Chapter Seventeen - The Trial

Ailith was relieved that she wasn't being led blindly down the castle corridors this time.

A new pair of Shuguatum cuffs was shackled to her wrists before the Marshal and his Knights escorted her. They kept her at sword-point, anxious over her every movement, even if she was just breathing.

On their journey, Ailith occasionally glanced towards the Marshal, watching him keep a careful eye on her. His helmet was removed, revealing the bearded and chiselled face of a man in his mid-thirties. With a brawny, well-refined physique, Ailith didn't favour her odds if it came to a fight. However, there was a curious voice crying out in the back of her mind, urging her not to escape.

Why was the King summoning her? Was she to be released? Did the princess reveal how their encounter actually played out?

Beside her, Fethawi hovered along. The wooden individual showed no sign of concern or apprehension like the Knights, even when it turned to stare at Ailith. She offered a warm smile. ''You're the first Drasa I've ever met.''

''That is interesting,'' the response wasn't mean-spirited in any way. Fethawi spoke like a blank slate. Ailith searched for a mouth, wondering how it could speak without one.

Ailith flinched when she felt the Marshal quicken his pace, his arm almost within touching distance of hers. ''Just so you're aware, you shouldn't speak unless you are spoken to. If you want any chance of proving your innocence, you'll do as instructed. Understood?''

Hope swelled inside her. This was the first hint she had received that there was a chance for her to walk free from this madness. She gazed up at him. ''Are my Mama and Papa safe?''

He didn't tower over her like Anoke, but he did need to peer down. ''How are they involved?''

''They aren't! I was worried that me being arrested would get them in trouble.''

A single brow rose and his eyes narrowed, studying her and taking in all the slight changes in her expression. ''They're fine. We want to hear more from you before we take any further actions. If what the princess has said is true, you shouldn't worry about them.''

Ailith's smile temporarily returned.

''Don't feel elated yet,'' he scowled. ''There's still another matter that needs to be addressed, like how you slipped into the castle without detection.''

''It's not what you think...''

''I'm not the one you need to convince.''

They approached a large double door coated in red with the Arsalan flag proudly exhibited. Another Knight rushed to push them open, revealing the throne room inside.

Massive braziers were attached to the columns, their light illuminating the hall with a fiery radiance. The ceiling arched outwards and the stain glass windows shone in the flickering light, reflecting a multitude of colours on the mosaic floor. Hefty windows concealed coloured curtains adorned with fine patterns and impressive needlework. A lilac rug ran down the hall, from the entrance Ailith had stepped through, all the way to the end. On a triad of lavish thrones, two were occupied. King Kiros eyed her intently while the princess sat on the far side, cocking her head down and fiddling with her hands on her lap.

A chill crept up Ailith's spine and her face burned until she was sweating.

''Enter.'' The King commanded.

The Marshal and his Knights bowed respectfully. Before Ailith could think of doing the same thing, she was nudged in the back and ushered further inside. Behind her, Fethawi turned to leave and the doors closed behind, sealing Ailith off from the outside world once again. As she shuffled along, she looked from side to side, noticing many more Knights taking a seat on maple benches, all facing the thrones in a V-shape.

The Marshal's hand grabbed her arm, stopping her when she stood between the final rows of benches before the thrones. She didn't know where to look, feeling dizzy despite finally standing still.

''Before we begin,'' King Kiros started. ''I want you to answer a few questions. A simple yes or no will do. Understand?''

Ailith gulped. ''Yes.''

''Your name is Ailith Natia, is that correct?''

Chills spread across her body after hearing her full name come from the King's mouth. She hastily nodded. ''Yes.''

''You are Arsalan-born?''

''Yes.''

''You entered yourself into the tournament of might, two days prior, is that correct?''

Had it already been two days? It felt like a lifetime ago. What did her parents think had become of her in that time?

''Is that correct?'' Kiros's voice boomed, scaring Ailith out of her thoughts.

''Y-yes, your highness.''

The King raised his hand sharply. ''You refer to me as your majesty. My daughter, you address as your highness. Why do people not understand? There's a clear difference between...'' Before he rambled for too long, the goliath of a man fidgeted in his seat and took a moment to regain his composure. He extended his arm to one of the benches. ''Lord Bricen, if you will?''

The gentleman in smart robes emerged from the pack and hurried over to the centre of the hall. Before anything else, he bowed, only straightening after Kiros waved him on. He adjusted his robes, clutching his hands onto the fabric and kept a poised elegance in his slow stride close to Ailith. ''Ailith Natia of Arsalan has been summoned under the suspicion of conspiracy to bring harm to the royal family...''

Ailith squirmed on the spot and turned to see the glares the Knights threw in her direction. Her words of defence were ready to pass her lips when she felt a fist jab firmly into her back. It was enough to make her wince but didn't cause any real pain. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw the Marshal slowly shake his head while locking eyes with her. She blinked and returned her gaze to Bricen, who was still pacing close by.

''First, we are going to hear her side of the story. Hopefully, we will get answers as promptly as possible,'' he paused and turned to face the thrones. Extending his arm in the direction of the princess in dramatic fashion, he lifted his chin and continued. ''Princess Nassandra has already privately detailed her description of the events to me.''

Bricen returned his attention to Ailith. A dark, somewhat challenging sneer was plastered on his face. ''Now, I want you to tell us everything, right from the beginning. If I hear something that contradicts the princess's story, I have every right to silence and condemn you on the spot. Are we clear?''

There was hesitation in Ailith's gesture, and Bricen spotted it. He narrowed his eyes and waited for her reply. ''What do you mean beginning?''

''Let's start from where I last saw you, after your exit from the tournament.''

Those words stung.

Ailith frowned and shuffled her feet. ''After I lost...'' she swallowed and stared down at the ground. ''I was so disappointed in myself. I came to this tournament to win. But, despite my best efforts, I couldn't win my first fight...''

Suddenly, Kiros interjected with an entertained tone. ''Don't be too harsh. You gave us a glorious show...'' he stopped when all eyes turned to him. He cleared his throat. ''Sorry, carry on.''

Even though she felt trapped and caged like an animal on display, Ailith's lip curled up at the praise. She dropped her head to bow so quickly, Bricen jumped away in fright. ''Thank you, your majesty.''

If she didn't have her head down, she would have noticed the small smile from Nassandra.

Bricen levelled his posture and clapped his hands loudly until Ailith looked up at him. ''Continue, please.''

Still tense and with her heart racing, Ailith stood up straight and resumed her story. ''I wanted another chance to prove myself. I came back to the castle to find someone. I didn't mean to go inside and when I turned to leave, I found myself lost in the corridors. I tried to find a way out and that's when I found the library and saw Nass-,'' She froze, fearful of stepping too far with naming pleasantries. ''Her Highness, the princess. I didn't know who she was at the time. Before I could tell her who I was, someone who also entered the tournament attacked us. We fought her off together before the Knights arrived and I was taken away.''

Bricen folded his arms behind his back and surveyed the crowd of Knights. They sat waiting for the Lord's verdict. ''That does match what her royal highness described to me. There was a third individual who did physically attack the princess. Thankfully, our illustrious Marshal Cadere arrived on the scene and took matters into his own capable hands.''

Marshal Cadere tilted his head respectfully. Though Ailith was happy to hear Bricen's conclusion, she felt annoyed that he failed to acknowledge her part in protecting Nassandra.

A twinge of suspicion coated the Lord's face as he approached her slowly. ''However, there is one part of your story that leaves me puzzled. You say that you walked through the castle entrance and into the royal library. You did this without passing a single soul?''

''I didn't see anyone. That's why I kept going, I was hoping to find...''

Bricen turned to the Knights, ignoring her pleas. ''This tournament had summoned one hundred and twenty-eight participants from all over the world and thousands more came to watch the spectacle. Safety for the royal family is our highest priority. Knights would have been positioned all around the castle. Assassins from the most dangerous guilds would have had difficulty getting that far. Are we expected to believe that one young commoner in ragged armour strolled in without encountering anyone?''

Ailith sighed in frustration. ''I know that sounds difficult to believe...''

''It's impossible to believe!'' Bricen retorted. ''Do you know what is difficult, but not impossible, to believe? That two sinister cutthroats happened to be after the same target and you called the lucky coin.''

Wide-eyed and gasping, Ailith scanned the hall, seeing everyone stare at her like she was already accused. Her confidence faded when she turned to the royal family. The King's trust in her dwindled and Nassandra paled but didn't offer any assistance.

Desperately, Ailith looked at Bricen. ''I would never come here to kill anyone.''

''Then why were you in the castle?'' He inquired. ''You said you came back to find someone. Who and why?''

''I came back because I want to be a Knight!'' Ailith screamed.

Her voice echoed around the throne room with enough force to rattle one of the braziers. Whispers spread through the hall from the numerous Knights. Ailith raised her head and spread her shoulders, striking a powerful figure amongst an interested crowd.

The silence lingered for a few seconds before Bricen responded with a stammer. ''That...that wasn't the answer I was expecting, but...''

''May I speak?'' a new voice inquired.

All eyes were drawn to one man who rose from the bench and slowly strode over to the bewildered Lord. The Knight offered a respectful bow towards the royal family and pressed a clenched fist to his chest plate, rattling the slim yet burly set of armour. Without a top helm, Ailith was fixated on the grizzled man.

At first, she could only see the back of his head as he looked away from her, noticing the strands of grey sprinkled through his hair and trimmed beard. The man then stared at Ailith with eyes that shone and a friendly smile that welcomed her.

''I thought I recognised you from somewhere.''

Ailith almost choked on the air. ''Kuval?''

Though years had passed and his features had noticeably hardened, with new scars littered over his face, it was a face she could identify instantly.

Kiros leaned forward on his throne. ''Master Kuval? You know this woman?''

''Not personally, no,'' Kuval answered, circling the centre of the hall so that he could address everyone. ''Twelve years ago, I stayed at a humble inn, north of the Kingdom along the outskirts. The innkeeper's daughter was a young girl who declared with a voice of a thousand that she was going to become a Knight. I see that she is still holding to keep that promise.''

Feeling her skin grow warm, Ailith couldn't stop a radiating a beaming smile.

Bricen stepped forward. ''What are you suggesting?''

''I'm suggesting that she is telling the truth,'' the Knight replied civilly. ''That she did wander into the castle grounds and that our security was lacklustre enough for her to find a way to the library before being discovered. This tournament is a prestigious event and our Knights have much ground to cover. It's not unfeasible to think that she may have slipped past an opening without malicious intent. Unless you're suggesting that she has had this elaborate plan in motion since she was a child no taller than your thigh?''

''No, I...she...'' Bricen stammered, needing a moment to regain his composure. ''Then, what actions do you propose we take?''

Kuval shifted so that he was half-facing the hesitating lord and also addressing the royal family. ''I can find which of our Knights were meant to be stationed around the castle at the time. Mistakes can happen. Although, it would be more comforting for all of us to find why this jaded display of defence happened the way it did. That way, we can prevent situations like this from happening again, where we treat heroes like criminals.''

The King deliberated. Nassandra was silent but remained vigilant, and waited with as much anticipation as everyone else in the room. With a final nod, Kiros raised his chin, greeting Kuval with a praise-worthy smile. ''I agree with Master Kuval. You are as calm and diplomatic as ever.''

Kuval tilted his head. ''Thank you for the kind words, your majesty.''

Ailith noticed the King now staring at her. ''Miss Natia?''

''Yes, your majesty?''

''This may seem iniquitous, after what you have been put through, but as the King of this Kingdom, and as a father, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you did.'' He paused, slowly turning to his left, gazing at the empty throne for a second before looking to his right and facing his daughter. ''Nassandra, you should say a few words.''

Nassandra seemed just as shocked as Ailith was. The princess's palms became sweaty when she felt everyone looking in her direction. Her cheeks flushed and the world around her flashed dark, only for a moment, before she faced Ailith. The young warrior only now realised that the princess hadn't spoken a word throughout the hearing. With a shaky breath, Nassandra grinned. ''T-thank you, for helping me. I'd...I would...I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you.''

She winced and slanted her head away from her father, scared to see his frustrated expression. Her hand gripped the arm of her throne tightly as if that would help.

''You're welcome,'' Ailith's soft reply caused the princess to turn sharply. When they locked eyes, Ailith flinched and bowed, almost hitting the ground with her face. ''I mean, you're welcome, your highness!''

Flabbergasted by the polite response, Nassandra almost forgot about the dozens of eyes crushing her from all angles or the critical voices drumming in the back of her head.

''Be that as it may,'' Kiros warned, his tone foreboding, causing Ailith to straighten her back and listen. ''There was still an attack and you were involved. While not for malicious intent, you are now a part of this, and we cannot simply let you go. At least, not yet.''

Ailith frowned and lowered her gaze to the floor. She had been proven innocent, and was still going to be a prisoner?

Bricen stroked his clean-shaven chin. ''Are we to send her back to the dungeon?''

It felt like a knife had plunged into Ailith's heart the second she heard that suggestion. Marshal Cadere stepped forward. ''I wouldn't recommend it. She broke through her first set of Shuguatum chains. Unless you want to foot the bill for another stock?''

Kiros gawked before laughing giddily. ''You were chained in Shuguatum and you broke free? It's no wonder you gave a good show in the tourna-,'' he cut his applause short and anchored himself back into his throne. ''No, she will stay in the castle grounds and take accommodation in one of the guest rooms. Good food and a decent bed are the least we can offer. But, she will be watched and have a guard by her living quarters at all times. Until we discover the motive behind the attack on my daughter, she will remain here.''

Ailith felt conflicted. What did this all mean? Was this the chance she had been looking for? Or had she been placed in a polished prison she could never dream of escaping?

As Cadere and the Knights who followed him led her away, she feared how long it would take to find answers.

A/N: Hi everyone and thank you all for reading, voting and commenting on this story. You guys mean the world to me, and I am buzzing right now. Today, I got an email notification that this story would be featured on Wattpad under the section, 'Undiscovered, For Now.'

Beyond Legend is featured on Wattpad! I can't believe it, and I can't begin to thank everyone who has helped by reading and supporting this story. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I promise more chapters very soon. What will become of Ailith now that she's mostly proven her innocence? We shall see. Until next time, take care, and a big thank you to everyone!