Destiny's Binds

Redeemed Blood pt 2

There wasn't a huge fanfare for the heroes who saved Ninjago from destruction when they ported. Lloyd insisted that they go straight to the King to tell him of their journey. No one else thought it was a good idea but considering no one had anywhere else to go, they agreed. Jay hoped that if he didn't go back to the Dark Island right away, he could visit his parents. So they ported in Ninjago City, followed by walking on foot to the Royal Estate.

Before they could get in proximity of the estate, guards stopped them. Lloyd insisted on a meeting with the King. It must've been an odd sight for the guards. They were a weird batch of travellers. A disgraced royal guard, a duke, a pirate, a pirate murderer, a traitor, a rich sponsor, and a captain. They didn't make a lot of sense, nonetheless, they somehow found a family in each other.

If not for Jay, they wouldn't have gotten the audience. All Lloyd needed to do was point out how the missing Duke of the Dark Island was at the party, and they had an audience with the King within an hour.

He wasn't overjoyed to see them. The atmosphere was heavy upon entrance into the King's court. He glared at Lloyd, as he approached and bowed before his throne. Everyone else followed Lloyd's lead, although no one looked happy to be kneeling before the King.

"You abducted my Duke," the King said. Technically, that was true; Lloyd did kidnap Jay. However, not in that specific instance.

"Let us explain," Lloyd said. The King's eyes slid from Lloyd to Jay.

"Duke, explain," he said. Jay wished the King had called on anyone else besides him to explain.

"You see, umm, when Harumi visited the Dark Island before heading off to the Cursed Realm, Lloyd noticed that some of the crew on her ship were responsible for the attack on the previous Duke's estate. Together we chartered Pixal's ship, led by Captain Zane, and employed all these experienced sailors, and also recruited help from a Cursed Realm cultural expert. And we chased after her. At first, we thought were going to save her, but it turns out that Harumi actually masterminded everything. She was responsible for the attacks on the fiefs and she stole all the Elemental Rings. She made up the peace treaty with no intention of marrying the Prince of the Cursed Realm -who doesn't even exist. She planned to leave Ninjago open for an attack by the Cursed Realm. But we stopped her. And we've come back to warn you that the Cursed Realm still might attack Ninjago. We have to be ready."

"So the marriage fell through?" the King said.

"There was no marriage," Lloyd added.

"You expect me to believe that my own daughter conspired against me and the whole country? She gave up her heirship to be a token of peace between our lands," the King said.

"Um, you don't have to believe us," Jay said, "But we are telling you the truth."

The King glared at Lloyd, who still had his head lowered.

"This is an elaborate trick," the King said, "You're trying to seize power from me. Just like your father." Lloyd flinched. It's as if the King's words were an actual assault on Lloyd.

The room was still. No one said anything.

"You all are banished," the King said, waving his hand, "Except for Garmadon. I want him executed."

Nya was the first to draw her weapon. Followed by everyone in the group. All except one.

"You don't hardly stand a chance," the King said with a chuckle. Lloyd rose to his feet, gripping his sword tightly. He inherited Morro's rapier since he was more talented with that type of sword. It was of high craftmanship. Its design was beautiful, with metalwork along the handle, making the blade as artistic as it was sharp. The silver was striking, reflecting all the light in the room.