Every possible question about the situation ran through Lykos' head as he mounted his horse, racing towards the city near his home. It was the home of the royal family, so more than a city, but not quite a complete kingdom, for their land ran further than the eagle's eye could see. 

The rise and fall of Elpis' chest did little to calm Lykos, the opposite of what it usually did. It wasn't long before the beating thumps of Elpis' hooves on the dirt road slowed, approaching the gates of the city. The guards recognized him from his frequent visits to bring his drunk father home, noticing the unusual lack of a sword strapped to his hip, one nodding in a worried greeting to the boy before opening the gates. 

Lykos yelled a grateful "Thank you, sir!" As Elpis sped through the gates, the two were already too far inside the gates for Lykos to hear the usually silent guards begin to speak to one another about his hurried state. The normally filled streets of the city were close to empty, due to the sun setting behind the castle, giving Lykos room to continue Elpis' speed through the city towards the temporary jailhouse near the city center. Once in front of the building, Lykos quickly dismounted, gently patting Elpis' shoulder, the horse understood the silent praise and lightly brushed her nose against Lykos' shoulder. 

Lykos hurried up the wooden steps, carefully opening the door, wincing at the well-worn and screeching hinges. He cringed further at knowing they were so loud due to a few too many of his mistreatments in a rush to scold his father. Closing the door behind himself, he approached the desk at which sat a guard, essentially the secretary of the building.

"Excuse me, sir?" The guard looked up, nodding at Lykos to show his attention. "Is my father here again by chance? He was arrested again, and a few of the guardsmen came to my home, in search of me and my mother, but I had been working in the fields. Are they alright?" The guard tilted his head in thought for a moment.

"I know the man you speak of and the group. But they did not return here, I believe your father was taken to the castle, due..." he cleared his throat, thinking over his words, "to special circumstances. I do believe if you approach the castle gates and explain to the men there, they will be willing to help. The evening shift guards tend to be more agreeable than the morning ones." Lykos bowed in thanks, sighing in relief that someone had been able to give him some idea of what had happened. Yet, it made it worse. It confirmed that his father had shifted in front of the townspeople, and the royal family had felt the need to get involved.

"Thank you, kind sir, I do appreciate your guidance." The guard smiled and nodded, to which Lykos bowed once again before rushing back out the door of the building. He hurried back down the wooden steps, giving Elpis another gentle pat in more silent praise, to which Elpis chuffed and bumped his shoulder with her nose. He carefully climbed onto her back, being careful to not hurt her. Once seated, they were off again, moving toward the castle with Lykos' guidance. 

The castle was a beautiful building, but most definitely intimidating. The highest tower of the palace was hundreds of feet above the city, with spires of shining marble and gold. It was rumored that it was where the royal family kept their most valuable riches, all of which were guarded by a single dragon, the last one seen in decades. No one was sure if it was true, but it didn't exactly help the building seem inviting. He sighed, taking a deep breath and guiding Elpis to slow as they approached the castle gates.

It took the two guards a moment to notice the young man approaching them, and when they did, they weren't as kind as the previous guard had described. "Turn around, and leave young man. We'd rather not deal with trespassers tonight." He quickly shook his head, eyes wide in disbelief, hands subconsciously moving to where the men could see them.

"No! I'm not here to disturb the family, I give you my word. I do apologize for bothering you, but my father was arrested this evening, and when I went to fetch him from the nightly cells in the square, I was told he was brought here. My mother and sister were also brought here after a few of your men brought them from my home. I was simply left a letter by mother." The two guards looked at each other skeptical of the boy in front of them.

"What is your name?"

"Lykos, sir. My father is Carmo, and our family name is Baran. I simply wish to understand what he did today, and if my mother and sister are alright."

The guard that had been speaking sighed, before opening his mouth once more. " Listen, kid, all we know is that--" 

The guard that had been silent finally spoke. "Do not say another word, we have duties. Outsiders are not to know what is happening inside." His face was pinched in a scowl at his fellow guardsmen, before turning towards Lykos. "Leave."