Amidst the Darkness

Chapter Two The Seven Generals

It was early in the morning. The wind played gently with the curtains, billowing them into the air. They were made of different shades of blue, and absolutely exquisite. A grand four poster bed engraved with carvings of all manners of creatures and beasts sat empty. In a grand fireplace, Flames danced back and forth. Casting a tantalizing glow upon the room. An incredibly well-crafted armchair sat by it. And next to it a table filled with papers and documents. A tea pot sat brewing. Steam gently rising. In the armchair sat a man, that man was King Harvold. He had returned a few hours previously, and was sipping tea from a teacup while watching the flames. A sudden knock came at the door.

"Come in" Spoke King Harvold softly.

"Yes your Majesty." Came a voice as a man opened the door. His name was Lefain The head butler. He was dressed in smart attire. He wore a black embroidered suit with gold trimming, White gloves and black shoes that were polished to a gleam. He had a dark beard while age was starting to make an appearance on his face. He bowed to King Harvold.

"Your Majesty. I have news to report."

"By news do you mean the death of King Lervan? I'm afraid Jersef has already reported it." Replied King Harvold pointing at the pile of papers on the side table. He turned and smiled. "He finally kicked the bucket. King Lervan is dead, Princess Davina is set to inherit the throne, while the other kingdoms are busy fighting amongst themselves over whether or not to invade. What a bunch of fools. I had hoped to be able to rest upon my return but that seems impossible now."

Lefain bowed "That was indeed part of my report. But there is more."

Harvold waved for him to continue.

"Fredrick Canterberry reports that the weapons you asked for have been completed. He also wishes to stress that they are prototypes and should not be put into mass production. I have brought the prototypes along," said Lefain, holding up a box. "Do you wish to inspect them?"

"Yes I do." Replied King Harvold putting down his cup and reaching out for the box.

Lefain walked to his side and deposited the box gently into his hand.

Harvold opened the box and inspected the contents within. "Oh yes. Yes, indeed these are marvellous. Tell Canterberry he has done a fantastic job. Put this on my desk will you?" he said handing the box back to Lefain who swiftly did what he was told.

Harvold smiled tiredly. "I think; I think things will be getting busy. Lefain summon my Generals. Tell them to report to me at once, and to make all possible haste. Also run me a bath. I need to clear the sleep from my mind."

"At once my lord" Replied Lefain bowing.

"Things are stirring in the darkness Lefain, and I cannot foresee the outcome." King Harvold Smiled. "But that makes it all the more exciting!"

The Throne room was a massive hall, Huge pillars on each side supported the roof. they were so large that four adult men could wrap their arms around one of them and still not reach round to the other side. A great chandelier hung from the ceiling. Vines and plants were everywhere. Adding an exotic charm to the hall. In the middle of the throne room on each side were two great fireplaces, and in them the fire burned merrily away, creating faint popping sounds as the wood split. The Throne itself was a beautiful thing made of solid gold decorated most elegantly. Its back thirteen feet high. Behind it was another great fireplace, etched into it were beasts and creatures, snarling and chasing each other.

Three figures were standing in the throne room. The first was dressed in a red-and-dark blue motley costume. The colours alternated between themselves and they had a lattice design on it. He wore a big hat with two golden bells, His shoes were sharply pointed up at the end with two more bells. He wore a white mask with a happy face painted on it. His name. Jersef Sarmenti. The Court Jester.