Chapter 5

Five days later they made it to the Capitol city, Snebor, without any trouble. Eli was concerned about that, considering they'd had assassins waiting at the gates of Nozup. He expected to at least run into Bounty Hunters or more assassins, but there had been nothing.

The palace came into view and their journey seemed to be coming to an end. It sat in the very center of Snebor like a shining beacon of hope. Its golden spheres gleamed in the early morning light, and glass panels caught the sun and held it like a flame.

Snebor was a vast expanse of tall buildings and housing, shops and booths. People everywhere bustled about with cheerful faces and laughter. The trio passed through many streets like this and came upon several buildings that blocked the glorious castle from view.

Greer sighed in relief. It was almost over. Now all she had to do was get the king to believe her. Which shouldn't be too hard considering he was the wisest man in the kingdom. Legend said he could always see between truth and lie

Greer looked to her right at Loki, then to Eli with a grin. They both grinned back, seeming to be just as relieved as she did.

Ten men jumped out of the shadows of the buildings, flashing swords. Greer took notice of the symbol on their armor. They were from Nozup, the Mayor's guards. One guard stood out amidst the others. He was tall and hulking with a serious set face. His surname matched her own.

Bayne Greer. Her brother.

"Bayne." Greer whispered. He looked just as horrified as she felt.

A slow clapping drew her eyes to the chubby man who walked out next. The Mayor was gloating with his self proclaimed victory. "I am really very impressed, little girl, that you managed to slip out of my city like you did." He stopped between Bayne and another guard. His grin made his cheeks go cherry, causing his white hair to stand stark against his skin.

Greer swallowed. They were doomed.

Eli casualty shifted his hands behind his back, standing as though he'd simply clasped them together, but he gripped both daggers as he met Bayne's eyes.

Be ready. Bayne seemed to be saying. Eli gave a subtle nod, not sure what he meant, but he'd keep his eyes open for whatever brilliant plan Greer's brother came up with. Hopefully it involves fire.

"I'm not a little girl." Greer said tightly. "I stopped being a girl when you made me an outcast." Her voice was tired. "It doesn't matter what happens here today, someone will find out what you've done and your life will be over."

The Mayor gave her and sly grin. "No, my sweet, the evidence will be lost with the three of you."

Bayne's eyes lit with anger, then quick as an also, he lunged. Grabbing the Mayor, he held his sword at the man's throat tightly.

"Unhand me!" The Mayor shrieked, cheeks growing crimson now.

The nine other guards stood in horror, unsure of what to do.

Bayne eyed his fellow soldiers with a deathly glare. "Dare lay a hand on any of them and it will be the last of this man's life!" He shouted. His stare was so fierce it would've put the bravest lion to shame. He met Greer's wide eyed stare. "Run, get to the king!"

The Mayor squirmed but quickly went still. "This is treason! Guards, kill him!" He sputtered.

Eli drew his daggers and jovially sauntered to Bayne. He winked an eye at the guards. "Any of you so much as move gets a dagger in the right eye. And you best make some room for my two friends here." He gestured to Loki and Greer with a dagger.

The guards shuffled back; making a path.

"Treason!" The Mayor shouted.

"Quiet." Bayne ordered.

Greer slipped past with Loki, both with wide eyes. Eli watched then go with relief, the turned to the guards. "Okay, now that they're gone, let's get on with this "

Greer didn't stop running until a palace guard demanded their names and business.

Panting, Greer looked into the man's eyes, hoping he'd see her desperation. "Greer. Serene Greer, Sir. And I must see the king. It's urgant!"

The sun glinted of his dark skin and he studied the two for a moment. "What about you, son? What's your name?"

"Loki Burroughs, Sir." Loki said earnestly. "Please, there isn't a lot of time."

The guard nodded. "You're in luck. The king is in the Great Hall as we speak. You can speak with him momentarily. Follow me." He turned and led them through the high palace gates and through a stone pathway that wound around to the palace doors.

Greer's heart pounded in her chest. It was happening. She prayed to God, if He was listening to her, that the king would believe her. The Mayor was a thief and a liar. But it was her word against his. An outcast, and an albino no less. A girl whose life was ruined at the hands of the Mayor. Who was she to call him a liar?

As the high, wooden doors neared, she had her answer.

She was Serene Greer, a human like everyone else. She was the Albino Girl, and she would be heard.