“Esben! Where is Esben?” Artham thought as the castle came into view. He slowed to a jog as he rounded the wall and froze.
Three ships floated on the water, waves lapping against their sides. One ship was departing, and it seemed that someone was looking back at the Isle—at him. Another boat approached, but he only cared about the one docked nearby.
A limp body was bound in ropes, while creatures stood guard over it. Artham slowed down slightly, careful not to draw too much attention.
He stepped out with his sword drawn, expecting them to charge. One of them called out instead.
“Throne Warden Wingfeather,” they shouted, “Your king has been taken. Come with us peacefully, and there will be less suffering. Fight us, and you'll face ten times worse.”
They lifted the chained person's head from the ground, their face toward the castle. Artham didn't look at their faces; he focused on the person's hand, where doodles were faintly visible beneath dirt and blood.
He took a deep breath, lowering his sword to his side. He kept his head high, though he stumbled.
Before he stepped onto the dock, he thrust his sword into the ground, the Warden’s final stand. He stood as they bound his hands.
They were tighter than he thought necessary, but at least they were scared. Artham reminded himself of his vows; to protect the king, putting his brother's safety before his own.
He focused on his breathing as the boat left the dock, not even a glance when Esben woke.
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Esben opened his eyes, feeling the boat rocking beneath him. Rain poured down around him, but he couldn’t move his hands. The only thing he could see through the flickering light of what appeared to be a fire was Artham's dark hair.
How is there a fire on a boat, it's pouring rain, and Artham is doing nothing about it? He thought until he realized where he was and struggled against the bonds.
“Esben,” Artham hissed, “Esben, stop fighting!”
Esben realized his brother had yet to look at him but at the driver. He stopped struggling against his ropes and strained to see the person steering.
-I don't remember their capture in cannon, so is this good or does it actually tell us?
Artham 😭
Also yay! Another chapter!
This is great! The only thing I can remember it saying about their capture was in TMitH, (Artham and the Deeps of Throg?) By my recollection, this works with cannon!