Everything Begins

Chapter 5

Shane gently shook the child who was in his arms.Boy, get ready!You are in a dream!”

The boy frantically looked around the room as violet eyes opened and the words stopped.The little boy's body went limp when he looked at Shane, and Shane held him close as the boy began to violently shake.

Miva stated, "so he can speak."

Shane replied, "It would appear so," and then picked up the boy and carried him to Millere's room, glancing over at her.The boy slept through the rest of the night without a whimper while snuggled between the two adults thanks to her sorrowful smile and nod.Shane slept very little.He caressed the boy's head unconsciously while keeping his hand on it.Shane's thoughts were racing until the sun rose and the pitch-black night turned gray.

They were now very close to Torkeln.Throughout the first half of the journey, Shane had asked the boy questions and received only muted responses.It was clear that speaking was only possible while asleep.

"How did you die first?"The boy made a reference to Shane's sword.

"Slashed with a sword?"A nod.

“Where?”to the chest with the forefinger.

“Then?”

Shane was almost certain that the boy had figured out how he had died each time by interpreting his gestures.He decided that it was a sword blow, thirst, hunger, overeating, lightning strike, animal attack, rock crushing, choking, drowning, freezing, falling, and suffocation in that order.

The boy curled into himself even more as more and more people joined them on the road as they got closer to the city. Before long, he was hunched over the saddle's pommel with his eyes closed.The pair on the horse were the subject of a lot of curious looks from the crowd, but no one dared say anything.If you didn't want to be imprisoned or worse, you shouldn't casually or snidely address a crown general.Miva pushed the wagon into the line that was waiting to be admitted when they got to the city gates; however, Shane only stopped Gorshan and moved him closer to him.

"I will take the boy to Ma'ikel, but you must wait.You can meet me at the palace if you finish before me.Simply inform the guards that you are my family, and they will transport you to a room where you can await my arrival.If not, I will locate you on the market.Millere received a brief kiss when he leaned over.She smiled as he whispered, "I love you."

"I also love you."

Gorshan was reined to the left by Shane as he trotted past the wagon and pedestrian line.He estimated that it would take at least an hour for his family to get through the gates because of the long line.Despite the curious looks he received from those waiting, he moved right to the front of the line.The two guards who were letting people in abruptly stopped what they were doing and stood straight as he got close.They were dressed in the same way as he was, but the colors were different.They wore the same white shirt and black boots, their coats were black with no embroidery, and their breeches were blue.As Shane maneuvered Gorshan around the wagon at the front of the line and returned the salute, they both put their right fists on their hearts and waited.

He asked sternly, "Guardsmen, do you know if Ma'ikel is in the city?"

One man said, "Sir, I believe so," looking straight ahead.General, at least he hasn't left through this gate.

"I'm grateful."They entered the city after Shane signaled for Gorshan to accelerate to a trot.People in the street quickly stepped aside to let the horse's shoes pass, their eyes widening at the sight of the boy in front of Shane. The horse's shoes rang loudly on the cobblestones.As he went by, he could hear the whispers, but he ignored them once more.He stayed on the main road and only looked straight ahead, but out of the corner of his eye he could see the shocked faces.

He reined Gorshan in after about ten minutes and came to a stop at the bottom of a long flight of wide marble steps.He was quickly approached by a guardsman, who gave him a salute and then took the bridle.Shane whispered, "I do not want anyone to know about you yet, boy, so keep your eyes on the ground until I tell you otherwise," as he leaned close to the boy's ear before dismounting.Do you comprehend?”

The boy nodded and cradled himself even more tightly in his coat.

Boy, do not be afraid.I will ensure your safety.

The boy was taken off the horse after Shane fell to the ground.He helped the boy stand up and put his hand on his shoulder to reassure him that he was safe and prevent him from running away.Shane said, "Take my horse to the stables, and make sure he is well taken care of," turning to the guard who was still standing at attention.

"Yes, General, immediately."After making a second salute, the soldier led the horse around the steps.

As he led the boy to the steps with a hand on his shoulder, Shane said, "Come with me, boy."I will take you to a person who can assist you.

The boy did not respond, but he did keep his eyes down, as Shane had requested.As they climbed the steps and came to a stop in front of the large wooden doors, the man did not miss the stares they were giving him.As he got closer, the guardsmen who were standing there snapped to attention and gave him a salute.

"Ma'ikel to see General Johnson.It is urgent.

One of them said, "Yes, sir," and he quickly opened the right door.General, as far as I could tell, he was in the throne room.

Shane said, "Thank you," and began to walk down the long hallway.

Shane never forgot how beautiful the palace was, no matter how many times he visited it.White marble covered the entire palace, including the floor, walls, and hallway columns.The monotony was broken up by colorful tapestries scattered throughout the stone, which was streaked with various gray shades.The doors were the only other thing in the palace that was not white.The palace staff worked long hours to ensure that they, along with everything else in the palace, shone like glass because they were made of the finest gacha wood.

Between the columns, a group of palace guardsmen in blue breeches, black boots, and white coats and shirts stood.As soon as he got close, they caught his attention and immediately returned to their watchful positions, hands on sword hilts and eyes scanning the area.

When Shane noticed the boy shaking, he had already made it about half way to the throne room.He came to a stop and got down on one knee in front of him.He asked, "Are you all right?" while placing his hands on the boy's shoulders.

Shane observed the boy's face as tears welled up as Violet's eyes glanced upward.A thin line of blood ran down his chin as he bit his bottom lip so hard.Shane extended a hand, gently prying open the lip, and then used his thumb to wipe the blood off.

"Are you afraid?Are they all swords?”

Shane grabbed the boy quickly and held him close as he stood after the boy nodded.

I promised you I would safeguard you, boy, and I will.Now, understand? Keep your face on my shoulder.

As he wrapped his little arms around Shane's neck, the boy gave a second nod and buried his face in it.He tightened his grip and accelerated his steps because he could feel the tears running down his collar.

They noticed two more guards standing at the door to the throne room.Shane came to a stop in front of them.

"Is Ma'ikel inside?"

“Yes, sir, but he and the king are not to be disturbed,” one replied.

"And I am telling you to go let Ma'ikel and King Tomas know that General Johnson is here to see them and that it is urgent," said Shane with stern words.

General, "I would, but the Anmah told me not to disturb them for any reason."

This is not a typical justification.Go and inform them that I am here.

Shane moved closer to the man as his eyes narrowed, "But, General..."Guardsman, you're not arguing with me, are you?Despite the boy's tense reaction to his harsh tone, he could not allow this man to continue acting disrespectfully.

The man took a deep breath and said, "No, sir, General.I'll let them know you're here.

"Good decision."

He took a step back and observed as the man slowly opened the door and entered.Shane slowly turned his head to see the second guard glancing in his direction.

"What are you examining?"

The guard's eyes immediately moved forward.General, nothing."

That is correct.Nothing.You don't know anything, you don't see anything, you don't hear anything.

"Unconditionally, General,"

The first guard opened the door at that exact instant and held it open.

General, "King Tomas and Ma'ikel will see you now,"

Shane stopped after taking a single step into the room.The next time you are told to do something, may I suggest that you simply follow instructions?Unless, of course, you really want to spend the next six moons cleaning out the stables, which is unlikely.

The man said, "No, sir...I mean, yes, sir, General," saluting.

As the door closed, Shane turned around and walked down the red carpet to the throne in the front of the room.The two men he was looking for were seated at a large table to the side, and he gave them a quick glance around.While whispering to the boy, "Do what I do, but keep your eyes down," he detoured to them.Understand?”

Shane lowered himself to his left knee, placed the boy on his right side of the floor, and bowing his head with his right hand on the sword's hilt at the boy's nod.

“What, an hour in the city?And General Johnson, are you already scaring my guardsmen?

Shane looked at the boy with a fixed smile.He was similarly situated;Even his right hand was resting on his left hip.

He spoke smoothly, "Not more than fifteen minutes, Your Majesty, and I promise, the fright was not intentional."Additionally, I apologize for interrupting you, but this is truly urgent.