The Key by Jennifer Anne Davis

his specialized squads were able to uncover some vital information. “Your reports, one at a time, please.”
    Two of his men stepped forward.
    “Commander,” the first one said. “My squad just returned from Dresden. Rumors are being spread there.”
    “And what is being said, specifically?” Darmik asked.
    “The key is coming . Be prepared to fight to take back the kingdom, Sir.”
    The second corporal spoke, “The same is being said in all the cities that my squad passed through in Telan, Sir.”
    Da rmik pulled out his quill. “I need the names of the cities.”
    The corporals listed each of the towns they had traveled through. After Darmik marked each city on the map, he leaned back and studied the paper. So far, he was unable to determine any pattern.
    He dispatched h is squads to additional cities. Darmik swore he would figure this out. He would prove to his father that he was not only a worthy commander, but a strong and competent one as well.
    ****
    The First Company reached the outskirts of King’s City before noon. The capital rested on the border between Dresden, Shano, and Telan. The city was built there shortly after the invasion. To avoid being taken by surprise, King Barjon wanted his fortress in the middle of an area with low ground, so he could see the surrounding land. He also wanted the city away from the ocean and potential invaders arriving by boat. For added security, the entire city was now surrounded by a thirty-foot high wall with sentries patrolling at all times.
    Since they were now entering King’s City, protocol had to be followed. Darmik raised his hand, signaling for his six designated men on horses to surround him. The men raised the kingdom’s flag along with the royal colors, indicating that not only was Darmik commander of the King’s Army, but that he was also a prince. Darmik removed his black riding cape and replaced it with his one made of royal-blue silk lined with silver.
    The army changed formations in order to fit through the gated entrance. The streets inside were narrow, requiring they march three-men wide. The gates opened, and the army began filtering through the twenty-foot thick wall. The soldiers posted in the gatehouse, which was built within the wall, saluted their commander in respect. Coming out the other side into the city, Darmik saw his father’s castle, sitting on top of a hill in the middle of the city. It was about three miles ahead, surrounded by another wall with additional guards.
    King’s City was a thriving place with several markets and thousands of people who worked and lived there. Darmik always felt claustrophobic and cramped when he entered the city. He couldn’t understand why people wanted to live on top of one another inside the walls, just for some additional protection. It was a high price to pay.
    The army’s presence could never be kept hidden because one thousand soldiers made a tremendous amount of noise—their boots drumming against the streets like hail on a glass window. The vibration from so many was felt for blocks.
    When the company reached the military compound, Darmik dismissed the soldiers to the barracks. After issuing orders to Captain Phellek, Darmik continued on the additional mile to the king’s castle. The noise and smells of the city—a combination of dirt, smoke, and horse—faded away the closer he came to the castle. No one was allowed to build or loiter within one hundred yards of the fortress wall, so the sentries had a clear view of Darmik approaching.
    When he reached the gate, the castle guards saluted their commander. Granted entrance, Darmik entered another world. The grounds were immaculate with vibrant-green grass, bushes sculpted into the shape of animals, and roses in full bloom. The white stone castle sat nestled on the land. People strolled about the grounds impeccably dressed, completing the picture. Even the smell changed to lavender and roses. Everything appeared peaceful, serene, and