The sound of a horse's hooves could be heard as a man is sat in a prison wagon, awaiting his arrival to a destination where he would undoubtedly be heavily questioned and interrogated.
Finally, the half a dozen horses and wagons came to a stop, Victor opened the prison wagon's door, signaling Dave to step out.
Now outside of the prison wagon, what Dave saw was a place he was all too familiar with--the King's castle located at the outskirts of the Kingdom's capital. It was a castle so big and grand that it could easily fool the human senses. Multiple towering spires carrying the Kingdom's dark red flag with a golden shield at the center could be seen, and multiple fortifications surrounded the castle to further solidify it's imposing appearance. It was a design crafted after multiple attacks and wars, so the grand nature of the castle wasn't simply for appearance's sake.
"The King requested for you to appear before him personally."
Said Victor with a hint of envy, however hard he tried to cloak the feeling.
Dave was quite surprised of this fact, so his surprised expression could barely be contained.
"Just follow me."
Said Victor.
At this point, only Victor was left to escort Dave to the King, as Victor had ordered the rest of the guards to resume their regular duties.
It took around three minutes to reach the castle's entrance, two of the Royal Guard soldiers stationed at the castle's entrance pushed the door open, allowing the two former colleagues to enter.
The interior of the castle was just as imposing and regal as the exterior. The kingdom's banners could be seen at every corner of the hall, golden memorabilia from different periods are laid out all across the castle.
After three minutes of walking, Dave and Victor finally arrived at the door separating the castle from the main throne room.
Having been accustomed to such meetings, internally, Victor didn't feel much. However, he knew that outwardly, he still had to look his best and present himself in the best possible light to the king, so he straightened his posture in preparation for the meeting with the king.
Same thing could be said for Dave. Even though he has been retired for some time, he still met the king more times than he could count. However, due to how long ago it was, Dave still felt some anxiety build up. He knew better not to show it, though. Especially not to the king and Victor.
"The king will see you now."
Said an attendant after opening the imposing door.
Still in magical enforced cuffs, Dave was pushed to walk by Victor.
What they saw was a throne room built to command authority. Towering stone walls bore dark red banners with the kingdom's golden shield, while dim chandeliers cast flickering light over the polished marble floor. At the far end, the King's throne sat atop a broad dais—an imposing seat of dark iron and gold, its armrests shaped like roaring lions, with a crimson banner draped behind it. Statues of past rulers lined the chamber, their cold, watchful gazes unmoving, as narrow stained-glass windows let in just enough light to remind those who entered that power rested here alone.
The king himself radiated the same authority that his throne room commanded. Being only 35 years of age, the king appeared to be quite youthful in comparison to his predecessors and kings from other lands. His maroon cape stretched all the way to his boots, his crown covered in multiple jewels, and his face filled with scars from hard fought battles.
"Stand up."
Said the king to the two former friends, who kneeled as soon as they entered.
The king appeared to wear a slight, but visible smile upon seeing Dave. Something quite uncharacteristic of the young king.
"How have you been, Dave?"
"I have been well, your majesty. Your concern humbles me."
Now standing, Victor felt infuriated. He accomplished his mission. He brought Dave Von Drayvold without a single causality all the way to the throne room.
Why is the king not praising him? Why is he speaking to Dave, who is now a prisoner, so casually?
The questions and the fury ate up at Victor. However, on the outside, he appeared to be emotionless. He knew better not to show it.
"Dave, as much as it pains me to do this, you have been in-contact with an individual who we believe is a danger to this very kingdom."
Said the king, who is now wearing a serious expression. He continued,
"Victor had witnessed this individual take down a powerful monster with relative ease. What would've taken the kingdom valuable resources, this being accomplished in a second."
"Do you care to elaborate on the matter, Victor?"
Victor couldn't hold his smile as soon as he was mentioned. However, it quickly went away as he began talking,
"Of course, your majesty. I was in the village that goes by the name of 'Nira.' We had received reports of increased presence of monsters in the surrounded area, so myself and my team went to investigate. What I did not anticipate is to find a fisherman killing a powerful monster with ease. Instead of moving and apprehending him, we decided to monitor him from afar. Eventually, Dave appeared to have invited this individual into his home and received him as a guest. That is all, your majesty."
Still wearing the serious expression, the king said,
"I ordered for your arrest, Dave. Receiving such a being into your home is already irresponsible enough, but failing to report him to the Kingdom borders on treason."
Dave, for the first time, appeared to be worried. Not for himself, but for his family.
"However," the king continued, "your contributions to this kingdom cannot and will not be erased. This is your one and only chance Dave Von Drayvold. Speak"
=
Outside the castle, a furious fisherman arrives at the kingdom's capital.