Obsidian Ridge - Jess Lebow [31]
The king didn't wait for it to reach its full height. Ducking under the partially open gate, he made his way down the drawbridge, into the early morning. The senator, Quinn, and Whitman all followed. Captain Kaden rushed to catch up, fastening the last few buckles of his plate mail as he shouldered his way through the crowd, joining the others as they left the palace.
As they drew closer, King Korox began to recognize the words inscribed on its surface. The chiseled letters only became legible when the light hit them at just the right angle, reflecting off the inner surface of the carving and casting the words in contrast to the darker stone. Drawing up to the edge of the obelisk, the king sidestepped, tilting his head to get the sun's early rays into the right position.
King Korox Morkann of Erlkazar,
Underestimate my power at your folly. Further resistance or acts of aggression will not be tolerated.
On the moon's rise in four days time, deliver to me your eldest daughter, Princess Mariko.
Sacrifice the princess, or you shall forfeit the lives of everyone in your kingdom.
Arch Magus Xeries
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Quinn caught the king under the arm, holding him up as his knees went weak.
In all the time he had been serving Korox Morkann, the Warrior King as many called him, he had never seen the man falter as he did now.
The king grabbed Quinn's shoulder with his other hand, steadying himself. "Where is my daughter?" he asked.
When no one answered, he repeated himself, this time more forcefully. "Where is my daughter?"
Captain Kaden echoed the king's concern. "Has anyone seen the princess?" He pointed to the closest palace guard. "You there. You were on duty this morning. When was the last time you saw the princess?"
The guard shook his head. "Not today."
"How about you?" shouted Kaden at one of his Magistrates. "Have you seen the princess?"
"No," replied the soldier. "Not since the black fortress arrived."
Quinn could tell the king was growing more and more alarmed. His eyes were beginning to narrow, and the edges of his lips were curled down, a sign that his initial shock was now turning to anger.
Straightening, King Korox took his weight off of Quinn. "Well, someone find my daughter. Right now!"
Every palace guard within earshot took off in a different direction. The crowd of gawking courtiers scattered-some helping to search for Princess Mariko, others just simply trying to get out of the way.
Captain Kaden lowered his head in a bow to the king. "With all due respect my lord, you don't plan to turn the princess over to that… that beast, do you?"
King Korox's voice boomed as he replied. "This is my daughter we're talking about here, son. I'd just as soon give up my own life than hers."
"Then what do you plan to do?" asked Senator Divian.
The senator always stood too close to the king for Quinn's comfort. She gripped his arm now, a look of stern disapproval on her face.
"You must be careful what you decide, Korox," she continued. "It is not just your daughter who is in danger. The lives of every man, woman, and child in Erlkazar are at stake here."
The king looked at her hand on his arm. The anger on his face had clearly not yet subsided. "This is neither the time nor the place for this discussion."
He raised his gaze to meet the senator's, his eyes narrowing as he did.
Quinn gripped the hilt of his sword, unnerved by the mounting tension between the king and his advisor.
Senator Divian relented, letting go of the king and nodding her understanding.
Korox turned to the head of the Magistrates. "Captain-"
Kaden cut him off before he could finish. "I'll find her, my lord." Then he took off into the palace at a full run.
Taking one last look at the stone obelisk,