Rey continued his chasing after the locusts' bandits. He galloped on his horse, racing against time as the image of Garry filled his head. He kept charging across the outskirts of the town and heading west, just like the kingpin had told him. He had been racing throughout the night until the sun finally broke in the sky.
Rey looked up, and he couldn't believe it. He had been riding all night without stopping to take a nap or rest. He couldn't believe that he had spent a day looking for Garry. He had thought it would be a simple job, but he was wrong. Now, he was sure without a doubt that Gaius would be damn worried. He just hoped he wasn't trying something bad.
After some minutes of racing, Rey finally spotted the outline of a small castle ahead of him. It was built on a hill and surrounded by a formidable moat, a drawbridge, and a stone wall. It was also guarded by more than a dozen soldiers. They wore distinctive armor that Rey had never seen in Isengard before. It was green, shiny armor that was covered in scales, and helmets with a nose that came in points.
As Rey kept getting closer, he could see that more than two dozen soldiers were guarding the entrance. Without being told, Rey realized that the kingpin had been telling the truth. The man, Savannah, is indeed a powerful lord. Rey will need luck and strategy if he wants to break into the castle.
Suddenly, the voice of the woman from the tavern replayed itself in Rey's head: "Whoever or whatever you are, may Lord Rey bless you and renew your strength."
The woman's speech made Rey wonder who exactly that woman was. From what he heard from Garry and Gaius, every generation that knew about Lord Rey had perished. Nonetheless, Rey chose to dismiss the thought and claim the blessings with his heart. He was sure that he would need it here at Savannah's castle.
Rey raced down the road that led to the drawbridge. As he neared it, the portcullis was slowly lowered, and several soldiers stepped forward. They were holding a spear high, pointing it toward Rey to signal for him to stop.
Rey looked around, and he could see that he was vastly outnumbered. If he were to confront them in a direct assault, it would be fierce. Nevertheless, he felt a strange boldness in his heart that he would find his way into the castle. After all, he was different from them. They looked human to him. Rey also felt a strange power coursing through his body. He needs no one to tell him that it belongs to Lord Rey.
Rey Reed Smith felt the man's presence within him. He felt his power surging through his body. He felt the man's wisdom, skills, and vitality gushing through him. Because of that, he didn't have much to worry about.
Nevertheless, Rey didn't want to begin a confrontation or waste his time with these soldiers. He wants to see Savannah first and inspect him. He needs to know what he will be up against and how he will tackle him if it comes to combat. He can't risk letting his secret out or exposing his home to more threats and danger.
Aside from that, Rey wanted to give the lord the benefit of doubt and make him realize that he made a mistake. He wants to make the man realize that he was doing a bad thing and that he should change his ways because they will lead to his downfall. Rey wants to talk to him like a nobleman; maybe he will change.
Several soldiers blocked Rey's path as he came near the castle gate. He could have killed each of them before they came near him, but he stopped before them instead and held his patience. He needs to make them believe that he is not here for war. He only needs to get Garry out of this castle, and he will leave them for good. By doing it that way, no one will be hurt.
"Clarify yourself, man!" One of the soldiers yelled.
Rey cleared his throat and said, "My name is Rey Reed, son of Rey Smith, and champion of King Sebastian. I'm the one that chased the Pegasus away and won the king's three deadly challenges." Rey announced confidently. He sat straight on his horse and used his authoritative voice: "I demand an audience with Lord Savannah."
"And how can I help you?" A booming voice came from above.
Rey looked up, stretching his gaze above the drawbridge, all the way to the upper tower of the castle. Standing on the small balcony of the castle is a man dressed in red and white silks with high green boots that stretch to his knees. He was wearing a cape and a small crown. It was obvious from his appearance that he was proud. Rey needs no one to tell him that he is Savannah.
Even from afar, Rey could see the proud grin on his face. He seemed to have imagined himself as a king. Rey doubts if he even cares about Sebastian or cares to follow his order. Rey shakes his head in pity for him. Only if this man knew that he was nothing but a lesser god. He wasn't even worth Garry. And Rey doubts the chance of this man listening to his speech. Nevertheless, he decided to give it a shot.
"I'm sure you know me and what I've accomplished ever since I came to this kingdom so far," Rey began. "I didn't say this to threaten you, but to make you realize that we can settle this without violence and shedding blood."
"And what business do I have with you, young warlock?" Savannah called out. "I knew about you and everything you've done so far. But I don't think I've done anything that warrants your presence here."
Rey smiled and felt encouraged. Perhaps this meeting won't have to end in a fight after all.
"Your men brought some captives a day or two ago, and there's a young boy amidst them who is my brother," Rey explained. He had finished speaking before he realized that he had called Garry a brother. "I'm sure that you did not realize who he was; that's why you didn't let him go. He was a very good brother of mine. One of the two beings I had grown to love in this kingdom so far."
"And how did you know all of this?" Savannah pressed. "If he was indeed your brother, why are you just coming? Why didn't you notice that he was missing soon? Why didn't you protect him from my men before they took him?"
"I did," Rey said with gritted teeth, trying to control his anger. "It's just that I wasn't around when your men came."
The Lord said, "And that means you're impotent," and a surprise gasp spread amongst Lord Savannah's men.
Nevertheless, Rey decided to give him another chance to redeem himself. "I'll pardon you because you didn't know what you were doing." He paused and replaced the smile on his face with a stern one. "Since I've told you that the boy belongs to me, I order you to let him go, and we can avoid a bloody confrontation here. I'll even pay you any amount that you demand."
"Will you pay any amount?" The lord gasped and chuckled. "What if I refuse?"
Rey asked in bewilderment, "Why will you refuse my offer?"
"I just don't feel like listening to you," the Lord called out. "Besides, no one told me what to do. You might be a powerful and skilled fighter, but you're outnumbered. You didn't stand a chance against my men." The lord laughed out loud, and his men followed by mocking Rey. Their voices filled the castle and pierced the atmosphere.
"Young warlock, If I were you, I'd return to my town and mourn the loss of my brother," he said. He paused, leaned back, and crossed his hands triumphantly while looking down at Rey like an ant. "Did you know why? Because I'm going to feed on your brother as soon as I leave here."
And that's it. Rey was overwhelmed with a rage unlike any he had ever known. This man represented evil to him. He was lucky to be among the few with supernatural power, but he chose to use it for a bad purpose.
"Son," Lord Rey said in Rey's head. "I'm giving you a minute to access a little of my power. Make good use of it."
"Perfect time!" Rey giggled.
t.b.c