Knights of the Realm ch. 4: Lies, Deceit, and Hidden Secrets

[Raiden]

Thomas slowly came back to consciousness, a foul smelling liquid placed under his nose. As he snorted away the fumes, the small beaker was pulled away.

Thomas took in his surroundings. He was in a vast throne room, and he could see the taxes of the city populace at work. There was gold wherever he looked, and rare jewels were tossed around like cheap baubles. A chandelier, which honestly looked like it was completely made of diamonds, hung from the ceiling, which had to have been 50 feet off the ground.

Thomas himself was attached to a metal platform with wheels. Chains hung from his neck, wrists, and ankles. The chains dangled down and attached to thick steel bolts on the platform. He wore his disguise clothing. His armor and swords were most likely stuck in some storage room somewhere. He couldn't find Samuel anywhere. He hoped that the hawk had enough smarts to fly to a safe spot. There was always the chance that the bird had been shot down with an arrow, but Thomas kept that from his mind.

In front of Thomas was a long, velvet carpet, lined with very large guards armed with pikes or longswords. The carpet lead from Thomas's platform to a very large throne. And on that throne, sat King Roland the VII. The king had an unpleasant smile on his face.

"Well, you're finally awake. I must say, I'm a little disappointed. I expected you Knights to charge the gate, not sneak in like common thieves. Speaking of which..."

King Roland turned to a messenger next to him.

"What's the status on the Thief of Life?"

The messenger bowed slightly.

"He was not captured with the Knights. It's suspected that he hid himself amongst the performers. We are currently interrogating every captured prisoner. We should find him soon."

"Good. Very good."

King Roland refocused his attention on Thomas. He laced his fingers, and sat down deep in his cushioned chair.

"Now, where are my manners? A good host should always keep his guests comfortable. I used the good chains for you and your friends. How do they feel?"

Thomas spat, the saliva hit the shining tile with a small splat, and stood out greatly against the otherwise clean floor.

"I've been better. You couldn't give me a pillow or anything, could you?"

*Meanwhile*

A guard clacked his sword against the iron bars of the cell. The Knights were all inside the cell, attached to strong chains. Kratos was truly covered in chains, his strength a known factor.

"Alright, kiddos. Time to take your medecine."

Several soldiers went into the cell, carrying small potions.

"These potions will erase your disguises so we can correctly identify you."

Some of the Knights shyed away from the beakers. The guard smirked.

"Look, either you be good little Knights and drink up your medicine, or we'll slip it into your drinking water later on."