[41.4] Leveling the Playing Field

As the four of us sailed closer to the island, I could see several boats already there. Cyrus hopped onto the beach and held out his arms.

I grinned and jumped down, where he caught me skillfully.

He placed me down on the ground and averted his gaze to look at the crowd surrounding the King who had already been waiting.

After conducting a head count, the King started his speech, "Today we are gathered here to start the first test for the Throne competition. As you know, each participant and their Royal Magician must step into the magic circle together where they will be transported someplace randomly on the island. Each group must maneuver the traps and tricks of the island to get through the maze. This test is meant to test whether you can act quickly and make fast decisions as is required of leadership. In the case of an emergency or if you give up on the maze, please create a bright beam of light into the sky. Our Royal Guards are ready to rescue those in the rare case of an emergency. However, be warned. Using the emergency beacon will automatically result in your expulsion from the competition."

I felt something poking at my instincts, causing a tingling sensation. When I looked around to see why I felt the way I did, I caught sight of a strange fog on the horizon. As I watched it, I was plagued by an ominous sinking feeling.

The King's booming voice echoed throughout the oddly serene island, "Let the first test begin!"

Cyrus reached out to grab my hand, "Are you ready?"

I turned to look at him and gave a nod, "Ready when you are."

Together, we stepped into the magic circle.

___…..___

Moni sat in a large leather chair next to a small end table. There was a half-drawn sketch that was abandoned for the drink that was now in his hand. He swirled the drink, ignoring the piercing orange eyes that reflected off of it.

Rose yawned as she leaned over on the chair in front of her that faced the view of a vast lake. In the distance was an island with several boats surrounding it.

Moni drummed his fingers on the desk as he stared at the island.

Rose spoke up, "You don't seem very happy."

He hummed, "It's this entire competition. It's so redundant and tedious. Humans will always choose a King or Queen that comes from money and influence. Why bother wasting time making it seem like it's fair?"

"I never thought you cared much for human politics."

"I don't." He placed his drink down and stood up. He walked over to the window, "However, seeing them participate in such a childish test makes me embarrassed for them. I suppose I should be kind for once and help them out."

Rose raised an eyebrow, "What do you intend to do?"

"Make things fair."

His orange eyes started to pulse as unintelligible whispers echoed throughout the room.

The shadows around him started to grow more erratic as a fog suddenly started to cover the island.