The country of Nitra was different from Eddeathra in every way possible. Eddeathra had blue skies filled with white puffy clouds that hung lazily in the sky with the occasional rain or thunderstorm. Nitra was the opposite. It had skies of gray and chilling winds that were almost constantly blowing. It was not a great place for the Knights of Evermore to be traveling to, but it had to be done.
Icas took a deep breath as he looked up at the towering castle that loomed ahead. Elina walked up beside him. "You have a bad feeling, don't you?"
Icas turned to look at her. "I just feel like there's something bad that's waiting for us here."
"I know what you mean. I've been having that feeling too, but whatever it is, we'll face it together." Icas smiled and took her hand.
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The Knights of Evermore entered the castle through the main hall and approached the throne room. The King and Queen sat on their thrones and welcomed their visitors. "Ah, the Knights of Evermore!" The King straightened his black cloak and stood up to welcome the group. "I hope safe travels have brought you here. I hear the Exjour is dangerous this time of year."
"Why is he staring at me?" Icas whispered to Elina.
"I don't know." The king was staring at Icas with an uncomfortable smile on his face. Icas tried to ignore it.
"Indeed it is," said Kalzin as he stepped forward. "We have come to discuss a renewal of the Peace Treaty that was signed thirty-five years ago."
"Yes, yes, of course!" the King exclaimed. "Where is the Chosen Elder?"
"Dead, I'm afraid," Kalzin said. "Kalio Thornton died many, many years ago.
"Oh, I am so so sorry!" the King said with fake sympathy. The King turned to his aide. "Please escort the diplomats to their quarters."
As the knights were led away, Icas couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to go very wrong.