The man pointed in the opposite direction and replied, “Go there if she is injured, they will know.”
David nodded and said “Thank you, my man, I will go there. If you see or hear anything, contact me I will be in town for the day.” David added.
As he rode away, another man rode up to him.
“Young lad, I think I have seen your sister but this young girl was with Soldiers. She did not have a horse though, she rode with one of the Soldiers. I saw blood on her face and dress.” He whispered.
“Soldiers? Landford Soldiers?” David asked.
“No, No, these men carried the crest of Schillingburg.” He replied.
“Ok?” David answered confused.
He handed the man some money and replied “Thank you, my man if this is her, you have helped me a great deal.”
David rode toward Schillingburg castle, as he got closer, soldiers surrounded him.
“Halt, What is needed by you, sir?” A soldier asked.
David found it unusual that the soldiers perimeters where farther out than usual.
“Nothing, nothing sir, I just rode a little too far. I’m looking for my sister.” David replied.
“Go be on your way. There are no women here, as you see.” the soldier responded.
David looked up at the castle and back at the soldier and nodded. He began to ride away when he decided to ask the soldier again “Sir please, I am in search of my little sister, could it be possible you have seen her? I was told she might be in this area.”
The soldier interrupted “No young girls in this area. Maybe she is in town frolicking.”
David glanced back at the castle and dismissed himself.
As he rode back towards the town he came across Greyson.
“David, my lord” Greyson said excitedly and he shook his hand.
“Greyson, how are you?” David asked.
“I am well, what are you doing in Schillingburg?” Greyson commented.
“It is a long story my friend, but all in all, Amelia has come up missing. I do not fear her dead. I believe Thomas when he says he has caused her no harm.” David commented.
Greyson looked extremely upset.
“I warned Thomas before I left Landford, my Lord” Greyson said angrily.
“Any harm comes to Amelia I would kill him myself,” Greyson added.
“He has not hurt her, Greyson. I am sure it is a big misunderstanding. You know Amelia, they might have quarreled and she left to prove her point or something. She’s strong-headed girl.” David responded.
“Thomas may be guilty of many atrocious acts but he would never hurt Amelia. I am sure of it” David affirmed.
“My young Amelia is very stubborn. So what do you think happened to her that she has not returned?” Greyson asked.
“I think she is in there,” David said as he pointed at the castle.
“In Schillingburg Castle? Why in Lord’s Heaven would she be in there?” Greyson responded.
“A traveler advised me of seeing a young girl accompanied by soldiers. I think while Thomas and I were straightening out our difference once again, she must have accidentally rode into Schillingburg territory and became captured or maybe she is injured and their Soldiers took her there for care, I am not sure.” David explained.
“But how could you be so sure it is her? Amelia knows these boundaries like the back of her hand.” Greyson asked.
“A gut feeling I suppose plus when have you ever seen a woman there? I say never. And this one was injured.” David responded.
“Injured? How?” Greyson asked.
“That I do not know, but the man said the girl had no horse with her and we found Toby wandering around,” David added.
“That is a good reason to suspect, my Lord. So what is your plan?” Greyson asked.
“We need to find out if it is true. I need to get in there. I could use your help, Greyson.” David stated.
“Come back with me to Landford, I must speak with Thomas” David commanded.
“King Thomas banished me from Landford. I am not to return there ever.” Greyson said worriedly.
“Right now this has nothing to do with Thomas, I need your help to find Amelia and whether Thomas likes it or not, you are my only hope,” David said
Greyson agreed and to Landford, they went.
As they arrived at the castle, the first Officer met them at the door. He bowed at David as he motioned it was not necessary.
“My Lord, King Thomas is not well, he has locked himself in his quarters. Wailing and loud crashing noises have been heard. We have tried to intervene but he will not come to the door.” He said.
David rushed passed him and made his way to Thomas’ room.
He knocked hard.
“Thomas, it is David, open the door.” David shouted.
After a few minutes, Thomas opened the door. He looked disarranged due to his tantrum. His face was somber due to his tears.
“Thomas, are you well?” David whispered.
“What kind of question is that? No I am not well” Thomas shouted.
“Collect yourself, it is no time to fall apart” David commanded.
“We must prepare to infiltrate Schillingburg.” David added.
“Invade Schillingburg? Why?” Thomas asked.
“Amelia is there, I am sure of it.” David replied.
“Did you see her there?” He asked excitedly.
As Thomas walked towards the door to exit, he came across Greyson.
“Why are you here?” Thomas asked as he pointed at Greyson.
“He is here to help.” David replied.
“If I may speak my King?” Greyson asked.
“Speak!” Thomas replied.
“I know Charles, the King Erich’s Advisor, he is dull in wit. He will tell me if Amelia is there. If my King allows I will return to Schillingburg and look for him.” Greyson suggested.
Thomas looked confused.
“Be on your way Greyson. Go find her.” He responded.
Greyson turned to walk away and Thomas stopped him and said “Thank you Greyson.”
Greyson bowed and replied “I do this for her not you, my King.”
Thomas understood Greyson’s anger and he accepted it. He deserved it completely.
David stood looking out the window.
Thomas walked towards him to see what he was looking at.
David somberly turned towards him.
“I know you love her, Thomas. I know what you are feeling my brother.” David whispered.
Thomas stood stoic looking out. David reached for his shoulder and said.
“Brother, I do not wish to take your crown. Royalty is in my blood but not in my heart. I am happy with my simple quiet life. I do not miss anything of this place, just you and Amelia.”
Thomas remained quiet.
“I know you always have felt hate for me but I have never felt that for you, and never will. You are my only brother. I know you are protecting what is yours but I have no ill will for you.” David finished.
“Enough David, our relationship is not of my concern right now. I need to find Amelia.” Thomas responded coldly and walked out.
As he walked towards the throne room, David followed.
“EVERYONE OUT!” Thomas yelled as he entered.
He removed his crown and threw it across the room. He immediately fell to his knees, the agony he was feeling in his heart was extreme and present.
“Please protect her wherever she is at” He whispered.
Thomas felt the portraits of his parents looking down at him with disgust and disappointment. He felt as if he were going mad.
Greyson had reached Schillingburg but Charles was nowhere to be found. The men he spoke with had no information or were not willing to share what they knew. King Erich was a great King and everyone knew to betray him would mean death so no one was willing to part with such news or gossip.
While King Erich was having breakfast, Charles approached him with Amelia’s request.
“My King, I have a request from Lady Amelia?” Charles said.
King Erich motioned for him to keep speaking as he ate.
“She wishes to speak with you.” Charles added.
King Erich smiled and replied “Very well. Is she hostile, upset?”
Charles nodded and replied “No, not at all.”
King Erich smiled again and said “Bring her here.”
“Are you sure you want her here?” Charles assured.
“Sure, why not? She means no harm and what can she really do?” King Erich responded as he pointed
at all the soldiers that surrounded him.