Fire Soul

Chapter 5

Gareth searched the castle for King Barthol and finally located him in the war room seated alone, uncharacteristically dressed in armor, a solemn silhouette amidst the shadows. The air held the scent of yesterday's wine, mingling with the earthy aroma of dried grimshade, a type of mushroom known for its potent hallucinogenic properties.

He approached cautiously, noting the king's demeanor, which hinted at indulgence in day drinking and a potential lack of full control over his faculties. Concerned for Barthol's well-being, Gareth proceeded with care, mindful not to anger him.

Upon catching sight of Gareth, Barthol's bleary eyes brightened momentarily, hope flickering briefly before dimming once more. His speech was slurred as he inquired about any news regarding his daughter's whereabouts, his words tinged with the scent of stale wine. Gareth shook his head solemnly, the weight of the situation pressing upon him. Despite Barthol's inebriated state, Gareth sensed a flicker of determination, a glimmer of clarity amidst the haze of intoxication. It was then that he proposed a conference with their allies, seeking their aid in the search for the missing princess, the urgency of the situation not lost on him.

Barthol's nod of acknowledgment quickly devolved into a rambling tirade, his words slurred with frustration and resentment. He vented his grievances about King John, Prince Phillip, and the canceled wedding, painting himself as the aggrieved party in the tumultuous situation. He rambled on about his many burdens, the pressure of kingship bearing down heavily upon him like an iron-clad gauntlet squeezing the life from his weary soul.

Despite Gareth's attempts to steer the conversation back to the pressing matter of the missing princess and the need for their allies' assistance, Barthol remained entrenched in his grievances, his mind ensnared by the grip of the alcohol and grimshade.

Gareth, sensing the urgency of the situation, gently guided the king out of the dimly lit war room and into the rejuvenating embrace of the courtyard's sunlight. With each step, he hoped to shake Barthol from the grip of intoxication and refocus his attention on the pressing matter at hand. The sun shone high in the azure expanse, casting a radiant glow over the scene below. Not a single cloud marred the brilliance of the day, offering a sense of tranquility amidst the chaos of the king's troubled state.

In the warm glow of daylight, Gareth persisted in his attempts to engage the king in a discussion about convening with their allies and orchestrating a search for the missing Corliss. Suddenly, a majestic hawk emerged from the vastness above, its wings slicing effortlessly through the crisp air. But Barthol's reaction was anything but serene.

Upon catching sight of the bird, the king's composure shattered like fragile glass. With a panicked cry, he recoiled, his body trembling as if in the presence of a dreaded foe. "A dragon!" he bellowed, his voice laced with terror, as he stumbled backward and crashed to the ground in a frenzy of fear.

Gareth watched in dismay as the once-powerful monarch crumbled before his eyes, consumed by irrational dread. Yet, amid the tumultuous scene, a newfound resolve stirred within Gareth's heart. With a firm resolve, he vowed to protect the king, guiding him through the labyrinth of his fears with steadfast dedication and unwavering empathy.

He quickly guided the king to a nearby bench then seized the opportunity to take charge of the situation. Despite Gareth's persistent efforts, it became apparent that the king was too deep in his inebriated state to engage in any coherent discussion. With a resigned sigh, Gareth motioned to a nearby servant, urgently requesting assistance in escorting the king back to his quarters. The servant nodded understandingly and hastened to summon additional help.

With a confident demeanor, he assured Barthol that he would handle the arrangements for a meeting with their allies, scheduling it to take place in two days' time at the bustling town of Rochelier.