Wof: Under a Scarlet Banner

Chapter 11

Once again the morning sun shone into Scarlet's throne room and illuminated the royal chamber. I woke up and decided to do some stretching, after all, sitting on this pillow doing nothing was not good for my posture or muscles. Still, I was limited by my chain and space I was able to walk on. There was a couple of servants setting two podiums on the royal balcony overlooking the arena in preparation for Kestrel's trial. This was certainly going to be interesting. Then again, every day had its own little surprise.

At first light, Skywings circled around the arena. I didn't see many Sandwings in the stands and the dragons who did attend were mostly nobles.
Funny enough, I didn't actually see Peril at all. I thought I would catch a glimpse of her sneaking up to Clay's pillar. She either flew up there during the night when everyone was asleep or that living flame is better at stealth than most dragons.

Anyway, I should be more concerned about what is going to happen next. Scarlet and I aren't on the friendliest of terms now after that stunt I pulled yesterday. I jumped slightly as Scarlet announced herself as she walked into the throne room. She was dressed in her black chain mail and had several pieces of dark painted jewelry encrusted with rubies. She walked in with a slightly more murderous aura, "Good morning little scavenger, you are in for quite the treat today."

"I don't know how she manages to appear more sinister every day."

"Oh really, I noticed that the servants were setting something up. May I ask exactly what is happening?"

Scarlet let out a fake, melancholic sigh, "There has been a great deal of subjects who have foolishly refused to obey my commands. One particular subject has evaded due punishment for some time now," Scarlet stopped acting and broke into a drawn out sinister chuckle, "But now she has fallen into my claws and will face my judgment."

"Don't your subjects know the consequences of insubordination?"

"Sadly, that is somehow not enough. Nevertheless, I must solidify my position."

"Certainly, that is what a queen must do."

"But you are no queen of mine."

Scarlet unhooked me front the throne and took me to the balcony. A few moments later, two dragons approached the queen and bowed. The first was the big, red Skywing noble that harassed me yesterday. That concerned me greatly because I now knew who he was.

He name is...

...uh...

...Clifford.

He's Scarlet's son and Kestrel's prosecutor. If I have an enemy, it's him and he might actually be able to hurt me in some way. Not that I'm too worried, he is also a coward who is deeply afraid of Scarlet.

The other was Osprey, he is an old, skinny, pale, purple dragon with tattered wings. He would serve as Kestrel's defense. If there was a jury, Kestrel would leave Scot free and Osprey would actually live to see another day. However, Scarlet is judge, jury and executioner and she will not tolerate any defiance.

Vermillion was the first to speak, "You look especially deadly today, your majesty."

"Yes, yes, I know. Let's just get this over with."

The two dragons took their places behind their podiums as Scarlet announced, "Bring out the prisoner!".

Kestrel was dragged in chains by two Skywing guards, her snout was covered in a iron muzzle that had a couple holes where fire could escape if Kestrel snorted fire, which she did as she tossed her head to and fro like a lassoed bronco. Scarlet sneered as Kestrel was brought in front of her. She flapped her wings and began the trial, "My loyal subjects, the dragon, Kestrel is guilty of the highest treason possible, disobeying me. Vermillion speaks for the prosecution."