As the knights of Caladon made their way through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace, they couldn't help but marvel at the opulence that surrounded them. Golden tapestries adorned the walls, while marble statues stood sentinel in every alcove, a stark contrast to the poverty they had witnessed outside.
"By the gods, this place is magnificent," whispered one of the knights, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the splendor of their surroundings. "It's like something out of a fairy tale."
"Aye, but don't let its beauty fool you," replied another, his voice low with caution. "There's darkness lurking beneath the surface here, mark my words."
Their journey through the palace eventually led them to the throne room, where King Garret sat upon his gilded throne, his expression one of indifference as he regarded the newcomers.
"Your Majesty," announced Captain Elias, bowing low before the king. "We come bearing urgent news from the kingdom of Caladon."
"Speak, then," replied the king, his voice cold and devoid of warmth. "But make it quick – I have little patience for idle chatter."
Captain Elias wasted no time in delivering his message, recounting the recent attacks on the villages surrounding Allerium and the devastation they had wrought. He spoke of the survivors they had encountered along the way, including young Lucas, whose family had been among the casualties.
"And what would you have me do about it?" scoffed the king, his disdain evident in his tone. "These are troubled times, Captain Elias, and I have my own concerns to attend to."
"But Your Majesty, we cannot ignore the suffering of our people," protested one of the knights, his voice filled with righteous indignation. "Surely, as king, you have a duty to protect your subjects."
"Silence!" roared the king, his temper flaring at the insubordination. "You dare to question my authority? I am the king of Allerium, and my word is law. If you value your lives, you will do as I say."
With a dismissive wave of his hand, King Garret signaled for the knights to leave, his attention already turning to matters of state. As they made their way out of the throne room, Captain Elias couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settle over him.
"There's something rotten in the state of Allerium," he muttered to his companions, his brow furrowed with concern. "And I fear it may be too late to stop it."
With heavy hearts, the knights of Caladon departed from the palace, their mission unfulfilled and their suspicions raised. As they rode out into the night, the echoes of their encounter with the king still ringing in their ears, they knew that their journey was far from over. But with Lucas in their care and their duty as knights guiding their every move, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and determination.