Saviour of Neither

5 - Columbus

"It is an honour to meet you too." I answer as steadily as I can.

"Come closer." Solomon says, at an attempt to seem friendly but merely sounding commandeering. "It is awkward, talking to you from so far away."

After confirming that he has no ill intentions (or he is well-guarded against attempts to break into his mind; as Chief Paladin I wouldn't put it past him), I walk closer, until arriving at the table with the scales. He invites me to take a seat, which I cautiously do.

An intense silence follows.

"You are the forger of Henshaw, am I correct?" Solomon eventually breaks the stillness. His voice is rough and slightly hoarse, fitting of the fearsome warrior he once was and probably still is (Ceatha Tor has not been at war for several years).

"When did Chester tell you?" I counter.

"As soon as he came back to this castle to report on his patrol at Garadh." he answers. "The sword was too powerful - Arthur had not crafted Paramount to be so potent. I was also able to sense the electrical energy the blade carries. Nevertheless, I agree with Chester that the sword is a masterpiece of forgery - though the Royal Swordsmith ought to be just as skilled at deliberately casting weaker enchantments."

I am surprised and pleased at the compliment.

"Of course, even if I were completely oblivious to the magical signs, Chester cannot keep his mouth shut. He described you to me with utmost excitement as soon as I was in earshot."

Ah.

"What was it that you had done to fascinate him so much?"

"I have not placed any charm, curse or otherwise magical effect on your son."

He observes me, slightly more intently now.

"Enlighten me to why you wear those goggles." he says, as if commanding me.

"They are to restore my vision after I had lost it completely in a magical accident." I say.

I feel his eyes burning into my eyes. This is it.

"Hold out your arm." he orders suddenly, with unexpected fierceness.

He wants a blood test, to confirm I am not a Voidblood. I hold out my arm with confidence.

Riordan takes a small blade from her pocket, then flashes it across my arm. Bright red blood seeps from the wound, fizzing ever so slightly.

"Very well." Solomon says carefully, after Riordan magically repairs the cut. "You may keep the goggles."

"Your Highness-" his advisor interjects.

"I see no reason for further proof of his morality." Solomon says with a tone of finality. "We can discuss further later."

She glares at me, then falls silent.

"Whilst your blood status, as a Rawblood, is not ideal, it would be just about acceptable - after all, blood status is somewhat determined by parentage." Solomon continues to address me. "How have you found-?"

The iron doors fling open.

"ADRIAN Why Did No-one Tell Me You'd Arrived!?"

I was wondering where he was. Finally, a somewhat familiar face.

"Chester-" Solomon tries to interject.

"I've been looking Every Where for you! And then Tobias said that you'd gotten here like Nearly an HOUR ago!"

"Chester-"

"D'you think Aureus Castle is cool? How was the journey? Did anyone give you a Tour of the place? I Can't Wait to show you Every Thing and we're going to have the Best Time Ev-"