His Right-Hand

*****

CHAPTER 18

Following his heed, Xander and the others skillfully flew into the palace after him and to their unexpected surprise, when they got to the big doors which ushered them in, they pulled open in a silent welcome.

All eyes widened with their heads tilted back to get a splendid view of the beautiful enchanting palace.

It was, with no doubt, different from what they were used to in their kingdom. With the unavoidable prestige it held, even the newly built palace barely stood a chance against the beauty they witnessed.

No doubt, this was the pride of Drakenflare.

Amongst everyone who was shocked and taking in the view, Zeno kept a straight face, his gaze firm as he peered ahead while walking side by side with Xander.

From there on out there was no going back. It was a path chosen to be branded traitors for life.

To their amazement, the path led them deeper into the palace and soon it was very easy to locate the throne room at the center of the great hall.

Following the rugged path, Xander took a step forward, leading the group once more to the big doors of the throne room.

Without uttering a word, the golden and sky-blue-lined doors opened up as well, revealing the magnificence of her stronghold.

Lifting his gaze up, Xander let his eyes trail from the red rug with a dragon design drawn from the edge leading up to the other end stopping at the foot of the stairs leading to the throne.

His eyes did not stop there, but trailed up the stairs, admiring the crown design on the rug that rested atop the dragon's head.

And when his eyes finally landed on the base of the golden throne, he noticed a being seated majestically on it.

The glow radiating from the body of the person gave a magnificent feeling and awe, leaving one speechless in more ways than one.

Slowly his eyes moved once more until they came to rest on his face.

Just like the same person they had seen when they came, the one seated on the throne was none other than Xavier, the Dragon King, dressed in a different attire from that which they had seen him in just now.

His golden crown rested firmly on his long silver hair while holding a long scepter in his right hand.

The firmness in his eyes, the way his facial muscles tightened… One look was all it took to send dread running down the hearts of those who saw him.

And Xander was right, he could already sense and feel the fear emanating from the people behind him. But when he pulled his gaze back, something at the back of his mind told him all of this was wrong.

The Xavier they had seen just a few moments back, had no reason to dress up for them like this.

No.

The designs present made everywhere look festive but that was not the case.

Shutting his eyes briefly, he let his power surge through his body and flow through his veins.

'Something is not right. Something needs to be seen. Seen but not seen. Take a look.'

His eyelids fluttered open slowly and when he brought his gaze back to the throne, what he saw made his brows tighten into a knot.

Standing close to the throne, beside Xavier was a person exactly like himself.

Xander's eyes went agape as his lips parted in shock. Subconsciously he took a step back and narrowed his eyes at them.

Watching his reaction, Zeno could tell something was up that they were not aware of.

"My Lord, Xander…" Xander heard several gasps and voices rise from behind him.

"It… It can't be," Xander muttered, trying to catch his breath. There had to be an explanation for what was going on.

There was no way this was true and possible.

"That is… you," Zeno pointed out again. This time with more disbelief than assurance in his voice.

"It is…" His voice trailed off but he knew there was something else they were not seeing. "Not," he concluded.

Instantly several heads turned to face him, centering all of their attention on him.

"What?"

"Yes."

"That is not real or definitely not something to happen now," Xander stated firmly in a rather calm manner.

"Then simply, perhaps the throne room is showing us a future. What the future holds in store for you," Zeno almost exclaimed when he realized what it might be.

"No. Not a future," Xander's deep voice rang out with authority, shocking everyone and ultimately breaking the mirage before them.

Anyone in that position would be glad at such a prophecy. However, the one it was granted to didn't want it to be.

They could not understand the reason behind anything until he spoke up to clarify.

"But a past."

"A past?" They chorused their question swiftly, without bothering about what their eagerness would be seen as while displaying their confusion.

"Standing beside the king with firm gaze but warm eyes is none other than Xander the 1st, the first true protector of the Aisle of Drakenflame."

Instantly he lifted both hands into the air, letting his power flow through them.

"What you see, is an illusion, an afterimage created by the King's trusted friend and advisor in memory of the friendship they once held and the true nature of the true king, Xavier."

"Oh my…"

"As you can see, this is the handwork of a true illusion master. Even an illusionist like myself wouldn't notice it quickly, not to speak of the realm. This is why the Aisle of Drakenflame stayed hidden till date."

As he spoke the illusion before them began to clear and they quickly returned their gaze back to the duet atop the throne, keeping that memory firm at the back of their minds.

To their amazement, once the illusion they had seen cleared away, they were standing in the same palace but with fewer decorations than the one the illusion portrayed.

However, one thing remained through.

Seated crossed-legged on the golden throne, was none other than the owner of all these.

Tilting his head to the side, Xavier supported his ace with his right hand while the left hung lazily from his thigh as he sent a look of complete boredom their way.

"His…"

Swiftly, Xander bowed before him, placing a hand across his chest as the others did the same.

"Your majesty."

Immediately a flare flashed across those bluish eyes of his, and his mood instantly lit up.

"I find you amusing each time," Xavier began. "Do you know, she won't part her doors to no one but myself and him?"

"Him. By any means you mean my fore…"

"Xander," Xavier finished for him sternly.

It was his friend they were speaking about and he hated the fact that he was referred to as ancient. Then what would that make him be?

"My apologies, your majesty."

He rolled his eyes and lifted his hand to dismiss the apology. "Only him and I could do that but now, you do. In ten thousand years, no one has. Welcome back, old friend. And the fact that you broke the illusion, I must commend you."

"No, your…"

"I trust you," Xavier interjected. "Welcome to my right-hand side."