3RD POV
A few minutes earlier....
King Asher: - I'm glad to see you both again.
The king's voice carried with steady warmth despite the bandages visible beneath the folds of his regal robe. His gaze softened as it landed on the disguised humans. The teenagers looked around in awe, unable to ignore the grandeur of the chamber. The throne room stretched high above them; its ceiling lost in a forest of marble pillars carved with runes that shimmered faintly with protective magic. Shafts of light streamed through stained-glass windows depicting ancient battles, the colors spilling across the polished floor like spilled jewels. At the far end, the throne itself sat upon a dais of black stone veined with silver, its seat carved from a single massive crystal that glowed faintly with inner light. Zana dipped into a respectful bow, prompting Nicholas and Hunter to follow, though far less gracefully. Nicholas's eyes wandered back to the king, lingering on the thick bandages wrapped around his left arm and chest. The weight in his stomach grew heavier. The room wasn't only filled with the captains.
Behind each of them stood subordinates of their squads, lined in orderly ranks. Some wore gleaming armor and others still carried weapons Nicholas didn't even recognize. They whispered quietly among themselves, sneaking curious glances at the newcomers who stood in the presence of the king. Leigong's squad members stood in a disciplined row, their yellow-colored shoulder-plates glowing softly. Sirius's men looked louder even in silence, broad-shouldered, smirks plastered on their faces, restless as if itching to spar in the middle of the marble hall. Caius's followers lounged casually, a few with arms crossed and others tapping their feet in rhythm, as though always keeping time to some invisible beat. Aalto's subordinates, by contrast, stood stiffly upright, eyes sharp and disapproving, mirroring their captain's sternness. All of them watched. Curious. Judging. Whispering behind gloved hands about the two young warriors who had been brought into the presence of their king. Deren stood at Asher's side, with the royal guards standing in a line on each side of the throne.
King Asher: - I see you've grown stronger since the last time we met. Not surprising, considering Selin has been looking after you.
The woman in question shrugged nonchalantly.
Selin: - They're still weak. Plenty of work left to do.
A vein throbbed on Hunter's forehead.
Hunter: - EXCUSE ME?! DID YOU FORGET HOW HARD WE FOUGHT IN BOTH MISSIONS!!!
Selin: - I didn't. Nor did I forget that I had to save your soft behinds both times.
Hunter: - Shut up!!
The rest of the captains, who were still there, were taken aback by the boy's rude remarks. Their subordinates nearly lost their composure from the blatant disrespect in front of his Majesty.
Aalto: - This behavior of yours is unacceptable young mage!! You should respect your superiors!
Hunter just glared at him.
Hunter: - Can it four-eyes!
Sharp intakes were heard. Caius choked on his laughter.
Aalto: - F....Four-eyes?!
Hunter: - And don't preach me about respect, when you treat her like garbage!!
Gasps echoed. Aalto stood baffled, unable to come up with a comeback. Selin smirked slightly and the king tried, but failed, to hide his grin.
YOU ARE READING
Adventures beyond the void
FantasyNicholas Blackwood is a fifteen year old boy who always thought his life would be deprived of any form of happiness, condemned to be constantly neglected by his parents, bullied by his peers and uncared for by the world. One day his parents decide...
