knights

Chapter Seven: The Royal Trial (Part One)

Chapter Seven: The Royal Trial

If my heart could race any faster I’m sure it would, it fluttered in my chest as if it had wings; ready to burst out of my chest at any given moment and fly away. The distant sound of low beat drums didn’t help either; filling my ears with its rhythmic eerie ritual beat that I couldn’t help but wrap my arms around myself. It felt as if I were heading to my own funeral, expecting to find myself laying on a stone slab surrounded by tears of sorrow, only to hold back my own selfish sobbing.

It’s.. it’s just too overwhelming, and I haven’t even entered within the stone walls that made up the Royal Temple yet..

“You alright Price? Don’t tell me you’re scared?” Ellie laughed with her childish grin, her snow white teeth piercing the surface of her lips like a mischievous cat. If only she knew how terrified I really was and understood how it truly made me feel, maybe then she would stop her teasing of me and give me a break for once..

“Ellie, not now.”  Delita stepped in before things went any further. Thank God for Delita! The only one who can control Ellie and the only one Ellie will listen to!  Well, sort of..

“I wasn’t going to do anything brother, geez..” The long haired girl pouted with crossing arms while her bright yellow eyes rolled from side to side.

“Regardless of whether or not you were going to do something doesn’t change the fact you were at least thinking on it, and most likely would’ve acted out annoyingly anyway. We’re here to watch over the Price’s safety as he undergoes the ritual, not play kiddy games. You need to learn to take things more seriously.”

“Tch! And you need to learn to lighten up.. gosh..”

Before the conversation could continue, I could feel the hair on the back of my neck stand straight up as my eyes fell to a masked man and woman who suddenly came out of nowhere. It startled me to the point that I actually jumped back.

“Welcome my Prince,” The masked man began as he shifted his long white cloak behind him. Stepping forward, he then lifted his arm to the woman who turned and nodded; revealing a beautifully crafted sword from under her own cloak.

Placing it in the man’s hand, she slowly removed her presence and disappeared as quickly as the two arrived.

Though I’ve never seen them before, and judging by their appearance and things I‘ve been told when I was still very little, my guess would be that they were most likely a priest and priestess of the Royal Temple. I remember my mother telling me about them once. Confined forever within the Temple’s walls they dedicate themselves to things I could never comprehend. I.. can’t even imagine the knowledge they must hold, considering they have been around since ages long since past.

“Come forward Prince of Gweriv, and receive what is rightfully yours.”

Hesitating, I had to forced my feet to shuffle forward; my palms damp with sweat and my heart unable to take much more of this constant racing. It was beating so hard that I thought for sure everyone nearby could hear it. Oh why must I be such a chicken? Why can’t I be brave, like my Father?

My lungs began tightening as if they were placed in a clasp, threatening to deprive me of all precious air as I approached. The priest then kneeled before me; his arms stretched out above him with the sword resting lightly in his hands.

It was in that instant that all my worries up till now vanished and I couldn’t take my eyes off this mysteriously carved weapon; this sword. The moment my finger tips grazed the blade’s smooth surface it drew me into a state that I couldn’t explain even if I tried. As if acting on its own, my hand gently moved a crossed the cold steel of this remarkable weapon till it came to a stop at the sword’s hilt; firmly grasping it into my hand and lifting it off its resting place.

I’ve only seen a sword like this once before, and that is the one my Father carries. The carvings engraved within the blade itself were of a language I didn’t know, nor have ever seen, and even weirder, I hated swords, or any kind of weapon that can bring harm to someone else. Yet, I was aw struck by the one I was holding now.

“My Prince, it is time.” The priest spoke quietly.

Returning to his feet he guided my companions and I to the Temple’s entrance where laid the largest door my eyes have ever seen. Identical carvings like the ones on my sword filled the massive door like riddles of something far beyond me, and amongst it, a large gargoyle made entirely out of crystal; its wings spread outward before turning in, as if it were getting ready to wrap them around itself. Then, there was its fangs; crystal clear to the point where I could see my own reflection. They gleamed down at me with a warmish light from the sun above, giving the gargoyle an eerie hue of gold that was slowly being surrounded by a thick mist. It.. was frightening to look at, and thoughts of not wanting to be here quickly returned.

“My Prince,” The priest began as he placed a hand on my shoulder. “You must leave your fears here, or risk facing them.”

What? What did he mean by that?

Before I could even utter the question the massive door shook open, revealing only darkness beyond it. The fear returned on swift wings and I could feel my knees begin to shake; my grip ever tightening on my sword.

“Now enter Prince of Gweriv, and claim what is rightfully yours.”

Wait, wasn’t he not talking about the sword earlier when he last said those words? Now I’m really confused..

“Come on Prince! Time to turn you into a man!”

A man.. Ellie I swear you’re getting goofier and goofier by the day. I’ve never met such an annoying individual such as you.. but yet, I’m glad you’re here with me. You and your brother both..

“Ellie, now’s not the time.”

“Oh come on brother, stop being a stick in the mud! This is going to be fun! Our very first adventure, so let us enjoy it!”

Ellie could hardly control her excitement, she sang her off key tune while spinning wildly on her heels. I could only imagine what the priest was thinking of her right now.. What a silly girl.. that Ellie..

With a heavy sigh, I closed my eyes in attempts to clear my head, but like always, that was rudely interrupted by Ellie, who grabbed my hand tightly before lugging me off into the Temple, that is, into the darkness, into my destiny. I could hear Delita swiftly following as the door began to slowly close, enclosing us with what lays within.. and what lays within? I wish I knew..