I walked through the crowds with King Alton, who seemed more than happy to have me walking beside him as an equal, while Dumah was just behind, sulking I hoped. Behind him was Brendan and Tigra, at least with them behind Dumah wouldn’t be able to stab me in the back.

We headed straight for the throne room, only when King Alton was sat in his throne, still smiling, which had become quite rare, with Dumah standing beside him, his composure returned, did he raise the subject I had mentioned.

“What is it you need to discuss Fang?” he asked.

“For starters no one has been to the temple of the lions in quite some time, no one has tried to obtain the lions as for some reason it was being guarded by the knights of Cathopia,” I began. I had piqued his interest as he looked upon me with a curious gaze.

“There shouldn’t be any knights guarding the temple, it is a sacred place many Animalia travel to be blessed by the lions,” he glanced at Dumah. “Do you know anything about this?”

“First I am hearing of it, your majesty,” responded Dumah. King Alton’s gaze almost looked like he didn’t believe Dumah.

“Go on Fang.”

“It wasn’t just a couple, but thousands, something our city does not have to give,” I continued. “On closer inspection and with so many, they were clones, each identical to the next, every detail.”

“Clones. Are you sure?” his expression was one of great concern. Had he seen something like this before? I noticed his gaze fell towards Tigra.

“Positive, confirmed by Larana,” I answered. King Alton went quiet for quite some time, it was obvious this news had him worried.

“I want you to investigate something for me Fang,” he leaned forward.

“Anything your majesty.” I would have hesitated in accepting a mission from him, but the concern in his expression was genuine and Dumah had yet to chime in with one of his lines.

King Alton dug his hand into his pouch, pulling out a scroll with a key attached to it. “This map shows the location of an abandoned facility. I want you to go inside and see if the place has been used at all recently.”

“Understood,” I nodded, sounded simple enough.

“And before you leave make sure you destroy everything,” he ordered.

“Roger,” I bowed.

“Can I go with him?” questioned Tigra.

“You are not to go anywhere near that place,” snarled King Alton. Tigra was surprised to hear the aggressive tone in his voice for just a simple mission of investigate and destroy. “You must remain here, return to your studies and training as one day you’ll lead the royal guard just as I did in my youth.”

“Hunter can do that crap,” protested Tigra.

“Go now!” he raised his voice. Tigra glanced at me before storming off. King Alton sighed. “She must not go there, Fang.”

“I understand,” glancing at Brendan. “I will only need Brendan for this.”

“Very well,” he held the scroll out. I walked forward to take it from him.

“I will leave immediately,” I broadcast.

“Not without this,” he leaned over the side of his chair, then brought out a shoulder pad, gladded with silver. “This is for you knight Fang.” I stared at it, you usually had to go to the masters at the academy to retrieve your next shoulder piece. I looked at the king. “I’ve been wanting to give you this for some time now, what better time than receiving the twin lions.”

“Thank you,” I bowed taking it from him. I was filled with so much pride I didn’t know what to do. I glanced at Dumah who had remained silent, but he still held the expression of displeasure.

“Now destroy that place, while I have a team go to investigate the temple,” said King Alton.

“Got it,” I smiled. “Brendan.” I bowed once more, then turned to leave.

“I’m coming,” sighed Brendan, knowing that I wouldn’t take no for an answer.

We left the throne room to see Tigra waiting for us. I tried my best to act cold, just wanting to walk past without her moaning about it, but she stepped in my way.

“Let me come with you,” requested Tigra.

“You heard King Alton, no,” I replied.

“Why are you on his side?” she snapped stubbornly getting annoyed with me.

“I’m not,” I said calmly, she was so cute when she was angry. “He is genuinely concerned about your safety, if it causes him that much distress, then it might be too dangerous,” she glared at me. “Sorry Tigra, but my answer is still no.”

“Brendan.” She tried him next. “Don’t leave me in the castle with him.” I suspected she was referring to Dumah.

“Sorry Tigra.” Brendan looked away, he seemed to be having more trouble than me to refuse her.

“Fine then!” She turned on her heal and stormed off.

I sighed with relief, it was pretty close if she had stayed any longer, I might have ended up saying yes.

“I thought you were about to give in,” commented Brendan.

“So was I,” I admitted. “But orders are orders.” I held up my new shoulder pad. “Would you mind?”

“Not at all,” smiled Brendan as he replaced my knight-in-training piece for my new knight piece, if only dad could see me. I couldn’t wait to tell him when I saw him, he’d be surprised I now had the lions too.