"I don't know how to feel about that," I mumbled.
The most shocking thing happened today, and I don't know how to feel about it. The more we travel, the more I see and hear things that are unexpected. The useless Alvin, who needs to be taken care of, can hold a knife? That is beyond shocking. He easily killed an undead and protected that princess who, by the way, keeps trying to get herself killed. I wasn't the only one who was shocked; you can't blame us.
We decided to make a detour for the camp we heard of. My hope is that we drop off the princess there; the possibility of getting rid of Alvin is really slim now.
We moved through the streets of the town that was marked on the map, but there was nothing. My hands found their way to the hilt of my sword instinctively as I looked around for any threat that might come. It felt like we were moving around in circles.
We've been moving around for a while now, and there's no sign of an undead or a barrier that keeps them out. Should we turn around?
"Hold on," Harold said, and we all did. "We've been moving around in a circle," he stated. No one looked surprised. "You all noticed too? Why didn't anyone speak up?"
"That's your job," Cato replied. Harold sighed and snapped his fingers.
The loud moan was enough to get everyone in action. I drew my sword quickly and stabbed the undead that was about to bite Bean. Talk about timing.
"Who are you? Identify yourselves," someone shouted. I looked up and finally noticed the large gate in front of us.
"Harold Rinehart, I'm here with my comrades. Let us through," Harold said.
"I need to know the people that are with you first," he replied.
"I'm sure we won't be able to respond once we turn into one of these things," I said, stabbing another undead.
"Identify yourselves," he repeated.
"Cady Hall," I said. "We're here with two royal—" The gate opened before I could finish my statement. Were they looking for Alvin?
We rode in, fighting through the undead that were coming after us. The gate behind us closed as we killed off the remaining undead.
"We are with the princess and fifth prince," I said, turning to look at the guards.
"Cady Hall?" one of them asked, and I nodded. "Please, come down quietly and don't try to resist," he said. Resist what?
I got down and stared at them blankly. A few knights had us surrounded with their swords drawn. My hands lingered on the hilt of my swords as I stared at them.
"What do you think you're doing?" Alvin asked.
"How dare you raise your weapons at royalties?" the princess demanded.
"Your highness, please step away from them," he said.
"Don't order me," she shot back. Should she keep up this attitude in the current situation?
"What do you want from me?" I asked, staring at them.
"You've been charged with treason," he replied.
"Ehh… treason, huh?" I replied. Wait, treason?
"Treason?" Cato asked, looking at me. I don't know either.
"This is nonsense," Julie said, drawing her sword.
"Calm down," I said, though she was really agitated. "So, I committed treason? How and when?"
"Drop your weapons and turn yourself in," he said, and a smile played on my lips. This whole situation was unexpected—and a little fun.
I took out my swords, raised them up, and let go slowly until they fell from my hands. I moved quickly, standing in front of him with my hands out.
"Okay," I said, gesturing for him to arrest me.
'How am I supposed to react, stupid Elton?'
I glanced back at my group and read everyone's expressions. Cato looked agitated, Alvin had a similar expression, and the princess looked like she could cry at any moment. She needs to learn to control her aura. Sloane had her hand on her sword. Our eyes met, and she nodded, but I shook my head. Julie seemed a bit calmer, while Taylor had a frown on her face. Harold was expressionless—unlike him.
'Why do I suddenly feel like I was set up?'
Elton said I should be more trusting, so I tried hard to let my guard down a little. Look where it got me.
"Let's go," I said, turning to walk away.
"Wait, on whose authority are you doing this?" Alvin asked.
"His Majesty, the emperor," he replied.
'Oh, they're alive. Good. I can get rid of these two royals.'
"A… are they all here?" the princess asked.
"Yes, your highness," he replied. She shrank the moment she heard his response. Does she also lose the royalty competition?
'Well, that's not my problem.'
"Let's go," I said to the knights as I turned to leave.
'How do I get out of this? Are they serious? Do I need to kill anyone? Did Harold really sell me out?'
Why am I doubting my instincts? He obviously did… right?
"Cady, I'll try to get you out of this," Alvin promised, and I almost laughed.
"I don't need anyone," I replied. If things get bad, I'll let the undead in and let myself out. I can't kill the royal family; Elton won't like that.
This is just another thing to waste my time. I don't have time for all this. I don't have time to waste on a stupid setup.
I was taken to a cell and kept there. I honestly wanted to tell them to hurry up. I don't care about the nonsense they want to say I did; I don't care about any of it. I just want to get rid of that princess and be on my way.
'If I didn't come here, would they have gone in search of me?'
Harold definitely set this whole thing up. A letter suddenly appears, and what I'm looking for is right there. Why would anyone carry a letter when there are messengers and mages to transport it? It was all a trap—it was a setup.
'What could I say is his intention?'