"You can't be serious sir!" Claus exclaimed. "That's just an old story, and even if it was true, the legendary hero Siegfried should be sealed away."
"That's most likely true, but the fact remains that there are tales of a powerful man who defeated the former king and took control of the nation of Kei. The rumors even say that has the powers of the black elemental." The king replied.
"Well if that was true, it certainly would be worth it to make him our ally. That being said, there's no way those rumors could possibly be true. If the legendary hero really has returned, then why would he do so just to lead a small country in the mountains?" Claus said.
"I 100% agree with you Claus. However, this rumor being true might be our only chance to save our kingdom. So even if it's a long shot I'm willing to try." The King replied.
Before long the group had reached the border of Kei. They were greeted by sheer mountain cliffs hundreds of feet high. The only way through was through a small canyon pass. A unit of two border guards stopped them as they approached.
"Stop there! You are approaching the border of the nation of Kei! State your business!" One of the guards ordered.
"We are on a diplomatic mission and we request a meeting with your king." Brannard said calmly.
"Our king has no time for the likes of you! So get lost! If try to continue forward we will use deadly force." A guard barked back.
"Watch the way you speak! This is the King of Bohr! King Brannard Bohr III! Show some respect!" Claus ordered.
"You're the one who needs to watch your mouth! He's no king here. We only take orders from the King of Kei, Lord…." One of the guards started to say.
"Why doesn't everyone just calm down." Another Guard said as he approached.
"S-Sir! Why are you here? We can handle these fools on our own. You don't need to concern yourself with them." He said as the two bowed to salute him.
"They said they wanted to speak to the king, so I'm here, to take them the Royal court. The king can decide on what to do or not do with them once they get there. Is that alright with you?" The new guard asked.
"Y-Yes sir! Of course, as you wish!" The guard said while saluting him.
The new guard didn't look any different from the other two guards. They all had on black pants, short blacks cloaks, round black cloth hats, and were wrapped from head to toe in black cloth bandages. That being said, the other two treated the new guard as if he was some sort of superior officer.
The new guard led the group through the desert with the other two flanking the rear to keep watch on them.
"So, what are your names?" The king said seemingly trying to make conversation to break the monotony of a silent journey.
"Surely our names are inconsequential to a King such as yourself." The guard said.
"Well can you tell me anything about your King? For example, we've heard rumors, that he is the legendary hero Siegfried. Is that true?"
"You came all this way to find out. I'm sure my words alone wouldn't be enough to convince you one way or another. It's something that you'd have to see for yourself. Am I wrong?"
The group continued their journey for hours through the deserts of Kei the blistering heat started wearing down the foreign dignitaries, they slowly started to lose layers to stave off the heat. On the other hand, the Keishans remained in their thick black robes. Walking completely unhindered, and though their faces were covered there was no indication that they were affected by the heat at all.
"May I ask how you men can stand this heat in such heavy garments?" One of the King's retinue asked. It was an extremely tall, large man with red-orange hair and beard. His name was Troph Colencten he was the head of the elite Royal Guard and was accompanied by two other members of the Royal Guard.
"This heat is nothing to us. We've lived our entire life in it. It isn't even deep into summer yet. That being said, these robes that we wear have special cooling properties as well. You'll find that it's not to your benefit to shed your clothes the way you all have been." The lead guard replied.
"What do you mean?" Troph asked.
"At this temperature, the sun could seriously damage your skin. It's better to be covered." The guard replied. "Though it doesn't matter much now. We're nearly there."
"We are? I don't see anything." The king said as he looked out and all he saw was an ever stretching desert, the blazing Sun in the sky, and the faint silhouette of a city on the horizon.
"Gurank" The lead guard had said something in an unrecognizable language.
As soon as the guard had finished speaking the group had suddenly stepped into a cool room covered in black stones.
"Where are we? And why is it so much cooler in here?" The king asked.
"Most of Kei is underground and the buildings are all made of black stone, a material that doesn't absorb heat, so its always stays cool inside." One of the guards answered.
"But how did we get inside?" He asked.
"I brought you here." A voice boomed from the balcony above them.
The group looked up and a man had appeared at the balcony. He had long black hair and black tattoos covering his face and body. He wore a long regal black robe and stood over them with an intimidating stature and presence.
"You wanted to meet me did you not?" The man said. As he was speaking, the group noticed that the guard that had led the group had disappeared and the wrappings had fallen to the floor. "As you suspected, I am the legendary hero Siegfried."