David Bishop and the Legend of the Orb by T.C. Crawford (tools of titans ebook .txt) 📕

“What? No…. well, at least I don’t intend to! But I know that’s what he’s saying that traitorous scum!” shouted the King in anger.

“Then what happened? How did he convince the soldiers to take you prisoner? He said you were acting like a mad man, shouting about prophecy and the return of the Defiant One. He said you intended to release him” asked Tyrius, eager to get to the bottom of the riddle that was eating away at the back of his mind.

“Well…yes, some of that is true, but it’s not what he says! He’s twisted it around on me and he knows it! He didn’t let me explain!”

Tyrius could tell the King was very agitated, so he tried a different approach.

“Your majesty tell me what is going on. Why were you so upset about the prophecy?” he urged gently.

“Ah yes…the prophecy…” the King began, “I was in my study and something overcame me. I suddenly had this urgent need to look over the books of prophecy, specifically those regarding the orb of power. I found the part that mentioned the warrior and his role that would come in facing the pending darkness. I looked it over and over, trying to find what it was I was looking for, but nothing would satisfy my sense of urgency. Frustrated, I left and returned to my chambers, but then suddenly, a vision came to me along with such clarity as I have never experienced before.” The King paused, seemingly deep in thought.

“Go on, your majesty.” urged Tyrius.

“Oh? Yes, yes…where was I?” the King continued, “I had a vision, so real, as if it were happening all around me. It showed such devastation, such destruction…it was horrifying. I could see a massive army of darkness. It was invading my kingdom, and I was powerless to stop it. My own soldiers had turned against me, I could see them fighting each other, some killing innocent women and children…I could hear their screams of horror, crying out to me to help them.” His voice began to quiver.

“Suddenly, a thundering voice echoed all around me. It told me that…that the Defiant One would be released, that it was the only way to ensure the survival of the kingdom….and of the world. I saw this object in my hand, it was emitting such incredible power…then I watched as it was slammed into the ground. It began to shake, the whole earth was shaking, so violently it began to tear, and out of the depths I could see his eyes – they pierced my soul, Tyrius…” He looked down, confused by his own words, but vehemently convinced of the truth of them.

“Tyrius, that voice…I don’t know how I know this, but it was the voice of the Creator God. He was warning me of what is to come. I know it doesn’t make any sense, I don’t understand why He would want to unleash such a devastation onto our earth again…if the stories are true, God help us…” he finished and began sobbing uncontrollably into his hands.

“My dear friend…I do not know what it is that you saw or heard, but I assure you, we will get to the bottom of this. The General is up to something. I suspect he may have something to do with what is going on, though, I cannot be sure. I can promise you one thing though, the Elders will know soon enough of what has come to pass, and they will come for us. We will help you get your kingdom back and help set the record straight!”

The King stopped and slowly looked up at his old friend and trusted advisor. “I sure do hope you’re right, Tyrius. I don’t think we have much time…no…not much time at all.”

With those words, the King leaned back against the cold stone wall of the dungeon and closed his eyes.

Once he was sure the King was asleep Tyrius sat in the middle of the room and closed his eyes to concentrate his thought on the task at hand. He had to get a message to the remaining Elders to let them know he had been captured. As he sat meditating in the darkness, he could feel the strong presence of malice growing within the castle walls.

Suddenly he remembered the strange green flicker in the General’s eyes before he was taken away. He searched deep within his memory to try and find why that light caused him so much concern, but he was at a loss. He made a mental note to tell the rest of the council about what he saw when they spoke again.

Once he was sure he had gathered enough energy, he let out a great sigh. The signal had been sent. The Elders would know that he was in danger and Erin would have told them by now that he was at the castle to see the King.

They would know what to do. They would come for him.

Chapter VII

The Elders all stood in shock as an incredible sense of fear and anger filled their hearts. This news was very troubling, and something was wrong within the palace - they could sense it through their link with Tyrius. The Master Elder was the first to recover his wits and he spoke out in a clear but urgent tone.

“David, Erin, listen closely to me, as we may not have much time. You must leave the city as soon as possible. Gather what supplies you can, but only take what you need for a short trip, a day, two at most. You don’t want to be slowed down with a heavy burden, it will only hinder your pace, and speed is of the essence, I fear…” said the Master Elder.

“What do you mean, we just got here!” objected Erin, panic rising in her chest.

“I know child, I know…but an urgent matter at the palace has just come to our attention