Shadows Over Arcadia Chapter 39: 39. Betrayal Pt 2

Read chapter 39 of Shadows Over Arcadia by Zacheas on NovelPedia.

39. Betrayal Pt 2 I am Gavin, 29 years old, Captain of the Royal Guard of Arcadia, and I just found out that the man I have sworn my blood and honor to protect has been compromised. https://shadowsoverarcadia.com/api/storage/objects/uploads/0c350be4-57f7-44d5-b0f3-fb035934c42b Finding out that the King’s mind is not his own is possibly the second worst discovery a Captain of the Guard could make. The first would be finding the King dead. The moment the throne room doors slam shut behind me, I break into a run. My boots strike hard against stone as I race through the corridors, down the stairwells, and across the courtyard, rushing past startled servants. The morning air is cold and sharp against my face as I cross to the Royal Guard Headquarters. I burst inside, and every conversation halts. “Call to arms,” I bark. “Now.” The command is enough. One of the guardsmen seizes the horn and sounds it, the blare cutting through the crisp morning air. Within minutes, armored men pour into the courtyard, forming ranks with practiced precision. I scan their faces, wondering who among them may also be compromised. If the fae have taken any of them, I need to know. Satisfied that the order is being carried out, I turn for the armory. Moments later, I step outside clad in my full suit of mithril plate armor, its polished surface catching the light. At my side hangs the Sword of Soles, a custom-forged mithril longsword uniquely enchanted with the Drain Touch spell. It is a rare weapon, the kind reserved for Arcadia’s elite. Every knight under my command is equipped with enchanted mithril arms and armor of similar quality. Our mastery in wielding these rare and powerful tools allows us to stand against mages and magical beasts alike. It is that skill and armament that set us apart from any other military. Before me stand five hundred of Arcadia’s finest, arranged in ten columns and fifty ranks. They are knights I have trained beside, fought beside, and trusted with my life. These men are the best soldiers this kingdom has to offer, their skill and discipline have brought us countless victories. To stand among them has always inspired confidence. But today, that pride is shadowed by doubt. The thought that one of them could be under the control of a monster chills me more than any blade. These men are my comrades, and if the fae have touched their minds, I may be forced to face them as enemies. “Attention!” “Open ranks!” The formation spreads with practiced precision, each line shifting outward to create a clear path through the center. I draw the now cracked amulet from my pocket and begin a slow, deliberate walk down the aisle between them. To the others, it looks like a standard inspection, but in truth, I’m watching the amulet for any sign of a reaction. I stop in front of each guardsman, appearing to examine their stance or gear, while silently checking for the telltale yellow glow. I have to be certain. If even one of the guards assigned to the King or his son has fallen under a fae’s influence, the consequences could be catastrophic. I move through the ranks methodically, row by row, checking each man in silence. The amulet remains dark. Finally, I return to the front of the formation. Most of the guardsmen now wear puzzled expressions, their discipline holding even as confusion lingers just beneath the surface. "Guardsmen," I call out, my voice sharp and authoritative, "a threat has been made against the King's life. Effective immediately, all patrols and guard shifts are to be doubled. Anyone granted an audience with His Majesty must be escorted by no fewer than four guards at all times." I need to give them just enough truth to act with caution, without stirring unnecessary panic or confusion. “I will be leaving the capital to investigate this threat personally,” I continue. “Once dismissed, report to your platoon leaders for your new shift assignments.” “Yes, sir!” the guardsmen reply in unison. “Dismissed!” The formation quickly b