The second rider brought forward a large wooden box. He unceremoniously dumped the contents out onto the stone road. Two heads rolled out, and with horror Regulus slowly realized that the heads before him were those of Petronius and Thoran. Queen Theodisia shrieked.
Regulus faced the riders. " Where is King Horatio?"
The first rider spoke. " He will...um....be dealt with soon."
Regulus turned to the palace guards. "Get these two men out of my sight. Now." he snarled. Theodisia was furious, shouting insults at the riders while Horax held her back.
Regulus turned to her. "Come, my lady. We must go." he said softly. She began to sob.
Meanwhile, the king and his small band of survivors had set up camp in the snow covered mountains. Horatio was exhausted and immediately fell asleep, but one sharper-eyed soldier stayed to keep watch. As he surveyed the landscape, he caught sight of an orange glow. As he looked closer, he could see figures milling about around the familiar palace walls. He shouted excitedly.
"Sire, sire!! I see Patruicus!!" The king sat up, wide-eyed.
"Where?" Horatio stood up and walked to the edge of the mountain.
"Right there, sire!" the soldier pointed with his axe.
"Alright then, lets get moving, shall we?" said the king.
Back at the palace, the governor sat dejectedly on a stool. If the king was dead, then who would rule the kingdom? Prince Lepidus was too young and Queen Theodisia was too ambitious. A horn blast interrupted his thoughts once again and he thought irritably,
here we go again.
He didn't bother visiting the sentry and simply made his way down the stairs leading to the main entrance. He was joined by Horax, Theodisia and the palace guardsmen.
He stared into the distance and swore that he could see the king. Must be my mind playing tricks on me, he thought. But as the three men moved closer, many excited shouts were heard. The king? No, it can't be, he wondered. The men came closer and Regulus was certain it was Horatio. Theodisia ran out to greet him, and they embraced each other. Regulus smiled and shook hands with the Balthorian ruler.
The king's retinue led him upstairs to his throne. A servant placed place the Ruby Crown on his head as Horatio enjoyed a moment of relaxation. It was good to be king once again.
THE ENDPlaymoMan
