The sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the classroom, casting a warm glow upon the wooden floors and dusty rows of student desks. Agneyastra stood in the middle of the room, broom in hand, sweeping away the remnants of the day''s lessons.
As she rhythmically moved the broom back and forth, the door creaked open, and Emathion entered. He walked over to Agneyastra, his steps light, his eyes kind. “Do you need help?” Emathion asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Agneyastra paused in her sweeping, her eyes meeting his. She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to impose on his time, but the weariness in her voice betrayed her exhaustion. “I don''t want to burden you with my task,” Agneyastra replied, her voice tinged with gratitude. “I will be done in a little while.”
Emathion smiled, a warm and reassuring expression that instantly put Agneyastra at ease. “Agney,” he said affectionately, “just let me lend you a hand, so we can leave faster. I promised to speak with Moriko before dinner.”
Nodding in gratitude, Agneyastra stepped aside, allowing Emathion to join her in the cleaning efforts. He picked up a stack of books from one of the desks, carefully placing them back onto the shelves. As they worked side by side.
“Thank you,” Agneyastra finally said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.
And so, Agneyastra and Emathion continued their task, making sure every book was in its rightful place, every desk orderly. They worked together as a well-coordinated team, their shared efforts bringing a sense of completion and fulfillment. And as they finished tidying up the classroom, Aurgelmir entered, his eyes filled with appreciation for his diligent students.
As the swirling dust settled and the last remnants of their task were tidied away, Agneyastra and Emathion. Just when they thought their day would conclude without any further disturbances, a Dweller Warrior approached Aurgelmir with a sense of urgency.
The warrior whispered a message into Aurgelmir''s ear, causing his brows to furrow in concern. Without wasting a moment, Aurgelmir issued a command with a firmness that demanded immediate action. “Make sure the trespassers are caught, now!” His gaze flickered briefly towards Emathion, his vulnerability evident.
Curiosity gnawing at him, the Warrior posed a question. “What about the boy?”
Aurgelmir''s response was the epitome of determination and protectiveness. “Use a decoy and lure the intruders away from this area. Also, send additional Warriors to Marudeva''s home. He was attending a meeting in the Ash Kingdom today. Go now!” The Warrior wasted no time in obeying, dashing out of the classroom to fulfill his charge.
Seizing the gravity of the situation, Aurgelmir made his way to the back of the classroom and retrieved a sword from within a hidden closet. He approached Agneyastra, who stood steadfastly by Emathion''s side. Placing the weapon carefully in her hands, Aurgelmir instructed her with unwavering determination. “Agney, take this sword. Emathion, go to the lower floor of the school and hide in the basement. Do not emerge for anyone and protect Emathion.” He instructed.
Agneyastra held the sword tightly, feeling its weight as the hilt pressed against her palm. She nodded solemnly at Emathion. “Let''s go, Emathion,” she whispered. Together, they left the classroom, their footsteps echoing in the empty hallways.
Agneyastra''s grip tightens around the hilt of the sword, she and Emathion find refuge in the dimly lit basement of the training building, with labyrinth of shadows dancing on the walls.
Sensing Emathion''s confusion, Agneyastra leans against the cold stone wall, her eyes glued to the door. The flickering light from a dying candle casts eerie shadows on her face. Emathion breaks the silence, his voice filled with bewilderment, “Why would Aurgelmir have us seek refuge down here?”
Agneyastra, her voice laced with frustration and uncertainty, replies, her gaze never wavering, “I wish I knew, Emathion. These mysterious machinations are beyond our knowledge, but we must trust in his wisdom.”
Time seems to weigh heavily in the stillness of the basement, the only sound being the distant echo of their own breaths. Suddenly, the deafening clamor of boots pounding against the ground reaches their ears, signaling the approach of the Water Kingdom soldiers. Agneyastra instinctively positions herself in front of Emathion, her body a shield protecting him from the impending danger.
As the relentless assault on the door begins, each thunderous blow causing the fragile wood to splinter, Agneyastra''s senses heighten. Her muscles tense with anticipation, her grip on the sword steady. Time slows down, the world receding to the singular purpose of protecting her companion.
A hand, clad in the armor of the enemy, emerges through the compromised wooden barrier. Without hesitation, Agneyastra''s blade slices through the air, severing the intruder''s arm with a swift and deadly precision. Blood spurts out, contrasting starkly against the cold stone floor.
As the door crumbled under the forceful assault of the Water Kingdom Soldiers, Agneyastra instinctively positioned herself between them and Emathion, protectively shielding him with her body. The soldiers, clad in their gleaming armor, stepped forward with confidence, their voices laced with superiority.
“I believe this is the boy,” one of them sneered, directing his demand at Agneyastra. “Give him to us now, girl.”
Gritting her teeth, Agneyastra tightened her grip on the sword in her hands, preparing for the imminent clash. She thought she had the upper hand, until one of the soldiers managed to seize hold of Emathion, his fingers tightening menacingly around the young boy''s throat. Panic gripped Agneyastra''s heart as she witnessed Emathion''s vulnerability, his innocent face straining against the soldier''s grip.
“Drop the sword,” the soldier barked, his voice cold and commanding.
Reluctantly, Agneyastra released her firm hold on the weapon, allowing it to slip from her grasp. However, as the steel blade descended towards the ground, a flicker of extraordinary power surged through Agneyastra''s veins. In the blink of an eye, her raven-black hair transformed into raging flames, their orange and red hues dancing wildly around her head. The scorching fire effortlessly engulfed the soldiers, incinerating them to ashes, while leaving Emathion, Agneyastra, and their surroundings untouched by its destructive touch. And just as quickly as her hair had become a living inferno, it returned to its natural darkness, a stark contrast to the flames that had surrounded her.
Emathion, bewildered and overwhelmed, found his voice. “What is going on? Let''s just go home,” he pleaded, desperate for a return to normalcy.
Agneyastra struggled to catch her breath as she leaned against the wall for support. “No,” she gasped, her voice filled with urgency. “That is the first place they will look for you. We can''t risk going back now, not yet. I fear...I fear I may have exerted too much of my power.”
Rushing to Agneyastra''s side, Emathion gently touched her arm, his concern evident in his eyes. “Just breathe slowly and sit down for a moment,” he urged. “I can ask Moriko to reach my father. He can return, perhaps with help, to put an end to this.”
Agneyastra nodded appreciatively, a weary smile gracing her face. “That sounds like a plan,” she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude and exhaustion.
***
Afternoon sunlight cast a warm glow on the scene as Ruby led Ramil down the stairs of her home. At the last step, Ruby pulled Ramil into a passionate embrace, her lips seeking his. But Ramil reluctantly pulled away.
“I am already late,” Ramil explained, his voice tinged with regret. “My father is away, and I need to help my mother at home.”
Refusing to let him go so easily, Ruby''s grip tightened on his arm, her gaze pleading. “I want more,” she whispered.
Stepping towards the front door, Ramil leaned closer to hear her words. With a heavy sigh, he replied, “Tomorrow, I promise. We will have our time then.”
But as if fate had other plans, the sound of hooves pounding against the ground and the unmistakable clash of weapons echoed outside. They both turned their attention towards the window, where a perilous sight unveiled itself. Dweller warriors engaged in an intense battle with the Water Kingdom Soldiers.
Ramil''s eyes darted back to Ruby, concern etched into his features. “Did your mother keep any of your father''s weapons?” he asked, a sense of urgency in his voice.
Nodding with a mix of confusion and worry, Ruby led Ramil to a hidden closet in the corner of the room. Behind the hanging coats, shelves revealed an array of swords, their aged blades gleaming softly. Ruby turned to face Ramil, her eyes searching for answers. “What is going on?” she questioned.
Determination filled Ramil''s eyes as he took a hold of one of the swords, the weight of responsibility settling upon his shoulders. With a commanding tone, he instructed Ruby, “Go hide in your room. Stay safe.”
Without wasting another moment, Ramil strode towards the front door, his grip firm on the weapon in his hand. Before leaving, he glanced back at Ruby, his heart heavy with the weight of the imminent battle. “Fear not, for I will protect you, now go,” he vowed.
Leaving Ruby behind, Ramil joined his fellow Dweller warriors in the chaos outside, his skills honed for moments like these. With swift movements, he engaged in combat, his sword slashing through the air as he sought to defeat the encroaching Water Kingdom Soldiers.
Ramil stood amidst the chaos of battle, his sword gleaming in the dim light. Waves crashed against the rocky shore, adding to the cacophony of clashes and cries. The Water Kingdom Soldiers, their armor glistening, swarmed the Dweller Warriors, creating a whirlwind of violence.
As Ramil parried and thrust, his eyes met with a fellow warrior, both seeking solace amidst the turmoil. “How did they get down here?” Ramil questioned, his voice barely audible above the clash of weapons.
The warrior, skillfully maneuvering his spear against the encroaching enemy, turned his gaze to Ramil. “They acquired a sand glass bracelet,” he replied, his breath punctuated by exertion.
In the midst of the fervent battle, Ramil''s heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of a group of Water Kingdom Soldiers, their bodies splattered with crimson. Panic surged through his veins as he recognized Sinai, struggling against their oppressive grip. “Let me go!” Sinai''s voice pierced the surround.
Ramil''s heart raced as he charged through the midst of clashing swords. His voice reverberated through the chaos as he yelled, “Unhand my brother!” The adrenaline coursing through his veins fueled his strength as he reached the soldiers, his sword swinging with a determined force. One by one, he defeated them, freeing Sinai from their grip.
Breathing heavily, Ramil took Sinai''s trembling hand, the urgency in his grasp conveying the gravity of the situation. They stepped away from the ongoing battle, their steps quick and frantic. As they distanced themselves from the chaos, Ramil''s eyes caught a glimpse of blood splattered across his brother’s clothes.
Concern etched across his face, Ramil turned to his brother. “Are you injured?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.
Sinai choked back a sob, his hands shaking as he wiped away tears. “No,” he managed to say, his voice breaking. “It''s... it''s from momma.”
“We have to go,” Ramil expressed, his voice filled with a hardened resolve. Taking Sinai''s hand in his, he propelled them forward, their feet pounding the ground as they raced towards their home.
Ramil and Sinai cautiously approached their home, the heavy wooden door ajar, Ramil still clutching his sword tightly, motioned for Sinai to stay behind him. With each step, the creaking floorboards echoed through the silent house. As they entered the living room, their eyes widened in horror at the chaos that unfolded before them. Furniture overturned, belongings strewn about in haphazard disarray, a vivid tableau of violence.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
But amidst the turmoil, a figure lay motionless on the floor. Ramil rushed towards her, dropping to his knees, his sword forgotten as his trembling hands gently cradled her fragile form.
Desperation and love mingled in his voice as he pleaded with her, vowing to the heavens that she would be okay. His mother, her life force slipping away with each labored breath, reached out a feeble hand and touched his tear-streaked face. Softly, her words caressed the air, a bittersweet farewell.
“I love you, my son,” Pyla whispered, her voice fading into the ether. “Take care of your brothers, father, and wife.”
And just like that, the light that had illuminated their lives flickered out, leaving Ramil paralyzed with grief. Clinging to her lifeless body, he was silence, his sorrow too overwhelming to find release in tears. His once joyful brother, Sinai, crumbled beside him, his cries of anguish piercing the stillness.
“Momma, wake up!” Sinai''s voice shattered the emptiness of the room, a desperate plea that echoed into the void.
As Ramil cradled his mother''s lifeless body in his arms. Beside him, his younger brother Sinai wept uncontrollably, his grief echoing through the dimly lit room. Suddenly, the heavy silence was shattered by the entrance of Aurgelmir, accompanied by a group of fierce Dweller Warriors. They filled the room, Aurgelmir''s eyes locked with one of the warriors, his voice filled with urgency as he commanded, “Go, fetch a doctor immediately.”
Drawing closer to Ramil and Sinai, Aurgelmir''s presence offered a small glimmer of respite amidst the darkness. Ramil, his trembling hand gently brushing a stray strand of hair from his mother''s peaceful face, felt a surge of guilt wash over him. “I should''ve been here,” he whispered.
But Aurgelmir, his gaze filled with compassion and understanding, shook his head slowly. “No, Ramil,” he said, his voice laced with sorrow. “It is not your fault. I failed you all, for I did not see this attack coming.”
***
With a burst of energy, Moriko springs out of her bedroom. The walls of her humble cabin seem to shrink as she races toward the door, a sense of urgency propelling her forward. The emerald hues of the Green Forest envelope her as she bursts out of her cabin, entering a realm of untamed beauty.
Her feet barely touch the forest floor as she dashes through the towering trees, the air rushing past her, carrying the scent of earth and pine. The familiar surroundings give her some comfort, but Moriko comes to an abrupt halt, her body skidding to a stop beside a majestic tree. It is as if the forest itself recognizes her presence, for a Brucie emerges from within the foliage.
“Are you going to abandoned us again?” the Brucie questions, its voice carrying a hint of hurt.
Realizing that she cannot falter now, Moriko reaches into her backpack and pulls out her trusty notebook. With resolve filling her voice, she replies, “No, I need to find Emathion''s father, he is in the Ash Kingdom.”
The Brucie, its features softening, offers a suggestion. “Send a few of us to protect him, while you go get his father.”
Hope flickers in Moriko''s eyes as she contemplates the Brucie''s words, grateful for the support. Needing more information, she inquires, “Is there a tree that leads to the Dweller lands?”
Nodding knowingly, the Brucie responds, “It''s near the mountains, a hidden gateway to their realm.”
A surge of gratitude washes over Moriko as the pieces start falling into place. “Yes, thank you,” she acknowledges, her voice filled with determination. However, curiosity gets the better of her, and she can''t help but question the Brucie''s motives. “But why are you volunteering to help Emathion?”
The Brucie''s eyes meet Moriko''s, reflecting a deep loyalty and understanding. “If he is killed by another, you will die with him. We cannot let that happen.”
With a resolute nod, Moriko makes her decision. “Yes, you go to the Dweller land, I will journey to the Fire Kingdom.” They part ways, each venturing down their chosen path.
Moriko stood in the midst of the lush green forest, her eyes fixed on the worn pages of her notebook. The soft breeze rustled through the leaves, filling the air with a gentle lullaby. Adorning her wrist, a vibrant green bracelet shimmered in the dappled sunlight. With an enigmatic smile, Moriko reached out and delicately touched the ancient tree before her. As her fingers made contact, a surge of energy coursed through her, causing the tree to glow with an ethereal green light. Before her eyes, a portal materialized.
Bracing herself, Moriko stepped into the portal, the other side engulfed in an inferno of blazing trees. The heat was overwhelming, yet she pressed forward with determination. Every step she took was like navigating a treacherous path, the crackling flames licking at her heels. Panic threatened to consume her, but she pushed it aside, focusing on her goal.
Emerging from the fiery chaos, Moriko found herself face to face with a group of soldiers adorned in the regalia of the Fire Kingdom. Their eyes widened with relief as they recognized the princess before them. One soldier, his voice trembling with concern, asked, “Princess Moriko, are you okay?”
Taking a moment to catch her breath, Moriko nodded, her eyes filled with an unwavering resolve. She understood the gravity of her mission. “I need to find Emathion''s father,” she replied, her voice filled with determination. “His name is Marudeva, and I believe he is currently in the Ash Kingdom.”
As Moriko followed the soldier''s lead, as they traversed the path towards the Ash Kingdom. The soldier''s confident stride urged her forward, each step bringing them closer to their destination.
Soon, the grand gate of the Ash Kingdom loomed before them, its imposing presence a testament to the power of the realm. As if on cue, an Ash Kingdom soldier approached, keys jingling in his hand, ready to grant them entry. With a practiced motion, he swung open the gate, revealing a world of darkness and mystery beyond.
Moriko and the Fire Kingdom soldiers crossed the threshold, stepping into the unknown. The path ahead seemed to stretch endlessly, the castle a mere speck in the distance. There was no hesitation though, no hesitation in their purpose. With unwavering determination, they pressed on, each footfall echoing through the vast expanse.
Black and dark gray stones rose majestically from the ground, their marble surfaces gleaming in the dim light. Shadows danced across the castle walls, casting an eerie aura over the grand structure. Moriko couldn''t help but marvel at the meticulous craftsmanship that had gone into its creation, every inch permeated with a sense of strength and resilience of the Ash Kingdom’s Castle. As they approached the castle gates, the atmosphere grew more suffocating, the weight of history and power bearing down upon them.
Moriko and the Fire Kingdom Soldiers cautiously made their way through the grand halls of the Ash Kingdom Castle, their footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors. Moriko hastened towards Marudeva, the looming figure at the center of the vast ballroom, engaged in an intense conversation with Tyson and Yeongi. Gasping for breath, she finally reached them, desperately calling out, “Emathion''s Father, I mean Marudeva! I must speak with you.”
All eyes turned to Moriko, her words hanging in the air with a sense of urgency. Tyson''s brow furrowed as he questioned her, his voice laced with confusion, “Why did you come here?”
With determination in her eyes, Moriko replied, her voice barely steadying itself, “Soldiers... They''re trying to take Emathion.”
Marudeva''s face grew pale, his eyes narrowing with worry. “Who?” he asked sharply, the weight of the situation pressing upon him.
Fighting to regain her composure, Moriko answered, her voice tinged with fear, “The Water Kingdom Soldiers, Marudeva. They seek to claim Emathion.”
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Marudeva''s mind raced towards his family''s safety. “I must return home immediately,” he declared, his voice strained. “Where is Emathion? Where are my loved ones?”
Moriko''s voice softened, her eyes searching for solace amidst the chaos. “Emathion is hiding in a basement with Agneyastra. I have sent Brucies to protect him. As for your other family, I am afraid I know nothing of their whereabouts.”
Tyson rallied the Fire Kingdom Soldiers close to him. “Gather all the men you can find,” he commanded with authority. “We must act swiftly.”
But Marudeva''s anxiety couldn''t be contained by waiting. “I cannot wait any longer,” he proclaimed, his resolve evident in every word. Without hesitation, he rushed out of the ballroom, the Fire Kingdom Soldiers closely trailing behind.
In the midst of the frenzied atmosphere, Moriko found solace in the presence of Yeongi, who approached her with a gentle smile. “You did well, Moriko,” Yeongi praised, a warm embrace enveloping them both.
***
In the dimly lit room of the Water Kingdom, Evain, her hair disheveled, stood by the window, her gaze fixed on a training dummy. With each swift motion, she plunged a small dagger into the defenseless dummy, over and over again, as if trying to release the anger dwelling deep within her.
The creaking of the bedroom door interrupted her solitary catharsis. Marius cautiously stepped in. His expression was filled with concern, but his voice carried the warmth of understanding. “I know you are angry at father,” he said softly, “and you know I would never take his side in any matter. But what were you thinking, going on to the battlefield?”
Evain''s movements came to a halt, her grip still tightly wound around the dagger''s hilt. Slowly, she turned to face Marius, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and sorrow. “Marius, you should''ve been there,” she whispered, her voice tinged with regret.
Marius took a seat in an aging armchair, his weary eyes fixed upon his sister. “No, thank you,” he replied.
Evain playfully punched Marius on the shoulder. “Seriously, there was nothing like it,” she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of exhilaration and longing. “The rush of fighting off the enemy, the surge of adrenaline coursing through your veins. It was... indescribable.”
As Marius stood, gazing at the badly damaged dummy that lay before him. The room was adorned with symbols of the Water Kingdom, reflecting both its majestic power and the trials it had endured.
“Sissy,” Marius began, his voice thick with longing for a different reality, “what would you do if there was no war?”
Evain paused in her tracks, turning to face her brother. “Do you mean after we have attained full control over the Kingdoms of Elements?” she asked.
Marius shook his head. “No, I mean a world where we all live in peaceful coexistence,” he replied.
Before Evain could formulate a response, the resolute silence was shattered as Devereaux, burst into the room accompanied by a group of loyal soldiers of the Water Kingdom. The abrupt entrance sent a jolt of unease through the atmosphere as Devereaux pointed an accusing finger at Evain. “Here she is,” he declared.
As Evain stood there, snatched the dagger from the dummy, her fingers tightly gripping the hilt of the dagger. The cold, sharp metal glinted ominously in the dimly lit room, casting eerie shadows on the faces of both Devereaux, and the imposing Water Kingdom soldier.
With a voice steely and filled with authority, Evain warned them, her words dripping with danger. “Take a step closer, and you shall become nothing more than mere Filet-O-Fish on my blade,” she declared.
Meanwhile, Marius, standing as a shield of reason between Evain and the intruders, called out to Devereaux, his voice a mix of both disbelief and concern. “Why, Devereaux, did you feel the need to barge into Evain''s sanctuary in such a reckless manner?”
A smile curled at the corners of Devereaux''s lips, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief as he locked gazes with Evain. His response came as a taunting melody, meant to both unnerve and intrigue her. “Evain, my dear sister, you have been summoned to attend the trial,” he revealed.
Curiosity drew Evain closer, her voice laced with a mix of apprehension and determination. “Whose trial is this, Devereaux?” she questioned.
Devereaux''s smile widened, he responded, savoring the anticipation that hung in the air. “General Speckle''s trial, dear sister,” he revealed with a knowing glance. “It is set to commence very soon.”
Evain turned to Marius, her voice filled with a mix of guilt and determination. “This is my fault,” she confessed, her eyes searching for solace in her brother''s comforting gaze. “I must speak with father, I must make things right.” And with that, she rushed out of the room, leaving her brothers in a cloud of uncertainty.
Marius, left alone with Devereaux, confronted him, his voice tinged with both frustration and suspicion. “What is your motive in all of this, Devereaux?” he demanded, desperately seeking answers in the wake of Evain''s sudden departure. Devereaux, his laughter ringing in the empty room, simply turned and exited.
Evain burst into the grandiose Water Kingdom Throne room, her heart pounding and emotions twisting like a tempest within her. With her father seated upon his throne. Before them stood General Speckle, his proud stance now diminished by the chains that bound him. Evain''s voice was drowned out in the sea of courtiers and soldiers, leaving her to observe silently from the back.
Arroyo''s voice boomed throughout the chamber, carrying the weight of his disappointment. “General Speckle, you have failed this kingdom,” he accused, his eyes blazing with anger.
Yet, Speckle stood tall, unwavering in his defense. “Never,” he proclaimed, a glimmer of defiance in his eyes.
The tension in the room grew thick, heavy with the unsaid words and unacknowledged truths. Arroyo continued, his voice sharp and biting, “You allowed my daughter, the Princess of the Water Kingdom, onto the treacherous battlefield. By some stroke of luck, she succeeded where you did not, securing what we needed from the Dwellers.”
Speckle''s expression softened, his voice filled with remorse. “I didn''t know about the presence of the princess amidst the chaos of battle. But I am grateful that our king''s wishes were fulfilled.”
Arroyo''s eyes bore into the general. “As the commander of our army, it was your duty to know every soldier who entered the field. My beloved daughter''s life was put in jeopardy.”
A mixture of sorrow and determination flickered across Speckle''s face. “If you permit, I will leave with my family today, never to return.”
Suddenly, King Arroyo''s ears caught the sound of Speckle''s plea, and his gaze locked onto Evain in the distance. A command fell from his lips, sharp as an arrow. “Evain, come here now!” His words pierced through the air, cutting through the chaos and silence alike. Evain''s steps faltered slightly, but she complied, her feet carrying her towards her father.
Evain approached her father, careful not to meet his piercing gaze directly. “Father, he didn''t know,” she implored, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination. “Allow him and his family to be banished from our Kingdom.”
Arroyo''s countenance turned towards Speckle, a mask of contemplation. His next words were chosen with deliberation. “I will allow his family to be banished,” Arroyo declared, the weight of his decision heavy on his tongue. “But I must teach my daughter a lesson.” With a subtle nod, his soldiers moved swiftly, executing Speckle before them. The room was filled with a silence broken only by the sound of Speckle''s lifeblood seeping into the ground.
As Speckle''s life slipped away, Arroyo''s gaze shifted to Evain, his piercing eyes drilling into her soul. He pointed to the lifeless body before them, using it as a haunting reminder of his authority and power. “Evain,” he spoke sternly, his voice laced with a mixture of disappointment and power. “You will never do anything again without a direct order from me.”
But before the weight of Arroyo''s words could settle, Marius stepped forward, a flicker of defiance in his eyes. “She only did what she thought would make you happy, father,” Marius interjected with a surge of courage. “When will this cruelness stop?” Arroyo''s glare froze time, then, without a word, he turned on his heels and left the throne room.