I thought I should try and write this story  for having it planned for what a year? Also this is a temporary title until I can come up with one that's better suited for the story. This story is half non-serious and half totally not serious.

 

Summary:

The Kingdom of Cor is entering its golden age whilst under the rule of a benevolent king. Beneath the king rule six knights, the toughest fighters in the entire kingdom. They kept order among the common folk, and they were seemingly respected. But what happens when one of the oldest knights decides to leave the Kingdom and beckons for his brethren to follow his example? Do they follow the orders to find him and kill him? Or will they listen to their old friend's words about how the king plays them all like puppets?

 

 

Table of Contents:

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

 

 

Prologue:

In which a friend is lost and there are only K names.

 

Two knights stood around the circular table. The room was otherwise bare, save for the torches hung around the walls of the round room. The torches were the only source of light, the only way for the two knights to see the apathetic looks that donned the other's face. They continued to stand, waiting for their comrades to join them. At the sound of a long, hollow creek, the knights turned their heads toward the door.

“Kom and Kog won’t be joining us, they are with Our King,’ Kon  announced. She stepped to the center of the room to join her brethren at the table.

“And Koe?” Kow asked as she sat down.

“He’s the reason I sent the pigeons,” Kon answered, nodding for Kos to sit as well.

With the three knights seated, Kon unraveled a piece of parchment that she’d been holding.

“This was in Koe’s room. I found it when I went searching for him after he failed to do patrol with me—“

“And what does it say?” Kos interrupted.

“I was getting to it,” Kon snapped. “It says ‘Once you’re done wasting your time with a sloth of a king and his jester peasants, come and seek me out where it all began.’”

“So Koe has gone astray and wants us to join him.” Kow summarized.

Kon nodded. “Basically.”

“What are we doing to do?” Kos asked.

“We should be careful,” Kow said, “Koe’s been here longer than any of us, he could take us all in a fight. I say we wait to inform Kog and Kom, and wait for their input. They’re even more experienced than Koe.”

Kon looked over to Kow, “But don’t you know Koe better than all of us?”

“I thought I did. I mean, he has voiced his opinions on Our King more than once,” Kow confessed. “But I didn’t think he’d actually leave Cor. We’ve all had our complaints but haven’t entirely acted upon them.” The other two knights locked eyes; they saw no room to disagree.

It was a foreign thought; leaving the kingdom. They’ve always had new people moving in, but nobody ever left. The only times the knights had to leave the safety of the walls was when sorcerers would send their horrendous creations their way. However, that hasn’t happened for years, and the last time it did Kog and Kom were the ones to take care of it. That was long before the three knights and Koe came into the picture. Otherwise, there was no reason to leave.

“What has Our King done to him? He’s a fair ruler” Kon questioned.

Their King was a great ruler, one of the best. He was a little laid back, but that earned favor with his people. Any punishing ultimately went to the knights. The worst punishment most days were being put in the stocks. Eventually it became a game for the peasants, so the crime rate continued to rise as more people immigrated. This was all blind to their King, who believed the Knights had it all under control.

In truth, they did. The crimes were never disastrous, just some stolen food and drunken fights; nothing they couldn’t handle. Honestly, whenever they did get aggravated with the citizens, their aggravation would quickly disappear and all was forgotten.
 

“Yes,” Kos agreed as a smile appeared on hir androgynous face, “He is one of the best.” There was no emotion to go with the smile, no sparkle in hir eyes. That’s how all of the knights were; their eyes were blank slates, nothing to be read, no soul to reach down into.

“We’ll just have to see what Kog and Kom think.” Kow rose from her seat, followed by Kos and Kon. Together they headed towards the door, done with what needed to be said. They left the round room, and the torches that barely lit it.

As the lights flooded the room from the open door, a creature cloaked with shadows stirred. His jewel-like eyes looked at the backs of the knights and slowly retreated into the darkness as light withdrew from the room.

The knights were waking up, and it was only a matter of time before they had to be lulled back to sleep. 

Edited March 2, 201312 yr by Ivan

Chapter 1

In which there are sidekicks.

 

“Have the patrols been running smoothly?”

 

“Yes, High King.”

 

“No trouble?”

 

“Nothing that we couldn’t handle, High King.”

 

“Fantastic.”

 

Kog and Kom knelt before the High King. Their heads were bent and they spoke in unison; it was a situation all too familiar to them. Once the sun reached the highest point in the sky, they were to report to the High King, and then once again once the sun had set.

 

Kog peaked under her curly chocolate bangs and saw the High King wave his hand, gesturing them to rise. She started to stand, with Kom following at the sound of the steel plates of her armor clanking. Kom had stood just a few centimeters shorter. They would be considered the same height, if her ponytail counted.

 

Kog turned her gaze back to the High King, who looked at them with affection. They were the prime examples of nobility and strength, as he often told them. Kom wore armor crafted out of the finest steel, with a bear embedded on her chest plate; the crest of Cor. Then wrapped around her shoulders was a golden cape. Her face was littered with only a few scars, minor scratches that dotted her cheeks and temples. Those were mostly hidden, as waves of curls hugged her face. Her hazel eyes were warm, but with the right smile the motherly gaze turns into a sadistic air.

 

Kom wore armor in the same style as her (as did the other knights), except around her shoulders was a dark crimson cape that didn’t have the same dramatic billow that her sister’s cape had. Her face was clear of scars, but her eyes were cold. The gaze from her blue tundra left an impression on anyone who passed her; her presence could leave a deeper wound than her sword ever could.

 

“You two are my most trusted knights,” the High King starts, resting his elbows on the arms of his gold throne and clasping his hands in front of him, “And you have done fine jobs in raising the recruits. It’s been five years since they’ve been put under your wing. I think it’s time we let another into our little family. Come here, boy.” He gestured over to the side of the throne room where pillars lined the hall. By one of the columns stood a boy in armor that was a size too big for him. His mop of tawny hair covered his eyes, and his posture spoke with little confidence. He looked up, where Kog could see the emotionless circles that were his eyes, and walked over to where she and Kom stood.

 

“This is the Page of the West,” the High King introduced, “He will be put under the wing of the Knights North, South, East, and West. Eventually I hope that he will make a fine knight.”

 

Kog looked at the body, then up at the High King with an inquisitive look. “But High King, we already have a Knight of the West. We can’t have two knights with the same title.”

 

In response he waved a ring-covered hand to shoosh her, “I’m hoping that when the time comes to make the page a knight, the others will have proven themselves worthy of a new title.” This answer satisfied Kog and Kom who turned to the boy.

 

“We will take him to meet the others, if you are done with us, High King,” said Kom. The High King nodded, and the two knights took the page by the shoulders and guided him out of the throne room.

 

 

Kom walked ahead of Kog and the page. She kept an eye out for their subordinates, who should be in the palace courtyard by this time of day. There were no patrols to be done for a couple more hours, and it was where they all spent their free time. In there they usually talked, or if they felt like it, would get wooden swords to practice their skills so they wouldn’t dull any of their blades.

Meanwhile, Kog tried to get more information out of the boy.

 

“So you’re the Page of the West?” She asked in the gentlest voice possible.

 

“Yes, it’s the title the High King gave me,” he said. His voice held no emotion, which reminded Kog of Kow, Kos, and Kon when they first joined the ranks.

 

“So that means we can call you Pow,” she added, “If you don’t mind that is!”

 

“I don’t have much opinion on the matter,” he replied. Kog’s smile deflated. He would grow more of a personality as he got to know the others. She left Pow alone for the rest of the walk through stone corridors.

 

Eventually they reached a clearing that was the palace courtyard. It was surrounded by stone columns and wooden tables. Many plants and flowers littered the grass while vines wrapped their clutches around the columns. Kom and Kog saw the others sitting at one of the tables, heads bent and talking quietly.

 

“Hey losers, listen up!” Kom shouted over to Kos, Kon, and Kow. Kon flinched in reaction, while Kos and Kow simply looked over.

 

“Hey, we were waiting for you, we have some important news to share,” Kow said. Then she leaned back and saw the page, “Who’s the shrimp?”

 

Pow raised an eyebrow, “I’m the Page of the West.”

 

“He’s Pow,” Kog quickly added.

 

“But I’m already the Knight of the West, why do we need a Page of the West?” Kow asked.

 

“The High King wants you guys to train him. Eventually he’ll become a knight, and you three will gain new titles,” Kom explained. At this Kos and Kon high-fived each other, while Kow had stood up from the table and walked over to Pow.

 

Kow was taller than Pow, who was obviously years younger than her. She leaned down, looking him in the eye, “You know we’re not going to be easy on you, kid.”

 

Pow nodded, “I wouldn’t expect any less. The High King has talked about you in high regards.”

 

“I would hope so,” Kow smiled in pride, “We are the best fighters the Kingdom of Cor has to offer!”

 

“Then I wait with bated breath to begin my training,” Pow replied, his voice still lacking the excitement that the others held.

 

“Good. Just stick with me and you’ll be a knight in no time!” Pow wrapped an arm around the boy’s shoulders and brought him over to the table she was sitting at. While she rambled on about different sword techniques, Kon stood up and walked over to Kog. She held up a folded piece of parchment, which Kog acknowledged with a raised eyebrow.

 

“This was in Koe’s room, I think you should read it.”

Edited February 23, 201312 yr by Ivan

Amazing! Love it!

 

Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far uwu!!

Chapter 2

In which HE IS NOT OOOOONE OF US

 

Kog took the piece of parchment, unfolded it, and read the written message. She crumpled the parchment as she clenched her fist and looked over to Kom.

 

“What is it?” Kom asked at the worry that swam in Kog’s eyes.

 

Kog closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Koe’s left Cor,” she answered once her eyes re-opened.

 

“We’ll have to tell the High King.”

 

“Exactly what I was thinking.”

 

“Wait,” Kon called out to the two older knights who started to retreat, “Does the High King really have to know?”

 

Kom looked over her shoulder. “Are you suggesting that we lie to the High King? Are you mad? Koe has committed an act of treason.” Her voice was harsh, and Kon’s face scrunched up as if she’d been slapped.

 

“It’s not like he waged war on the High King!” Kon tried to argue. This caused Kom to turn around and walk over to Kon. Her hands were on her hips, and her eyes narrowed. She towered over Kon, who was one of the shorter knights, only taller than Kos. Cowering in the shadow of Kom however, Kon was only the size of a mouse.

 

“When Koe took the oath and became a knight, he swore to serve the High King until he died. By leaving Cor--”

 

“Not to mention insulting the High King!” Kog interrupted.

 

“What?” Kom asked as she looked over to Kog.

 

“Koe called the High King a sloth in the letter,” Kog answered.

 

Kom turned back to Kon. “By leaving Cor and insulting the King, he has broken his oath, which is equal to an act of treason. He needs to be hunted down in the name of the High King!”

 

“I understand that what Koe did treasonous, but he’s our friend. He was the one that trained us when we first came to the palace!” Kos interjected, pulling Kon back by her shoulders to put some space between her and Kom.

 

“Kos has a point, Kom.” Kog came around and tried to steer her sister around so they could return to the throne room. “Look, we’re still going to bring this up to the High King, but not until the evening reports. If we are to hunt Koe down, it will be on his word. If his word wishes for that to happen, then we will listen; we have to put our own opinions aside in order to do our job. Understand?” Her words were spoken directly to Kos, who was scowling at Kom’s back.

 

Kos snorted. “Yeah, whatever. Come on Kon, we can do the afternoon patrol.” Ze wrapped an arm around Kon’s shoulders and led her away to a set of stairs on the other side of the courtyard. Kog and Kom left through the archway the entered through to patrol the palace passageways. This left Kow and Pow as the only ones left in the courtyard.

 

“Is it always this dramatic?” Pow asked as he watched the two parties leave.

 

Kow shrugged, “Not really. This is actually the first entertaining thing that’s happened in… forever.” She sighed, shoulders slumping as she looked at the empty area. She slouched forward, resting her head on the palm of her hand.

 

If Koe were here, they’d be ditching their armor and hitting the tavern. They didn’t go to drink their worries away –as if they had any worries. No, they’d go and make fun of all of the other drunken bastards that sing too loudly and dance without any tunics on.

Her eyes glanced over to Pow, who was sitting at the table across from her like a good little boy. She’d have to fix that, along with that dull personality. Upon this decision, Kow stood up from the table and Pow copied the action.

 

“Okay, here’s how the afternoon is going to go; you and me are going to go to the tavern. We’re going to laugh at all of the people who go and complain about their lives and expect that a few dozen barrels of mead is going to fix that.” She walked towards an exit perpendicular to the stairs and exit that the older knights took, as Pow followed along and listened, “But first we need to ditch the armor. The common folk will think we’re there to bust their fun when we have the Cor crest shining on our chests. So go to the rookie quarters and change, I’ll meet you by the gates.”

 

As they entered a hallway, they quickly came across an intersection. Kow took a left, but stopped when she heard Pow speak up.

 

“I don’t know where the rookie quarters are.”

 

Kow turned around to see Pow still standing in the intersection of hallways. “What do you mean you don’t know where they are?”

 

“Nobody ever showed me.”

 

Kow groaned, it’s like they expected her to do everything.

 

 

Kos and Kon were walking along the streets of the aristocrat corner of Cor. Normally there wasn’t any ruckus to clear up that quarter of the kingdom, as most citizens had too much dignity to make a fool of themselves. They thought they had some sort of image to upload with their multiple story brick houses, balconies, and fancy dresses and other garments.

 

They were about to enter what was called the ‘Sun Circle’ part of the quarter. The masoned image of the kingdom’s crest lay on the ground, and all of the market stalls surrounded it. It was also where festivals would be held. It was the only good part of the aristocrat corner, Kos always commented whenever they passed by it on patrols. It was when streamers decorated the sky and lanterns would be set aglow. However the festivals didn’t turn down the upper classes haughty attitudes; which were actually what Kos had been complaining about the entire time as they strolled through the empty streets.

 

“I mean do they really have to stay stuck up in their houses all day?” Kos threw hir arms up in the air in exasperation. “I mean, would it kill them to go down to the south side of town? They were once living there too!”

 

“Calm down, Kos,” Kon soothed her friend, “Would you really want to hear them complain to us later about how they ventured down to the south side and stepped in some mud and ruined one pair of their bountiful shoe collection?”

 

Kos let out a bark of a laugh, “HA. I wouldn’t put it past them.”

 

They were about to enter the south side of the town, which was separated by a small bridge that ran over a man-made creek. The change between the different sides of Cor was immensely noticeable. There were more people bustling about; children playing, dogs running around, adults carrying various kinds of food home. People were alive there. The houses weren’t as nicely made as the aristocrats’, but they had a better sense of home.

 

Kon could vaguely remember the house she lived in before she began her training as a knight. She had a loving mother and a supportive father. When she told them she was going to become a knight, they were all smiles. She hadn’t seen them since that day. They never visited her, which confused her. There were times when she searched for them within the south side, but she could never find them. When she tried to find her house, the directions in her head would go fuzzy, and she’d find her way back to the palace. The only person she told this to was Kos, who would scrunch hir eyebrows together and purse hir lips. Ze’d tell her not to worry, they’d find her if they needed her. When she asked hir how ze knew, ze replied that the same happens when ze tries to visit hir parents.

But that was the life of a knight; they only had each other and the High King.

 

They passed by beggar’s row, where all of the people who tried to make mincemeat in Cor but failed gather to try and make some coin. They gave a few silver pieces to each of them, and then threatened to beat them when others become rowdy and tried to scrape more off of them.

 

It was quickly past beggar’s row that they passed the squabbling couple. Up on a platform were two women in the stocks. They were constantly getting into fights with the other that often led to violence. They tried letting the two cool off in the dungeons, but the dungeon guards grew tired of their bickering (which in reality was yelling from two opposite sides of the dungeon). So instead, they let the women continue to bicker in public, but kept them in the stocks to avoid physically fighting with one another. At the end of the day they’d be set free and escorted home by their husbands.

 

It was the usual patrol. A few fights here and there, most of them verbal. There was only physical force used when they passed by a few people with broken carts or needed help carrying barrels of food or drink. It wasn’t until they passed by the front gates of Cor where they passed by something out of the ordinary. The gates were open, and straggling in was a beaten up man with a weary horse.

 

“Sir, what ails you?” Kon asked as she rushed up to the man. Kos appeared at the man’s side and took his arm and wrapped it around hir shoulders. Ze supported the man as he tried to gather his words.

 

“B-bandit king,” he choked out.

 

“Bandit king?” Kos and Kon mouthed to each other.

 

Kon took the horses reigns and stroked the beast’s mane to calm it. “We’ll get you to the temple to get you patched up, and then tell us what happened. You there, boy, take this man’s horse to the stables.” Kon’s voice grew stern, calling over a young lad and handed him some coin for his troubles. From there the two knights guided the man to one of the temples of healing.

 

What a weird day it was turning out to be for the knights.

 

 

It was almost evening, and Kog and Kom stood in front of the High King’s throne room. They shared a glance before entering. They knew how the High King was going to react. They knew that their fellow knights weren’t going to like it. Nevertheless, Kog and Kom entered the throne room.

 

“It was just as you predicted, High King,” Kom called out as they walked down the red carpeted floor up to the throne, “The Knight of the East has abandoned his title and has betrayed the kingdom.”

 

The High King sighed and lay back on his throne. There was no sense of surprise, no shock, only apathy. He looked at Kog and Kom, as if expecting more news.

 

“What are our orders?” Kog asked.

 

The High King smiled, “I believe you already know what my orders are.”

 

Kog’s face quickly turned sullen; It was true, she did.

 

“I do.”

 

“Good. Now forget any feelings or attachments you have with the boy and kill him. Take any of the others with you; just make sure the only corpse that is brought back is that of the traitor’s.”

 

Kog and Kom bowed.

 

“Yes, High King.”

Edited February 24, 201312 yr by Ivan

Chapter 3

In which there are knights yelling at old ladies and new broships being formed over alcoholic beverages.

 

Kos and Kon stood in the entrance area of the southern healing temple. Around them were numerous benches, all occupied by patients who were waiting for assistance. A soft echo of a choir singing rang in the air, bouncing off of the stone walls. A warm glow from the evening light filled the area, illuminating the tapestry on the walls. They only stared at the door that one of the priests took the injured man through. They didn’t look at the other patients who only looked at them with disdain; they didn’t even notice them.

 

“We can get a seamstress to fix your cloak later,” Kos murmured to Kon. She had ripped her dark green cloak to wrap around the man who’d been shivering before they arrived at the temple. Even as they had gotten a priest wrapped in light blue robes to take the man away, he was still shivering. 

 

“It’s not that big of a deal,” shrugged Kon, “We just need to make sure we get the information needed from that man.” 

 

“I have a bad feeling about that man,” Kos admitted, “What if he’s just a man from another kingdom and was attacked on his way back and wandered in for charity?”

 

Kon looked as Kos with an incredulous look, “Charity or not we need to get down to the bottom of this bandit business! Even if he is a man from another kingdom, we need to make sure the bandits won’t be a threat to our own people. It’s our duty to take care of them.”

 

At her response, a loud cackling bounced off the walls. Kos and Kon looked over at the source, an old woman who sat on one of the benches. She was clad in a ripped dress and bandages. Her skin looked as though it barely clung to her bones. The elderly woman stood up and shuffled her way over to the knights.

 

“Your duty? You haven’t been doing your duty!” She scowled. 

 

Kos narrowed hir eyes at the woman. “What are you talking about? Cor is still standing, isn’t it?” 

 

“The walls may stand but have you looked around? We’ve been in here for days without treatment! Is keeping your people sick part of your ‘duty’?”

 

“Our duty is to keep the bad out, the good in, and make sure you’re all safe. How the priests decide to run their temples isn’t in our code. If you have a problem with the temples then talk to the head priest!” 

 

At this point Kos was standing head to head with the woman, just barely standing taller than her. 

 

“That may be so, but why haven’t you done anything about the bandits attacking our homes at night? They’ve been stealing our food, leaving us with nothing!” The elder asked.

 

Kos’s eyebrows furrowed. “Bandits? If there had been bandits, then we’d been notified of it by now.”

 

“You would, if we weren’t stuck in here without treatment!”

 

“Excuse me.” 

 

The voice of a priest had caught the attention of Kos and Kon. It was the same priest who had taken the man away, at least they thought it was; they could never be too sure with the way the priests had their faces covered with cowls. It was the same voice at least.

 

The priest walked up to Kon. “The man has passed out shortly after we took him in. We were able to cure him of the injuries that he’d been given. You said he’d been attacked by… bandits?” 

 

Kon nodded. “Yes. Do you know when he’ll regain consciousness?” 

 

“A few days at the most,” the priest answered, “But you should wait a few days to let him recollect his thoughts.”

 

“Alright, thank you.” Kon grabbed Kos’s arm and dragged hir towards the temple doors. Ze tried to continue arguing with the woman, but she’d been directed back to the bench by the priest. 

 

Once they were back outside, they started to head back to the castle. The sun was beginning to set, and Kon was sure that Kog and Kom had already gone to go talk to the High King. Whatever he said would have to be put on hold until they took care of the bandits.

 

 

The tavern was noisy as always. Lanterns hung high on the ceiling, shedding light on the crowded wooden tables and puddles of spilt mead on the floor. The commotion was familiar to Kow, who maneuvered around the drunken bastards who felt the need to dance in the already crowded room and waitresses who carried platters filled with tankards. Pow had to keep in constant contact with her, or else he’d be lost in the crowd. 

 

They eventually found a table to sit at in the corner. It was far away from the others, which gave them the room to hear each other speak. 

 

“Do you come here often?” asked Pow. 

 

“Whenever I don’t have afternoon or evening duty,” answered Kow. She waved her hand to bring over a waitress. “Bring me a bottle of your finest mead, the same for the boy over here.” She nodded her head over to Pow. 

 

“It’ll be right with you,” the waitress said as she walked away to another table. Kow looked over to Pow, who adorned a tunic and trousers that looked to be a size too big for him, much like his armor. 

 

“Do you actually own any clothes that are your size?” Kow asked.

 

Pow shook his head. “No, all of my clothes were handed down from my brother. My family didn’t have a lot of money.”

“Didn’t?”

 

“Doesn’t, sorry.”

 

“So I’m guessing you don’t get to drink often then?” 

 

“I’ve never drank before.” His answer caused Kow’s eyebrows to rise. The waitress had come back over and gave Kow and Pow their bottles. Kow had raised hers toward Pow.

 

“Well then, tonight’s a celebration!”

 

Pow lifted an eyebrow in question. “What for?”

 

“For joining the ranks! And with a guide like me, you’ll be a knight in no time.” The two clanked their bottles, and took a sip (or in Kow’s case, gulp). 

 

Kow sighed as the cool, sweet liquid hit her throat. Pow’s face contorted, as if concentrating on the taste.

 

“So?” Kow asked.

 

Pow smacked his lips a few times, reveling in the taste, then shrugged. “Not bad. I expected it to taste like Kos’s chainmail.” 

 

Kow let out a howl of laughter. “See? You’re getting the hang of things already. Poking fun at Kos is a fantastic start.” She leaned in closer to Pow. “What you need to do though, is focus more on the citizens. See, look over there.” Kow pointed over towards another table with her bottle.

 

Pow followed her line of sight. The men sitting at the table were well-dressed compared to the others in the tavern. They didn’t look like the type to be sitting in a tavern in the south-western parts of Cor. 

 

“What about them?” he asked. 

 

“Listen, those guys are complete honey-suckers, especially the one in blue,” Kow pointed to the man in fine blue garments, “He’s been sucking up to the High King. He’s an accountant, but I swear he’s got an eye on the throne. A lot of people do, surprisingly. The High King’s old and doesn’t have an heir to his name.” 

 

“He never chose a wife?” Pow questioned.

 

Kow sighed, looking at her bottle in thought, “I’m not sure. If he did, she must’ve died before I joined arms. Since my time as a knight, he hasn’t wed. But that’s beside the point. Those guys over there we can torment as much as we like. Nothing too drastic, just rubbing our titles in their faces. All good fun really, and they deserve it for thinking they can think they’re going to get in close with the High King.” 

 

“Still seems a bit cruel,” Pow mentioned. 

 

“It brings some light into this dry Kingdom,” Kow shrugged, “I need some kind of entertainment to save me from the same old routine… God I’m starting to sound like Koe.” 

 

It was quiet after that. Kow continued to drink a couple more bottles of mead, while Pow stuck to just one. There’d be an occasional joke poking fun about a man who fell into his own vomit, or about the men who would keep trying to grope the waitresses’ asses. They were all pathetic attempts, in Pow’s opinion. 

 

After a while, Pow put down a the coins to pay for their bottles, and he got Kow out of the tavern. She was almost asleep as he carried her over his shoulder. He’d wake her up though, as he stared up at the sun that was almost hidden under the horizon. Pow had a sinking feeling she wouldn’t like the news she was about to receive. From the information he gathered about Koe and his disappearance, there was slim chance he’d be left alive.

 

 

Kog and Kom waited for their fellow knights in the courtyard. They finished their meeting with the High King. It wasn’t much of a meeting as much as it was a report. They came in, told the King what he’d been suspecting, he told them what to do about it; nothing special at all.

 

Just as the sun was about to set, Kos and Kon arrived up the steps. Kos was being dragged by Kon, whose cape had been torn. 

 

Kog looked at Kon’s cape, then at her. “Something happen during patrol?” 

 

Kon let go of Kos, who crossed hir arms over hir chest. “A man was attacked by a bandit, or a band of them; we’re not entirely sure. But we had to take him to the southern healing temple. Supposedly there have been bandits sneaking into the southern quarter of Cor for days and robbing the houses and leaving the citizens beaten. They haven’t been able to report to us because they’ve been waiting for treatment at the temple.”

 

“This has been happening for days and the people still haven’t gotten treatment?” Kog questioned.

 

“It’s a busy place,” Kos mentioned. 

 

Kog closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, “Let’s wait for Kow and Pow to return. I’m assuming she took him to the tavern, using him as a replacement for Koe and all that.” 

 

Pow rose from the steps with Kow over his shoulder at the mention of their names. He walked over to the others, and looked at them staring at their sister being held like a sack of potatoes. 

 

“She drank one too many bottles.” Was all he needed to say for an answer.

 

Kog turned back to Kos and Kon. “Anyways, Kog and I talked to the High King. We will have to hunt down Koe, and take him down.”

“I figured as such,” Pow commented.

 

“How so?” Kog asked. 

 

“The High King doesn’t seem like a forgiving man. He’s of old age, and has probably seen a lot. To keep a kingdom this peaceful, he’s must’ve done a lot of fighting to keep enemies at bay. If he was to be betrayed, I’d assume he’d make them dead as quick as possible to avoid making more enemies. ” Pow reasoned.

 

“Exactly,” Kom said, “Which is why we need to forget any feelings we have toward Koe and kill him.” 

 

“Yes, but we’ll talk more about this in the morning, especially when Kow’s awake. We also need to figure out what we’re going to do with this bandit situation, if there even is one. It’s been a long day; I suggest we get some rest.” 

 

The others nodded, and they headed off towards their sleeping quarters. 

 

The sun had set, and so had the day. But while the knights sleep, their demons will play. 

Edited March 2, 201312 yr by Ivan