Under the Dark Sun

Aslan was riding back to the palace when he remembered the visit of the messenger phoenix. The hologram showed the citizens of the town marching, the Knights of Darkness escorting them. Then Sharai appeared. “Aslan, we need you.”

Reginald fell silent, one hand holding Lament’s hilt. The energy that floated between them made him powerful. His mind was free from thought, while his body seemed to become stronger. The sensation was a dull, constant ache over his muscles, he felt his power growing.

“How was your stay at Zurkaks?” Aslan asked.

“Nothing special…”

“How did you get that sword?”

“I found it on the way out and decided to take it.”

“You better be careful,” said Aslan. “That metal tends to destroy everything it touches.”

“The Knights of Darkness use them without a problem.”

“Perhaps their secrets are hidden in that sword,” said Aslan, certain that Reginald was hiding something. “We have bigger problems at the kingdom. The Knights of Darkness are mobilizing the citizens.”

“For what purpose?” Reginald asked.

“That’s what we’re going to find out.”

The sun rose to its highest point, indicating that the day was reaching the middle of its cycle. Throughout their journey, Reginald turned a couple of times to see Zurkaks’s tower shrinking in the distance. Something was telling him that this would not be the last time he heard from Lady Night.

Just remembering that the depth of her gaze made him fear a future meeting. She was the one who helped him survive his first night, who sentenced him to pain. Reginald knew that she would seek him out to fulfill her promise. Lady Night would see to that.

A pair of wild phoenixes flew over them. Aslan watched them pass, admiring the trail of flame they leave behind. Their red and orange tails. Majestic creatures.

The castle looked dark with the setting sun when they arrived. Many of the town’s torches remained unlit. It was true, the Knights of Darkness had mobilized the people.

Reginald stepped forward as he passed between the houses. The road was almost empty. He headed for the main gate of the castle.

“I’m prince Reginald,” he said upon seeing the closed door. “I demand to enter.”

The guards opened the doors. Reginald and Aslan passed.

The interior of the castle was cold and mysterious. Reginald found none of his servants. What’s going on? he thought to himself as he headed to his father’s room. The place is empty, with none of the royal guards patrolling the halls. Something is wrong.

“Father…” Reginald said as he entered the king’s room.

Frederick was looking out the window at the empty streets of the city that surrounded his castle.

Reginald entered before receiving an answer. “What’s going on?”

Aslan placed a hand on the prince’s shoulder.

Reginald stopped.

Frederick was silent for what seemed like an eternity. “I see you are doing a good job with my son, Aslan.”

“Your majesty,” said Aslan, “we return with news of Zurkaks”.

“What did you discover?” the king asked.

“Reginald managed to infiltrate them,” said Aslan.

The prince looked at the Knight of Light curiously, raising an eyebrow. Aslan just shrugged.

“I’m waiting…” Frederick said, still looking at the town from his window.

“That’s right,” Reginald finally said, “I did manage to get hold of one of their swords.”

“It’s a fair deal, then,” Frederick said. “The Knights of Darkness are using our citizens to extract the black metal. They caught the dragon guarding the mine. They won’t have long until it breaks free… even less if we do something about it.”

“But Dad…”

“I asked you a question?” Frederick said as he turned to look at his son. “We are at war! Get out of here and do as I ask!”

“Yes, your majesty,” said Aslan. “We will make sure to release the dragon and protect the citizens.”

“I will leave my son under guardianship,” said the king, and raised a hand. “Now get out of here, I want to be alone.”

Leaving the castle, Aslan headed for Sharai’s house. Upon arrival, he found the door open and knew she was home.

“Sharai,” Aslan said loudly.

The sorceress poked her head out of the second-floor window. “I’ll be down in an instant.”

They waited for more than Reginald had expected. The two of them had little intention of talking about what was going on. Eventually, Sharai came out and closed the door of her house.

“To what do I owe this surprise?” she asked.

“We have a job to do,” Aslan said.

“Is the pay worth my time?” Ashera asked.

“Have I ever done you wrong?” Aslan said.

“That’s good enough for me,” she said. “What’s the job?”

“We need to enrage a dragon.”