Queen V

As they traversed the Academy's polished floors, the resounding echoes of the knights' armor reverberated across the hall, creating an imposing atmosphere. Walking alongside the queen, Lizabeth couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that seemed to permeate the air.

Turning to the knights with a raised brow, she inquired, "What urgent matter dares to disturb my time with my son?"

The knights, their demeanor respectful yet firm, bowed slightly before responding, "Apologies, Your Highness, but the king has summoned you."

Lizabeth's expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and curiosity flashing across her features. "Summoned me? For what purpose?"

The knights exchanged a brief glance before one of them spoke again. "We were not informed of the specifics, Your Highness, but the king's orders were clear."

With a nod of understanding, Lizabeth adjusted her pace, her thoughts swirling with questions and anticipation. What could the king possibly want with her now?

Approaching the grand entrance of the Academy, an intricately arranged escort awaited the queen's arrival. The knights, standing with unwavering discipline, acknowledged the queen's presence with a respectful nod. Lizabeth, accustomed to such formalities, entered the waiting cart.

The knights surrounded the cart, maintaining their vigilance as the wheels started to turn. The rhythmic clattering of hooves and the creaking of the carriage accompanied them on their journey to the royal quarters.

Inside the cart, Lizabeth found Silo, the figure who seemed to be well-acquainted with the king's affairs. Her expression conveyed a mix of curiosity and concern.

"What is the urgency that requires my immediate attention?" she inquired, her tone betraying a touch of impatience.

Silo, in his composed demeanor, replied, "I am afraid the king's orders were rather succinct. He desires your presence without much elaboration on the matter."

Lizabeth sighed, realizing the delicate nature of the situation. "Very well. But you must understand, Silo, the responsibilities of a queen also lie within my son's wellbeing. He is still in his formative years, and I would like to be present for him."

Silo, choosing his words carefully, responded, "I empathize, Queen Lizabeth. However, I am not privy to the king's motives. Perhaps the meeting will shed more light on the matter."

In the confines of the carriage, Lizabeth couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was transpiring. Silo, maintained his composure as he engaged in conversation with the queen.

"Tell me, Silo," Lizabeth probed, her eyes searching for any hints, "what do you make of all this secrecy? Is there truly a pressing matter, or is it merely the king's way of testing my patience?"

Silo's gaze met hers, and for a moment, the air seemed heavy with unspoken truths. "The king's intentions are known only to him," he replied diplomatically. "But rest assured, there are matters of great importance that require his attention."

As the carriage rolled on, the conversation danced around the uncertainties that lay ahead. Lizabeth's unease lingered, fueled by the mysterious nature of the summons and the vague explanations provided by Silo.

The sudden halt of the carriage jolted Lizabeth, and she peered through the opening as Silo addressed the issue with the obstructed path. The knight outside, clad in armor, reported that an obstacle was impeding their progress.

"What is the cause of this delay?" Lizabeth inquired with a mixture of impatience and concern.

Silo, his demeanor unruffled, replied, "It seems there's an obstruction in our path. We cannot afford to prolong the delay. Remove it swiftly."

The knight acknowledged the command and gestured to a group of his comrades. "You heard the advisor. Clear the way!" he ordered, and the knights dismounted, moving with purpose to address the impediment.

As they approached, it became evident that a fallen tree had blocked the narrow road. The knights, with coordinated effort, began to grapple with the obstacle. The sounds of metal against wood echoed through the air as they worked to swiftly eliminate the barrier that stood in the way of the queen's journey.

Inside the carriage, Lizabeth's curiosity mingled with a growing sense of tension. The unexpected halt and the urgency with which the obstacle was being addressed heightened her apprehension. Silo, however, remained stoic, his focus undeterred by the interruption.

The commander's stern voice echoed through the air, a cautionary reminder to the knights as they cautiously approached the fallen tree blocking their path. A sense of unease lingered, the atmosphere charged with tension. The knights, aware of potential threats, maintained a vigilant watch on their surroundings.

As they neared the fallen obstacle, the air crackled with an unexpected surge of danger. The tree's bark peeled away, revealing razor-sharp projectiles that shot through the air like deadly arrows. Chaos erupted as the projectiles found their marks, some knights falling victim to the unforeseen assault. The unexpected onslaught caught them off guard, turning the routine task of clearing a path into a chaotic struggle for survival.

The commander's voice cut through the chaos. "Ambush!" he bellowed, a rallying cry that sent shivers down the spines of the knights. The word echoed through the air, alerting everyone to the unseen threat that had descended upon them.

Amidst the pandemonium, the roots of the fallen tree animated, snaking out with a life of their own. Like serpents, they entangled and ensnared the knights, further complicating the dire situation. Panic and confusion spread among the ranks as the knights grappled with the sudden and mysterious assault.

The commander's voice bellowed orders, attempting to restore order and guide his men through the chaos. Some knights, still on high alert, scanned the surroundings for signs of an ambush, realizing that the situation had escalated beyond a mere obstacle on their path. The unforeseen danger had transformed their journey into a perilous encounter with an unknown adversary.

The knights, already caught off guard by the treacherous projectiles and animated roots, now faced the realization that this was no ordinary obstacle. Panic seized their ranks as they struggled to comprehend the sudden assault. Swords unsheathed, shields raised, and the knights formed a defensive perimeter around the carriage, shielding their passengers from the unforeseen danger.

Silo, seated inside the carriage with Queen Lizabeth, felt the abrupt change in the atmosphere. The air crackled with tension as the commander's warning reached their ears. Silo's instincts kicked in, and he moved swiftly, positioning himself protectively beside the queen. Lizabeth, though startled, maintained her composure, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of the ambushers.

Outside, chaos reigned as the knights fought against the mysterious assailants. Projectiles continued to rain down, and the animated roots proved a formidable adversary. The once routine journey had transformed into a desperate struggle for survival, and the commander's voice cut through the bedlam, attempting to restore order amid the ambush that had befallen them.

"Protect the queen!" The commander's authoritative voice boomed, cutting through the turmoil like a beacon of command. The knights, their training kicking in, shifted their focus to shield the most important passenger from harm. In unison, they formed a human barrier, determined to ensure Queen Lizabeth's safety amidst the chaotic onslaught.