Angel Eyes: the Eternal Circle
by Rydia
Chapter 5

Jeric was brought before the King sooner than he would have had he not
been a serpent.  People were always in awe of the serpent clan, and
viewed them as an indication of destiny at work; often true.  Though
irritating at times of peace, it had it's uses.

He scanned the room, looking at each member of the royal family in turn
for a possible reincarnation.  The King was a bearded man in his middle
years and his wife beside him was a elegant blond woman.  To the side
was a teen aged girl with a very... personalized gown.  She had the
look of a Nina, but Jeric was hoping she was not.  The princess was
chewing gum, doing her nails, and flirting with the guards in formal
court.  The last among the royals was a young girl who also didn't look
like a good prospect.  She was only around six years old, too young in
his mind to save the world.

"What brings you to me court, serpent Jeric?" the King asked.

Jeric bowed.  "I have received a warning that the world is in danger.
I come to gather champions to save it."

The King nodded and smiled broadly.  "Destiny knocks again on Windia's
gates, I see.  My daughter will have the chance to fulfill her great
purpose in the world."

The teen princess looked bored.

Jeric stood silent for a moment, seeming wise to everyone else.  In his
mind, gears were turning.  That girl was not who he was looking for.
None of them were.  The problem was how to say so without insulting the
King.

"My apologies, your Majesty.  That girl is not one of Destiny's
Children."

"What?" the Queen said, sounding very alarmed, "You can't be thinking
of taking my baby!"

"No, Majesty, I am not."

"You mean to tell me that neither of my little angels is good enough?"
the King demanded.  Appeasing the nobles did not seem a likely
possibility any more.

"No, I did not mean that -"

It was too late.

"Guards!" the King shouted and Jeric was almost instantly surrounded.
"Take that filthy snake to the dungeon immediately!"

Jeric didn't have time to cast a spell before they seized him,
disrupting his concentration.  They dragged him away, to the dungeon.
Jeric didn't resist.  His only thought was that when he was left alone
he could teleport away.

* * *

Drip.  Drip.  Drip.

Jeric sat on the small pile of hay in the corner of the cell in
silence, brooding.  Windians had gotten so touchy in the past few
centuries.  But who would have thought they'd have magic-proofed prison
cells?  And now, he was trapped until the King thought to let him go.
If the King thought to let him go.  And by then, it might already be
too late.

Drip.  Drip.  Drip.