Escalation

As you quickly make your way through the halls towards the throne room, Iris shakes her head. “I can’t believe that worked.”

You chuckle. “I gave him too much to think about, plus I reminded him that he couldn’t really stop me if he refused. In the end, it makes sense to let me in. There’s more guards inside, and we’re a relatively small group.”

As you explain, you catch glimpses of eyes watching from the shadows. Despite your words, however, you notice a distinct lack of guards in the halls. Even as you approach the doors to the throne room, the palace seems almost empty except for the watchers in the shadows.

You stop and turn to the group as you reach the doors. “So here’s what we’re going to do. Unless you need to defend yourself, I don’t want anyone being aggressive. And no killing, even if they attack us.”

Uzume laughs. “I’ll do my best, but everyone is just so squishy!”

Sadie giggles. “And not in the good way!”

You roll your eyes. “Well, try your best, ok?”

Maya nods. “And what do we do if things go wrong?”

You shrug. “Stay close, and if it gets bad I can transport us out. But unless there’s an army in there, I doubt it’s going to come to that.”

The five of you turn towards the doors, and with a wave of your hand, you use your magic to swing them open. While there’s no army inside, it’s clear that no one is surprised by your arrival. As you walk in, you make note of the fact that there are still very few guards. There does seem to be plenty of people here, however, of a variety of undead races.

What immediately grabs your attention, however, is the woman on the throne at the head of the room. The undead you’ve seen so far have seemed relatively normal, with only things like an odd skin tone, or unusual eyes to indicate that they were once dead. However, the woman you assume to be Queen Mayella is clearly unwell. Her skin is pale as expected of a vampire, and her eyes a dimly glowing red. However, her long black hair is unkempt and greasy, her eyes seem sunken and unfocused, and she leans heavily on the arm of her throne. Her mouth hangs slightly open, completing the vacant expression on her face.

By contrast, the men standing on either side of her are alert and sharp eyed, both watching you closely as you approach. In the silence that fills the room, all you hear are the footsteps of your group on the hard stone floor. Stopping a respectful distance from the throne, you address the queen.

“Greetings, Queen Mayella. I am Emperor Josh of Athkalla. I have come because…”

The man to her right steps forward, interrupting you. Dressed in flowing, black robes, he appears to be extremely old, though his movements are strong and sure. He glares at you with green glowing eyes as he speaks. “We know who you are, slayer. And we have a good idea why, considering the traitor who stands beside you.”

He points a gnarled finger at Iris. “Give her to us and we’ll let you leave in peace.”

You shake your head. “My apologies, I assumed the sickly looking lady on the throne was the queen. Because that’s who I was speaking to, not whoever you are. Iris is under my protection, and I can see how valid her concerns are. So, which one of you is controlling your queen? You, or your silent partner over there.”

The man snarls at you. “I am Hektor, Queen Mayella’s chief advisor, and you will address me with respect, boy! You may have defeated the demon lord, but your army isn’t here to protect you.”

You smile. “Every time some jackass meets me, they think I’m just some upstart kid. You really shouldn’t assume things, you know, especially about someone in power. But by all means, keep threatening the person who rules everywhere but here.”

Beside you, Maya growls. “Or don’t, because that’s the smarter path.”

You lay a hand on her arm to calm her. Hektor looks at you, warily. “And now you threaten us? This cannot be allowed! Guards, seize them!”

You sigh as several guards approach. “Uzume, please take care of them. No killing.”

Uzume huffs. “Fine. Sometimes you’re no fun, Josh.”