Thronegarden by Andrew Dickerson (top rated books of all time .txt) 📕

box was opened, and a powerful magical artefact was shown to the court. “This object was discovered in the defendant’s possession on his capture,” Scroll read from a detailed account. “Though the object’s exact purpose is unknown, we are certain that it has magical properties and that Blakast sought to wield these against the Throne for his own disturbed purposes.”

Damselfly caught a glimpse of the magical item as it was revealed to those in attendance. It appeared to be a silver vial engraved with ancient runes. Such artefacts were rare in Fable, stranger still was finding an individual who could actually use that power for themselves. Damselfly thought it strange that Blakast was not a sorcerer, yet had the knowledge to wield such a powerful magical object.

“Tyten, you personally witnessed this item in the defendant’s possession?” Scroll asked.

Tyten stepped forward with a soldier’s bearing.

His back was straight with both shoulders pulled down, allowing his head to remain high.

“I did,” Tyten swore.

“Then we have established that Blakast broke into the castle with a dangerous magical weapon in his possession, yet we have not discovered why,” Scroll narrated.

“He came to kill the king,” Tyten responded.

Damselfly found the soldier so dignified that she could never imagine him lying.

“How did you come to that conclusion?” Scroll posed.

“We discovered Blakast in the royal apartments after some guards were found injured. He was attempting to enter the king’s private chambers when he was apprehended,” Tyten explained.

Damselfly was surprised to learn that Blakast had actually gotten into the royal apartments. She could not have been far away when the attack occurred although she had known nothing of it at the time.

“How were you able to subdue the accused?” Scroll questioned.

“The defendant was already subdued when we arrived,” Tyten revealed.

“Lady Luyna had challenged the intruder when he attempted to break into the king’s room. She managed to overpower Blakast with magic and stop him before he could bring his evil plan to fruition.”

“Lady Luyna is unable to attend today’s proceedings though her full written account is available for public record,” Scroll announced.

Damselfly could tell by Judge Vale’s disinterest in proceedings that Blakast had been found guilty a long time ago and his fate was inevitable. Judge Vale had gained a reputation for being a ruthless overseer. There was no sign of mercy and though Blakast appeared oblivious to his circumstances they were bleak indeed.

“Based on Lady Luyna and Tyten’s accounts along with the magical item found in Blakast’s possession, while trespassing in the royal apartments, the prosecution submits to the court for judgement.”

Judge Vale seemed to come alive as his part came to the fore. Damselfly felt a shiver run down her spine as she caught a glimpse of Judge Vale’s cold eyes.

“Blakast the usurper, I find you guilty of high treason and sentence you to eternal exile in the Evergarden,” Judge Vale condemned.

“May you live forever with your sins.”

As Tyten stepped forward to take the prisoner away, Blakast seemed to become alert, struggling against the soldiers who determinedly led him out of the court.

“My mistress will avenge me,” the usurper screamed. “You are all doomed.”

While Tyten along with his guards escorted Blakast away, the prisoner’s words continued to ring threateningly around the room. Though Judge Vale looked bored with these dramatics, Damselfly wondered if Blakast was really working for someone else and if so when they would reveal their identity.

“We should be able to slip past them now while they are distracted,” Rat beckoned.

As they descended from their hideout, Damselfly could still hear Blakast’s threats echoing down the corridor.

“My mistress will come for you all.”

Orion was frustrated with his duties; he should be tending the queen rather than handling prisoners and chasing a spoiled princess around the castle. Since his youth the sorcerer had a penchant for healing; such magic was extremely complex and rare among his kind. His sister, Luyna, might have greater magical power than him, yet she could never hope to match his ability in the healing arts. Orion had been surprised when he did not immediately stumble upon Damselfly; the princess had hardly ever left the royal apartments and the castle was a vast web of people who would certainly recognise their future queen. As Orion passed through each level without finding any sign of Damselfly, he became suspicious that she was not acting alone; could someone, have kidnapped the princess? It seemed highly unlikely although not impossible and Orion hastened in his search. By the time he reached the lowest levels of the castle, Orion was certain he had overtaken his quarry; there seemed no chance that the princess could have come this far, even with assistance. Just as Orion was preparing to retrace his steps, he noticed someone watching him from the shadows and without hesitation he snatched the figure into the light.

“Who are you?” Orion questioned.

“My name is Rat, sir. You’re hurting my arm.”

Orion looked over the dirty child with disinterest. He let the boy go, knowing that force could come later if necessary, although it was unlikely this Rat had anything of worth to offer.

“Have you seen a young girl around here?” Orion asked.

“No,” the boy replied, averting his eyes.

“She might have been accompanied by a talking rabbit,” the sorcerer probed.

Rat looked up at this description, locking eyes briefly before looking down and shaking his head.

“Tell me what you know.” Orion managed to calm his eagerness.

“I don’t know nothing, sir,” Rat lied unconvincingly.

Orion was beginning to lose patience. Before he attempted to intimidate the child, he decided on a slightly different strategy.

“There is a reward for information,” the sorcerer offered.

“What kind of reward?” Rat enquired curiously.

Orion produced a silver coin from thin air, a cheap trick but one that worked sufficiently on a young boy.

“Where is the girl?”