Writing a fun commission is something else ain't it? Hope you all enjoyed the whole series and make sure to follow my profile for more series of the same ilk to come!
Party Wipe Part 5
Final
Chapter 15
It was a sunny day, a day just like any other day in spring. With endless green fields, song upon the lips of the common folk and not a cloud in sight. Just as the sun struck its highest position in the sky, the bells rang across the kingdom. Not just any bells, but those of silver and engraved angels, those that heralded the return of heroes from distant lands with news of victory and safety. Yet today, those bells would mean something else entirely.
As the group entered the city gates they were welcomed by cheers and applause, music and singing. Though hooded, the party waved and bowed to the citizens as they marched through the main street, made of white stone and marble. Through city squares and bazaars, all the way to the bottom of the steps that lead to the hill atop which the palace was built. It was a marvelous building, one of light blue roof and crystalline walls that served not only as a home for the queen but as the single most important beacon of hope in the kingdom. Behind them, two more hooded figures approached, tied with chains and leather tongs. Probably captured demons from the castle, the gathered folk thought.
At those steps did the group finally stop and looked up to feast their eyes upon their queen for the first time in weeks.
The queen woke that day with the first light. Worry had become clear on her face for a while now. And who could blame her? When a demonic castle such as the one that infested her kingdom appeared the monarch needed to do anything and everything he could to save his people. For that exact reason she had sent the most powerful adventure group in the history of her realm to defeat the evil that lurked. But... they had been gone for weeks now. Had they failed? Will she need to send the army as well?
All of those fears were elevated with the ringing of the church bells a few hours later. It was as if the sky itself opened and the blessings of the goddess shone directly upon her. With her heart skipping beats she rushed to the terrace to look upon the crowd that gathered at the main gate and the four adventurers slowly approaching the city.
"Quickly now, I need to give them a heroes welcome that they deserve." She told her maids as they hurriedly put her in an elegant white dress of silk, gloves of the same shiny material and heels that only slightly elevated her above her height. Once dressed she made her way to the entrance of the palace, atop those high stairs where she would welcome the heroes.
That is where the heroes found her after a long ascend. Her and her daughter, the royal princess Cynthia. She was just as beautiful as her mother, regal and mature with a hint of mischief that any royal princess needed. The four heroes knelt at their feet and bowed.
"Please. Stand." The Queen said as she lifted the four heroes from their knees and embraced each of them in turn. Followed by the warm embraces of the young princess, the six of them entered the palace after giving one final wave to the people of the kingdom.
The Queen found it a bit strange that her daughter didn't talk to the heroes, knowing how rowdy she could get, but changes in her daughter's mood were the last on her mind today. They had freed the kingdom and, until the next lair of demons appeared, her land would be safe.
Once they entered the grand chamber of the palace, they were first greeted by the personal army of the Paladin. Clad in white, shining, plate armor they stood on both sides of the royal, red carpet that lead all the way to the throne of the queen. So heavy was the plate that you could not even see their faces beneath it. Each and every single one of them had a heavy blade and a large shield in their hands. Ready to defend their queen to the bitter end.
Above them, upon the rafters, in the shadows stood the queens 2
nd
part of the guard. The Thief's personal band of handpicked men and woman who specialized in assassination. They were used to protect the queen from the less conventional threats or those that wished to sneak into the palace. You would not see them or know them to be there unless you knew exactly where to look, such was their way with shadows.
Finally, on both sides of the throne, knelt the mage's and the clerics followers, hooded. Some had holy books at their feet while others a wand or a staff of a mage, but each of them ready to give their life for their liege lord.
The adventurers made sure the queen was protected from it all. Yet even the queen noticed the guards were oddly still even though their days were made out of waiting at attention. One of the paladin's seemed to shiver as they walked by as the armor clattered but other than that oddity, the rest of the room was silent... silent as a grave.
A shiver ran down the queen's spine as they approached the throne. Be it from excitement or something darker and more eldritch, she did not pay it any mind.
Finally, she and her daughter sat themselves upon their respective thrones as the adventurers stood at the bottom of the dais. The queen opened her mouth to speak, yet she held her tongue. The adventurer's had still not taken off their traveling hoods. Actually, now that she took a good look at them, they seemed rather... bloated.
It was then that the silence of the room sent shivers down her spine yet again. But those embers of fear were snuffed out when, amidst all of the excitement she noticed that there were only three adventurers. Not four.
Could it be... could she truly be dead? Have I gotten rid of that pesky brat finally?
"My queen, though we bring news of a great victory, we also bring news of sorrow." The Paladin spoke in an uneven, strange voice. "The Cleric had perished. She died to save all of us my queen."
The queen almost jumped in joy at the news but, somehow, managed to maintain her composure. For years she had been trying to kill that little wench. So many failed assassination attempts, so many sleepless nights where she fretted that her bastard daughter would kill her one and rightful heir. Finally, those fears can be laid to rest, along with that fool of a child.
I only wish I saw the moment the light vanished within her eyes.
Straightening her dress, she stood.