"Julian and Julia vanished," Marcus announced to the group. "Derek's team never returned from Aethelgard. Voranthar is completely losing his mind over the noble assassinations. We need a survival plan today."
"He thinks Duke Lupis is behind the murders," Mason pointed out. "Sophia and I could just alter the King's memories to make him trust us again."
"He barred his doors to everyone," Noah replied. "He will kill anyone who gets close."
Before Marcus could suggest a tactical retreat, a dozen fully armored Tarnstead knights marched into the foyer. The captain drew his sword and pointed it directly at Marcus.
"The King demands your presence in the throne room," the captain ordered.
The knights escorted the fourteen heralds through the locked-down corridors. They entered the massive throne room to find Voranthar standing entirely alone before his golden seat.
He looked disheveled and deeply paranoid, his crown resting slightly crooked on his head.
