Chapter Twenty-Eight - The Father

Ailith finally tore her eyes away from Duron when Kuval extended his arms slowly and bowed, showing just as much respect as he would show others.

''Good day to you, Duron.'' He greeted. ''Forgive the intrusion...''

The loud rattling of chains cut Kuval's sentence short. Ailith's head whipped around to watch the four gangsters pulling on the chains with all their might. Duron's arm was hoisted high enough for him to flick his wrist dismissively at Kuval's words. ''Please, I have no qualms when one of the kingdom's most illustrious Knights decides to pay a visit to my humble domain. I'm more intrigued.''

Soft-spoken wouldn't have been the correct way to describe Duron's voice. However, there was a surprising elegance in his tone.

Kuval straightened from his low bow. ''I promise we won't take much of your time...''

''There's no need to rush through pleasantries.'' Duron said. As he slouched back in his throne until he was resting comfortably, his eyes, glossed in a swirl of brown and gold, examined them.

Kuval remained silent, waiting for the gangster to speak first.

Duron sniffed the air, catching an appealing scent before shifting his focus towards Jerimoth. ''I hope that whatever beverage you sampled before coming here, you brought plenty for my sons and daughters.''

A faint chorus of amused chuckles rolled throughout the room from the other gangsters. Their eyes weighed down on Jerimoth's shoulders. The Knight clicked his tongue and stared at Duron with a burning intensity that would frighten many. Not Duron. His smirk never left. Ailith, Levana and Emlyn turned to the master, displaying mixed signs of disbelief and disappointment. Kuval didn't turn, only sighing quietly.

''Emlyn Baldur!'' Duron grinned. He bowed his head slightly and extended his arm forward as far as it could go before the weight of it threatened to hoist the chain-pullers into the air. ''Allow me this opportunity to thank you.''

''For what?'' Emlyn asked, unfazed by the attention now on her.

''We'd been in conflict with the Krizar gang for many seasons. You single-handily decimating them in one night helped us acquire their territory. How I wish I could have seen your frightening display of skill and power.''

Emlyn's kept her lips sealed and stood rooted to the spot like the strongest tree. Beside her, Levana shifted uncomfortably. The trainee's armour was jangling as she tried to keep her nerves in check.

Noticing the larger woman trying to hide behind Emlyn, Duron studied her carefully. His hand was guided back to rub his rough chin. ''You must be Levana Elpida.''

Levana's face paled and her body tensed. Instinctively, Ailith moved closer to shield her comrade. To her surprise, Emlyn replicated the motion.

A small laugh escaped Duron, causing the fat over his body to jiggle slightly. ''Don't be surprised. I have eyes and ears all over the kingdom. With your family, it'd be more shocking if I didn't recognise you.''

Sweat rolled down Levana's back and her heart threatened to explode. She glanced around at the other gangsters surrounding them, detecting a renewed sense of hostility from some. Her hand trembled above the hilt of her sword until she noticed Ailith had shuffled closer. The young warrior shot her a quick assured smile. It didn't completely quell Levana's nerves, but the trainee felt somewhat protected.

Ailith looked back in Duron's direction, flinching when her eyes locked with his. For the first time since they arrived, the curl on the gangster's lips flattened. ''Hmm...a new face?''

A scoff from Turrock earned everyone's attention. ''Not to me. She was my opponent in the tournament. The one I told you about.''

''Her?'' Duron questioned, genuine shock plastered over his face. Another laugh erupted out of him, followed by laughter from the other gangsters, except Turrock. With help from the chain-pullers, Duron wiped a single tear from his eye. ''Oh, Kuval. Have the Knights really fallen so low they're now recruiting...a specimen like her?''

Ailith's cheeks burned. Clenching her fists tightly, she opened her mouth to speak when she felt Emlyn's hand smack her on the chest.

''Don't.'' The swordswoman whispered. Fighting the fire that was beginning to flicker in her stomach, Ailith backed down.

Groaning in frustration, Jerimoth leant in to whisper in Kuval's ear. ''Are we done with introductions?''

After raising an arm to calm his agitated friend, Kuval stared up at their host with a warm smile. ''I'm afraid that I must rush. We've come here to speak with Turrock.''

The room fell silent. Many of the gangsters shared confused and worried glances with each other. Turrock raised his brows but seemed unshaken.

Surprisingly, Duron's grin returned. ''I assume this is about the assassination attempt on the princess?'' His eyes shone with amusement as he watched the group's faces contort. ''Eyes and ears, remember?''

Jolted momentarily, Kuval nodded. ''You'd be correct in your assumption.''

Duron's face slowly darkened. ''I truly hope that you are not implying my son had any involvement.''

''It's standard procedure. His Majesty wishes to interrogate every participant in the tournament.''

''And yet the entire kingdom is on lockdown.'' Duron's eyes narrowed. '' We've seen the borders around the outskirts. No one comes in. No one leaves. Families separated. Travellers trapped. To me, it seems that everyone is already a prisoner.''

A pang of guilt flickered across Kuval's face before he forced a stern look. ''As a father, you must understand the King wants only to protect his daughter.''

''I do see his motivation. I cannot argue with that.'' Duron tipped his head back. ''I also can see you are just as dutiful to Kiros as you were to his father.''

Suddenly, Jerimoth hobbled forward. ''Are we done with these civilities?'' He barked. ''If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were stalling to keep your son out of trouble.''

''Considering your mind is washed with liquor, I'd say you didn't know any better.'' Duron said.

Jerimoth barred his teeth and clutched his quarterstaff tightly. Kuval clutched his wrist and forced him to lock eyes. ''We didn't come for a fight. We came for answers.''

''Well, do you notice how they are refusing to provide us answers?'' Jerimoth hissed. ''That stinks of guilt to me...''

''Or is that booze you're smelling?'' a random gangster mocked.

Jerimoth growled, twisting his body to confront the heckler. The moment was a dizzying blur for the red-faced Jerimoth, beating him down with dozens of jeers, taunts and insulting laughter, all the while, Kuval held him back. Levana looked to Emlyn, hoping she would have a solution, but even the Commander appeared hesitant to get involved.

Ailith's head swirled around, watching the ridicule being hurled Jerimoth's way. She tried to reel her gaze back to Duron, but instead, she found Turrock. The Majan kept his arms folded over his chest as his eyes fell on her, showing off a hint of a smirk. Her face tightened, appalled seeing him entertained by the fracas. In one small moment, when Turrock's eyes peeled away to watch the seething Knight, his smirk wavered. Ailith watched and waited, hoping she could read him and know what he was thinking.

Raising his chin, Turrock walked forward. Duron looked on, suppressing a prideful grin for the time being. Jerimoth finally stopped struggling.

Once he knew all eyes were on him, Turrock smiled at Ailith. ''After my victory, I was escorted back to the chambers to wait for my next opponent. However, the castle descended into chaos for reasons I was unaware of at the time. We were told to wait while guards kept us in place. Before long, we were instructed to leave, told that the tournament was postponed. Every moment I was within the Arsalan castle I was being watched. I was never alone.''

Ailith pondered. It was a stark contrast from her involvement where she strolled into the castle without any hassle. Anyone else could have done it.

''That doesn't mean you couldn't have worked with someone.'' She responded.

Jerimoth stamped the end of his staff on the ground, startling Ailith. ''You shouldn't be the one asking-,''

''I am the only one of my brothers and sisters who entered the tournament,'' Turrock replied immediately, ignoring a few playful jibs a few other gangsters threw at him. ''It would go against our tradition if I had outside assistance of any kind. My victory in the tournament was meant to be my Mightross. My rite of passage.''

Ailith looked from Turrock to her comrades, noticing Kuval encouraging her to continue. Clearing her throat, she returned to the Majan. ''What happened after you left the castle?''

''The mundane.'' He shrugged. ''I fought against my boredom at the Leaping Lion tavern. I have alibis that can testify I was there for two days and had no contact with anyone from outside. After that, I returned here and have been dormant since. I have no political allegiance nor hold any personal vendetta against the royal family, thus I would have no reason to assassinate any of their blood. If I did, and if the rumour we heard that you were the one who protected the princess is true, I would have succeeded.''

That remarked, followed by a wink, caused Ailith to grit her teeth.

''Careful, Turrock.'' A gangster bellowed humorously. ''It looks like she wants that rematch here and now.''

Turrock pursed his lips and shook his head. ''I'm not interested. I look for decent challenges.''

Ailith barely had time to react before Kuval rushed forward. ''I have partial knowledge of your customs and I do know that the Mightross is important to you. Therefore, we'll take your word for now. We'll speak with your alibis. If all is well, we won't bother you again. Thank you for your time and we leave in peace.'' He ushered the others in the direction of the tunnel they entered through, trying to ignore their staggered bewildered expressions.

''Are we really just going to leave now?'' Levana asked, hoping she didn't sound too relieved at the possibility.

Kuval nodded. ''I feel that we have gotten all the answers we can for now. It's best that we depart with what we have rather than risk...''

Duron's eyes flickered. At the signal, the gangsters leapt forward to surround the Knights, halting them in their tracks. Emlyn unsheathed her rapier, Ailith balled her fist in diamond and Levana raised her shield. The three women stood close together, ready for a fight. Behind them, Jerimoth huffed at his friend. ''This is why you're not a betting man.''

Kuval lowered his head and sighed. Forcing a friendly smile, he met Duron's gaze. ''Is there a problem?''

Threading his fingers together, Duron leant forward. ''There is a slight matter that has been left unresolved. The tournament prize.''

Ailith turned sharply. ''But, Turrock didn't win the tournament!''

''He didn't officially emerge victorious because of matters that were out of our hand. If fate hadn't dealt us a bad card, he would have won. Not that it should matter to you of all people.''

Kuval's shoulders slumped. ''I thought you were better than this, Duron.''

''I'm not ashamed to admit that when I see the opening for a quick profit, I take it.''

''It'll be difficult for us to retrieve coin whilst trapped down here with you.''

Duron's smile widened. ''Which is why you're going to offer to stay behind as compromise.''

The four stared at Kuval for what felt like hours. He slowed his breathing to a crawl before turning to face them, presenting an assured smile. ''Go on ahead.''

''This is ridiculous!'' Jerimoth snapped. ''We have what we came for. Let's fight our way out...''

''No, it's not worth it. Duron can be civil when reasoned.''

''You do realise you're singing the praise of a gangster that is holding us hostage?''

Despite the situation, a smile tugged at Kuval's lips. ''Explain the situation to the King and I'll await your return.''

''For once in your life, grow a backbone!'' Jerimoth demanded. Anger was slowly morphing into desperation.

For Ailith, plans of escape rushed through her mind. Some were dismissed instantly whilst others scrambled together messily as she felt the gangsters move closer. They were outnumbered and could find themselves overwhelmed. Giving into Duron's demand seemed to be their only option. However, Kuval was too valuable to lose. What if there was another attack on the royal family? It would be safer for Nassandra to have someone like Kuval protecting her. Instead of...

Instead of...

''I'll stay.''

Ailith's voice bounced off the walls. Her declaration passed her lips before she could mentally debate the consequences of her actions.

Kuval shook his head. ''No, I can't accept that-''

''We can't afford to lose you if something goes wrong. I'll be fine.''

''You!'' Duron called out, staring down at Ailith with an inquisitive look. ''What's your name?''

''Ailith Natia.''

The gangster shifted in his seat, helped by the chain-pullers straining to work until he was in a comfortable sitting position.

''It's rare that I stumble across a name I'm unfamiliar with.'' He stated. ''Especially when that name belongs to someone associated with Knights. What do you get out of this arrangement?''

''It's my dream to become a Knight.''

''Is that so?'' he arched his brow and beckoned her with a chubby finger. Taking a deep, shaky breath, Ailith marched forward. Her body quaked with uncertainty, but she kept her head held high. For once, Duron's expression was neutral. ''I can see the dreams dancing in your eyes. I've seen it many times in others. It almost breaks my heart when I stare into their eyes years later and see the wonder disappear; when those with aspirations much like yours realise that the heroic tales they've been fed were falsehoods.''

Ailith smirked. ''I've heard this before. I know what I want to be and nothing you can say will change my mind.''

Duron looked at Kuval. ''You haven't told her about Kardas, have you?''

Taken back by the sudden change in topic, Ailith glanced over her shoulder. Genuine, simmering rage boiling off the soft-spoken Knight frightened Ailith more than anything any gangster could say to her.

She locked eyes with Duron once again. A slow smile spread across his face. ''I'll take that as a no.''

Every gangster, including Duron and Turrock, flinched when a quiet rumble hummed through the tunnels. It was faint. Ailith barely heard it at first. It was only when the animal cages and chains hanging from the ceiling rattled that she realised something was amiss.

''They're early.'' Turrock murmured.

The gangsters scattered in multiple directions, grabbing whatever they could. Maps, belongings, even some of the caged animals. Once they had what they wanted, they disappeared down one of the many dark tunnels. Turrock sprinted to retrieve a set of keys from a nearby table before rushing back to unlock the chains around Duron's wrists and ankles. Once Turrock was finished, two other gangsters dashed passed a perplexed Ailith and approached the enormous throne of bones. Flicking their wrists, the earth beneath it rumbled and moved to their every gesture. Using their magic, they pushed Duron back, guiding him through a large, dark tunnel hidden behind the skeleton.

With all the commotion, Ailith almost missed the distant rumbling sound growing louder. Her comrades appeared just as confused. She searched for Turrock before he disappeared from sight completely. ''What are you running from?''

She took a step forward. That's when she heard the wall beside her crack.

Her body twisted as something tore through the earth. Ailith raised her arms across her face, shrouding her skin in diamond and shielding herself from the rocky projectiles hurtling everywhere. Through the gap between her arms, she caught the blurred motion of a huge dark mass, wailing with a grotesque and ear-piercing screech.

Two compound eyes, glowing blood red, locked onto Ailith. Before she could properly identify the creature, she noticed two large mandibles closing in on her from both sides.

A/N: Hello guys, girls and everyone else. I hope that you've been well. I deeply apologise for the long delay with this chapter. I do hope that you all enjoy this chapter. I also want to thank everyone who has commented, voted and giving me such great and helpful advice regarding this story. It means the world to me, and I hope to continue getting better. What did you think of this chapter? Is Turrock really innocent? Who is this Kardas that Duron mentioned? And what exactly is attacking the gang's hideout? All will be revealed soon. Thank you all and take care.