Soul Cursed Protector
Chapter 19: The Chamberlain Strikes A Deal With Evil

The now King Alistair took the pieces of the Reaper Blade down into the dungeons where he came to a torch that was placed on the wall, at first glance it seemed to be a dead end. Alistair checked the surrounding area to make sure he wasn’t followed. If anyone found out what he had been up to, it could lead to disastrous consequences. He reached out and pulled the torch, which made the wall move revealing a hidden room. Alistair took a step inside and the trap door closed behind him.

Alistair mumbled a few words under his breath, within seconds all the torches in the room lit up. The only things in the room was a large table, along with a single chair sitting in the center. On that table was an old book, it was the same one that Gawain had given to him after he had taken Leon from within the house floorboards. It was that book that changed Alistair’s destiny forever, given him the knowledge of the power he could take for his own. He put the pieces of the blade upon the table beside the old book, and began fitting them together exact. Alistair stared at the almost finished blade, One more piece, and the Reaper Blade shall be complete, and all the power it holds shall be mine. Then I shall start shaping this world into what it was meant to be, a crocked smile curved his lips. A shadow inside the room moved which caught his attention, Alistair unsheathed the Kings Defender and held it up. “Show yourself, or my blade shall replace its target. That much I promise you.”

“Steady your blade, King Alistair.” Chamberlain Ballard stepped out of the shadows with his arms raised. “I’m not here to make an attempt on your life. So if you don’t mind please, please put that

thing away.”

Alistair angrily glared at the man, “Even if you tried to kill me it would do you no good, you would be dead before you took another step.” he smirked. “Hmm, I still might kill you yet, depending on how you answer my questions.”

“You tried that once before, remember.” Ballard laughed. “However this time I am unarmed, I come in peace.”

“I have killed unarmed men before.” Alistair smirked. “Tell me, how did you replace this room?” Ballard slowly paced around the room, making sure not to eye the book that lay atop the table.

“Remember Alistair-”

“King Alistair to you.” Alistair interrupted.

Ballard smiled and kept pacing around the room, “My apologies, King Alistair. As I was saying, I was King Edwards chamberlain well before you became his First Knight.” he ran the tips of his fingers across the top of the table. “This castle has been my home for many a year, I know all of the secrets it holds.”

Alistair watched Chamberlain Ballard’s hand inching ever closer to the book. “So you have been spying on me.” he said, reaching over picking up the book. “What else do you know?”

Ballard waved his hand over the broken sword, “I know of this.” he said. “This is none other than the Reaper Blade. Is it not?”

“So what if it is?”

Ballard chuckled to himself, “You’re close to completing it, are you not?”

Alistair raised his brow, “What if I am? What’s it to you?” he asked. “Clearly it means nothing if it’s in pieces.”

“Do you take me for a fool?” Ballard snarled. “I know all about that book in your hand, I also know that the Kings Defender is key in restoring the Reaper Blade to its former glory.” he took a deep

breath, trying to hide his gleefulness. “Not only that, King Alistair. I know exactly what you, and now First Knight Caine have done to the former King Edward.”

Alistair raised his blade to the throat of the chamberlain, “Dead men tell no tales.” he smiled devilishly.

Chamberlain Ballard put the tip of his finger on the end of the blade, “I’m not here to cause you grief. This humble man only wishes to serve his new king to the best of his abilities.” he grinned from ear to ear.

“I seriously doubt that.” Alistair said. “What do you really want?”

Ballard pushed the tip of the blade away from his throat, “Like I said, I’m here to serve. And give you some well needed advice.” Alistair was curious, and sheathed his sword back to his side. “That’s better, maybe we can work together. However, before we go any further here I have but one request, please call me by my name. Being called chamberlain all the time is unnerving.”

“As you wish, Ballard.” Alistair replied. “What sort of advice does one wish to share?” “Lets say its more information than advice.” Ballard replied.

“Say what you will, but for your sake, you better pray the information is worth my while.”

Ballard smiled sheepishly, “People are talking, your Majesty. Not the townsfolk though, they do not have the brains to piece things together, filthy peasants.” Ballard turned his back to King Alistair, “It’s the people of the Academy that have been talking, even trying to cause distrust within your loyal subjects.”

Alistair rubbed his chin nervously, “This is troubling.”

Ballard turned back around to face Alistair, “But I have an idea.” he evilly smiled. “There is a way to place the blame on others, and deal with the Academy at the same time, but it will cost you.”

“Name your price, if you want wealth then I will make sure you have it. If you want power, then you shall have that as well.”

“I do not want money, nor do I wish for power.” Ballard pointed at the book that Alistair had a death grip on. “When you are done with giving the Reaper Blade back its power, all I want in return is the book that you have in your hands. That is all I wish for.”

Alistair held the book tight in his hands, he wasn’t sure if he was willing to part with it just yet.

The book itself has secrets of power that he has yet to learn, but taking the Reaper Blades power for himself was what he wanted more than anything else. I do not know if I can part with this relic of power, it has taught me worldly secrets, that not a soul knows of. What would Ballard learn if he had the book to himself, would it be wise to allow such a thing to happen? Would it interfere with my plans? However he knows of a way to deal with the Academy without me having a direct hand in the matter. Alistair was hesitant, but had finally come to a decision. “You have yourself a deal Ballard. Once I have what I want, and you have dealt with the situation at hand, the book shall be yours.”

“Let us make a blood pact, to insure promises are kept.” Ballard said, pulling a knife from his belt. He held the knife straight up, placing his left hand over the blade squeezing tightly. Ballard pulled the knife, the sharp blade made a small gash in the palm of his hand. Alistair did the same. The two men shook hands and the blood pact between them was complete.