The Stonekeeper...

31 Waverider

Your P.O.V
Arriving in Valcor, the Kingdom of Elves, I looked out the window to see many elves working. It was hot and unbearable.

"We're through the west gate and approaching the palace entrance." Roni said. "I see three guards, and they have weapons."

"I can take those fools out with my eyes closed." Loni said.

"No." Riva said. "Your mission objective is to get us past the gate without trouble. Understood?"

I then heard Trellis gasped for air. I gently rubbed his hand.

"Trellis! Put your mask back on!" Riva said.

"It's just so hot in here! And the mask makes it hard to breathe." Trellis said.

"I know. But just a little longer." I reassured him.

"Patience, stonekeeper. Stay quiet just a little while longer." Vigo said.

"Shh! We're at the entrance!" Balan hissed. We kept quiet. I moved my hood to cover the rest of my face.

"Halt! We don't have a wagon on the schedule. What is this?" A guard asked.

"We are carrying sick patients. The king requested that they be brought to Valcor for study. If we do not determine what is causing the epidemic, the elf kingdom could be turned upside down." Roni explained.

"What are they suffering from?" The guard asked.

"Empathitis." Roni replied.

"Sounds serious." The guard said.

"Very serious." Roni added.

"Just make sure not to let them out until you reach the infirmary." The guard caught the bait. I grinned under the mask.

"Go it." Roni replied, moving into the gates.

"Fools... I whispered.

"Okay, we're through the gate." Roni said.

"What are all the elves doing out there?" I asked.

"Digging. They're searching for buried treasure and any resources they can sell. The kingdom is suffering." Riva explained.

"If the false king has been deposed, who have they adopted ad their new leader?" I asked.

"We have been told that he is one of the king's former servants. He has not shown a great ability to lead. Our people need you to reclaim your place as king, Trellis." Riva replied.

"Our nation had more pressing issues than whoever is sitting on the throne. The false king is only a symptom of bigger problems in Alledia." Trellis said. I looked out the window again.

"Looks like the palace has already been attacked." Loni said.

"We're late to the party." Roni said.

"Not likely. The party already ended. Looks like Emily did some damage." I said. Vigo nodded his head. The cart stopped, and we climbed out. I took the mask off.

"How does it feel like to be home?" Riva asked Trellis.

"Home? This place never really felt like home." He replied. I walked over to him, placing my hand on his shoulder with a small smile. He looked at me and gently placed his hand over mine. We walked into the palace.

"That smell... it smells like a rat cage in here." Loni hissed.

"Not rats... Just elves with nowhere else to go. This king must be overwhelmed." Trellis replied.

"It's like on that ship with Max... They're all look sick..." I said and stopped at a child, kneeling down to her. She held her toy close. It was falling a part. I held my hands out gently. She hesitated but placed her toy in my hands. I repaired it for her, giving the young elf girl back her toy. I smiled softly. I stood up and saw the others ready to attack.