The road into Ingold was empty and covered in bright white. The vast, white canvas had one blemish, a caravan. It had a handful of soldiers and two prisoners. Each carriage had a prisoner and four guards, alongside supplies for the city.

  The black tower appeared long before the city's walls came into view. The woman prisoner sat in the first carriage. Her face was covered by a thin black blindfold, her hands chained. She had brown curly hair and a scar that marked the left side of her face. She sat with a slight smile as she swayed back and forth on the uneven road into the city. The guards paid her no attention; her name probably did not cross their minds.

  The third carriage had Ryder surrounded by guards. One on either side of him and two sitting across. His face was covered by a black sack. Chains wrapped around his wrists, binding them behind his back. They continued over his shoulders, creating an X pattern over his chest. The weight and firmness of the metal drained his stamina. As did his first journey after leaving Fenrim.

  "So this is the party killer?" a guard said.

  "He doesn't look so dangerous," another said to Ryder’s right. "We could send Beldovia, the head of their greatest terrorist."

  "Why don't we send it to his family first? Oh, wait, he doesn't have any!"

  The bag over Ryder’s head muffled the sound of laughter. He rested his head against the carriage. His head rebounded off the interior, creating a loud thump.

  "We're here," the driver said. "The city of gold."

  The soldiers looked out of the carriage after entering through the high city walls. They did not see Ingold. The city's homes were dark, stores were closed, and the streets lay bare. No one sat on the city walls. No one manned the watch towers. What was once a military stronghold filled with 30,000 soldiers now stood unprotected.

  The sound from Ryder's head quieted as the carriage's wheels glided over the smooth stone city roads. They sat in silence, only the horses' hooves clattered on the stone. The soldier to Ryder's right looked at the boy; he could feel the boy’s eyes through the blindfold.

  "Ryder Hartigan, clear the tower," he said coldly. "Please."

  Ryder sat up slightly. He felt the soldier shift in his seat, slowly inching away from him. He nodded slightly, hoping that was enough to satisfy the guard. Apparently, it was as everyone remained silent until the caravan reached a large white tent at the base of the tower. The driver of the first carriage walked in to meet the Captain.

  ***

  "Captain Andrea Silverfield," the guard said, taking off his snow goggles. "Where is the Princess?"

  The eight members stood around a large table. Andrea stood at its head, opposite the tent’s entrance. Small copper pieces were scattered on the table’s surface in tight formations. No one noticed the man enter.

  The guard spoke a little louder. "Captain Andrea Silverfield, the prisoners are here."

  Andrea's eyes looked up and squinted, but her head didn't move. The guard gripped his goggles tightly. "Ah, Wilson, it's nice to see you. Send them in." Andrea said, letting out a brief but weary smile.

  "Good to see you too. I will send them in after a quick search.”

  A lantern burned in the center of the table. Shadows from the copper pieces dotted the walls. The flame’s light glowed brightly within the tent, but it was swallowed once it reached past its entrance.

  Flint tapped his foot and leaned against one of the tent’s support poles at the back of the room. Some were pacing back and forth. Andrea stood in front of the group and tried to hold her smile–much good that did. It would be the first time she would meet the Royal Tower murderer. What did he look like? How strong was he? His eyes?

  "Remember, everyone, we are not to harm them unless they give a reason. Don't let their presence distract you from the tower," Andrea said.

  The veins in Emily's neck fought the rest of her body. Her jaw clenched tight. "I don't understand why we can't just kill him now. Just go in with one prisoner."

  Rae shifted from one foot to the other as Wilson reappeared with a woman in handcuffs. Rae’s eyes stayed on Emily, however.

  Olivia’s scar greeted the room before her words. It was a straight line from her left ear to the corner of her mouth, cutting through her warm tan skin.

  "Do I at least get to see you first?" she said, smiling, curving the scar slightly.

  "Don't talk to them," Wilson said, tugging at her chains. Andrea shook her head, and Wilson loosened his grip slightly.

  "You will be safe as long as you cooperate. Is that clear?"

  Olivia pursed her lips and pointed at them. Andrea sighed. "Take her covering off and feel free to speak, Olivia Thorne."

  Wilson removed her blindfold, revealing her light brown eyes underneath. They wasted no movement, adjusting quickly to the warm light. They darted from face to face, taking extra time for Andrea. She slowly stepped to the left of the room, distancing herself. "That's what I'm here for, to help you guys out. Just say the word, and I'm there."

  Sarah got closer with her back to the entrance of the tent. "Cut the shit and behave."

  Oliva's smile vanished instantly. "I'll play nice. So listen to the Princess and keep your eyes on the tower."

  Sarah’s yellow eyes drifted to the left of Olivia's face. Andrea also couldn't look away. It was unnatural. Sarah reached out to touch it, but froze. Andrea recognized the look this time–same as when she read the letter. The Princess slowly turned her head to the tent’s entrance. A shadowy figure just outside the light stood in the opening. Watching.

  Andrea held her breath, feeling her heartbeat pound in her ears. Only the boy's faint shadow moved; it danced on the tent’s wall from the light. Sarah remained facing Olivia. Her pupils moved to the corner of her eyes, but she did not turn.

  The boy took a couple of steps and fully entered the light without saying a word. The shadow grew menacingly on the wall to his left, but he did not. His head hung low, and his shoulders slouched. Andrea’s weariness faded–only slightly. This is him?

  "Judging by your reactions, you know who this is," Wilson said, breaking the silence. "Introduce yourself anyway."

  He said nothing.

  Wilson smacked the back of his head. "Come on! Introduce yourself."

  No response. Andrea felt the room grow colder as her blood started to boil.

  "Say. Your. Name," Wilson grabbed the prisoner’s collar. Emily's hair was set ablaze. It lit the ceiling of the tent on fire, burning a large hole. "I can kill him, right? He's not cooperating!" Emily yelled, raising her fiery red fist.

  Rae quickly looked to Andrea, but she was already taking off her coat, draping it over her seat.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  "Emily, don't!" Rae shouted. The scream pierced Emily's red-hot temper, extinguishing the flames briefly. Not even the bag over Ryder's head muffled the sound.

  "Remember the Accords!" she said, rubbing her throat. “He has to enter the tower!” Rae did not have time to rest her voice before she let out another scream.

  "Watch the Captain!"

  Andrea jumped on the table, just barely escaping Flint's bear hug. Her shoes left muddy footprints as she kicked copper pieces to the floor. Wilson jumped out of the way, falling to the ground as the golden hair blitzed toward him. Ryder heard footsteps, but his shackles prevented him from bracing.

  She led with her head and lowered her shoulder into his liver. He wheezed in pain, falling to the ground.

  "How could you betray the Kingdom? Your home!" she cried out, sitting on top of him. "I will kill you!"

  The boy struggled to get air back into his lungs; the bag over his head was filled with his warm exhale. The commotion shook Sarah from her trance, and she turned to find Andrea with her fist raised.

  "Wait, Andrea!" she shouted. Andrea's head snapped to Sarah. The maroon and white ribbon slowly fell to the ground like the snow coming through the hole in the ceiling. The Princess's golden hair hid her face, but her blue eyes punctured two holes in the golden curtain. Olivia tripped over herself when she stepped back. It was a common look on the battlefield–unheard of in the streets of Artros.

  Andrea moved the hair out of her face, looking around the room. Frozen and colorless faces looked back. Her face softened as the boy beneath her continued to gasp under her weight.

  It took time to find the right words, but she stood and turned to Ryder. "My name is Andrea Silverfield, Princess of Artros. What is your name?"

  Ryder’s breathing steadied. He got to his feet somewhat awkwardly–a few laughed. Ryder pushed his shoulders back, lifted his chin, and cleared his throat.

  "My name is R-Ryder Hartigan," he stuttered, holding his posture. "It's n-nice to meet you, Captain. I'll be your bestiary."

  The Captain stepped a little closer, trying to hear his soft voice through the thick bag. He stood a whole head taller than her, but he was lanky in stature. Sarah looked on as if she didn't believe, checking his feet to see if he was on his toes.

  "I was told to only follow the Captain's orders," he said. “I don’t know why I was attacked.”

  The answer was obvious to Andrea. They were natural enemies. His words sounded genuine, but he didn't complain more than that. She just stood in shock, as did the others.

  “Can someone take this bag off my head? I w-want to see your faces.”

  Andrea's adrenaline wore off, and the thought of his eyes made the wind from the open entrance feel a little colder on her skin–even through her long sleeves.

  "Hello, Captain?" he said, pausing for a moment. “Or Sarah?”

  Sarah cursed under her breath. She crept slowly away from Olivia and toward the center of the room. Her feet made little noise as they shuffled on the tent’s surface. The yellow-eyes stalked Ryder’s head, but he did not follow.

  "Uh, hello?" Ryder said with a shaky voice. “It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to a group this big, but I know you can understand me. Let’s see, I think I saw nine of you when I walked in. Can you introduce yourselves?”

  "Sarah!" Connor groaned. "You never mentioned he could see through shit."

  "I don't know everything about his gift!"

  Andrea heard a quiet noise from the boy as he hunched over to the side, which received an unforeseen shoulder charge. A laugh?

  “He probably just overheard something from the guards,” Rae said. “How many fingers am I holding up?”

  “None,” he said quickly.

  “It was one,” she said, raising her middle finger.

  Andrea giggled, and Ryder turned away from her.

  “He could still be lying, so keep the mask on. Don’t let him control you. He’s still human.”

  Andrea thought the idea over, but came to the same conclusion. The tower was enough danger; Ryder only made things more difficult. "It stays on even in the tower."

  Ryder’s head cracked when he looked back at her. “It stays on in the tower? You want me to walk the tower blindfolded? How am I supposed to be your bestiary?”

  Whispers filled the room. However, no one objected, not even Olivia.

  “Yes, we can’t trust you. You're a murderer. The villain of the Kingdom.”

  Andrea saw him wince as if someone had punched him in the bruise she surely inflicted. But no one touched him. His posture returned to its seemingly natural, tired, and hunched-over state. "Yes, Captain. It stays on then."

  Andrea expected a fight, but none came. In fact, nothing happened. No threats. No retaliation. He was plain and boring–almost passive. Not everyone would agree to that. Flint’s grip tightened on the support as each word came out of Ryder’s mouth.

  “I think everyone needs time to cool off," Wilson said. "Can anyone help bring them to their quarters?"

  "Great idea,” Andrea said, “Twins help her and Flint carry him out."

  The twins grabbed Olivia and moved her toward the entrance. She stumbled uncomfortably and bumped into Ryder, stepping directly on his foot. Ryder fell to the ground, but he said nothing.

  "Oops, sorry," she said, covering her mouth. "I tripped."

  The twins looked at one another, sharing the same expression. "Flint, make sure to search him again," Andrew said, following Wilson out of the tent.

  Flint's massive hands wrapped around Ryder's cold, skinny arms. "Alright. Let's go Beldovian swine." Ryder's hands curled into a fist, but they relaxed shortly after. Almost like someone told him to relax. He went out of the tent without hassle.

  Emily fell to the ground once Ryder was out of sight. The bright red hair was still smoking from its ignition.

  "I'll bring her to her room, so she can rest," Mace said, helping her off the floor.

  Andrea nodded.

  Emily wrapped her arm around Mace's small shoulders and walked out of the tent, leaving only three shadows on the tent’s walls. Andrea moved to the head of the table, her hands covering her eyes. Rae and Sarah joined her. They sat quietly for a while.

  "You know we can't kill him right," Rae said, breaking the silence. "The Kingdom of Artros signed the Accords years ago in an attempt to improve relations with neighboring Kingdoms. Those are crucial alliances for the war. A violation, especially of Article I, would bring a loss that slashes the Kingdom's forces in half.”

  Andrea raised her head from her hands. She surveyed the carnage in the room. Copper pieces littered the ground. Chairs sat on their sides while the large table had a muddied surface. The tower looked at the girls through the hole in the ceiling–looming.

  "I agree. The Kingdom revoked his citizenship a while back. He’s a prisoner of war now," Sarah said, resting her chin on the table. "Also, the caravan doesn't leave for another month because they are helping those who couldn't leave the city. They can't watch him."

  "He has to die in the tower," Andrea said, looking through the hole above her. "It's obvious that's why my Father and the Council sent him."

  “I think it's a little more complicated than that,” Rae said. “It's damage control.”

  “How so?”

  “We are different from you,” Rae said. “All blessed children are drafted during wartime. We don’t have a say in where we are stationed. I sure as hell would not be here given the choice. But, a Princess is different. I’d guess a lot of people tried to talk you out of this.”

  Andrea continued to focus on the stars. Ingold sat high in the Karji mountains, but the stars remained as specks in the night sky. “Yeah,” she said, reaching out to the stars. “But I wouldn’t budge, and they slowly lost hope.”

  “Figured as much,” Sarah said, rolling her eyes.

  “My point is that if we fail, the Kingdom loses the Princess and Ingold. With Ryder’s death, there is at least a small victory. It's just a convenient excuse, is all I'm getting at.”

  The snow under the tent’s tarp floor crunched at the entrance. All three turned their heads to find a small girl standing in the doorway. Her hair was a bright gold, but it had dark black roots. She shivered from the cold, clasping her hands together. Her dress was a soft pink, but had brown stains near the edges of her long sleeves.

  “U-Um, excuse me,” she said. “Is her Majesty here?”

  Andrea shot out of her chair and rushed over to the girl, grabbing the coat off her chair. She threw it around the little girl's shoulders and squeezed her tight.

  “Why are you alone?” she said. “Where are your parents?”

  The girl wrapped her small arms around Andrea’s waist. She was no older than 10 years old. “I snuck out to wish you luck in the tower. I want you to stay safe,” she said. “You leave tomorrow, right? It's the 30th day.”

  Andrea moved back slightly to meet the girl's eyes. She grabbed the sides of the girl’s head and kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll only be gone a few weeks at the most,” Andrea said.

  Sarah crouched down to meet the girl's eyes, patting her on the head. “She won’t go down to a measly black tower. It would take a lot more than that.”

  The little girl grabbed Andreas' shirt. Her tiny hands barely crumpled the thick cotton long-sleeve. “What about him? Could he kill you?"

  Sarah and Andrea looked at each other briefly, uncertain how much the girl had heard. “What’s your name, little girl?” Andrea said, smiling.

  "Daisy."

  Andrea picked up her ribbon next to the girl's feet. “Well, Daisy, he wouldn’t stand a chance,” she said, tying a bow in Daisy’s hair. “Let’s go back to your parents.”

  Daisy smiled and ran her fingers across the multicolored ribbon. Andrea picked the girl up with no effort. The coat’s sleeves hung off Andrea’s shoulders as the tiny arms within held tight. She carried her out of the tent, laughing all the way back to the girl’s house.

  Rae couldn’t help but smile as they vanished through the darkness. She looked up to the stars. “Alright, let's get some sleep.”