The ominous, dark haze still hung heavily in the air, but even that could not mask the city''s beauty to Edwin. The road leading up through the city was wide enough for ten horses to walk abreast. It was paved with white bricks, and elaborate metal lamplights lined the path. Many of these had burned out, but there was still ample light to fill the road. On either side of the path, there were white buildings with birch wood roofs, much to the fashion of the palace. Some were family homes, and others were larger inns and workshops for smiths and tailors.


    Dispersed between the buildings, one could find a great many marketplaces and gathering areas around the capital. In the light of day, there was always a constant chatter of busy people going about their business and wagons moving every which way. Edwin thought of the bustling city and the white stone walls that would glisten in the morning light.


    Seeing the downtrodden group and feeling his anxieties bubbling up to his head, Charles started to talk, "Did you know the stone of this city had been cut from a large canyon system five leagues to the northeast of Hailgrad? For the wood, birch was deemed the wood of choice for aesthetic purposes, and it is thought to have divine qualities. It was also the most plentiful tree in the forests that lined the Frostfall in this part of the kingdom. There had been an expansive grove where Hailgrad now stands. This forest is survived by a number of trees sprouting from the white stone throughout the capital."


    "Yes, yes, Professor Charles, thank you for repeating what we learned at the academy," Johanna sighed.


    The young woman was not in the talking mood. It was clear the worry of her family dragged her down.


    "I am just saying, it is quite impressive if you think about it," Charles shrugged and trailed off.


    Edwin smiled with a shake of his head and remained staring at the city as they plotted on. Beautifully carved buildings stood resolute in the dead of night. Leafy vines crawled up the walls of many of the structures, giving a natural break in the great masonry works.


    The group continued down the main road. The only sound that could be heard was the clip-clop of their horses on the stone. Most of the city was quiet and shadowed with a strange haze. Only a few lit windows peppered the dark expanse of buildings.


    At the end of the main road, the company came to the inner wall, where they were given clearance by the guards. Large braziers high on the thick stone walls spilled light into the street before them to reveal the gate was already open. It was made much in the fashion of the outer gate to their south; only this one was much smaller. It was clear the chief worry of the city guards was the main outer gate, and those in the city could still move freely. Their numbers at the inner gate were sparse, and only seven soldiers manned this checkpoint. Upon the pronouncement that the prince had arrived home, the group immediately bowed and placed their right fists over their hearts. Edwin bowed in return and thanked them for protecting their city.


    “The city has never been so quiet in all my visits,” said Lars as they continued onward. “Even at this hour, there would be smithies at work and travelers coming from distant lands.” He paused for a moment and then said with a sigh, “Areandel help us.”


    The rest of the company remained silent. The anxious atmosphere seemed to keep them from speaking openly too often. It was as if the dark houses held ominous beings with prying ears. Edwin shifted nervously in his saddle. What happened to his home that always felt so inviting and warm?


    After the inner gate was passed, the city turned into a larger workshop and specialized trades district. The buildings were considerably taller, some three or four stories high. Again, all was silent except for some dispersed lights amongst the buildings. It is here that the path narrowed and began to climb in a switchback formation, which ended at a plateau. At the top was the palace and final fortress gates.


    This hill was home to many of the extravagant villas owned by the royal court. These were the oldest homes that were some of the first to make this city, long before Hailgrad was the capital of a kingdom. They had been modified and expanded upon, much like the palace, as Hailgalad grew in influence and power. These places had always been kindly gathering places to many of the city, but now they stood silent as watchful sentinels atop a hill.


    Without a word, Johanna snapped the reigns of her horse and began to gallop up the road. She was quickly gone from sight, and only the clop of her horse''s hooves could be heard in the distance.


    “Where is she off to?” asked Lars with a twinge of concern in his voice.


    “We are approaching from the southeastern road. Johanna’s family home is on this path.” Charles answered. “She did not receive news about her family before we left the academy.”


    “I hope she receives good news, but it seems to be in short supply today,” sighed Lars. “Charles, I have not yet said, but I am sorry for your loss. Your parents were great people. As you know, me and your father grew up together. Klaas was a great man, and I will miss him dearly.”


    “Thank you, Lars,” Charles said solemnly. He was clearly trying to hold himself together as they rode on.


    Edwin looked at Charles'' solemn face. “If you need to go to your home, I can have two guards escort you to the western road.”


    “There may be a time for that soon, but for now, you need me, Ed. Hopefully, the king and queen are recovering, and I can do my part for this city. Besides, I don''t have anything to go back to.” Charles hung his head as they carried on. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    “I believe before this ordeal is over, we will all have a part to play in this kingdom’s future,” Lars said, deep in thought.


    ***


    The group came to Galeor, Johanna’s horse, who was standing alone. In front of the horse was a large home of beautifully carved stone and vines falling from the roof. Two large trees stood on either side of the walkway to the front door. It was there that Johanna sat on her knees with her head down. She had a paper in her hand.


    Edwin and Charles got off their horses and walked over to her, taking a knee next to their friend. Edwin grabbed the paper, which read: Residents found deceased on the 15th day of September. Taken to palace grounds for cremation.


    “I am sorry, Johanna.” Edwin put his hand on her shoulder.


    “This is how we are told of the death of our loved ones!” Johanna shouted. “Hastily written notes nailed to our doors. They are worth more than to be taken away and burned.”


    “My lords,” a guard started reactively, then pulled back and fell silent.


    Edwin looked over to him and nodded for the guard to continue, “If I may, the guards of the city have been tasked with going door to door to find lost people. Tending to the sick and helping to give the dead the dignity they deserve. With respect, it is dangerous, and many have caught the illness carrying these duties out. They have seen so much death these last days it has shaken them. Please do not take this note for disrespect and harshness.”


    Johanna and Charles did not respond to the guard. It was clear the true gravity of their losses was finally all too real. All around them, these homes were dark. Unlike the other sections of the city, there were no signs of life to be found here. No lights in any of these homes to signal even a solitary soul. The air was silent and still around the looming villas.


    Lars, who saw his companions were speechless with grief, turned to the guard, "This tragedy has taken its toll on us all. I commend your service and all those who have worked tirelessly in this time of tragedy. This night has been long, but it is nearly over. The sun will be rising soon, and we could use our rest and time to think." He turned to the three friends, who sat together on the steps of Johanna''s family home. "It is time we get moving. The palace is not far off. I think we could all do good from some rest."


    After some reluctance, the group was on the move once more. "On a night such as this, these villas would have dinner parties, and music would be streaming through the streets," said Edwin as he peered around. "Now I don''t see a soul. There is not even a light." They continued in silence.


    At last, the eight riders made it to the royal fortress gates. Two turrets shaped like horses bordered the great doors. They were far smaller than the outer gates, but what they lacked in size, they more than made up for in splendor. Great silver carvings made up a map of the kingdom of Hailgalad, and at its center, Hailgrad shone like a star in the night sky.


    A soldier was posted on either side of the gate. They were dressed in the typical armor of the royal fortress guard. These soldiers had silver helms that came to a point with silver-colored gauntlets and cuirasses. Their armor had pauldrons on each shoulder in the shape of a horse head. Their chest plates were covered in a bright red cloth with the white horse head. As for weapons, they bore a heavy spear and shield. They were the elite bodyguard of the royal house and would accompany the monarchs as they came to battle. Behind them, bright red standards hung on either side of the gate, gently swaying in the chill night breeze.


    Without introduction, they bowed, “Prince Edwin, it is truly a great sight to see you well. Right this way.” They immediately turned and pulled the gate open. The large, heavy doors moaned as they unveiled the palace grounds.


    ***


    Edwin entered the gates first. They opened into a sprawling courtyard in which a large statue of the first monarch of Hailgalad, Eardred I, atop his horse Masufeld stood. The horse was on its hind legs, and Eardred was holding his sword high in the air and giving a shout. This represented the time he led the newly created Hailgalad against the Vaelorans to solidify the kingdom and its borders. Masufeld''s front hooves were both suspended in the air as a symbol of his master, who died in battle.


    Much like the outer fields, the courtyard was filled with tents. In the far left-hand corner of the yard, funeral pyres and religious leaders were praying over the dead. Johanna and Charles turned to Edwin. “Please go and see if you can find your families. Lars and I will head to the palace. Join me when you are able.” Edwin began to walk away, then he turned and said, “No matter what is to come, I am happy to have the two of you here with me.” The three dismounted and quickly embraced, and then they were off.


    After Edwin dismissed the guard escort to allow them to return to their posts, he and Lars continued for the palace. The morning sun was starting to show the slightest bit of light to the world, but the dark, hazy atmosphere endured. As Edwin approached the palace, he did not need to see his home to know the grandeur it displayed. It started with the great hall that towered above the ground. Then, many spiraling towers pierced the sky like pearl-white spears. It was home, and with every step forward, Edwin felt the fire renew inside him to see his parents.


    Edwin and Lars came to the great wooden palace doors. They were carved with a landscape of the city of Hailgrad in all its majesty. The guards at the door swung them open and bowed. Inside to greet him was Edwin’s Aunt Elizabeth. She was the sister of the king and was one of the king and queen’s most trusted advisors. She nervously paced in the foyer. When she saw Edwin, she forced a smile as she walked towards him.


    “Aunt Elizabeth, it is so great to see you.” Edwin hugged his aunt tightly. It was only now that he was truly feeling how tired he was as he swayed from side to side.


    “Ah, Edwin, I came as soon as I heard the news. I, in fact, only beat you by a few hours. We came up the southwestern road from Javailty.” Her voice was soft and trembled. “Are you alright, Edwin? You look half-dead. What are those marks on your neck?”


    “It is a long story. I will tell you all as soon as we are together around the fire. Then I will have a good sleep. Where are my mother and father? Are they asleep?”


    “Edwin, come here and sit with me.”


    “Where are they?”


    “Edwin, please,” Elizabeth pleaded.


    “Aunt Elizabeth, tell me now!” Edwin shouted, and it seemed to suck any energy he had left. He swayed once more and grabbed a nearby table to catch himself. Anxious thoughts filtered back into his mind and gripped his heart with icy fingers.


    “They passed earlier in the night. It happened just after I arrived. I am so sorry.”


    Edwin began to stutter some inaudible words, and he became horribly dizzy. What was he to do now? The room began to spin and grow dark. Edwin’s vision faded, and the fire that burned brightly inside him felt as if it was snuffed out. Edwin lost his legs and fell in a heap to the ground.