After dressing in his travel clothes, Garinor left the room and followed the page through a dimly lit corridor and into a larger room. Groggy, Garinor didn’t pay much attention to his surroundings, but he noticed that the king was nearby and so were seven guards.
“I see you have awoken,” greeted the king. “A fitting rest, I hope?”
“It was terrific, thank you,” he lied graciously.
“Have you made your decision? Would you pursue the scepter with my guards here, or will you wait for another day?”
Garinor hated to disappoint the king, but he wasn’t ready. “I’m sorry, your highness, but I think I need a little more time. So much has happened lately that I don’t even know which way I’m going any more. If I could take some time and pull myself together first, then I’ll go.”
“I see.” The king turned and waved his hand to the guards, who left the room. “It was a lot to ask of one so young. I accept your answer. Zennial will show you to some food and then you will be escorted to your home. And perhaps in the not-too-distant future, I will see you again.” The king did not wait for a response, but turned and left after his guards.
“This way,” said the page, and Garinor followed.
He was brought to a quiet room where he waited until a tray of various fruit-filled pastries were brought in with a selection of juices. He tasted everything he could, though he didn’t care much for the combination of the cherry pastry with grapefruit juice.
Zennial didn’t remain with him while he was eating, nor did he see him again when he was finished. A guard came in, suited up for travel, and beckoned for Garinor to follow.
The guard led Garinor down a series of corridors. “Returning home, eh?”
“That’s the plan.”
“Couldn’t do what you were asked, eh?” he scoffed.
“I’m sorry?”
“Just saying. The king doesn’t make many requests and you turned him down. Must be pretty confident in yourself.” He opened a door and led Garinor through.
He didn’t quite know what to say, so he kept his mouth shut.
“Almost there,” said the guard. “Anyway, I don’t mind much you denied the king. Sort of amusing, if you ask me.”
Garinor felt uncomfortable now, and it seemed they had been walking a little too long. “Are we leaving through another exit?”
“You wanted to walk or go on horseback? I assumed you’d want to get home faster.”
“Oh, right,” and his worries were cast aside.
The guard harrumphed. “Well anyway, in through here. Almost there.” He held an iron door open and let Garinor go ahead of him.
He didn’t see horses or stables. Instead, he saw lines of cells. He was being put in prison! “What!”
Two hands pounded into his back and propelled him forward. “As I said, I don’t care that you denied the king. But now we know who you are, we can keep you nice and safe. Prince’ll know what to do with you.”
Garinor’s eyes opened wide. “Your loyalty is with the prince and not the king?”
“You’re pretty stupid, if you ask me. That much should be obvious. Now get in there.” He pointed to an open cell.
Garinor looked around and didn’t see much way out of this. He could either go peacefully into the cell or try to rush his way past the guard.