Egrariand Chronicles Book 1: The Curse of the Black Stone

Escape Plan

"That idiot!" muttered Jack underneath his breath as they headed back into their room after the Prince and Queen were put back into the dungeon. He was visibly angry at Lucas as he never thought he was capable of doing such things. He slammed the door close right after they entered his room. "And how in the world did he become King?"

While for Jane, she couldn't stop crying at everything that was happening. "I want to go home."

"Didn't you see it?" asked Emily after a while. She was quiet the whole time as she observed. She was certain that Lord Pierre did something to Lucas. Whatever it was, she needed to find it out.

"See what?" asked Jack and Jane.

Emily looked at them lazily. "I thought you know Lucas so well. Do you think he really can do those bad things, especially against Prince Blaine, who led us here and took care of Ava? The two of you bullied Lucas so badly, but he still cared for both of you."

"Maybe he's under a spell or something?" said Jane as her face lit up. "Yes, that's it! I know Lucas. He's not a bad kid."

The three decided to see Lucas. They walked out of the room and quietly shut the large door behind them. They were planning to go to the direction where Lucas disappeared in, after the incident concerning Blaine and the queen. They encountered some people, and to their surprise, they paid no attention to them. They was about to ask for direction, but had second thoughts, they didn't want to be questioned on why they wanted to see the new king.

As they walked their way through the corridor at the right wing of the castle, they heard some maids talking about the new king and his odd requests for some kind of food they hadn't heard before. They followed the direction where the maids came from and after a while of walking, they stumbled upon a dozen guards who were wearing a varied set of armor. Their imperial-colored plate of armor had an intricate design made of large piece metal with winged lion depicting the emblem of Aspor, which sat perfectly under the shoulder plates. It was different from what they normally see around the castle with spring-hued uniform. They were standing guard at an entrance hall which the three kids assumed where Lucas was because of how it was heavily guarded.

They approached cautiously while they were being eyed by the guards from afar, but a large guard with a heavy set of features commanded, "HALT!"

They trembled, wanting to turn back, but Emily answered in a calm voice. "We would like to see Luc-erm, King Lucas."

"The king expects no visitors," the guard said in a booming voice. "Go back to your chambers before I even attempt to make you leave this place."

"I want to speak to Lucas!" answered Emily in a shrieking voice. She looked into the guard's eyes; for a split second, the guard felt something unexplainable, but then he recovered quickly and asked the other guards to get them out of his sight and bring them back to their chambers.

They struggled and called Lucas' name.

"Let them go," ordered Lucas behind the guards.

They released them. Emily and Jane cautiously started to walk closer to Lucas, while Jack kicked one of the guard's feet before he joined them and entered the King's chamber.

"Leave us."

"But your majesty, Lord Pierre strictly forbade us from leaving you alone. The Lord will surely-"

"I am the king! Is the Lord more powerful than I am?" he said, threatening. "I could have your head this instance if you disobey."

The guard was startled, touching his neck. With clenched fists, he and the other guards left his chamber.