As Kai and Mr. Geralt approached the city gates, their spirits high from the successful test of Kai's invention, they were met with an unexpected sight. A soldier dressed in brown leather armor stood at attention, his eyes scanning the returning pair with a mix of curiosity and urgency. Kai's heart sank, recognizing the telltale signs of his father's close surveillance. He had known of General Thorne's watchful eye, but this level of scrutiny felt suffocating.
The soldier approached, his armor creaking slightly with each step. "Young Master Kai," he said, his voice formal but tinged with respect, "I bring a message from the General."
Kai's excitement from the day's achievements quickly faded, replaced by a weary resignation. He could feel the weight of the wooden case in his satchel, the promise it held now overshadowed by the looming presence of his father's summons.
"What is it?" Kai asked, unable to keep the fatigue from his voice. The day's journey beyond the walls had taken its toll, both physically and emotionally. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, acutely aware of the dirt and sweat that clung to his skin.
The soldier straightened, his posture rigid as he delivered his message. "The General requests your presence in the court."
Kai's mind raced. A summons to the court could only mean one thing – a political matter. He glanced at Mr. Geralt, seeing a mixture of concern and encouragement in the old wanderer's eyes.
"There is a visitor there, right?" Kai probed, hoping for some insight into what awaited him.
The soldier's face remained impassive, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of sympathy. "I'm sorry, Young Master. I was only ordered to bring you to the court, not to provide details."
Kai nodded, understanding the soldier's position. He knew he wouldn't get any more information until he faced his father. With a deep sigh, he turned to Mr. Geralt. "I suppose this is where we part ways for now, Master. Thank you for today."
Mr. Geralt placed a weathered hand on Kai's shoulder, his touch reassuring. "Remember what you achieved today, lad. No matter what awaits you in that court, you've done something remarkable." He took was tired, and he needed rest, he just thought of whatever to say to Kai and besides, the general is Kai's father, there was nothing scary that is going to happen to him.
Drawing strength from his mentor's words, Kai squared his shoulders. "Let's go then," he said to the soldier, his voice steadier than he felt.
As they made their way through the city streets, Kai was acutely aware of the contrast between his appearance and the grandeur that surrounded him. His clothes were dusty and travel-worn, a far cry from the polished attire expected in his father's court. The sword at his hip, a necessity for their venture beyond the walls, now felt out of place against the backdrop of the city's relative safety.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone streets as they approached the imposing structure that housed the court. The building's architecture was a testament to the city's resilience – strong, unyielding stone walls adorned with intricate carvings that told the story of their struggle against the shadow beasts.
Before entering, Kai paused to take in the scene. The court building was massive, its spires reaching towards the sky as if in defiance of the darkness that lurked beyond their walls. The façade was adorned with banners bearing the city's crest – a sword wrapped in chains, symbolizing strength and unity.
Two rows of soldiers flanked the grand entrance, their armor gleaming in the fading sunlight. Their faces were stoic, eyes forward, but Kai could sense their curiosity as he approached. He knew many of them by name, had grown up watching them train in the courtyards. Now, they stood as a barrier between him and whatever awaited inside.
Taking a deep breath, Kai strode forward, pushing open the heavy wooden doors with a sense of determination he didn't entirely feel. The doors creaked open, the sound echoing through the cavernous entrance hall.
The court itself was a marvel of engineering and artistry. Vaulted ceilings soared overhead, supported by intricately carved columns. Tapestries depicting great battles and moments of triumph hung from the walls, their rich colors a stark contrast to the somber mood that permeated the air.
At the far end of the hall, upon a raised dais, sat the imposing figure of General Thorne. His military uniform, adorned with medals and insignias of rank, seemed to glow in the light cast by the massive chandeliers overhead. The General's face was a mask of stern authority, but Kai could see the flicker of something else in his eyes – concern, perhaps, or disappointment.
As Kai made his way down the center aisle, he became aware of the whispers that followed in his wake. The court officials, seated in ornate chairs on either side of the room, eyed him with a mixture of curiosity and judgment. He could hear snippets of their hushed conversations – speculation about his disheveled appearance, wonder at why he had been summoned.
Reaching the foot of the dais, Kai straightened his posture and met his father's gaze. "Father," he said, his voice carrying clearly through the now-silent hall.
It was then that Kai noticed the other figure seated beside his father. A young woman, perhaps his own age, sat with regal poise. Her purple gown, intricately embroidered with silver thread, spoke of wealth and status. Beside her stood a guard in golden armor, their presence a clear indication of the woman's importance.
General Thorne's eyes narrowed as he took in Kai's appearance. The furrow in his brow deepened, a clear sign of his displeasure. When he spoke, however, his voice was calm, controlled. "Where have you been?"
Kai felt a moment of internal conflict. The success of his invention burned within him, begging to be shared. But the presence of this unknown visitor gave him pause. He chose his words carefully. "I recently, together with my Master, Geralt, created an invention that would aid in dealing with the shadow creatures," he replied, opting for honesty.
The General's expression remained impassive. "What does that have to do with what I asked?"
Kai could feel the weight of the court's attention on him. The air seemed to grow thicker, tension building with each passing moment. "We went beyond the walls to test our..." he began, but was cut short by his father's sudden outburst.
"You what!" General Thorne's voice boomed through the hall as he rose from his seat, his fist slamming down on the arm of his chair. The sound echoed off the stone walls, causing several court officials to flinch. The temperature in the room seemed to rise, mirroring the General's fury.
"Father," Kai said softly, his voice a stark contrast to the General's thunderous outburst. The single word carried with it a plea for understanding, a reminder of their bond beyond their titles.
As quickly as it had come, the General's anger seemed to dissipate. He sank back into his chair, his face a mixture of concern and frustration. "Go on," he said, his voice tight with restrained emotion.
Kai took a deep breath, acutely aware of the hundreds of eyes fixed upon him. The young woman in purple watched him with keen interest, her expression unreadable. "We were successfully able to test our theory," Kai continued, his voice growing stronger as he spoke. "The pill works as expected."
A murmur rippled through the court at this revelation. General Thorne leaned forward, his interest piqued despite his lingering anger. "Explain," he commanded.
Kai reached into his satchel, withdrawing the wooden case that held his precious invention. The case seemed to hum with potential as he opened it, revealing the small, unassuming pills within. "These pills," he began, his voice clear and confident, "when thrown at a shadow beast, release a burst of concentrated light. We witnessed it dissolve a beast completely."
The court erupted into hushed conversations, the news of a potential weapon against their greatest enemy spreading like wildfire. General Thorne raised a hand, silencing the room instantly.
"You risked your life, went beyond our walls, based on a theory?" The General's voice was low, dangerous.
Kai stood his ground. "Yes, father. Sometimes progress requires risk. You taught me that."
For a long moment, father and son locked eyes, an unspoken battle of wills playing out before the entire court. Then, to everyone's surprise, General Thorne's stern expression softened slightly. "You may have acted rashly," he said, "but if what you say is true, this could change everything."