knights for a reason. This is our duty."

A cheer erupted from the group, a show of solidarity and resolve. Each Knight raised their fist in salute, a gesture that carried with it years of tradition and honor. I stood a little awkwardly, unsure of the custom, but I mimicked the salute as best as I could, though the movement felt foreign. The air buzzed with tension and excitement as the reality of the mission sank in. We were truly about to face something monstrous.

Amari appeared beside me, her presence warm and reassuring. She smiled softly, her eyes holding a depth of understanding that calmed me, if only for a moment.

"You must be wondering why you're part of this," she said, her voice soft but direct.

I shook my head, offering a small grin. "No, not really. I’m cool about it."

Amari raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by my nonchalance. She took a deep breath and stepped closer, lowering her voice as if the next words were meant only for me. "Iccaris, no matter what happens tonight, I want you to trust yourself. Don't doubt your instincts. You’d be surprised at what you’re capable of when it counts."

Her words hung in the air, their weight sinking into me as I processed them. She wasn’t just offering encouragement—she was preparing me for something greater, something I wasn’t sure I was ready for.

I nodded, my throat suddenly dry. "I’ll try," I said, my voice sounding smaller than I intended.

Amari placed a hand on my shoulder, squeezing it gently. "You won’t need to try. You’ll know what to do when the time comes."