“You’re going to see the king?” Aurora asked “he is a bit of a blagard from what I remember.” She went on.

Kadin was back in Aurora’s lab hoping she would have details for him to go on as he was due to see the king in two bells.

“I have heard the same.” Kadin replied “but I have never been in the palace or his audience chambers.”

“You will be fine.” Aurora assured him “the chamber is just like the entry hall here, except the stairs are off the hall and not in the hall and at the end he has a raised dias with his throne on it. There are normally quite a few people around fawning over him too; but you can ignore them.”

“So what have you found out about this necromancer? I am supposed to have a plan ready for what I am to do.” Kadin asked

“Well the person inside was killed in a sacrifice, he was used to open a bridge between life and death so the necromancer could communicate with someone or something on the other side. I can’t find out what that looked like but I would assume from what you have told me that it was for some way to harness power from other peoples life energy – that would explain why the child was drained and the necromancer was younger and stronger, the person was killed in the west the connection with the dead was in the north east so I would guess..” Aurora said as she pulled out a map of the kingdom she pointed at the village of Heywell where Kadin’s contract was then a little to the south west of the village towards the farmland in the mid west of the kingdom. “About here she said pointing, so if we follow the path.” She went on moving her finger north east past Heywell and ongoing her finger went north past the capital and right to the edge of the Kingdom north eastern most edge of the map where Kadin’s heart dropped. “Here.” She said resting her finger on the blasted lands, to the north western side of the blasted land was the arctic windswept frozen lands of the ice elfs, the south eastern side went on to a mountain range where the goblins lived in the north and dwarfs to the south both fighting for control of the range but neither claiming it, the war had been raging there for well over one hundred years and shows no signs of ending any time soon. In between these was the blasted lands, magic energies from the north and south in a constant battle that generated the excess magic for the world, it was known as the eternal storm as the area has never been recorded as peaceful, the land there is flat scorched and black from the never ending lightning strikes to the ground the constant opening of the earth to the molten lava beneath, jagged canyons ending in fire, tornados of razor sharp stone and ice.

“Why there?” Kadin asked.

“That’s where the demon armies last launched their attack on this world.” She said “I would assume he has made a deal with one of the demons to become more powerful and is heading there as there is more magical energy. But the good news is he should be passing by these towns.” She said tapping Turin, Ashvale and Lynwood “I doubt he will be in much of a hurry, so you should be able to catch up to him pretty quickly.” She finished.

“Well that’s good” Kadin said “At least I will have some progress to report – I will need to go to the stables and get ready to depart. Thank you for looking into this for me Aurora – I guess that’s another one I owe you” he finished.

“I’ll add it to the list.” She replied with a happy grin before her face dropped and she turned serious and said “Kadin, be careful out there. I have a bad feeling about this.”

He was just about to offer a glib reply but stopped when he saw the pained look on her face and something he had never seen from her before; there was a hint of fear in her eyes. Instead he offered her what he hoped was a reassuring smile and said

“I will be.” And because he couldn’t stop himself “Who else is willing to bring you all the great stuff I do” he added with a bright smile. The fear in her eyes vanished; she shook her head and rolling her eyes then provided to push Kadin out of her rooms into the hallway. “Come see me with some more stuff when you get back then.” She added before closing the door on him.

Kadin went back to his rooms, despite how the conversation with Aurora ended he was still a little concerned about how worried she seemed, she had never showed anything like that before, so when he got back to his room he picked his Chimera hide armour and donned it, he strapped on the mithril bracers he also put on the matching boots that came up past his knees with a hardened leather and light chain covering the front and back of the boot and mithril pointed knee guards. He also equipped his two belts of throwing knifes; one strapped to the back of his left shoulder the other at his right waist. He got the twin blades he got from Aurora and slide them up the sheath at his back, the usual blades in his bracers were also in place and a long dagger in each of his boots, finally his demon forged twin swords; one strapped to each side of his waist. Finally he donned his cloak there was a few things still hidden in the pockets of it, including more throwing knifes, and a few enchanted orbs that would explode when broken either in fire or ice or a smoke that would knock out any who took more than a breath of it.

Once complete it was a while after second bell and he went to the stables to requisition a horse, some members of the guild had their own horses, but Kadin was not one of those people, if he needed a horse he would go get one, for the time he uses them it wouldn’t be worth him having his own, he did have riding equipment though these he handed to the stable hands as he approached, he explained he needed a horse and provisions for about six days on the road, there were inns and taverns he could stay at as well as merchants and village shop keepers he could get supplies if he needed but he wanted to be prepared for longer travel, once this had all been worked out with the stable master a couple of boys ran off to gather the necessary gear and supplies while one of the others went to get and saddle a horse, Kadin explained he would be back shortly and was expecting to head out straight away. He left the stables and settling his nerves made his way away from the guild grounds to the square and palace beyond. The day was sunny and clear but there was still a bite of chill in the air, as he walked out of the guild grounds he noticed that the square was busier

than usual today there were more people going about their business than usual the stalls that had been set up around the squares statues and fountains were all crowded with people, Jugglers and street performers were on display anywhere they could clear a space or find a box to stand on and there was the general babble of background noise as he made his was out of the grounds and towards the kings palace. Despite the fact the square was busier than usual a space seemed to clear the way ahead as Kadin walked, people didn’t seem to purposely move away from him but, as he walked across the square everyone in front of him seemed to need to be somewhere else so with that Kadin had a small clearing all around him as he crossed to the palace gates a cloaked and hooded figure walking with authority seemed to be left to their own agenda. As he got to the palace gates two guards in the Kings colours stood to attention outside, there was a small guard house just behind the gates and attached to the palace walls which held at least three more guards from what Kadin could hear, a sergeant stepped out from the guard house as Kadin got to the gate, slightly overweight with a walrus moustache that was more grey than the brown of his youth, never the less he walked confidently over to Kadin, he had on his full armour and proudly showed off his polished breast plate and matching open faced helmet with a single red feather crest on it, he also had on a cape with the royal seal on his back, armour slightly jingling as he walked he stepped up to Kadin “State you name and Business here?” he barked in a voice that was use to giving commands and having them instantly followed.

“Kadin Banto, gold seven of the Aspire guild, here to see the King.” Kadin replied calmly

The sergeants eyes narrowed and he said “This is about the magistrate.”

Kadin wasn’t sure if this was a statement or a question but decided to reply “This is about a contract.”

And the sergeant answered “His majesty is expecting you, you are required to hand over your weapons!” Kadin had never left the guild hall unarmed and the thought of someone else even holding his weapons set him on edge so his response was automatic “No!”

The sergeant growled at Kadin’s refusal and his hand drifted to the hilt of his blade, Kadin also heard the shifting of plate and leather at either side of him as the gate guards shifted their stance. The sergeant set his shoulders looked Kadin in the eyes and said “That Is The Law!” biting off each word.

Kadin knew the man was only doing his job and could understand that he would not be used to being denied, he also knew he was not going anywhere without his weapons – but he didn’t want to have to injure or kill these men to do so, so he did offer the sergeant a way out as he replied calmly

“I am exempt from your laws.” He could read the decision in the sergeant eyes and knew this would be the mans way out, he also knew he would lose face by backing down so he wasn’t at all surprised when the sergeant replied “Fine! But keep them sheathed – or you and I are going to have a problem!”

“Understood.” Kadin answered, then he was motioned to hold while one of the guards from the guard house came out and exchanged a few words with the sergeant, he came over to Kadin looking nervous and unsure of himself but he introduced himself with a strong enough voice as he said “I am guardsman Davies, I will escort and announce you.” As he motion Kadin to flow him and started the walk to the palace. They walked in silence up the gently sloping hill, the only sound the slight jingle

of the guardsman chain mail and plate with each step he took or the occasional bubbling of a fountain as they passed it. It was close to the third bell when they finally they made it to the palace proper, there were six more guards here three to either side of the door they all looked over Kadin as he approached and all noticed he still had his weapons, at which point the front two guards stepped forwards crossing their halberds to block their path, guardsman Davies took a quick few steps forwards and had a hurried conversation with them, a quick shake of the head and a couple of gestures then the two guards stood aside and the two at the back of the formation opened the palace doors for Kadin to enter.

As he stepped into the palace out of habit Kadin observed the room he was in, Lush purple carpets covering a white marble floor, wide white marble pillars reaching to the roof high above a double set of curving stairways leading to the upper levels of the palace and various wall hangings and tapestries of battle scenes throughout the history of the empire. There was also three sets of doors in the central hallway a double set right in front of him, an even larger set of doors to the right and a smaller set of doors to the left, but the door to the left there was also a small arch way that lead somewhere Kadin couldn’t see however from there came a palace servant in the royal colours, a form fitting waist coat and matching bottoms, a silk lace shirt with the royal seal stamped on the collar. The servant walked forwards crisply with his head held high, clean shaven with short dark hair that was beginning to grey at the temples; he marched straight up to Kadin and the guardsman where he asked

“Name?” is a clear strong voice

Kadin opened his mouth to respond which drew an irritated look from the palace servant; who then pointedly looked to the guardsman. Davies bowed his head and replied

“This is Kadin Banto, of the Aspire guild Rank Gold seven.” Davies finished and straightened from his bow and took a step back before turning on his heel and making his way back out of the palace.

The palace servant gave Kadin an accusatory look over, his eyes narrowing when he seen Kadin was still armed, but he did not say anything about the weapons instead he went on in a voice as if addressing a child

“My name is Rubias I work for the King, I shall introduce and announce you to his majesty. You will speak only when spoken too. You will offer no opinions or comments except with the express permission of his majesty. You will address him as your majesty or your royal highness. If you draw your weapons – you will be killed! Do you know how to bow?”

It took Kadin a second to realise that was a question and not a statement like the rest of the tirade so he added belatedly “yeah, I guess!”

Unfortunately this seemed to be exactly the wrong answer, the servants eyes narrowed further and Kadin could see a vein start to pop out by his temple and he cut off two words through gritted teeth “Show me!”

Kadin was not use to formality but thought a bow was a bow no matter where you were so he kept his hands to his side bowed his head and a little at the waist before straitening. Again this seemed to be exactly the wrong thing to do, the servant looked like he was close to passing out at this stage, he

quickly regained his composure and stated “Dear Gods, you are to be presented to the King not some tavern wench, Now watch me! Left foot forwards, right hand over your waist, bow low and extend your left hand to the side... like so..” he said demonstrating his bow.

Kadin did as instructed and felt considerably more foolish bowing like this than he had before – he had a fleeting thought that maybe that was the idea of the whole thing to put a person on the back foot to begin with, However at this point the bells began to chime for three. The servants face still look grim but he muttered “This will have to do, you will follow me.” As he started to march to the largest door to the right of the palace entrance hall, the large double doors were manned by another two guards who pushed open both doors for Kadin and Rubias. The servant strode forwards confidently a step ahead of Kadin, as he entered Kadin seen this was the room Aurora had told him about a long room with tall pillars, in between each of the pillars were statues of the previous rulers of the kingdom in various poses to his right there were several stained glass windows depicting the foundation of the kingdom and King Judis the first leading his people to form a new homeland. At the end of the hall was the raised platform with the throne on it, solid gold clawed feet sweeping back and upwards to the head of an eagle above the king each arm rest was again a gold talon holding two massive rubies at either side of the throne. At the foot of the raised platform and elsewhere in the hall were various people each having their own quite conversations, the various nobles of the kingdom in a scramble for power. On the Throne sat the King a rich red cape down his back a silk shirt with a red waist coat with his seal over the breast, polished black fur lined boots and an ornamental jewel encrusted sword at his waist that Kadin doubted had ever been used in combat. The king himself was a middle aged man slightly overweight and portly with thinning oiled salt and pepper hair a larger straight nose and a small mouth and chin he tried to hide with a proud beard. Beady blue eyes watched as Rubias and Kadin approached. As they reached the foot of the stairs Rubias motioned for Kadin to stop. The general babble of conversation died down as Rubias announced in a loud clear voice. “King Robert the second, ruler of the kingdom of Velendale, protector of the empire. I present Kadin Banto of the Aspire guild, rank of gold seven.” He finished with a bow so low Kadin wondered how he could keep his balance, with a sideward’s glance Rubias gritted out “bow!” to Kadin. That’s when Kadin realised that first he wasn’t bowing second he forgot how Rubias had instructed him to bow. Kadin awkwardly put his right hand over his waist and bowed his head before straitening, the king looked slightly annoyed, Rubias looked mortified and that he may pass out with embarrassment, however things moved quickly on when the King responded. “You may raise, Thank you Rubias.” Rubias bowed again before rising and taking a few steps back and to the side of the room, the kings attention had turned to Kadin studying him, for what he didn’t know but after a moment the king said “Kadin of the Aspire guild, an attempt was made on my life last night by one of my court magistrates, a man that had served loyally for years – this man had recently made a contract with you. What can you tell me about this contract and my magistrate’s betrayal?”

Kadin had thought this question would be asked and he had formed a full responce that would leave out a couple of pieces of information – but was still full enough to be a complete answer so Kadin said

“I made a contract to bring to justice a man who had kidnapped a village child, and was accused of using dark magic, I tracked him down and there was a confrontation, this person then escaped. But I believe he had infected your magistrate at some stage with some sort of compulsion,

th some sort of compulsion,

ords would get a reaction – but he also knew he needed to be left to complete his mission so he spoke “I have been given information that he is travelling to the blasted lands.” Loud murmers broke out from every group of people there. There were looks of fear and uncertainty being shared by a few of the northern nobles who had lands close to the blasted land.

“Silence!” Rubias shouted and the hall quickly quietened down, again the vein on his head was popping and he gave Kadin a very annoyed look. But Kadin went on

“I intend to track him down and find him before he reaches his destination, and I will bring him to justice.” He finished.

The king looked a little shaken by the news, but to his credit he did recover quickly and after a few second he spoke “Very well, with the urgency of your news I seen no reason to delay your departure, I will ask the guild for additional support for this and I will ask my marshal to ready our army to defend the realm should things escalate in the north. Thank you for sharing this news with us Kadin – you may leave at your convenience. Lord Jadis, Lord Ashcroft please attend me to discuss plans for your lands.” With that Kadin was dismissed Rubias had stepped up beside him again bowed low to the king before muttering “Come!” to Kadin. As he was guided out of the hall he noticed a few concerned looks from some of the other people in the chamber, but when he finally got through the double doors Rubias turn on him and asked heatedly “What is the matter with you?!... Have you no Decor?!”

A little taken aback Kadin replied “It all seemed to go fine.”

“I will be punished for your lack of grace and poor manners!” Rubias said face red as he tried to control himself. After a few second he calmed enough to begin to escort Kadin out of the palace – but before they had done more than turn around a light female voice said from behind them

“Are you really going to the blasted lands?” they turned to the sound of the voice and in front of Kadin was a young woman pale light skin, with deep blue eyes – white blonde hair tied at the nap of her neck and cascading down her back over the sea blue gown she wore, tight at the waist with a revealing neckline before flaring out past the waist. She had on a white gold necklace with a blue sapphire the size of a child’s fist; she also wore a white gold tiara with another blue gem in its centre.

“Princess Amelia.” Rubias said bowing again, but the princess ignored Rubias and instead stared up at Kadin.

Realising she had asked a question and was still awaiting an answer Kadin spoke

“Not if I can help it, I hope I wont need to go that far.” She looked slightly disappointed and frowned but then went on

“You will report to me upon your return – I want to hear about your adventures.” She turned to leave at that but Rubias spoke

“Princess, is that wise? We need a sense of propriety.”

“You will do as I say Rubias.” The princess finished before flowing gracefully away and up one of the curving sets of stairs.

Rubias looked a little flustered but turned to Kadin and said “The princess requires your presence upon your return – please send word ahead of time.” Then proceeded to rush Kadin out of the palace before anyone else could approach.

Kadin found himself outside the main doors of the palace having them firmly closed behind him, there was no one else waiting to escort him out so he assumed that all was done and so he started on the pathway down the hill towards the exit to the square and hoped his horse would be ready for him when he got back to the guild hall. He looked back over his first visit to the palace and presentation to the King, despite Rubias actions and attitude Kadin relaxed and smiled to himself – he thought that went pretty well all things considered.