by N.D. Bailey
The next couple of weeks were frustrating as the riders searched throughout the land for the sword. They remained constantly alert, keeping their eyes open for any sign of the whereabouts of the sword, yet, they were silent, not wanting to stir up more trouble for the kingdom. All they could do was hope that a sure sign would point them to the possessor of the sword. But no sign came. They could only wonder if the possessor had already joined the dark riders. They knew that the dark riders were aware of the sword’s presence because they were in the kingdom.
The riders were anxious, as was the king, who remained constantly informed. Their search was difficult due to the inconspicuous nature of it. They had to look as though they weren’t looking. They kept their focus within the scope of the area mentioned in the meeting hall, but always remained on aware even in the city.
After no luck at all, the riders returned to the castle to reevaluate the situation. It was pouring rain when the riders arrived. They knew that everything hinged on this sword and on the Immortal King fulfilling his mission faithfully. They wondered if they should go ahead and inform him of the presence of the sword. Perhaps the immortals could help them find the sword.
“Why don’t we just tell him that the bloody thing has turned up in our kingdom and they can come search for it themselves,” suggested Nimri.
“I don’t think he is all that anxious to see the thing,” King Chess commented.
“But if the fate of the world depends on him and the sword he should be. He has a responsibility,” Cozbi injected.
“Yes, but he’s not too fond of that sword. I’m not saying that he would neglect his responsibility. I was just hoping that we would not have to trouble him until we had found it. Perhaps that is what we should do,” replied King Chess, mulling over in his mind what would be the wisest thing to do.
“We can’t get into Shy Kadesh. No mortal may enter the Land of the Immortals anymore, let alone see the king,” Gilmanza replied.
“It is our responsibility to find the sword, not the Immortals. It is in our kingdom, not theirs,” Windsor said.