The Crimson Guard who was held captive by the Rebels, finally reached the King’s palace. His bare feet exposed and bloody, his face beaten and bruised, he was almost certain his ribs were broken. He trekked up the palace, every step more difficult than the last, at one point he was forced to use his elbows to pull him up the never-ending steps. Until he finally breached the entryway to the conference hall.

  “My King, I bring news” he yelled, the man folded over trying to catch his breath. The entire room fell silent. The soldier interrupted an important small meeting. The room was full of the King’s counselors, five influencers from various walks of life. They advised the King from areas of financing the crown to military warfare. These men guided the King through every decision both fair and cruel. All eyes stared at the bloody man.

  The King’s posture remained regal with opulence. He sat on his throne, the velvet cushion made him feel like he was seated upon a cloud. When looked at the doorway, his face twisted at the sight of the guard. He covered his nose with a silk handkerchief.

  “What news is so urgent you didn’t have time to tend to your wounds?” the King inquired, he feigned genuine concern in his tone.

  The Crimson Guard wheezed vehemently, his breath jagged and uneven. “My King, there is a magic user, she-” the King interjected. “Leave us” he demanded, his counselors lifted from their seats quickly. They knew not to stir the King’s wrath. One of his advisors in particular, was surprisingly elegant on his feet for such a large man. Rolls of fat bounced under his silk robes as he rushed to the doorway. Though his advisors were dismissed, the Crimson Guards maintained their positions. Cobalt entered as the leaders made their exit.

  “Now as you were saying” he motioned for him to come closer. The soldier staggered forward, he fell to his hands and knees.

  “My liege, there is a magic user among us,” he blurted out, his gaze faced the ground.

  “Magic how can you be sure?” he refuted.

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  “She made the men of my troop shoot themselves.” he responded, he kept trying to regain his breath. The King’s eyes widened,

  “I saw her do it, she said something to them and then they pointed their muskets at their own heads.” the King leaned forward in his chair. He wondered if it was her.

  “This girl, what did she look like?” he asked, he kept a cool composure, but secretly he thirsted for details.

  “I-I don’t know my lord I didn’t see her face only her hair, it was white as snow”. The King stroked his chin, a few days of stubble had formed on his face. Was it possible she was still alive, but how could she this didn’t make sense. In any case he needed to be sure it was her.

  “Do you have proof? Lying to the King is a great offense.” the King warned in a friendly manner. He stood fixed his attire and casually stepped down from his throne.

  “My liege I would never, I know the penalty for such a crime” he cried. The King paced back and forth for a moment, then he stopped in front of him. He examined the soldier, a puddle of blood formed around his toes.

  “You need someone to look at those feet,” the King placed a hand on the man’s shoulder. He needed this to be kept quiet. Surely no one would believe a lowly Crimson Guard, but still this was a delicate situation, he couldn’t afford anyone to step out of line. The King nodded at his guards.

  “Thank you my King” he pleaded. Two burly Crimson Guards grabbed the man by each arm. He struggled, but with little success.

  “Wait my King, I’m telling the truth” he shouted. He kicked and screamed trying to free himself. His eyes wide as plates, he couldn’t believe the Just King he spent his youth serving would imprison him for speaking the truth. He stopped resisting.

  “I know you are” he muttered, they locked eyes as the Crimson Guards carried him off. The King turned and walked back to his throne.

  “Father” Cobalt interjected, “Would you like for me to get the truth out of him” Cobalt bowed.

  “Were you not listening?” he said, his words became a whip. Cobalt stepped back, he sensed his father was hiding something.

  He turned around and looked at his son. “My dear boy, no, he’s not lying I knew this day would come.” The King plopped down in his seat. Frustration flooded him, he rubbed his temples, “I need you to find this girl with white hair, I don’t care how you do it, bring her to me.” the King commanded, a sigh left him.

  “Alive” he reminded him.

  “Of course My King” an eerie smile formed on Cobalt’s face.