The Fall of the Keepers

Chapter 4 The Fate of the Fallen

I'd never had reason to enter the throne room where the King had often resided, making important decisions and pondering ways to torture his people. It was in the very center of the palace, a closed room with vaulted ceilings, gold plated pillars and marble floors. There were no windows but golden chandeliers hung from the painted ceiling, casting a warm glow down on the room.

At the far end rested the largest chair I had ever seen. It was made of black iron much like my Keeper mask, elegantly carved with scrollwork. The back was nearly seven feet high and the seat was fitted with a cushion made of velvet as red as blood. At the very top was a circle with the Amir family sigil, the one that waved on every flag in Itova. A golden carpet lay beneath the throne, which made for a distinct color contrast.

Quetta was seated casually on the throne, scribbling down notes on a yellow pad of paper. Various people moved around the room, and I couldn't miss the camera crew setting up their equipment.

"Astrid!"

I pivoted to spot Glass crossing the room with a wide smile splitting her cheeks.

"My mother did it. Can you believe it? After everything, we are finally free."
She grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

"Yes, it's certainly unexpected."
I muttered.

"Wait a minute, aren't you Verglas Peterson?"
Solomon queried, his eyes narrowed.

Glass grimaced.

"Yes, but I do hate my full name. Just Glass will do nicely."

"But you died."
Solomon pointed out.

"Oh right, yeah, no I didn't."

Solomon, Jasmine, and Esha raised their eyebrows, exchanging confused glances.

"Yes you did, Astrid knocked you into a cement wall and snapped your neck."
Jasmine corrected slowly.

"No, everyone just thought she did. Look, it will all be explained shortly. I'm glad you arrived in time, the camera crew is nearly ready."

"Ready for what?"
I questioned.

"The broadcast of course."

I grimaced.

"Who's dying this time?"

"No one silly, didn't anyone tell you? It's an informative broadcast. We'll be sharing with the people of Itova what has happened to the Order of the Keepers and then my mother wants to make a big show of my salvation from the Tournaments, inspire people with hope I guess."

"What is the fate of the Keepers?"
I wondered aloud.

"Well, I suppose you'll just have to hear it from your friends here in a few minutes, like everyone else."

I cocked an eyebrow at her, not following what she was talking about. Then across the room, I spotted them, speaking with the director of the camera crew. Without properly excusing myself from my family, I strode across the room, relief singing in my heart.

"Jasper, Vienna!"

The two's heads shot up and swiveled in my direction. Their uniforms were torn and covered in a fine grayish-black dust. Vienna's hair was tangled and her face smudged with soot. Wide smiles graced their lips when they saw me and Vienna rushed forward to embrace me.

"I was so worried about you two!"

"And I was worried about you!"
Vienna told me sniffling back tears.

I was so relieved to find her alive and in one piece, I had dearly missed my best friend.

"What happened? How did you escape? What are you doing here?"
I didn't know what question to ask first.