SWNOVELS Chapter 9
The following morning, the council had already prepared their lies. The thought of causing the people to panic at the thought that Forsaken had appeared within the capitol was more than anyone could bear. As to what to tell everyone, now that an obvious confrontation had occurred and damage had accrued, took some deliberation.
The council informed the entire capital that a band of brigands had attempted to break into the lower levels of the castle in search of plunder. They also told everyone that, when confronted, they split off into different directions and that many were captured within the labyrinth while others went to ground within the halls of the honorable dead and attempted to resist the group of knights who confronted them.
The council told everyone that the situation had been resolved with the bandits having been brought to justice but many of the memorials within the halls had been damaged and that visitors would be barred until the damage could be repaired. Each and every one of the knights who had been involved that night knew these things to be lies but all were sworn to secrecy so as to keep from causing a panic within the city. For them, it was silence or face being branded as traitors to Valascaana.
Talia could not help but feel that the council was trying to conceal the truth in light of the upcoming games. They could not afford for the other nations to see them as weak at this time or appear that they were vulnerable. Now that the day of the games had arrived, the townspeople had seemingly forgotten the incident all together. Talia and the others had attempted to bury themselves with their preparations and were ready to see if their efforts were going to pay off.
The first round of games was to begin later that day. The whole town was in a bustle over which teams they were rooting for. It had also become much busier within the last few days, as visitors from across the sea and ocean had arrived to cheer for their respective teams. Talia had never seen such a wide assortment of characters in her life. The noise alone was intense and it seemed the only places where she could find some quiet were at the training grounds or outside of town in her private sanctuary.
She knew that she would be competing tonight. The rules for the games were simple. Three knights from each squad would compete in each of the games and be assigned points based upon how well they performed. Members on the same team would not be required to fight one another if all three should move to the final round. The team with the most total accumulated points at the end would be the winners of the particular sport. The first of the games was to be swordsmanship and she was eagerly awaiting her chance to prove herself.
The three members of team Kaldur who had been chosen to compete in this game were Eliza, Rowan and herself. She had no idea or any way of knowing who she would be facing off against. She did manage to take some solace in the fact that no matter how well she performed, that she would not have to square off against Rowan or Eliza. At the same time, however, she lamented the thought of facing her other fellow Valorian knights.
Knowing exactly how busy she would be during the afternoon and evening, Talia decided that it was time to see Kristiana, so that she could gain access to Alec and tend to him.
“Please may I pass, I need to speak with lady Kristiana?” Talia asked as she attempted to pass the pair of guards barring her access to the castle.
“We are sorry miss but you see there is just too much commotion in the town today for us to allow anyone access. You will have to wait until later in the day when the grounds are open for everyone.” Talia turned away as directed and began to think of another way. As she walked, she could hear the sounds of the crowd cheering in the stands, a sign that the imperial council had begun to arrive. There would be an opening announcement, while the servants prepared for the games and a grand feast following to celebrate the day’s victors. She continued to wander in a daze while she searched for another way to get into the labyrinth.
“Miss Relina?” Talia did not notice at first until a gentle hand rested upon her shoulder and she felt someone lean in close to whisper into her ear.
“My lady Talia.” Talia stopped, her eyes wide with fear. Slowly, she turned and came face to face with an elderly woman, garbed in the traditional red and white robes the Aneiran priestesses of Valascaana wore.
“Do not worry,” the woman spoke. “I would not reveal the identity of one such as you. My name is Mayella, I am here on behalf of Lady Kristiana. She informs me while, regrettably, she cannot join me for this morning’s prayer that you might wish to lend a poor old woman some assistance. At my age it has become quite difficult to maneuver about within the maze.” The woman winked at Talia and she now realized that this was Kristiana’s way of helping her.
“I would be most delighted,” Talia responded gleefully, relieved that she would be allowed to see Alec. The old woman turned and braced herself on her walking stick as she led Talia towards the entrance to the labyrinth.
“One moment, please.” They were stopped by the guards as they approached the entrance.
“I am high priestess of this temple. It is my duty to tend to the altar within.”
“It is not my wish to impede your access, high priestess Mayella but we have strict orders to allow only you or the Lady Kristiana to enter.”
“This young knight,” Mayella pointed to Talia, “has been ordered by the Lady Kristiana, to assist me with my duties within. Do you wish now to impede and ignore her orders?” The guard swallowed hard as his hands began to tremble.
“My apologies, I had no idea.” Talia obtained a heightened level of respect for Eliza’s mother.
“We shall not report this incident to her. Thank you for your service.” Mayella spoke as she and Talia made their way passed.
“And thank you for your cooperation.” The guard answered back. They left the entrance to the labyrinth behind them and within a few minutes, they had arrived at its center.
“Carry about your business dear. Do not mind me.” The old woman spoke as she shooed Talia towards the Aneiran blossom. Talia turned back and faced Mayella after a few steps.
“Did you wish to see him?”
“Oh I do not think that will be necessary. The first time he and I spoke, my involvement proved to be most inconvenient for him. I think for now he could do without my meddling.” Talia looked to the old woman confused. The high priestess simply smiled as she began to walk away. “I was the one tasked with bringing Aurora’s judgment unto him. You should have seen the look on his face that day.”
“Why was he frightened?” Talia could not see Mayella’s face but the tone in her voice hinted that she was smiling.
“No. In fact he looked identical to his father.” Talia quickly spun but Mayella had already left.