Memory in the End

Chapter 42: Arkade

We were escorted to the castle of Arkade, home of King Philip. Not wanting to cause more problems than necessary, I had told the Five to not fight back. Even so, the soldiers kept a careful guard on all of us. They confiscated the Five's weapons, bound our hands, and kept their weapons pointed at our throats. We traveled at a brisk pace, and before long we were being brought through the grand iron gates of the castle.

It was a great stone structure, with carefully carved designs on the archways and stained glass windows. The emblem of the kingdom, two crossed swords overlaid on the silhouette of a bear's head, was decorated on dark green flags that hung from the towers and walls. We were pushed along by the guards through the two dark oaks doors that led into the castle itself, and they continued to lead us down the long hallway where we passed by more flags and pictures of the royal family, or that's what it looked like at least, as when I had glanced over, I was shouted at to keep my head forward. Many of the soldiers dispersed once we entered the building, probably thinking we were less of a threat here. Still, there were at least three guards stationed at each of us.

Finally, we were stopped at a pair of doors that were more exquisitely decorated than the others. They were trimmed with gold and silver, and a bear's head carved in gold was centered in the doors, with emeralds sitting in it's eyes. This must be the throne room. We were about to encounter the king of Arkade, my lifelong sworn enemy. The door slowly opened for us, and I prepared my resolve before stepping into the room.

Immediately, my eyes were fixed on the middle-aged, bearded man donning a leopard pelt cape. His fingers, which each wore some sort of jewel, ran through his greying beard which framed an unnerving grin. King Philip, the ruling monarch of Arkade, sat on his grand throne with a smug look on his face.

I was led straight towards him, while the Five were pushed after me to the side of the room and made to kneel. Out of the corner of my eye I could see a soldier roughly shove Henry to the ground, and instantly my head snapped toward the soldier and glared at him. He was taken aback, but carried on with his duties. Then, I turned my attentions back to Philip.

"Is this how you treat all of your guests, Philip?" I snapped coldly.

"Only the unwanted pests that trespass onto my land," he smirked and cocked his head, "Did you really think I would overlook an Embertail coming into my kingdom?"

"Oh, are these your lands? That would explain that eyesore of an emblem that's everywhere and this overwhelming stench of third-rate ruling." Somewhere in the room I heard a snicker.

He narrowed his eyes at me, "You are not in a position to be throwing insults."

"Nor are you in any position to treat me with contempt."

"You will silence your insolence immediately or I will have you and your companions thrown into the dungeons."

I shut my mouth but my glare remained.

"Much better. Now, dear Princess Embertail," he folded his fingers under his chin, "Would you care to explain why you decided to grace us with your presence? Surely your old father hasn't turned senile and stooped to sending his own daughter on a reconnaissance mission."

"Please, spare me your horrid acting. I know for a fact that you have spies of your own stationed throughout my kingdom. You must already be aware of what has happened there."

He chuckled to himself, "I wonder what you might be referring to? The death of your father? The announcement of your treacherousness, perhaps? Or..." his gaze grew even narrower and he uttered his next words slowly, "Victor Lynx."

The very name sent a shudder through my spine, and for the first time since I stepped into this room, I didn't have a retort for the king, though that seemed to please him. The room went silent, and I could feel the concerned gazes of the Five on me. Even if Philip is my enemy, I have to admit that he is an intelligent man. If he already knows about Victor, then he must have also figured out that he is the real traitor.