His companion grunted, adjusting the grip on his spear. "Aye, a peaceful day. Sixty years of peace, and no thanks to the old tales. The demons were gone from this world, and good riddance. A long time ago, many heroes united their strength to seal them away. That's all that matters."
The first guard chuckled. "Still, a guard's life is a quiet one these days. Mostly keeping an eye out for stray travelers, not… well, not that."
Their easy banter died as a figure emerged from the morning mist at the edge of the King's Road. It was a woman, shrouded in a dark, heavy cloak with a deep hood that obscured her face. Even from this distance, they could see the dark, irregular stains on the fabric, and the way she clutched something large and irregular to her chest, hidden beneath a swath of cloth. Her steps were slow and faltering, each movement a visible effort, as she weakly approached the main gate.
"Hold there!" the second guard called out, stepping forward, his spear instinctively raised. "What is it you're carrying? State your business!"
"Wait," the first guard added, his eyes narrowing. "Are those bloodstains on your cloak?"
The woman paused, her head tilting slightly. She seemed about to speak, her mouth opening, a strained breath escaping her lips as she raised a hand, pushing back her hood just enough for them to glimpse a pale, desperate face and eyes that held an urgent plea.
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***
Moments later, the guard stood before the King, his voice low with concern. "Your Majesty, there's a woman at the gate. Hooded, bloodstained, carrying something wrapped in cloth. She insists on an audience with you, says it's about an immediate danger to the kingdom."
"A woman, you say? Bloodstained? And speaks of immediate danger?" The King's brow furrowed, a flicker of concern replacing his usual calm. "This is certainly unusual. What do you make of her, Guard?"
"Your Majesty," the guard replied, "she appeared out of nowhere. She's desperate and insists on speaking directly to you about a danger. Given her state, I thought it best to bring it to your attention immediately."
The King considered this for a moment, his gaze distant. "Very well. A desperate plea about a danger cannot be ignored, regardless of how unusual the messenger. Bring her in. Escort her directly to the throne room."
***
The woman was escorted into the throne room, her presence a stark, unsettling contrast to the opulent surroundings. As she faced the King, her strength finally seemed to give out. Her knees buckled, and she fell heavily onto one knee, her voice raspy but clear. "Your Majesty, thank you for granting me this audience without delay."
A flicker of concern crossed the King's face as he saw her collapse, though he maintained his composed demeanor. He gestured for her to rise. "Your gratitude is noted. Now, you spoke of immediate danger. What brings you to my halls in such a state, and what is it you carry with such care?"
"Your Majesty," she began, her gaze unwavering, "I humbly request a private audience. What I carry, and what I must impart, is of the utmost importance and for your ears alone. The fate of not just Aurelia, but the entire world, may depend on it."
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