Rosepoint was the shining capital of Dalyntarth, and home of the proud Dalyntarthic Knights. The knights who ruled the city often boasted that the defenses of it were so great that it was impossible for Rosepoint to fall to enemy forces. Though this had yet to be tested, many people who lived inside Rosepoint felt that it was true. The city itself was very large, and sat on an island within a massive lake. Towers and walls made of enchanted stones surrounded the city, filled with murder holes. Indeed, it really did seem that Dalyntarth's capital was an invincible fortress.

When Isendir was still a knight and called this place his adopted home, he had thought that too.

Back then, he loved Rosepoint. He had loved the Knighthood, and everything it stood for. The Highlander had worn the tapestries of the Knights with pride. Though he had been but a youth of twenty two when he had finally been knighted by the Crownguard, both the knights and the King recognized Isendir as being wise beyond his years.

Back then, he had truly trusted that the Dalyntarthic Knights believed in and fought for chivalry and honor. But Isendir saw now that that noble sentiment was only a facade to mask the maggots eating away at the corrupted and rotting flesh underneath.

He looked over at Ragnus walking along beside him. The dwarf seemed to be in his usual grumbling mood, but it was obvious that he was still a bit angry judging by the way he walked. Isendir had discovered in their time together that when angry, the dwarf would walk slightly faster than usual.

Isendir heaved a soft sigh as their argument from yesterday came back to him. Ragnus knew full well that if Isendir went back to Rosepoint, he would be both arrested and executed. Isendir was completely innocent of the crime that had completely ruined his life and that the knights had accused him off, but it was hopeless to try and convince the knights of that. Ragnus had argued vehemently with Isendir about his decision to come here and travel with three strangers at the same time, but Isendir had not listened to him. The Highlander had to make the knights aware of this newfound danger, even if it cost him his life. In Isendir's mind, if he had to die so others could have a chance at life, so be it. He would gladly lay down his life for that cause.

Ragnus hated him for that, but the old dwarf could live with it. He just wished that Isendir would realize that he didn't have to throw his life away so needlessly. That wasn't what his late wife and son would want for him.

When the dwarf had argued with him about going to Rosepoint, Isendir had brought the point up that the Knights wouldn't necessarily listen to a common person. The Highlander claimed that he had to be the one to tell them, as he would make a more reliable source.

Ragnus thought that was ridiculous, but had been forced to drop the subject.

When they had approached the city, the only person that seemed even remotely impressed was Aerysdren. He had been amazed by the beautifully crafted bridge that rose above the crystal clear lake and led to the city gates. Unfortunately for him, he was the only one that seemed to be in even a remotely good mood.

Lorthrendel had been trying to work everything out in his brain, while Varenyl had been sulking in the back of the line all day, his blue eyed gaze staring off into space. Ever since his little breakdown that morning, he hadn't spoken a single word. Varenyl didn't say anything about what he had dreamed, and his strange behavior was beginning to cause even more distrust among the others.

The Sylvari didn't understand what was going on. He didn't feel like himself anymore. He felt detached from everything, and had ever since that fiery night. And now he had been cursed with the remembrance of actually murdering his childhood friend....

He had lost everything. He had literally nothing else to lose. He remembered what Lorthrendel had said regarding his sanity. He was beginning to believe that what the fae had said was true. Maybe he was going crazy.

He kept telling himself that he had to keep putting a foot in front of the other.

Baby steps....

He was hanging by a thread. He just had to keep his goal in sight.

After that dragon was dead, all this would be over. This nightmare would end, and he could finally wake up.

Baby steps.

When they entered the city and Isendir demanded to see the Crownguard, Varenyl never even looked up.

~-~-~

The Crownguard was the small circle of the highest ranking knights in the Knighthood. They acted as a council of advisers to the King, who was elected in every ten years. However, in recent years, a dark red stain of corruption was beginning to corrode the Crownguard's previously untouchable morals. Many believed that its current Court Master, Lord Joseph Murphy, was the cause of that blight, but there was no proof and Joseph was too powerful of a man to just confront empty handed.

Lord Joseph was a middle aged man who had held the title of Court Master, the highest ranking member of the Crownguard, for nearly a decade. Though still technically a knight, he had long since outgrown the confines of his armor, his once well toned muscles replaced with flab and fat. A very arrogant man with small, beady brown eyes that stuck out of his large head, he had never been on Isendir's list of people the Highlander actually liked and respected.

Joseph currently sat in the middle of the long table in the Court Hall with the rest of the Crownguard beside him. All but one of the Knights gazed at Isendir with cold eyes.

"Isendir...," Omar said in a soft, surprised voice. A small, sad smile played on his lips. "My old friend. You should not have come back."

"Omar." Isendir gave his friend a slight smile and stiff nod of his head. "I see you've moved up in ranks since I've been gone."

Omar's smile turned into a grin. "Youngest knight in history to have the honor of being on the Crownguard yet, Shatterstorm. Thanks to your encouragement."

Joseph abruptly cleared his throat and cast Omar a cold glance. Seeing the Court Master's gaze upon him, the Highlander quickly silenced himself and lowered his head, muttering, "My apologies, sir."

After that was over, Joseph returned his scrutinizing gaze to Isendir.

"Isendir Shatterstorm," he said in a low, dull voice. "You're looking more of a vagrant than ever, I see. Eight years living the life of an elusive fugitive has definitely aged you."

Isendir forced himself to breathe easy and not get angry. He returned Joseph's stare with a slight, thin lipped smile. "You're not looking too well yourself, Joseph. At least I am still capable of defending myself and looking good in the process."

"You have some nerve, Shatterstorm." Joseph's eyes narrowed. "Why in Ophian's name would you come back here? Has the guilt of what you've done finally gotten into that skull of yours?"

Isendir's shackled hands clenched. His brown eyes flashed in anger, but his rugged face remained cool and relaxed. "I have committed no crime, Joseph. Nothing about that has changed these past eight years."

"Isendir, my boy...do not dishonor your wife and son's memory anymore than you already have. You denying the fact that you're a despicable disgrace of a man doesn't change that you set up for them to be murdered-"

Isendir's jaw clenched in anger. He took a step forward. It took everything in him to not try and break free of his bonds and slam Joseph's head into the table. He felt the knight's standing close behind him take a step towards him as well, their hands on their swords.

"Don't you dare talk to me about dishonoring them, you fat ugly pig," Isendir seethed. "You have no idea of the pain I go through because of their deaths, of the sorrow that I feel. I would never kill them, Joseph. All those years we knew each other, I thought you would have known me better. Why the hell do you think I still wear my wedding ring after all this time?"

"It is not my problem that the evidence is clearly against you, and the guilt of it has driven you to denial. The witch who you have always claimed framed you has never been found, or has any trace of her been discovered." Joseph grinned and smuggly clasped his hands together in front of him. He was enjoying every second of this.

"Well, we never did do any real investigations," one knight muttered in a soft voice. "If you ask me, someone just wanted Isendir dead and his life and reputation ruined."

Luckily for that knight, Joseph did not hear him. But Isendir did.

The Highlander breathed out a soft, mournful sigh. He knew there was no use in trying to argue against his case. That wasn't the reason he had returned, anyway. He smiled inwardly, vividly imagining Ragnus's reaction. The Highlander nodded stiffly at the Court Master.

"You know Joseph, whoever made you in charge of the Crownguard must've been piss drunk at the ceremony. You've really run the Knighthood into the ground. Alas, I only have one request. Allow me and my companions to speak with you," he said. His dark brown eyes gazed intently at the Court Master. "I promise you, what we have to say is of dire importance. After that, you can do whatever you want with me." He smiled. "I'm yours. But I hope you realize that if I am executed, my innocent blood will forever stain the Knighthood's hands, including yours."

Joseph's beady eyes narrowed at Isendir. His hand clenched. "Are you threatening me, Highlander?"

"I don't think you understand the difference between a threat and a fact, sir," Isendir returned coolly. "With all due respect, of course."

Joseph snarled, "Bring the others in then, dammit! Gods help you Isendir, because I'll actually enjoy cutting your throat at your execution."

"Sir, there is a mage among them," a young squire standing at the door said, his voice soft. He was obviously frightened. "We put chains enchanted with a silencing spell on him, but-"

"If he is silenced, then bring them in, boy." Joseph scowled. "Do not waste my time."

The squire swallowed, bowed, then hastily did as was told.

***🐉***

Thank you so much for reading! Please tell me any critiques and suggestions you may have. Words can't express how grateful I am to everyone who reads this, and supports me. I've been very anxious and under a lot of stress recently, and I feel like my depression wants to come back xD Writing has me trying to forget everything and that's been somewhat helping me, so whooo

Anyway, until next time~