It's been a few days since James lost everything and disappeared. The method of his disappearance was no mystery as there existed artefacts and relics that could teleport someone to unknown locations in the event their lives were threatened.
It was a trump card for many nobles. But the issue was not James disappearing more than he being allowed to disappear when his executioners had more than enough time to kill him many times over.
At this moment, in Celeste Vale, the heart of the Kingdom of Solene and in the royal castle, Alaric Brightwind, Caelum Starfire, Vark Stormraven, and Maelis Ironhelm knelt before his royal majesty King Alaric Marcell.
The king of Solene was a strict, unyielding man with a deep-seated distrust of other noble houses. He aims at consolidating power under the royal family.
And with the most challenging thorn deceased, he accelerated his plans. By making use of the 'friends' of that man's spawn, he was able to destroy everything House Allan stood for, or at the very least, that was how it was supposed to go.
Surprise was his reaction when they returned a few days ago to report their success, only to be told they let James Allan escape. It was such a simple yet colossal failure that he wanted more than anything to kill the failures before him.
King Alaric rose from his throne under the gaze of his court, slowly approaching the four morons. His steps were deliberately pronounced, sending shivers down their spine with every echo.
His expression was stern yet calm. However, anyone who knew him could see that he was seething with anger. His piercing blue eyes, black hair with streaks of white, and well-groomed beard gave him an intimidating presence, enhancing his kingly aura.
The four friends trembled, feeling the heavy gaze of the king on them. They dared not raise their heads to meet his gaze.
"Who had the chance to deal the finishing blow?"
Alaric's heart skipped a beat the moment the question was posed. He knew he was screwed and carrying the same name as the king made things even worse for him.
King Alaric remained calm on the surface as he observed the actions of the group. He noticed three turn their gaze towards the one to his right. It was all the information he needed.
Suddenly, Alaric felt an abrupt hold on his neck and a moment later, he felt weightless. His eyes widened and his hands moved to his neck in an attempt to relieve the choke he was subjected to.
It was a mistake he shouldn't have made.
Staring at the boy in his vice grip, King Alaric considered whether to kill him or cripple him. Either choice was good in his opinion. It was then that the boy tried to pry his hands open.
"Insolent!"
King Alaric moved with a swiftness that generated a whooshing sound as he cut through the air. He slammed Alaric into one of the supporting columns in his throne room.
*BOOM*
The slam was heavy and shocking as the force that reverberated through Alaric instantly knocked him out and blood began to leak from his nose to the corner of his lips.
The others remained quiet and kept their heads down. The members of the court? Silent as they kept on watching. They more than anyone knew not to interfere when the king got like that.
Only his advisor had that authority and that was only on very special occasions.
'We're so dead. We're so dead…'
Caelum cried out in absolute fear. He should have killed the bastard when he had the chance instead of leaving it to that moron Alaric. Because of him, they were in deep shit!
The thoughts of the other two weren't too far off. They wished more than anything else to go back in time and right that mistake.
With no idea what to expect, they could only pray to the heavens to save them from the king's wrath.
"You fucked up a simple mission and then had the nerve to return here, I should slay you where you stand!"
Looking at the pathetic passed-out existence of Alaric, King Alaric tossed him aside like a rag doll after it was too broken to be played with.
"Who was the moron who even gave him my name?"
He returned his gaze to the other three and walked towards them.
"I'll give you fools three days to find James and finish what you started. And you better make sure you succeed this time.
"You wouldn't want to know what awaits you should you fail."
His words echoed in the large throne room as he walked past the kneeling trio and returned to his throne.
He let out a deep sigh. The implications of James escaping could come to bite him in the ass if he didn't play his cards right.
The attack on James Allan was not yet known to the public. The story prepared for the eventual reveal was that a former enemy of the late duke saw a chance to destroy everything the duke held dear.
And that was his one and only heir, James Allan.
Before the trio could get up, someone spoke.
"Your majesty, perhaps we can make things a little easier for the kids?"
The king raised a brow looking at his advisor.
"What do you mean, Ronan?"
Ronan Thornfield looked over to the kids with a dark glint in his eyes. He had dark long hair tied at his back with grey patches, a goatee and a cunning face difficult to miss.
Just like the king, he was a ruthless and ambitious man. His strategic mind has won the kingdom victories against their rival nations in various skirmishes.
"Finding James in three days is almost impossible. He could be anywhere on the continent. Maybe even out of it."
His words were no brainer, even the guards who stood like statues knew this. It was the reason they waited patiently for him to finish.
But…
"Get to the point, Ronan."
The king was not in the disposition for long-winded words. His mood was soiled with the news of James's survivor already.
"Why don't we make an announcement to the kingdom's people and beyond? We already have the perfect cover for it."
The king narrowed his eyes for a few seconds before a light of realization hit it. He quickly deduced what Ronan meant and a small smile emerged on his lips.
Once again, his advisor had shown that he had a good head on his shoulders.
"Hahaha… You're right, Ronan. As always,"
The king refocused on the kids who remained in their spots with squinted eyes. "Return to your domains and await word.
"You are to prepare to leave at a moment's notice once word comes in. I won't tolerate another failure, is that understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Bowing their heads, the three exchanged confused glances not clear what exactly they were to do.
Of course, they knew the story as well, but they couldn't see how that would help them in locating James.
"Out of my sight!"
Caelum and the other two bowed again and rushed towards the unconscious Alaric. They quickly carried him and exited the throne room.
King Alaric's gaze followed their movements until they completely vanished from sight.
"Tail them,"
He spoke to no one in particular, but his words moved forces unseen to most people.