Chapter 24 - The King's Mystery

 Music Inspiration

Chapter 24

The King's Mystery

Marianne was standing in front of the carriage.
The plan was clear. Whoever leaked the document to her wants her to reach the king.
There and only there would it end.
There, and only there, would she learn why she was more important than the document.
The circle must close in the throne room.
Ascendary nudged her and she stroked him.
Then she got in.
Opposite her sat Danny and Cecile, next to her Duke.
Sedalia drove the carriage, next to her sat Dexter.
Lysander, Ascendary and Vasques had their own routes, Marianne had learned.
Ascendary in particular must not attract attention before reaching the throne room.
"It's strange," Duke said.
"What do you mean?" asked Marianne.
"Why the king, of all people. He has not been seen in public for years." Duke was thoughtful.
"Yes, that's strange. Many don't even know what the king looks like. His entourage acts on his behalf. But the document says you have to hand it over to the king in person, right?" asked Danny.

Marianne nodded.
"But the document is only a minor matter, what's the point of bringing ME to the king?" Marianne sighed.
"We'll find out," Cecile said.
"The king was last seen just before the Denerias incident. Then he withdrew and everything his
followers. The people are doing well, so no one has ever questioned it," Duke said.
The carriage drove through the dark forest and in the distance the light of the exit came closer.
"Why did the Inquisition never question the king?" asked Sedalia on the coachman's box.
"Because there was never a reason. At least not for my leading brothers. Not as long as they were paid," Dexter replied.
"You mean...?"
"Yes. Corruption. And I've wanted to put an end to all this for a long time. Thanks to Marianne, I think I can do it."
"But why?"
"Everything begins with the king and everything ends there."
"Let's hope so. We're leaving the forest now." Sedalia continued to push the horses.
The carriage left the forest and drove onto a road.
This road went to the main town with the castle.
Suddenly, a loud roar sounded above them.
"What the...?" Dexter stared up.
A great black dragon fell from the sky.
ASTAROTH!