Regardless of this being my room, it is now my jail cell.

After my colossal screw up, or perhaps greatest victory depending on how this all turns out, Daithi locked me away with a very simple explanation; “Until your lies have proven to be the truth, you aren’t to be trusted.”

While I do understand that, could he have at least given me some books or games to pass the time? I’ve been locked in this small room for three days with only stone faced knights to keep me company. By company, I mean that in the sense that they are physically present. All small talk has been shot down or utterly ignored resulting in my extreme boredom.

Henley is one of those stone faced knights. She has day duty and her name is all I know about her. She’s a tall, muscular woman with ochre skin and a head of short, curled black hair. Stern brown eyes narrow when I so much as look at her. She must not be enjoying this either though; standing at the door all through the day until another replaces her at night. The biggest reaction I received came when I went to the door, asking if I could at least go out to get a book. Her response was unsheathing her blade.

I haven’t tried that again. I’ve managed to skim through The Tale of Meredin late in the night when the guard only checked in every few minutes. Other than that, the book is stashed beneath the mattress for safe keeping. Should Daithi learn of the book, he will either think me even crazier, or come to learn that he can get rid of me and keep the book. I haven’t heard from him, or anyone for that matter, since my imprisonment either. Food is brought and that is all, so for the last few days I’ve been desperately trying to formulate a survival plan.

What has already transpired has resulted in throwing the original book’s timeline off course, although I do not know by how much. I still have knowledge and can guess we’re on, relatively, the same track. Daithi will use the map to retrieve Arlador, only this time I will be with him to get through the few traps quicker. When we return will be the bigger problem.

Arlador is described as an artifact that has a mind of its own. It was gifted to Luvon, who earned the respect of the Gods and thus Arlador as well. That means Arlador must respect the next wielder too. Either influenced by Arlador’s aura or merely by something happening, Daithi must address problems that, should he handle them correctly as a kind and caring ruler, will result in the sword obeying him bit by bit.

In short, he has to make Arlador like him, and if that isn’t the funniest freaking thing then I don’t know what else is!

Now the big questions are; will Daithi’s trials be the same as Aquilan’s? Will I be able to guide him or point the instances out so he can better handle them?

At this rate, perhaps I should make a How to Be a Good Ruler Based On What Some Magical Sword Wants 101 class. Daithi certainly won’t like me lecturing him on how to be a good ruler. Actually, he doesn’t appreciate anyone lecturing him. Not to mention, according to the tale, by the time we return from retrieving Arlador, Aquilan will have gone north to speak with his siblings. I don’t want Daithi mastering the sword prior to my stealing it or before Aquilan sneaks onto the estate to take it so I have to be careful not to become too good at keeping my promise.

Once I’ve got some alone time, I will go over the book again thoroughly. Maybe that way I’ll notice signs even if Daithi’s trials happen to turn out different and I can choose which ones to avoid and which to address.

The stress that builds with these questions results in my taking a break. At this rate, my brain is going to melt from overuse.

Henley shows slight interest and concern when I press my ear to the wall.

Let’s see what kind of gossip the servants are discussing today! Sometimes I make out their chattering over menial tasks or their annoyances of the day. I’ve never been one for gossip, but, considering the situation, I’d love to hear about how the cook is cheating on his wife with a new maid. Please, tell me more!

“I feel so bad for Lady Amelie. The engagement took nearly three years to become official and now the wedding has been pushed off even further,” says one of the maids that I have dubbed Sympathetic. She tends to be the one that’s always feeling sorry for everyone, case in point.

“She and her family know the state that we’re in,” argues Bossy. I’m uncertain if she’s the head maid, but I’ve heard her giving orders now and again. “If they expect a wedding in the middle of a war then they’re crazy.”

“Shhh!” Sympathetic hushes. “What if someone heard you?”

“Then they’d agree. His Majesty does not have time to waste on an extravagant affair that no one cares about. He has far more pressing matters, such as taking his rightful place as the ruler of Meredin. Besides, when all is said and done, they can have the most grand wedding of all. Lady Amelie must know this as well. She’s probably fine with waiting.”

“Maybe.” Sympathetic sighs. “I rather have a nice, small wedding with my family.”

“Speak for yourself. I’d love a handsome and rich husband that will drown me in lavish jewels and fine wine.”

The two giggle. I pout when their voices fade, taking my amusement for the day with them.

There’s another noise now though. I strain to listen. There are no voices, only heavy steps growing closer and closer until the door opens. Henley is already bowing by the time I hop back in surprise.

Daithi stands in the open doorway as daunting as ever.

“Leave us,” he orders.

Henley obeys without question, leaving me alone with the emperor.