Chapter 4: Renegade

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The web of evil was an intricate one

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The web of evil was an intricate one.

As delicate as a spider's web but as deadly as the spider's bite. Such a dark and chilling thing it was, and some people tended to it like doting mother. Some people nurtured and cared for it, willing it to grow and fester.

Some people let it overtake them.

Just like the cloaked figure who approached the impressive gates of the palace.

The gate to enter the palace was a massive one. Thick, strong bars made of silver and iron caged the inside world from the outside. It was lavished in gold paint that sparkled when the sun touched it, and an iron image of a wolf, fierce and dangerous-looking, was wrapped in chains at the top of the gate.

It was beautiful and an icon throughout the kingdom. Whenever one visiting passed by it, they were endowed with wonder and awe at the sight of the gate which boasted of the massive, enthralling palace in the background. Vibrant green grass blanketed the land around the palace and fruit trees and flowers of all kinds and colors, often in bloom, were planted along the private paths. The scent from which it emitted was strong, the fragrance pleasing and sweet.

Guards were stationed at the entrance, clothed in leather garments that wrapped around their bodies.

"Permission to enter the palace, sir?" The cloaked figure spoke, voice calm and relaxed.

The guard stepped forth and examined the figure before him before speaking. "What are your reasons to enter?" He asked.

"I have something to take up with the queen. It's an important matter, I can assure you. Let me tell you the reason as we walk, I do not wish for others to hear of the news in which I bear." The person answered softly.

The guard nodded. Civilians were permitted to take certain matters to the queen. Only severe crimes or news was discussed with her majesty, and nobody wished to waste her time.

"Open the gate!" He commanded to the other guards, who quickly obeyed. With a squeak and a groan of protest, the gates opened slowly, dragging across the dirt as the two sides parted from each other.

And then the cloaked figure entered, flanked by guards at their side.

The path leading to the palace was made of stone, hard stone that felt smooth against their feet. The ground was level and smooth, the person wasn't used to such things. Where they came from, the ground was rocky, rough, and uneven.

And the grey stone was not like the stone of any others. It seemed polished and clean, and oddly enough, one could look down and see a faint image of their reflection staring back at them.

Small bluebirds chirped and tended to the trees which were lavished in blossoms. They fluttered along the path to escape the presence of others, landing in the nearby branches which were clothed in either pink or white blossoms. 

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