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I self-edit and admit editing isn't my greatest skill. I apologize in advance for anything I missed.
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CHAPTER 26: A Royal Pain in the Neck
* * *
Selene considered her options and frowned.
She was standing at a four-way intersection of dirt roads in the forest. She looked at the ground, trying to determine which direction the men who'd kidnapped her had come from, but it was hopeless. There were horse tracks going in every direction and it was impossible to tell which ones belonged to her now-deceased kidnappers.
She looked at the sky and grimaced. It was late afternoon and the sun had dipped low enough that it was just visible through the tree canopy. It was still quite light out, but wouldn't be for long and she had no idea what kind of predators were in these woods.
From a tree branch that overhung the intersection, someone had hung a wooden sign with a slightly crude picture of a food-covered plate with heat waves coming from it, and a bed next to it. An arrow at the bottom of the sign pointed in one direction, and she thought she could make out some smoke in the far distance. A hot meal and a bed sounded really good, but she didn't have a lot of money to pay for them
She checked the coin purse and found two silver coins and a half dozen copper ones. She didn't want to spend the little money that she had, but it would be better than starving or sleeping out in the elements. That went double because there could be woodland predators nearby. The last thing she wanted to meet was this world's versio of a bobcat or bear.
She also couldn't see much difference between the roads, so she figured why shouldn't she try the one with an inn?
* * *
Ethan followed Delabor up the impressive wooden steps toward the wood elven palace, absolutely amazed at the level of craftsmanship. Like the room that his wives were probably still marveling at, the stairs had subtle carvings all over them. He assumed they were made from enchanted boards because otherwise the intricate carvings would've worn off ages ago.
If the steps were impressive, the carvings once inside the palace were even more so.
It seemed like every inch of the walls inside were covered with the most ornate carvings that he could've imagined. Some were so lifelike and intricate that he would've thought they were real if they weren't the color of wood. Some were even made from different types of wood with different colors, giving them even more depth and texture. It was impressive that a craftsman could fit them together so well and he found himself staring at them as he walked.
He wasn't the only one staring either.
He was used to blending in because the disguise gem concealed his draconic body. However, he had it turned off now and there was definitely a difference. Curiously, none seemed to be afraid of him. It seemed more like awe than anything else. There was a small army of guards in the palace, lining every wall. They looked at him with the same awe and curiosity he saw from everyone else, though being guards there was wariness in their gaze too.
"Is everyone staring because I'm a dragon, or some other reason?" He asked the Herald.
"Word of your fame has spread throughout the land." Delabor replied. "They most assuredly feel honored to be in the presence of a prophet of Illuminar -- blessed be He."
"I'm not a prophet of Illuminar." Ethan said with a resigned sigh. He somehow got the feeling that no matter how many times he said it, it wouldn't sink in.
*Problems?* Alana though to him.
*Yes master, you seem... annoyed?"
*They won't stop calling me a prophet.* He replied shaking his head. He could feel their amusement over his bonds with them as he continued. *I feel like I'm going to stick my foot in my mouth in less than ten seconds; I wish I could've brought you all.*
*Yes, that is odd.* Beth thought back. *Its customary to receive a man with his wife, and I think it's tradition among the wood elves too.*
*Wait, they broke with tradition?* He frowned. *Isn't that a sin for them or something?*
*I'll ask Rachel about it, she might have some insight.* Alana replied.
Ethan was struck by a vague sense of annoyance that Rachel wasn't part of their mental group chat. He didn't have time to consider that though because Delabor had just stopped in front of two massive doors. The carvings on it were so lifelike that he would've sworn he was looking at two people with wood-colored skin.
"The entrance to the throne room." Delabor announced proudly. "Now, I must make sure you know the proper protocols to honor the king of the wood elves. Have you been so instructed?"
"Uh, no."
"First and most importantly, you must never do anything that could possibly be construed as disrespectful. You must also bow reverently, as befits one of his high status."
"Okay, bowing I can do."
"Second, you must never contradict the king, nor even disagree with him."
Ethan raised his eyebrow. "What?"
"He is the king." The herald said as if that explained everything. "To disagree with him in his own palace would be a terrible slight."
"What if I think he's wrong about something?"
Delabor looked at him like a nobleman might look at a rube from the sticks. "He is the king, anointed by Illuminar Himself -- blessed be He -- how could he be wrong?"
Ethan blinked.
"Third, you must never turn your back on him; to do so would be an insult, and no one may insult the king."
"Okay." He nodded, trying to figure out how to prevent this from being a total disaster.
*This is not going to go well.* He thought to his wives.
*Rachel and I were talking.* Alana replied. *We both agree that it would probably be safer if you didn't make any statements, but phrased everything as a question instead.*
*I'll try.* He shook his head, a sinking feeling in his stomach.
Delabor bowed to the two guards in ornate uniforms who were standing by the two handles to the double doors. The guards each grabbed a door handle and pulled, opening the door to the throne room so he could meet this mysterious king.
* * *
Selene had probably walked a couple miles down the road when it opened onto what looked like a trade station or outpost, which was set at another four-way intersection of two roads. The outpost had a blacksmith's shop, an inn, a tavern, a store of some kind, and about a dozen other buildings; all of wattle and daub construction, and some of which looked abandoned.
The place had a slightly run-down look to it; like a city past its prime. It didn't look seedy or dirty, but it did look like it had seen better days. There was another road going through the outpost which was perpendicular to the one that she was on. It was wider, and seemed like it had seen a lot of traffic at one time. However, there were a few small weeds sprouting on the path, so she guessed traffic had dwindled in recent years.
By now, the sun was getting a bit low so she headed towards the inn, which had a sign identical to the one back at the crossroads.
