Chapter Four

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Chapter Four

1345

Imperial Palace, Infinite City

New London

"Down, criminal!" An Imperial Guard used his sword-staff to knock a villager on his knees. The villager was dressed in torn, dirty brown cloth. He wore no shoes, and his skin was dirt streaked. He looked the same as the ten other prisoners kneeling in the middle of the grand marble room, with feet and hands shackled close with iron. The only distinguishable feature was that he had blue eyes instead of the typical brown, indicating he was a half-breed. And he had special shackles: enchanted iron.

Today was the fourteenth of the month. On every fourteenth of the month, all prisoners were brought up to the Ground Hall in the King's Imperial palace, which was in the capitol of the country. The Grand Hall was the height of three regular floors stacked on top of each other, and the length of sixteen average height men laid down from head to toe.  It was made entirely of Aphra Marble, the most expensive type of marble in the world. There were columns spaced equally apart running down the length of the room. Giant purple banners, the color of the royal family of New London, hung heavily on the walls. The New London royal family's shield was embroidered in real gold in the center. The doors on the south side of the room were made of heavy oak wood, intricate patterns carved into the wood.

Directly across from the door, on the other side of the room, were the thrones of the royal family. The King's throne was elevated in the middle and was by far the grandest, made of dark purple silk and gold designs. To the left of it was the queen's throne, which was smaller and placed lower on the floor, covered in lavender silk and silver designs. To the right of the king's throne was the heir's throne. It was grander than the queens, made of gold instead of silver, but was still outshined by the king's throne.

Four Imperial Guards were in the room. Two flanked the door, while the other two stood on each side of the prisoners, keeping watch while they awaited the arrival of the King and Prince.

A door to the left of the thrones  flew open and the king and prince strode in confidently, heads held high. King Alexi Charles of New London sat down in his throne, wearing breeches of expensive black silk. His suit-like jacket was perfectly pressed and polished, each gold button shining in the light of the electrical torches. His gold hair was perfectly groomed and his blue eyes lacked any humor. He carried the symbol of his power: the London staff.

The London staff was said to hold powers greater than all of the magic users in the country and that only those worthy of ruling the country were able to touch it, much less use it. It was a long gold staff with a globe on top. There were delicate gold lines running in swirls around the globe, holding it in place. Powerful magic swirled inside of the purple glass globe, looking as if it was ready to break free.

Prince Johann Lucius of New London sat down on the King's right. He had straight blond hair and the same eyes as his father, although if one looked closely they would see a spark of humor. He was dressed nearly identically to his father, only he wore brown breeches and a red dress shirt with a black tie. He also lacked the London staff, although it would become his upon his succession to the throne. He looked down at the prisoners with disdain.

The Imperial guards stood to attention after forcing the prisoners to their hands and knees to bow to the king and prince. 

"At ease. What are the charges against these men and women." The King's deep, powerful voice made the question sound like a command.

One of the Imperial Guards stepped forward, bringing out a small book, and began reading. "Thomas, aged 43. Accused of raping a milkmaid." Another guard pushed forward a man who had grey streaked brown hair and angry brown eyes. 

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