Return to Jorgaldur Volume IV: Reunion

In the palace (I)

Eldi headed straight to the main entrance of the palace, while the mana barrier shielded him. He was alert, even knowing he was protected, as there could always be unforeseen events.

Like an archer, who shot a volley of arrows at him from a rooftop near the palace. He was one of the assassins who had changed their location.

All of them were arrows made of high-quality materials, and were imbued with skills, spells, and poison. All of his experience was put into that move. He was convinced that whatever Eldi Hnefa's defense was, he could overcome it in that surprise attack.

He calculated that a shield like the one at the entrance could be pierced by the third arrow. To the archer, it was evident that the forces that had weakened the previous shield weren't going to give his prey a more powerful barrier now.

Another archer and a pair of mages sprang into action a moment later. They were all watching each other, so when one started the attacks, the others followed.

Unfortunately for them, they hadn't received the latest information. Eldi was now protected with the full power of the city core, not just a barrier for appearances. Therefore, Bat's Hearing didn't even react to those attacks, since they didn't represent any danger.

To the surprise of the spectators, several attacks broke out on the procession. To the relief of most and the bewilderment of the attackers, they crashed into the mana tunnel.

Goldmi and Elendnas were tempted to attack the assassins, but they didn't want to give away their position. Since there was no immediate danger, they held back, but were vigilant.

It had been impossible for them to foresee it, even with the help of the goshawk. There were too many people to know who was friend and who was foe.

The problem for the attackers was that their position had been exposed. Perhaps, they could flee or hide from normal enemies, but their attack had aroused the fury of the city's guardian itself.

Although it didn't have the power to deal with them directly, its hostility towards those four individuals was transmitted throughout the city. Furthermore, there was no place in the capital where they could hide from the wrath of their guardian.

They didn't realize it at first. The assassins believed they could escape after the failed attack. Nonetheless, wherever they hid they would be discovered, no matter what disguise they were wearing. Without understanding how, all of them would end up being arrested by the city guard if they were lucky, or lynched by angry citizens if that wasn't the case.

The others didn't dare to act after checking the powerful defenses. Some decided to leave, and others waited to see how events unfolded.

There was a final group of assassins who hadn't come from outside, as they were residents of the city. Therefore, they had a link with the guardian spirit, like all the inhabitants.

Until now, they had remained invisible to Hnefi. However, once the spirit focused on those who had attacked Eldi, its accusatory gaze fell on them upon discovering their hostility.

Suddenly, they felt a great loss of something they didn't even know they had. The link with the guardian of the city had been broken, they had been disowned. That city had ceased to be their home.

It may have seemed barely subtle, but it was a feeling, a sensation, that would never go away. They would notice how their fellow citizens looked at them differently, thus considering them outsiders. They had stopped belonging to the city, which in a way rejected them, and would always reject them.

Eldi continued on his way, as if nothing had happened, but his heart was pounding. It had been a good scare, although without real danger.

He stood in front of the palace's gates, and entered without anyone barring his way. Two lines of soldiers flanked the route inside, motionless, firm. They were receiving the visit of an illustrious guest.

Nonetheless, their gaze betrayed them. There was fear and hostility in them, but also surprise. Although semi-transparent, the presence of the spirit was evident. Furthermore, the aura that emanated from the visitor was imposing.

They doubted. If they received the order to attack, they weren't sure they would dare. The soldiers were relieved to think that this wasn't their role, unless he tried to escape through that same place. They almost prayed it wouldn't be the case.

Those who followed Eldi Hnefa looked at them with suspicion, attentive, prepared for any eventuality. The barrier that had protected them ended at the palace. There, they were supposed to be safe, although all of them were convinced that they weren't. Without a doubt, they had walked into the lion's den.

Without anyone standing in their way, they walked down the long hallway that led to the throne room.

Hnefi came and went continually, fueled by an insatiable curiosity. While it could have visited the palace at any time during those years, it had never felt inclined to do so. Now that the spirit was accompanying Eldi, it was different. It felt happy and carefree, as it was giving free rein to its childish curiosity.

Suddenly, Bat's Hearing alerted the high human of the danger that was over their heads. He had activated the skill from outside the walls. Now, it was the first time it proved its value.

His escort took up their own weapons as they saw the spear appear in the battle mage's hand. It was a rather austere weapon without great offensive power, but of great robustness. It was specially designed to defend the wielder with skills like Mill, which made it spin over his head at high speed.

The attacks were concentrated in Eldi. They wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible, and get away from there. Since they were on the upper floor, it shouldn't be too difficult to escape.

In theory, it shouldn't be so easy to pierce the floor of the palace and attack from there, both due to the hardness of the material and the mana barriers that covered all surfaces. However, there were some places specially designed in such a way, with the aim of being used for that type of purpose.

The lethal poisoned arrows collided with the spear, which looked more like a helicopter propeller than a windmill blade. It was practically impossible to distinguish the shape of the weapon, only a somewhat ethereal circular surface could be glimpsed.

Eight members of his entourage surrounded him, with their backs to him. They were staring at the guards with hostility and menace. If those dared to join the attack on Eldi Hnefa, they would show no mercy. The others began to attack towards the holes in the ceiling.

They had barely traveled a quarter of the way, and they were already in a dangerous situation. Although Eldi had stopped the first volley, those above had the advantage of their position.