A Kingdom in Tatters
-"Be careful with this! If it breaks, I'll have your head on a stake." The poor servant shook his hands in such a way that it seemed he had taken the threat very seriously. The precious cargo is nothing less than a complete collection of crystal goblets that are older than one might remember.
And be quick, for God's sake.
Earlier that same day, Donan saw the king die, victim of poisoning. After witnessing the terrible scene, shocked, he had left one of his glasses fall to the ground, leaving it in tatters.
Just like Auronas.
-"Daddy, Daddy"- A girl with blonde hair and dressed in a beautiful green dress came running, followed by a maid of austere appearance. -"Why are we leaving?" She said, gasping.
-"You should not be running around here. I told you to wait with your brothers." She looked at the floor. -"But I dont want to go!" Before Donan could say anything, the maid breathlessly said "I beg your pardon my lord, I tried to hold her."
-"Take her back and make sure she stays there this time." The girl began to protest, when the maid grabbed her arm. -"My love, I need you to stay with your brothers, you can do this?" With a sad look she nodded, and followed the maid into the garden.
The sun was going down. Soon, the last wagon was loaded properly. Walking through the gardens amongst beautiful flowers and majestic trees, Donan finally spotted a large house. Outside, about ten men dressed in blue cloaks were sealing their horses. A beautiful blonde haired lady, wearing a long purple dress decorated with golden lines, ran through the door, revealing a smile at the sight of her husband.
-"Everything is ready for our departure?" She asked eagerly. "We're leaving immediately." Donan could not restrain a smile, and received a warm embrace. -"I'm so glad to hear that! After the king's death, this city is no longer safe" she said. -"I know, that's why we're leaving."
Certainly, leave the city even before the king's body cool down may seem suspicious, but staying is not an option. How long it would take for someone to poison me or my family?
-"What will you do when we get home?" asked her.
-"This is no place to talk about it. We'll get home before daylight, and then we'll talk."
If we get there.
Within minutes, everyone was gathered. Donan and his family, accompanied by a retinue of bodyguards, would go ahead, aiming to arrive at Tareen as quickly as possible. The wagons with the luggage would go after them, being accompanied by guards. Seeing the lights of the capital disappearing on the horizon, Donan knew that he would have a great burden on his shoulder.
"The kingdom is broken," said his wife.
And looks like it will be me who will have to glue the pieces.