4 Chapter 3

Magnificent golden braziers, half encompassing each of the six granite columns light up the entire throne hall,  allowing shadows to play and dance where light cannot reach. the intricate golden patterns on the layered ceiling dance in the flickering light while gargoyles and marble icons look down upon the smoothly polished floor of this imposing hall.

A sapphire rug runs down from the throne for a few meters before coming to an end while rounded banners with glided sigils cover parts of the walls. Between each banner, a few of them have been lit and in turn illuminate the mosaics of legendary creatures below them. Massive windows are framed by draperies, colored the same sapphire as the banners. The curtains have been adorned with intricate emboidery and impressive needlework.

A stately massive throne of gold sits beneath an almost entirely close baldachin and is flanked by four , but far less ornate seats for those closest to the royal highness, the Elders. The throne is covered in divine sculptures and fixed on both feet and arm rest are skulls made from black diamonds- very rare gem. The throne area is on a more raised platform, making anyone who sits there look down at everyone like insects.

Those who wish to have an audience with their royal highness can do so on the polished floor. No seats provided for them, so, that gives them no option but to bow throughout the meeting.

Seated around the throne were four human like creatures, which were referred to as elders by the city. They look physically old but mentally agile. They posses the face of old men, but with some differences. Sharp teeth replaced the normal dentition, yellow fangs dropped from the corner of their lips. Their white hair dropped like waterfall from their head, reaching the lower part of their back. Tunics ran from their left shoulders down to their feet, leaving an opening in the arms, revealing some body armor.

Their armor differ in designs but someone with keen eyes would see that they were crafted by the same blacksmith because of some characteristics that were possessed by all.

Starting from the two at the left side of the throne, if the view is from the audience stand, the elder on the extreme had a snow white tunic with the craft of a lion on his armor, the next having a red and the design of a falcon. Moving to the extreme right of the throne, there sat the jade black robed elder with an intricate design of a bear, then the last having a mint green tunic and an armor designed with the emblem of a desert scorpion.

They all had faces white with fear and their gazes directed at the throne on which sat the Supreme One.

Right in the middle of the four elders, sitting on the gigantic gargantuan golden throne, sat a man, more like a beast because no human could possess his characteristics and physique. He is as hairy as the northern bear and as bulky as a troll, his muscles graced his body like the giants', his presence commanding and emanating a dark aura which had a stint of evil and magic. His height towers more than any human known, making him the tallest man in the kingdom. His throne was perfectly made for him. His torso as wide as a tree, his bulging muscle gracing his shirtless body, making his feeble elders look like babies, his golden hair binded in a ponytail. even though he is shirtless, he wears bones of humans- children to be precise as necklace, a golden armor also matches the grey bones,  different shapes of the legendary dragon made with black diamonds carved on it.

Rumor has it that he was once a human, a former trusted adviser of the last true king, but lust for power made him turn towards dark magic, which ultimately changed his appearance and drove him insane. They said he could summon creatures of the dark and he also has a dragon but all we're telltales since no one has seen it yet.

"What did you say?" The Supreme One voiced out, his face etched with worries and a hint fear in his eyes, his voice so dominating that  it seems to shake the floor and make the windows rattle.

"Your Majesty..." A shrill voice started,  the voice rang out from an old woman, so old that she couldn't stand well, all her weight supported by a staff. No trace of black hair can be found on her. Her darkly tanned and hard skin brings a proof that she's spent most of her days in the sun, her tattered clothes adds more to the proof. "...according to the prophecy, a moon to come to be precise, a lad shall be awakened of his powers, his strength shall continue to grow and so shall his armies from different tribes..." She paused, her voice was shaking, not from fear, but from exhaustion. It was as if she's travelled leagues to deliver this message.

The Supreme Being was definately not smiling, his face burried in his palms. He was deep in thoughts. He is aware of this prophecy but he's taking measures against it. He had all male children be enlisted into the army or turned to slave so as to make them work under him. He hoped to curb him but it seems his efforts are proving futile.

Even though he didn't believe in so called fates, he will have to believe them, since he found out that his uprising to the throne and many other of his deeds have been recorded in the Book of Books, which was found two moons ago deep in the castle ruins.

"...they shall march upon your castle and destroy everything you depend on. Your reign of tyranny shall be brought to an end by this lad and with the help of his friends, you shall be brought to your knees. He shall become king and give hope to the people. You shall die."

The last sentence brought chills to the Supreme Being's body. Cold sweat travelled down his face. He has never been afraid like this. No man nor beast had made him shiver like this. No. He's immortal. Nobody can defeat him. Not even the gods. He's the Supreme Being. He holds everyone's life in his hands, he told himself adamantly.

"W-where can I find him?" he asked without thinking.

"I shall say no more" the old woman laughed. She turned towards the great doors, taking her leave.

The Supreme Being has become more impatient. His breathing difficult, his mind racing with questions he wants to ask the woman, but she is toying with him! This lowlife is toying with him!

"Have I dismissed you?" He shouted.The floor trembled this time, the windows shook as if there was an incoming earthquake.

"I choose when I wish to leave..." the old woman laughed like a lunatic, her staff jabbing the polished floor, giving a resounding echo. "...I came on my own accord and I will exit thesame way...sire" she blurted out sarcastically.

The Supreme Being's patience has passed it's peak, he strained to control his anger.

"Seize her!" This time, the windows cracked, then shattered, leaving shards of glasses flying everywhere.

Forth came five guards, their spears drawn forward, their silver helmet reflecting the purple sun rays. They seemed ready to stab the old woman, but they dare not, out of extreme fear of the Supreme Being. The old woman continued walking towards them as if nothing happened. Her laugh infuriated the Supreme Being, it surprised the elders and made the guards cautious.

She tapped her staff of the ground three times and she vanished- into thin air- like she was never there. The guards stood motionless, fear written boldly on their heads, the elders were wide-eyed. Nobody could use magic in the whole kingdom- well, with the exception of the king and some selected few but others who had it never dared to use it. Nobody wants to be beheaded. This woman just used it boldly! Right in front of the king!

"Magic!" the Supreme Being cursed, the old woman's laughs still lingered in the air.

Legend has it that his doom will be caused by his own blood.

***

As Lydan made his way towards the Neverless, screams and cries,  swords being unsheathed, fire cackling and different sounds of woes can be heard from his rear. Part of him had wanted to turn back,  run to the villagers and help them but another thought prevented him,  telling him he couldn't do anything.

The Empire soldiers had been patrolling, scouting for any rebellious group by the order of the Supreme One. They by chance saw the Neverless, docked at their shores, wanting to tour the mountain.

They never knew a settlement was beneath it, but for safety precautions, scouts were sent to secure the area. Who knows what kind of creature could be lurking around the Neverless. The scouts had seen signs of habitation and had reported back to the commander.

So,  in the conquest to dominate all lands,  they decided to take them captives, aiming to take them to the capital when they're done with their exploration.

Since the scouts said it was a minute habitat with no form of security,  they need no strategy nor formation, they just attacked with half of their soldiers, aiming to capture them in a jiffy.

Weaving through bushes and paths just to avoid been spotted by the enemy, Lydan could sight the Neverless just right in front of him. His excitement and anxiety increased but was soon cut short as an arrow whizzed pass him.