– I think this conversation is over," Evans said with a sigh and rose to his feet. – My brother has deigned to send for us.
– Your brother's tongue is a sting," I said, rising as well.
– Hello, Kungen," Evans said, nodding to the lion. – It's been a long time.
– Hello, Evans Vallas," the lion replied in a beautiful melodic voice. – Honestly, I was hoping I wouldn't see you again.
– Truth be told, I was hoping for that too," Evans smiled.
"It must be the king's familiar! I've seen that lion before! On royal flags!" – I guessed and stared curiously at this magnificent familiar.
– Lead them, Vis," the lion ordered the jailer, and then turned to us again. – Don't try to escape, or I'm afraid I'll have to bite you.
The lion's last sentence made me smile.
What a sweet beast… So concerned about us, his captives!
The jailer opened the glass door without delay, Evans and I stepped out into a wide, clean, bright corridor, and, led by the lion, we walked forward in a chain. Glass chambers surrounded us, and each chamber was occupied by someone: they were men and women, old and young. In some of the cells were imprisoned small, looking like very ugly children with black eyes, creatures I had never seen before. When they saw me looking at them, they smiled broadly and predatorily, exposing many small, sharp teeth.
– Evans! – I whispered in my friend's ear. – Who are those strange creatures?
– Those? – He nodded toward the freaks. – They're Lillédir, small but very harmful and dangerous scoundrels who live in the forests of Emmerlend and prey on lonely travelers. They attack in droves, and all that is left of the poor fellow is a gnawed skeleton. So, Sylvia, never wander the woods alone… Kungen, what have these creatures done to get here? – Evans turned to the lion.
– Oh, these creatures are here for a reason," the lion explained. – They ate the son of one of the high noble courtiers. Yakub has sentenced them to death. Tomorrow at dawn they will be beheaded.
– So your brother is not only the king, but also the chief royal judge? – I asked Evans ironically.
– That's right, and now you will be given a fair royal trial," the lion said.
– It doesn't look like it's going to be a fair trial," I said gloomily, and looked at the lion hopefully. – But the king will not execute us, will he? We have done nothing wrong!
My question went unanswered: Evans, frowning and serious, strode toward the king's court, the lion didn't even nod, and the jailer, clinking his metal armor, must not have been allowed to speak in the presence of the king's familiars.
"Come on, strength! I need you now more than ever!" – I thought and tried to knock the jailer down with telekinesis, but I failed. Then I tried to get into the lion's thoughts, but he suddenly laughed out loud.
– Nice try! You're fast! But your powers won't help you! You're in the palace of the King of Emmerlend! Do you think he hasn't protected himself from criminals like you? Jakub is a great magician, and there is no equal! – laughed the lion. – But thank you, now I see that you are very dangerous and should not be let out. But don't be upset, my master will take care of you… Or maybe he will execute you… Who knows, it all depends on his mood.
Instead of answering, I sarcastically sNorded: ah, it seems that King Jakub is justice itself! Good mood – pardoned, bad mood – executed!
