Everyone, I included, looked at Ashton in shock.

Had he drunk excess wine?

And was now inebriated?

Or has his mind or brain lost a salient part?

Nonetheless, slowly, many soldiers followed Ashton's direction and knelt. After all, in his hands, was the scroll from the era of their beloved King. A scroll, engraved with his seal, face and name.

And then, from King Ricker's scroll, Ashton read out loud, "with my last breath, I write this. Sending this edict to the only man I trust, to be above being influenced by power or wealth. I, King Ricker the First,  hereby declare, that the heir to my throne -" he paused, for a dramatic effect. With my heart, panting.

"Is none other, than my nine years old grandson -" the murmurs rose again, surprise on our lips, "Prince Regalis, Second of his name. Though young, he maybe, I trust his pureness of heart and judgement, better than that of my own son, his father, Prince Randall".

And I knew that before the day was over, not only those in the North would've heard King Ricker's will.

"And the person to assist my grandson, in governance, till he clocks eighteen, is Commander Aldrada. This is my will. Written with my last breath. And never to be changed" Ashton lifted the scroll and turned it to show the wordings to everyone present.

And from metres away, where Shalott's space was, her growl reached our ears.

"Guhhhhhhh!!"

The first time she had made a single sound, since Nadia died. Like her master, she had grieved too. And perhaps, somehow, she knew Regalis wasn't eating, and so, for the last few days had not eaten too. Being all quiet and gloomy. Hardly interested in scaring anyone.

But now, she growled again, as the scroll remained open. Facing her direction. The blood on the royal scroll, used as a seal, that was what she was reacting to. Though dead, the blood of King Ricker, a true dragon Lord, still calls to her.

"A personal note for His Highness from Commander Aldrada" the messenger said and stepped forward.

Ashton took the letter. Looked at Regalis, who nodded. Allowing him to read the contents of the letter. He finished and looked at me. Handed the letter to me.

What could be written in it?

And in less than five minutes, I had finished the letter. Handed it to Regalis and watched his face, as he read it.

Pain, starting to sit deeper in a pair of eyes that had already been filled with it, for the last few days.

I could feel it. He wanted to scream. Weep out loud all over again. His dear grandfather, that he'd been accused of killing all his life, might have been suffering while he lived, yet, he was unaware.

According to the letter of Nadia's father, King Ricker discovered that he was being poisoned. He knew whom, was poisoning him, but, yet, insisted on not mentioning the name to Commander Aldrada.

And then, one day, King Ricker, suddenly sent him this will. To the Northern borders. And ordered him to return to the Capital, as he'd need him to protect Regalis, since he was planning to publicly proclaim Regalis, as his heir, the following day.

However, the next morning, on waking up to start the journey to the Capital, with his troops, the royal mourning drum sounded, announcing, that King Ricker was dead. Killed by his evil grandson, who was now about to be shipped off to the North, to protect the Administrative City of Armalith.

A king being poisoned. Yet, didn't want to publicly call out his poisoner. It meant only one thing, the King wanted to protect whoever it was, that was poisoning him.

A tear dropped from Regalis's eyes. And I couldn't imagine how he survived. To be accused all your life of doing something, you know you didn't.

At this juncture, I was certain of one thing. King Ricker's poisoner, was the same person who either used soul fire or lightning magic to end him.

"What Gifts do King Randall have?" Ashton said, as he came closer to me. "Does he have soul fire magic?"

I shook my head. Implying I wasn't sure. He, along with Regalis, already knew Randall was not a mere Gifted, but a very powerful one.

To Regalis, I said, his hands holding the letter were quivering, "don't worry. This time, I assure you, we'll get justice for King Ricker".

And his eyes shut for a moment as he said, "I couldn't protect Nadia. Those poor orphans. Ian. And even, Old Mother Aria. How dare I think I can get justice for anyone".

"I'm useless" he muttered, walking away, "so completely useless".