Shadows Over Arcadia Chapter 54: 53. Plague Doctor

Read chapter 54 of Shadows Over Arcadia by Zacheas on NovelPedia.

I am Ren Drakemore, age 9, second prince of the Kingdom of Arcadia—my allies and I have just arrived in the fortress city of Astradel, Capital of the Hyperion Kingdom to meet with their King. https://shadowsoverarcadia.com/api/storage/objects/uploads/94d9f12d-768f-4ec3-a12d-51b487be4617 “And what do you accursed vulture-Arcadians want now?” roars King Thaddeon as he storms into the throne room through a rear entrance. His long grey hair hangs in frayed strands beneath his crown, as if he had readied himself in a hurry. I stand at the center of the vast, empty hall, with Maribel, Shadow, and Willow at my back. Our Hyperion escorts flank us on both sides, dropping to their knees in deference to their king. The castle guards lining the walkways between us and the throne snap to attention as Thaddeon rounds it, his eyes fixed on us. He wears an expression of unbridled contempt. His aged face, sunken eyes, and the dark circles beneath them speak of a man worn down by advancing age. His clenched fists, furious gaze, and bared teeth suggests he is a man under immense pressure—and we may be the final straw. "Their last envoy left just two days ago. I found them their damn elf terrorist—now what do they want?" he spits. "They were vile and rude, but at least they gave us prior warning of their arrival." “ He doesn’t seem to like Arcadians very much,” Shadow remarks telepathically. “And what’s this?” Thaddeon snarls, gesturing at me while glancing toward the castle guards lining the walkway. “Does that bastard Edric intend to insult me further by sending a child to issue his demands?” It would seem, thanks to my dear father, this is going to be a lot more difficult… “He is Ren Drakemore, Prince of Arcadia... Edric’s son,” Daniels says nervously, still kneeling with his head bowed. “And you !” Thaddeon rounds on Daniels, voice rising with fury. “ Which of my military officers is so traitorous that he dares to bring armed men—and a child—before me without prior vetting or approval?” “I—I’m Captain D-Daniels, Your Majesty,” Daniels stammers, beginning to shake and sweat like a man facing death itself. “And where is your post?” Thaddeon presses, his glare so intense our four Hyperion escorts tremble under its weight. “F-Fort Trentwood, on the border with Arcadia, sir,” Daniels replies meekly—then adds in a rush, “The prince has brought you thousands of high-grade healing potions.” “And what proof did they provide that this is indeed the Prince of Arcadia?” the king snaps, ignoring Daniels’s attempt to calm his fury. Daniels flinches at the question. He opens his mouth, then hesitates—his brow furrowing as the realization hits him. We never gave him any proof. I can see it in the way his eyes dart, the panic rising behind them. “N-no official documents, Your Majesty,” he admits, his voice tight. “But I swear, he’s the real thing. He healed—” “So you abandoned your post,” Thaddeon cuts him off, eyes narrowing in disbelief. “You left the soldiers under your command to escort someone who could just as easily be an assassin—straight to your king.” His tone is cold and accusing. I watch the exchange unfold, confused and increasingly uneasy by how quickly it’s escalating. Skepticism toward us would be natural—but the king’s visible frailty, the sweat beading on his brow, and the irrational level of anger and paranoia suggest more than just a man under severe stress. He may be unwell. Then his piercing gaze shifts to me. At his words, the royal guards turn in unison, hands drifting to the hilts of their blades and the grips of their firearms. His voice drops to a chill-inducing whisper. “You know... I’ve met Edric’s real son before,” Thaddeon says, stepping back with a smirk curling across his face. A cold shiver races down my spine. “And he has blond hair.” A heavy, tense silence follows. Daniels slowly turns his head toward me, the terrifying realization etched across his face. At the same time, the royal guards fan out, encircling us. Every path