119 Goodbye World

MEANWHILE IN THE RED HALL OF BEORG MOUNTAINS

"Hello!? Anyone out there?", Umbriel called multiple times to catch anyone's attention after being held up in the red hall. He was taken in seperately with a purpose of proper questioning as ordered by Alesso.

The red room, despite how it's called, is nothing red. It is a spell-binded room that the archers use for people with skeletons in the closet. In a way, the people inside tells the truth in every question thrown at them as long as they are within the room's red line of truth spell.

The room looked ordinary like any other. There were palladian windows, with emerald green tapestries and feathers all over. The floors were covered with brown animal hide. There's a couple of triangular table and a long table with three seats in them, and a scriptorium desk in the corner. Some heads of different creatures were well preserved and left hung on the ceiling. Their eyes seemed like looking straight at Umbriel wherever he goes, which multiplies his fears even more.

Stellan dispelled Umbriel's anxiety before being taken into that room. It will be just a short interrogation, the paladin knight guaranteed. However, the priest didn't feel safe at all. He couldn't forget the glaring eyes of the palace knights that were too focused on him. If not for the arrows that were fired in the air, the knights would have lunged their swords at him, he thought. Thus, the anxious and defenseless priest couldn't be more afraid for his life, now that he's alone in an inescapable room.

"You are all mistaken! My friends are all innocent!", Umbriel continued to slam the locked door until he could feel his arms swell. "Hello!!", the priest resumed even louder desperate to be noticed by anyone until his throat ran dry. Then, he placed his ear on the cold metal door, and dropped his shoulders upon hearing nothing.

Surprisingly, the door suddenly opened that brightened the eyes of the priest. "Finally! I've been calling endlessly and I thought no one can hear me. I..", Umbriel faltered as his delightfulness instantly faded. His heart sunk when a knight in red palacial coat suddenly came in.

"Uhh..", Umbriel backed away slowly while the knight draw closer. "I would like to talk.. uhh.. to the Prince, and Sir Stellan.. They..", the priest stepped back as he feel tingling down his spine.

"Shhh", the knight placed his finger over his lips. "They are busy right now", he whispered as he close the door behind him.

Umbriel read the room. Lord Callaghan and General Rowan indeed won't ever stop until he has met his demise. "Sir… You don't have to do this", he pleaded..

The knight drew his sword and pointed the tip of the blade towards Umbriel. "You know too much, priest. Lord Callaghan wants you to rest eternally", the knight said as he draw closer.

"Goodbye world", Umbriel closed his eyes tightly as he clasp his hands together. Then he heard a loud thud, and something heavy dropped on the floor. He peeked with one eye first, then became surprised with what he saw. "Bertram!", Umbriel widened his eyes seeing Father Bertram who came to his rescue.

"Umbriel!! Are you alright?", Bertram threw a head bust sculpture of Lord Axis. Apparently, he used it to knock the knight off unconscious who was threatening the life of his dear friend, Umbriel.

"Oh my good lord! I thought that was the end of me!", Umbriel reached for Bertram's hand and squeezed it with so much relief.

"I'm glad I came on the right time, my friend", Bertram tapped Umbriel's shoulders with a smile.

"Thank you for saving my life. How did you know I was here?", Umbriel asked.

"Your voice is all over the hallways", Bertram chuckled softly.

"Oh..", Umbriel smiled. He went placidly calm for a short while, amidst the troubles. Then, his eyes widened after remembering what has to be done immediately. "Bertram! I need to find Haelan and the others. We are in great danger here. Do you know where they were taken?", he asked.

"I saw where they were dragged, I can take you there", Bertram said.

"No no no.", Umbriel shook his head in disapproval. "Just tell me where they are. I don't want you to be involved in this", he said.

"Umbriel", Bertram fretted at Umbriel's involvement with the prisoners. "Why are you helping them? Aren't they accused of murdering Lord Harlan? That's a grave sin, brother.", Bertram said with weary eyes. "Why didn't you tell us about the crime you witnessed?", he asked worriedly.

"That's not true Bertram! It's a very long story, but I assure you, they are innocent. They are just being framed", Umbriel replied as he try to ease Bertram's worries.

Bertram saw nothing but sincerity and fear in Umbriel's eyes. He could easily tell that his friend is telling no lies. "Alright, I believe you. I had my doubts at first, since you don't seem like a a hostage at all. Sir Haelan, despite knowing his identity as a traveler, is too kind to be accused for murder. I just don't understand, why did this knight attacked you?", he wondered.

"They want me dead for hearing the conversations among Lord Harlan, General Rowan and Lord Callaghan", Umbriel explained.

"Lord Callaghan is also involved in this? And the general? My goodness Umbriel, what did you get yourself into?", Bertram pinched Umbriel on his arm as lines form on his forehead.

"Aw! Bertram, listen to me", Umbriel said. "Sir Haelan is not just any traveler, he is the King's son. That's why they wanted me dead to keep that secret buried with me", he told his trusted friend.

"Oh.. The scriptures were true. A man with a sword shall return to claim his land. He really has returned", Bertram recalled. "So what do you plan to do now? Seems to me, your life is in great danger. I guess, you should let the King know so he can spare you and Sir Haelan", Bertram suggested.

"That's a brilliant idea. ", Umbriel thought. "Bertram, I need you to go to the palace. And tell the King that we are innocent! That way, the palace knights would stop going for our heads", he said.

"Alright Umbriel, I'll do that.", Bertram agreed.

"Thank you, Bertram. Now, show me where they went. We need to get out of here", Umbriel hurriedly ran to the door.