A Trial Of Emperors and Empresses

Chapter 20 - Adam

"We will see Lord Mark." The woman told the guard, who nodded and quickly opened the door to Adam's cell.

Adam, scared and confused, followed them obediently up the staircase.

The guards, led by the woman, showed him through the many halls of the building.

Adam was dragged into a room. It was covered from floor to ceiling with maps and globes. War plans and blueprints for ships, weapons and bases were stretched across the table.

The removed her cloak to reveal warm brown eyes and soft features.

"I am Shannon of the Forgotten Army." She introduced.

She motioned for Adam to take a seat while she paced the room.

"The Forgotten Army is a collection of the forgotten and unimportant members of society, who are working together to seize the throne and bring an end to Lord Cassius's rule." Shannon explained.

"We work in the shadows, with people in the shadows with a few exceptions for spies."

Shannon smiled. "But enough about us, what about you? Your greatest wish?"

Adam opened his mouth to speak but Shannon shushed him, turning her back to him.

"I am one of the highest level members of the Forgotten Army, in charge of recruiting new members. I know what you want. You want to find your purpose and to be reunited with your mother. And I can give that to you. We can."

Shannon turned back to him. Adam felt himself heat up, disliking that someone knew so much about him without him even knowing.

"We know that candidates, of a people, can feel the full grasp of the Lord's true power over the Empire and so, we invite you to join the Forgotten Army."

She extended her hand towards Adam, inviting him.

"Can you really?" Adam whispered quietly. Shannon nodded. Then, with a shaking hand, he extended it to Shannon who grasped it firmly and shook it. "Welcome."

***

Guards led Adam towards a new room. A large banquet table was at up, food like the palace's laid out on it.

Adam took his place at the table. Nobody was there yet. Then, one by one, they filed in.

Shannon entered, in a brand new turquoise dress that shimmered in the light. Grabbing a glass, she stood and made a toast.

"Thank Sir Lauren of the Centre, brave warrior of the Royal Guard." She said tipping her glass to Lauren.

"Bless Prince Adam of the East, lost heir to the throne." She tipped her glass towards Mark, who out his head down. Gasps went off. Only Amaryllis and Shannon's isn't seem totally shocked.

"Praise Lady Amaryllis of the South, stolen Sorceress Supreme of Elvlossea."

"Be indebted to Sir Warden of the West, humble and stable keeper of our peace."

"Hail Princess Evangeline of the North, queen of snow and ice."

"And welcome these newest additions to the Forgotten Army, may the gods bless them."

***

"Come." Amaryllis beckoned them as she dragged them through the halls to her room. While the others had barely gotten used to the castle, Amaryllis already the walls memorized.

She sighed as the other piled in. "Ok. We leave tomorrow night at the crack of dawn."

Evangeline narrowed her eyes. "Why?"

"I don't trust them." Amaryllis explained. Lauren agreed. "Neither do I."

Adam shook his head. "But explain to us why you don't trust them."

"Can't you see?" She snarled, "They want to get Lord Cassius off of the throne. Then what? They'll out one of their own members on the throne and kill us. They're using us. Maybe not now, but people buckle in the face of power."

Warden nodded. "Let's go."

Adam spun on him. "No. It's safe here." He insisted. "Let's stay."

"Amaryllis is right. People change quickly." Lauren said quietly.

Adam turned to Evangeline. "What about you."

Evangeline groaned and turned to step out of the door. "I'm going."

Amaryllis nodded. "Bring anything you need to me. I'll pack it."

Adam sighed in defeat.

He felt anxious, a mixture of feelings including nervous, happy and confused. But most of all, angry and frustrated.