The lift rose and finally it came to a halt. The dome that covered the lift was massive with guards surrounding the entrance to not let anyone get to close until the lift settled into place.
Krone looked through one of the dome's archways the showed the city center. Cobblestone streets filled with people of various classes, with torn robes and nicely pressed suits, this center was a strange mix. Various animals on hind legs were mixed in with the crowd of humans.
"Huh? I guess this is a thing now."
Krone looked up at the skyscrapers as he was pushed through the archway. The city looked huge from afar but being inside of it was something different entirely. One couldn't even tell one was on a floating land mass. The architecture was strange as well, a cross between gothic architecture and modern design and function. Light posts were scattered through the markets and streets but some more worn houses still had candles on their front porches.
A young frog in a newsboy outfit called to the adventurers as they walked from the lift.
"Extra! Extra! King Fornus Murdered Dead! Ribbit"
Grym's eyes turned cold. "What?! Cillis we must return to the Castle at once."
"Yes I suppose we must," Cillis said with wide eyes.
"Great, I love castles." Krone smiled. The green restraints squeezed him harder as Grym clenched his fist.
...
Krone sat on the stone steps leading to the castle. Two guards stood next to him keeping a close eye on him.
"Hey so how about we take these off of me and we go see what's happening inside."
"Shut it." One of the guards spoke in a curt tone.
The green restraints having been removed, Krone now had iron cuffs on his wrists. He sighed as he fidgeted with the cuffs.
...
"Lord Cillis right this way sir." A butler briskly walked Cillis through the entrance of the castle through various corridors before entering a simple red door ending them up at the top of a great hall. Wooden seats and desks all lined up leading down in a circle to a empty wooden podium.
Where the king would be, up facing the main entrance at the highest point the king normally sat next to the Father of the Church and his Hand. But sitting in his spot was the Hand holding his scepter.
The Butler made eye contact with the Hand and waved a signal.
"Now that we are all here we may speak of the tragedy that has befell our kingdom." The Hand's voice boomed through the hall. Every lord and lady whispered to each other in speculation.
"Silence! Leave your theories a the door!" He stood raising the scepter and then he placed the scepter on his desk before opening a scroll. "By the will of the passed King Fornus the first, harbinger of growth and wealth, the new king shall be his son. But, in a case such as his with no heir we must put it to the vote of the people."
A Lord from the higher ranks of the hall stood in protest. "What of the King's Murderer, we know not who the culprit is and I will not vote for such a villain!"
"Be seated Lord Munt, a good question despite your rudeness. Yes the murderer is possibly among us now. We must first set into motion the replacement, but as a further bonus to all those that seek to compete for those precious legislative votes. I must point out, finding the King Killer is a potential major boost for your campaign.
...
A few hours later.
The dark cool night can be felt through the open window. The room is lit by a chandelier filling the dark room with a full glow.
Cillis sits at his desk, eyes tired and red he calls for Grym.
"What effort we must go just to hold this last beacon of hope together."
"Yes my lord, it gets quit exhausting." Grym pulls off his sword and sits in front of Cillis. "My lord may I speak plainly?"
"Within reason Grym."
"Well, my lord I believe the Hand has made a very calculated play. Pitting everyone against themselves and against the killer. I would not be surprised if he is the killer or was waiting for an opportunity such as this."
Cillis sighs and kicks his feet on the desk.
"Yes, I believe him to be someone very fitting of his position. He is the reason we were not able to take advantage of the opening in supply when the pirates were ravaging the eastern cross."
"Well I was thinking I communicate with old colleagues. I believe it will be valuable to have strong and loyal friends soon.
"I do remember that lord. Quit a head ache when Reil is so close to filling ones pockets." Grym nodded as he spoke then rose to his feet. "My lord what shall we do in this time of crisis." It is strange they have not disclosed how he has died. I believe the Circle knows something they are not telling us Grym."
"Agh I did not think of that My Lord."
"Grym I require you to get in contact with a man named Ferdinand. Please take this letter and follow the instructions written on the yellow page in the envelope. Also, do not read the white pages contacts at all Grym."
...
"Oh we messed up this time Sebastion!"
The two guards darted up and down the grounds of the castle searching for Krone. He escaped from his cuffs not long after the start of the Hand's speech. Now he has been making the guards get in there cardio.
"There he is!"
There sat Krone on a bench in the royal garden. It was a quiet night, more lively than most others but still nice.
"Wow I have to say I'm impressed. Most guys in your positions give up by now." Krone scratched his dirty beard and stood. "Here, so you two don't have to keep chasing me and I don't have to keep acting like I'm running away. Let's do a bet. If one of you two hit me, I will let you two turn me in for questioning. If I win and don't get hit once but instead beat you in one hit, you two let me go."
The two guards looked at each other. "Is this guy serious?"