Oath of a Guardian

Chapter 8: Beyond Reason

"Princes... Princess" Thomas chased the striding young princess out the door of the academy.

"So we're back to princess are we?" The princess shouted her frustrations over her shoulder still heading towards the carriage.

"I understand you're angry..."

"NO, NO YOU DON'T! I expected you... you of all people to be honest with me" Raven turned around; it was fear or anger that caused tears to gather in the princess's eyes, perhaps both.

"I wanted to be! I did but you are my priority" Thomas said trying to calm the dark haired beauty. "I didn't know where you were, or if you were safe... I had to get you out first then I was to go back for him, but then your father came and..." He was about to continue but the girl had already turned her back to him once more, not moving yet turned. "I regret nothing..." He said, voice low however he knew she heard him as her back stiffened and she inhaled sharply, she understood that this was more than just Arhaal; this was about the kiss as well.

"Did you see what was happening in there? Who caused this?" Her voice was low and soft now, she was no longer shouting at the young guard

Thomas took a moment, he was sure she understood what he was talking about but her not responding to it made him believe that she did.

After that moment passed he knew she wanted answers and he couldn't lie to her, she couldn't physically sense the lies like her sister but she always was able to tell when he lied, it was a trait in her since they were children.

"Yes" Was his response

"Well...? What was it?" She turned to face him. His answer was not adequate enough, she needed answers, details.

"I'd rather not say" He hung his head knowing she would demand an explanation, he expected no less. She did not know what was happening in there and he did not want to be the one to tell her.

"What does my father face in there?" Her eyes pleaded with him to tell her

"He is King Thorn, Guardian of Guardians. Nothing he will not be able to face" He stopped there breaking eye contact as he stared forward. She looked to his face one more time realizing that he will not return her gaze. In his mind his words replayed themselves 'King Thorn, Guardian of Guardians, Nothing he will not be able to face... I hope'

He wanted to go back, he wanted to save Arhaal, he wanted to protect his king but even he knew not to disobey King Thorn's orders, and this time they were clear. Get his daughter out of the academy safely.

***

Malcom and Thorn made their way through the academy; Thorn was striding quickly, Malcolm following close behind.

"Your Majesty, I do not wish to overstep my bounds here but should we perhaps move faster?"

Thorn stood there and turned to the guard. "Look to the floor son, what do you see?"

Malcolm stood by the kings side and looked down "Nothing" he answered brow raised.

The king took a step back and with his sword moved Malcolm back as well; he then took a decorative golden candleholder from the wall next to them and tossed it ahead of them, the immediate reaction was green smoke rising from the ground melting the gold. Malcolm stood there in awe as they waited for the smoke to resolve.

"The quickest way is not always the cleverest way" Thorn added as the smoke disappeared. Malcolm always heard of King Thorn's skill and ability growing up but it was humbling seeing it firsthand.

Thorn and the guard made their way through the empty halls as fast as they could without being spotted. As they turned the final corner to the grand hall Malcolm evidently moved ahead of the king at some point lifted his arm restricting the king from furthering as he heard whispering of people in front of the doors of the grand hall. Thorn hearing the voices as well slowly moved forward listening in. It sounded like chanting rather that a conversation, as the two got closer the sounds because more and more clear. Malcolm could not make out what was being said but the look on Thorn's face said it all, the king moved quickly striking the two guards standing by the door, not killing them but knocking them out. Malcolm hurried behind the king who now blasted open the doors to the grand hall. The sight before them was the most gruesome vision they have ever laid their eyes upon, limbs thrown around all arms with green favors wrapped around them, people in cages bloody, beaten and afraid. The moment they saw the king and his guard they began running to the edge of the cage arms reached out begging to be released. The floors were slick and wet; the source was coming from the ceiling of the grand hall as it was dripping blood all over the king and his guard as if it were raining lightly.