What Lurks Behind The Trees

Crimson

After Gregor returned to his normal state, the men told Seefe of her mother and that the whole story was a big misunderstanding. Seefe decided to go to Navari and meet her mother, she thanked them with a big smile and disappeared. They mounted their horses and headed for Pondhorn.

"You know, maybe she just used her disappearing abilities accidentally when she was a baby and her mother couldn't actually see her," Alan said, stroking his chin in thought.

"We should tell her that theory of yours when she gets back," Raymond said.

"So I was gone for how long?" Gregor asked Julian and Aden.

"A few days, you fell off your horse and your whole demeanour changed. It was sad to watch you go through so much pain," Julian said.

"But, I don't feel any pain now. I can't let that happen again, but how do I stop it?" Gregor said, clenching the reins.

"That's something only you can find out, I'm afraid," Aden said.

The horses trotted along the snow that barely covered the dark mud underneath, it was a lot warmer away from the crystal castle, still cold, but bearable.

"Once we reach Pondhorn, the Queen said we should meet the leader and ask him to give us some of his men, it might be quite difficult to convince him, that's why she said we must go ourselves," Raymond said to the group of men.

"She said, he'll be tough," Julian said.

"Why is she helping us so much?" Gregor questioned.

"She said she wants to finally establish peace with humans, she wants to banish the fear of human invasion and let her people leave in comfort. Though there haven't been any invasions in many years, she still can't rest her mind, she also said she wants to establish a trading system with humans, she wants humans and non-humans to reunite like they did hundreds of years ago," Raymond said.

"I guess it works for both sides then," Aden said.

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The people of the capital were gathered in front of the castle. The murmurs of voices resounded along the thick castle walls, people conversing, children playing, they all waited for the king to arrive.

The large gates opened and the king emerged, he stood tall and confident, the people many steps beneath him. All noise quietened down, the only sound heard was the squawk of a distant crow. The people's faces became stoic, waiting for the words that were about to leave their king's lips. Was it anticipation on dread?

Rogerus's large body stood beside Edmund, his gaze deadly as he looked at all the people's faces one by one. The guards were lined up behind Rogerus.

The king cleared his throat "You might be wondering why I brought you all out here today, but first I'll ask you all a question and I want you to answer honestly," He said loudly for all to hear. "Does anyone have a problem with me being king?"

The people looked at each other in confusion, but everyone stayed quiet.

"It's alright!" Edmund laughed "I just want a brave honest person to answer my question, I need to know why I'm no good, so I can fix my ways,"

Once again the people just stared at him, their eyes wide with fear. The air suddenly became colder, the clouds suddenly covered the sunlight and more crows started squawking.

A mild stir in the crowd bought the king's attention, the people moved away for a person who stepped forward. It was a young boy, his face clean with innocence but his clothes tattered and dirty.

The king beaconed him up "Step up young man,".

The boy walked up the steps with his bare feet. The people's faces twisted with worry, a woman and a man walked to the front of the crowd, most likely his parents.

The boy reached the platform and the king walked up to him and ruffled his hair "What a bright and honest young man," Edmund said, "Why do you think I'm not good at being a king?"

The boy's lips twisted with hesitation, his eyes flickered to where his parents stood, their eyes were telling him not to utter a word.

"M-my mother said we are poor because of you... she struggles every day to take care of me... and father can't afford to buy us food," the boy's words barely louder than a whisper, but they reached the people's ears. The boy's mother collapsed to the floor, knowing he had just committed a grave mistake.

Edmund laughed "Well, fear not my son, today I will end their suffering."

The boy looked down to see his parents dragged up the steps by two guards, they screamed and struggled but no one dared to help. The gulped and looked at the king who smiled at him sweetly.

"What's your name boy?"

"W-Will."

"Everyone, today Will has proved to be the bravest of you,"

The boy's parents were pushed onto the platform.

The king's face suddenly changed, his smile wiped away and his eyes were filled with hatred, power and arrogance. His lips were a straight line and he stared at the boy with a cold expression. He then turned his face to the people. "I promise, I will show you a different side of me," He said, his voice deep and evil.

The boy's eyes widened when a noose was placed around his parent's necks. He yelled and ran to help them but was held back by the guards. The crowd stayed quiet through all this, as the boy screamed, as his parents begged, they stayed quiet in fear of what would happen to them. The parents were hung without a second thought, and the boy cried until Rogerus slit his throat. It became evident to the people as the boy's crimson blood dribbled down the steps and to their feet, that the king had finally lost his mind.

"This is what happens when you utter the slightest word against me. Who will help me protect this kingdom other than you? So I'm not asking for your help, I'm forcing you to help, from now on, every man, woman and child will fight alongside my men. If I see resistance, I will take action, if I see rebellion I will take action, but if you cooperate and help me overcome our enemy, we will live in peace forever." The final words were said, and the king walked away, back into the confines of his castle.

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I'm sorry he killed a child :( He's evil, now you'll see his true colours, he's not playing games anymore :O 

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