CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

My noble friends, King Aelfdene began, his words carrying effortlessly to the furthest corners of the hall, today marks a triumph of skill and spirit, where champions from every corner of our lands have proven their mettle. To each competitor who has graced our fields with their courage and prowess, I offer my deepest commendation.

A ripple of applause swept through the assembly, the sound of gauntlets clapping together mingling with the gentle hum of whispered conversations among knights and courtiers.

You have brought honor not only to yourselves but to our kingdoms as a whole, the king continued, his gaze sweeping across the gathered crowd, acknowledging the representatives from each kingdom with a nod of respect. Your feats of strength, agility, and wisdom have inspired us all.

The air was filled with a palpable sense of camaraderie and pride as the king's words kindled a shared sense of achievement among those assembled. In the background, minstrels began to softly strum their lutes, setting a festive tone that promised an evening of revelry and joy.

And so, let the festivities commence! King Aelfdene declared, his voice ringing out with infectious enthusiasm. Let us raise our goblets in celebration of our unity and shared heritage. May this gathering be remembered as a testament to the bonds that bind our kingdoms together!

With a regal gesture, King Aelfdene signaled for the feast to begin. Servants clad in rich livery began to circulate among the guests, offering golden goblets filled with fine wines and platters laden with delicacies from across the kingdoms. The hall echoed with laughter and merriment, the strains of music growing louder as dancers twirled in time to the lively melodies.

I sat down at the place designated for Cleon and i as i look around searching for him. I took a big gulp from my wine goblet to calm my already angered self thanks to the conversation i had earlier with my parents.

Is it not too early in the celebration, for you to be drinking this heavily?

By the spirits, i gasped almost splashing myself with whatever wine that is remaining. Cleon! you really need to stop doing that, you just can't continue behaving like a ghost.

You startle easily Evelinde.

No i don't, it is you that always appear without warning.

What have i missed?

Nothing much, just a speech by your father.

Hmmmmmmm.

Where were you though?

I got news that Elowen wanted to see me, so i went to meet him.

So what did he want to see you about?

I don't know.

What do you mean?

I got to his house to find it empty, i asked around and no one seems to know his whereabouts.

And Sylvan?

I couldn't find him too, i only met the mother and sister on my way back, picking herbs in the forest. And they too have no clue of the father and son's whereabouts.

You know, Cedric is actually concerned about Sylvan. He told me they haven't spoken since the incident in the woods, and that it is so unlike Sylvan to ghost him like that.

Wait, Cleon is that not Elowen and Sylvan? i said pointing to a group of five elfs walking towards the king with Elowen leading them and Sylvan beside him.

I heard murmurs around me and turned to find everyone staring at the Feys.

Cleon, whats's happening i said turning to face Cleon who just like everyone else is looking at the Feys.

I don't know Evelinde, but whatever it is, it cannot be good.

My prince, came Cedric's voice behind us. We turned to see Cedric looking troubled.

Cedric, what is it? i asked concerned about his present state.

Eve, my prince, i don't know what Sylvan is doing here but he might be in danger.

What do you mean? came Cleon's voice beside me.

I overheard some of the mages talking about some powers and something to do with the feys and it does not sound good at all.

What were they saying Cedric?

I don't know Eve, i could barely hear their words.

What's happening now? i asked as the three of us turned to look at the king and Elowen.

Suddenly a chill crept into the air, causing the flickering candle flames to waver. The laughter, eerie and chilling, cut through the merriment like a dagger. Whispers of unease spread among the guests, their joyous faces turning to looks of apprehension as shadows began to gather in the corners of the grand hall.

At first, it was a subtle movement—a flicker of darkness against the walls, a shape shifting in the periphery. Then, like ink spreading in water, the shadows coalesced into tangible forms, twisting and contorting into sinister shapes that defied natural explanation. Panic rippled through the crowd as realization dawned that something was terribly wrong.

The guests, once united in celebration, now scattered in frantic attempts to escape the encroaching darkness. But the shadows moved with an unnatural swiftness, cutting off every avenue of retreat. Desperate screams pierced the air as people collided in their haste, their paths blocked by walls of creeping darkness that seemed to mock their efforts to flee.

King Aelfdene, his regal demeanor momentarily faltering, raised his voice above the chaos. Stay together! Protect one another! His command, though authoritative, struggled to pierce through the rising tide of fear.

The flickering candlelight cast grotesque shadows upon the walls, adding to the surreal nightmare unfolding before their eyes. Servants and nobles alike, once adorned in finery, now scrambled in disarray, their faces etched with horror as they realized they were trapped within the palace—a fortress turned into a prison by an unseen malevolence.

As the shadows closed in, whispers of ancient curses and dark magic spread among the remaining pockets of resistance. Warriors stood their ground, brandishing swords and weapons, only to find their attacks met with laughter that seemed to echo from the very walls themselves.