Desires of Men ~SEQUEL TO THE LIFE I LIVE~

Scheming Pirates

"Presenting, the Master Seer!"

The scribe's exclamation was followed by the line of guards on each side of the walkway raising their swords straight. The sound of metal armor sliding against metal caused Albert to jump slightly. In the massive size of the room, the sound reverberated against the walls and he could feel it in his bones.

Albert was frozen in place, intimidated by the immense size of the throne room. Marble columns rose in regular intervals parallel to the long, purple rug. The whole room was marble, draped with deep red and blue tapestries between grand windows. Across the room, sitting on an enormous jeweled throne, was the king. As always, he was adorned in rich colors and soft fabrics. In his right hand was a scepter, topped with a large blue jewel.

The scribe jabbed Albert in the side with his elbow, and cleared his throat a little. "Uh, that's your cue." He whispered, and Albert realized he'd been standing there without moving. Shaking his head, he forced his feet to move towards the king.

The con noticed that as he walked forward, the guards behind him lowered their weapons. Their swords rested on the floor with a small tink of metal and they froze in a passive position.

When he was no more than ten feet away from the king, he lowered himself onto one knee and bowed his head lowly.

"Rise." The king's voice commanded, and he obeyed. Looking up into the ruler's face, he noticed how joyful and cheery the man looked, a stark contrast to his expression during their previous meeting.

"Master Seer, I would first like to apologize for doubting your abilities. Your prediction proved correct and so you shall be rewarded for your services." He gestured to his left and two servants carrying a large chest approached. They lowered it to the floor and it produced a very heavy-sounding thud. Albert's eyes widened as they opened the top, revealing a mountain of gold coins inside.

"I-I...this is..." He dropped down onto both knees and delicately traced the top of the pile with his fingers, as if it were all a dream and it would disappear with the slightest touch.

'So many things I could buy with this.' He thought. 'I'll never have to work a day in my life. But no, I still need more...' His thoughts were interrupted by the king's voice.

"However," He continued, and the servants closed the lid. Albert snatched his hand away just in time to prevent his fingers from getting smashed. "I have one more task for you."

"And what is that, my Lord?" He asked, glancing around at the guards to either side of the king. He was suspicious of such a heavy guard presence, and his senses were heightened just in case. Their helmets covered their eyes, however, and he couldn't judge their thoughts.

Now it was the king's turn to look around wearily. When he had deemed it 'safe' enough, or whatever he was looking for, he spoke in a much lower voice.

"Several coffers from the castle's treasury have been stolen, one of which contained a very valuable family heirloom. It means a great deal to my family and I must get it back." Albert raised his eyes in surprise.

"Surely you have your best men looking into-"

"Yes, I do. But they have no guidance, for the crime was committed by almost supernatural powers. My men have no experience with the paranormal and so I am asking you to aid in the investigation."

"Supernatural powers? By what do you mean?" He wondered.

"The thief cut up my men but kept them alive. They are alive! In pieces! It is beyond human ability. And the crime was done within the five minutes that the guards changed their shift. Most of my treasury is empty. Such an occurrence could not possibly have been achieved in five minutes!" He sighed heavily, rubbing his temple with his thumb.