The Last Free Kingdom

Chapter 22 The Last Free Kingdom

“Lukla! What in Unverdus’ holy name are ye doin’!” it was no question. It was the holy man, Geremy who ripped her off the sidewalk from another man. The man was largely built, and with a tankard of mead in his hand.

“What are ye don’ holy man?” The prostitute said, her tunic partly ripped. She seemed out of it, her eyes were sleepily open. “Stop messin’ with my living! Just ‘cause ye refuse to move on does not mean I have to!”

“Leave my prize be old man!” The man’s speech was heavily slurred. He was obviously drunk.

“And you sir are drunk!” Geremy said. “I do not understand how ye can imbibe so much mead so quickly, Keritum. You drunkard.”

“And those that judge shall be cast into the fiery furnace_” he began.

“Correct, but that is not judgment!” Another man came out of the shadows. This was a noble man, wearing a noble robe. “He is merely correcting you. There is a difference.”

“Is there?” The prostitute said, offendedly. She placed one hand held the priest’s hand and forced it upon her chest. “If it is so bad, father then why do these things feel so good?”

Geremy took his hand away, as the other man stepped in. He slapped her hand. “Thank you Feltus.” he stepped back, spitting on the ground. “I am my people’s shepherd, and as difficult as this is, I will keep watch over all who have been in my flock! It certainly was not meant to be.”

The large man took out some tobacco, crushed it in his pipe, lit and smoke. He held the pipe in his mouth as he rolled up his sleeves. “Now, I will not tell ye both again, get lost, or I will kill both of ye!”

“You are seriously threatening the priest?” Feltus said.

“Do ye plan on protecting him? You are a pacifist ye noble. Besides, she knows I need this.” Lukla marched behind the largely built mason.

Keritum lodged a punch square in his face.  The noble men fell down, the dirt from the ground staining his fancy clothes. Feltus stood up, and wiped blood from the ground. He turned to Geremy with sorrow, and pain in his eyes as they watered. They didn’t tear up, but they were watery. “There is no hope for these two. They have gone far passed the slope into darkness. There will be no return for these two.”

“I cannot stop here. It must ended now!”

“Then I will end it.” Keritum pulled out a knife, when a larger man came charging through the other end of the alley way. This man was very tired, and appeared a little older. He slammed the mason into the wall, and he immediately fell unconscious.

Of course Lukla was very unhappy with the outcome. There would be no money made tonight for her, so she insisted on swearing very loudly to the man in tattered colorless clothes.

“Thank you, Corm.” The nobleman put his hand in his pocket, and pulled out a few coins. These coins were very small in his wallet, but even that much meant the world to this peasant.

“Ye be welcome.”

Geremy looked at the downed mason and shook his head in disappointment. “Well all has been said in done, I cannot continue tonight, but would you two like to come for tea?” she glanced a look at Lukla, who proceeded to sit on the unconscious man. “You are also welcome to join us.”

She spat, which landed on Keritum’s face. “No, you took the only source of food from me today! I cannot accept a gift from such a malicious person!”

“Humans shall not live on bread alone.” Feltus said, turning to the holy man, which looked hurt, more so than ever before. “I will take you up on that tea.” His head turned to the largely built man, could have been a veteran from another war. “How about it Corm, would ye care for some tea?”

“Aye, some teas does sound good.” he answered and they walked out of the alley way, and across the street. The center of the city of Core Crest was the Hold, which was made from carefully nailed logs. Next to it was the church, and behind it was the priest’s house.

Geremy looked back with a heart broken face at the two on the ground. He watched as the corrupted souls lay there in their own filth. He hardly believed what he was seeing. This woman truly lost her morals with her husband, though losing her husband was no fault of hers. He witnessed her subtly drop her trousers and urinate and spread her feces all over the man’s face. She then kissed the man, saying to him, “This is what ye get fool oaf. I cannot provide for your services, and ye cannot pay me!” She scurried off deeper into the dark alley way, no doubt was she looking for someone else to seduce.

Corm, Feltus, and Geremy walked to the front of the house. The built was made by an elven carpenter several years ago. He used great powers to twist and gnarl a tree. The door was made from a heavier, and thicker wood. It creaked open, and there are candles lit into the room. A few strides over, there was a sofa, with dark green cushions. A head of that was another dark wooden door, and to the left, a small fire pit, which hung a tea kettle. The fire lit at the snap of Geremy’s fingers.

Geremy walked into the side room as Feltus, and Corm decided to sit on the sofa. In the living room, in which Corm and Feltus were, there was several canvases. Each painted with something different, a church, a grand city, two people, which were so beautifully painted, they looked like real people, because they were real people. One of which neither recognized, the other two were Lukla and Keritum.

Geremy brought out the tea, each hot mug had a spoon, and several tea leaves. Corm slowly sipped his as Feltus stirred his spoon in his cup. Geremy sat down, and began sipping his tea.

“So how long have you know those two, Geremy?” Feltus said, taking the first sip of his tea.

Geremy shed a single tear before answering. “Far too long. My only daughter was close with that woman. Too close.” she replied. “That man, whom angers me I must love as Unverdus tells me to love all His children. He did destroy my daughter’s marriage.”

“Dare  I ask?” Corm replied, rolling his eyes. He spoke in a very deep tone.

“That is something I would rather not discuss right now, if you do not mind.” Geremy said weeping. “May I ask, how you two met? I know you very well Feltus, but never have I met you Corm.”

“Believe it or not, I was once a soldier.” Feltus said, patting the larger man on the back. “This man, was my captain during my service. Sadly he took a rather large arrow to the knee, and it ended his service. He has been struggling to get by, since there is no program for the homeless in place.”

“The king, Americos did offer severance pay, but I declined it.”

“Why?” Geremy asked curiously.

“Because for them to support me, would mean that the taxpayers would be paying for my inability to work. I did not want that, so I did one of the things the military taught me, to scavenge.” he answered. “As long as I am capable of supporting myself, I will continue to do so without assistance. Of course all of this effort is thanks to Unverdus who gives me strength and joy and strength to do all these things legally.”

“May I ask why?” Geremy asked him.

“Do you see how bad our economy is right now? It would be far worse if Malitu didn’t exist. More so, if people like me took the severance pay. This nation would be far worse…” he gulped the rest of the tea. “Ah that hit the spot. That was the best hot tea I have had in a very, very long time.”

“‘Tis the only cup o’ hot tea you had in a very long time.” Feltus joked. He laughed, nearly spilling his tea. He looked in his cup of tea leaves as he felt Corm stand up.

Corm bowed to Geremy, “Thank you, sir. Warm and cozy does the weary and worn soul good.”

“You are welcome Corm. Remember, the seventh day of the week, that is when the service is. It is good of you to come once in a while if you will. It was also indeed very pleasant to meet you.”

“Likewise Shepherd.” he replied, bowing once again, then walked towards the door, opening it, and gently, very gently as is contrary to his size did he shut the door.

“Geremy, may I ask you something?” Feltus replied.

“Yes, of course old friend.” he said, sipping his tea one last time.

“Well you know that I am a successful merchant, and many in my company goes out seeking out potential clients from across Alkathos. I have fellow merchants traveling from all over Core Crest obviously, Grento, Shiro, and very rarely does anyone make a trip into Kinasa, Zinasa, or Korilya. I have a merchant, that was supposed to make his way back here from Shiro, last month, he is late. I have another merchant who was traveling by way of Malitu, and lately he said it was built like a fortress.” He said, sipping his tea absent mindedly. “What are your thoughts? Now I understand that a month late is one thing given the distance, though it still concerns me, but I would let something like that go, but Mality becoming a fortress, I do not know why that would be. He explained it as it was being built like an impenetrable fortress, not just a trader’s town.”

“Well Malitu is more than just a town of trading, it is largely full of commerce through all all merchants, coming from all over the world. It is often stricken by goblins or bandits that want a piece of the pie without putting the work into it. So their would be a need for heightened security.” He answered. “As to_”

“The security I understand completely. To turn a village, a village into a fortress, that I fail to comprehend. There have been rumors, Geremy, that a war has broken out. What are your thoughts?”

“Your comprehension is remarkable, and you seem to be able to see all that is not there to see. Things that are even beyond my own comprehension. Now putting the two together, I fail to see a connection outside of the trade. However, I have not heard news of war recently. Are you hearing these from your fellow merchants?”

“Yes. One claimed that he ran into a bard, who was telling a story. This merchant came traveling from Grento earlier. The bard told him he was there, during the day Sheris fell. How did the entire nation of Shiro disappear without anyone knowing of it? It is an entire nation, our neighbor, how do they disappear without sending word for help.”

“That, I do not know.” Geremy replied, finishing his tea and setting it down. He noticed that Feltus had likewise finished his tea, so he slowly got up, walked on soil floor, and take his cup from him. He brought it to his sink, and placed it silently. “Yet, the good book does say that war is inevitable.”

“Yes, but if a war did break out in Shiro, would we not have had word of it?” Feltus replied. “I am still skeptical.”

“Says the man whose faith is stronger than mine.” Geremy jested, though the jest was half heartedly for he knew the rich merchant was a firm believer in Unverdus, though he never told the priest why. he believed. “I will let you get some sleep. You may need it.”

“Good night, Geremy.” Feltus walks out the door, and walks home, towards the market district.

Geremy went on his hands and knees, his hands buried his face as he confronted the canvas of his daughter. “Unverdus, why, has this been allowed by the whoredom of these two. First with him, and then with her. That man single handedly destroyed their marriage, and then ended with her life by taking it by your law. Why is your law impossible to follow!? Unverdus, help me love, forget and forgive. The atrocities these two have done unto me. I do not think it possible but with your divine will, it may be, if my heart is not cold and hard.”

“So this is the once great Core Crest. Legend has it, Unverdus blessed them with a land to keep them away from the dark forces of Cadrasar, because of their valiant efforts to drive all orcs back into Cadrasar. This faction birthed great warriors here also. What better help than battle starved legends.” Arcwa said, staring at the city from atop a mountain shear. “It shall not be long before….what is this?” She asked herself before gazing down the mountain side. She saw a cloaked figure, brown and worn. It was worn in many places. She saw in his hand a rather large staff that was clumsily shaking in his hands, and strapped on his back, a guitar. “So a bard comes does he, bearing great news from foreign nation, for they have no home, outside the tavern.”

In the King’s hall, he carpet was green, outlined with red stripes and gold lines down its center. It lead up the stairs, briefly to the king’s throne. On either side of the carpet, there were two long tables, polished, and curved at the sides. At this table, sat many soldiers, eating and drinking away.

Long hours with no food, and no drink, it was a treat for many, to eat their full at the end of the night, the end of their shifts. Many held tankards of ale, “Hruh!” they all exclaimed before heavily imbibing their drinks.

King Americos was sitting on his throne, carefully watching his subjects. He saw the servant girl taking tankards, carrying them on large trays and shuffling towards barrels of aged ale. Others served bourbon, wine, while most received mead in their tankards. No one complained if they did not get what they desired, one cannot say no to free alcohol.

The servant girls were literally being swept off their feet, and he raised his hands. The clinking of forks, the sips of ale ceased. All of the servants marched forth towards the stairs, the short stairs leading towards the throne. They formed a half circle facing the king, not the soldiers whom they were serving.

“Mr Lord,” said Honob, Americos’ political advisor. He also at times acted as the treasurer, being trusted with funds used for the various needs of the government. “Do you really think it wise to use our funds for such things? Is it truly responsible?”

“It was necessary to get Geremy off my back. He saw an issue in the society that needed to be addressed.” he answered him. “I have not the time as of this moment to explain. Ask again soon.” He stood up, his crown was crimson with silver and gold lines cris crossing it. “Gentlemen, indeed we can say a good day ended. No incidents have been reported, and for that I thank you. I thank you for your willingness to maintain order in such a blessed nation. I do not consider us rich in prosperity, but perhaps that in itself is a blessing for we are far from the darklands.” Now it went silent. No more idle chatter by those who could not remain silent. Many lost relatives to the ravage orc every time Grento and Shiro could not handle it in the past. Yes, this little fact was unknown to many civilians of Shiro, and Grento. They were the military power of the human race, and wanted to be perceived that way. They would never admit to needing help from a peaceful, quaker nation. “We have order, and what more does the world want? You have done well, and I am proud to have all of you under me, to answer my call, but for now, my vaults are closed. Good night all! And to all, let you be blessed with a good night.”

The servants shuffled to pack up plates as the soldiers hurried to eat their food, before packing up their gear. The soldiers all stood, and hastily walked in formation. They marched forth, into the wooden door to the side of the throne, going silently into their barracks, and gently to sleep.

The servants packed, and closed the barrels of mead, ale, wine, and bourbon. Others grabbed several plates which clattered in the air, and others hastily took all of the tankards off the long table. Within mere minutes, the table was clear, and then finally servant children went to the table with wet cloths and started wiping down the table. SHortly after the children wiped the table, other servants came by with mop buckets, and began mopping the floor veiled in food and ale stains.

“So about our resources_” Honob began to say.

“Shut up Honob.” Americos glared at him. “We put the money where it needs to be. We have the forces to keep mind of, the poor, the needy. I have each and every coin going towards a specific need.”

“But my Lord, we are going to go bankrupt!” he retorted. “This money reaps no benefits. We are giving it away, and we receive nothing in return. We spend much on these warriors, and save very little using our own troops. Do you not think that it would be wise to let the strong survive, and the weak die? Would it not have been best to let Grento deal with greater losses than our own? This is coin we will not see back!”

“That is enough Honog, really that is enough with your greed. You despise my generosity for it means coin will come from your purse, did you really think that it will only come from your purse? No. It comes from my treasury, which time and time again, I have caught you sneaking out more coin than you deserve. You have stolen from me, and I have refused to prosecute you. I would be just in doing so. So think, before you accuse me from using the coin in your pocket to feed the poor, when the coins in your pocket are not all yours.” he said angrily. “Now get out of my sight, I do not wish to see greed before my eyes this night.”

“My_”

“NOW!” the king roared, and the treasurer scurried off into  a side room. His foot steps echoed as they landed on each and every step up stairs.

The servants finished cleaning the floor and returned the cleaning supplies and left to their sleeping chambers. Americos let out a sigh and still sat on his throne. His eyes shut, not in because he was tired, but to allow some peace and quiet before bed. His bark like hair reach over to his shoulders, over his finely pressed robe.

Alas, the peace would not last since a man opened up the Hold’s doors. The wooden doors creaked open, and a cloaked man came in from the pouring rain and his it shone through the holes in his cloak. The man held a staff, which trembled in his shaking hands. The guitar’s neck appeared on his back.

“Can I help you sir?” Americos yawned, covering his mouth with his right hand.

“Sorry to be such a bother King Americos, but I have news that you might be interested in hearing. Now your deeds have not gone unnoticed to me, yet I had had little time to write down those tales of your grandeur.” The man replied, removing his hood.

“What deeds?” Americos asked, waking up with a jerk. “What deeds of cruelty do you speak of?”

“Dear King Americos, I do not speak of ill, but of your courageous decisions to help the other kingdoms.” The man smiled. “I speak of good deeds, but that is not why I have come. There is a growing problem.”

Americos glared at the man who knew so much. For an entire decade he has acted without the world knowing, but this man knew that he was not the king he was percepted to be, whether he thought it a good or a bad thing. “Who are you?”

“I am Jeritus. I am a traveling bard, or used to be, now I act as a messenger.” he replied.

“And who are you delivering messages for?”

“All the free people still living within Alkathos.” Jeritus said, peacefully walking towards the throne, so he would not have to keep yelling across the hall. “I do not know, but I have heard little rumors being whispered amongst your citizens, that Shiro is in trouble, or that it has fallen; I am here to confirm those rumors to be true. Shiro is covered in dust, and smog that is allowing the orcs to casually march through Korilya, so for the time being at least, Core Crest will remain at peace for now.”

“Okay, Bard now you have disrupted my peace of mind. I will ask you very politely, what would you have me do?” Americos replied.

“I have seen the black forest of Kinasa, and now I will tell you that you may be the only one left, who has even a shimmer of light in your soul, and you are the only man with great will and heart to do something against the darkness.” Jeritus sighed. “Kinasa I believe is gone. Zinasa, if it has not fallen already. You are the only real source of good, and I have come to let you know this, sir.”

“So what can I do? I cannot simply march into Korilya without leaving my people unprotected.” the king replied, scratching the top of his head.

“You can_”

The door swung open and a female ranger approached rather hastily. “So is it a bard I see, and only one there be?” She said. “What business does a frail human bring, to such a great and worthy king?”

“That is my business_”

“Did you not say you bring messages for all the free people of Alkathos? How is this creature any different?” Americos replied. “Answer her, Jeritus.”

Jeritus looked unnerved, and overly cautious at the woman behind him. She was armed, and there was a confidence in her, that made him believe she was very competent with weapons, and the art of killing. He was not efficient in the art of killing, but in the art of stories and music. “The dark age is coming. The Dawn of Darkness is at hand, with the destruction of all good will, the people of God are dying, and with it, their words of wisdom, and the Candle of Light is being snuffed out. Shiro was destroyed not long ago, with malice by a dark Paladin, with tears of regret. I have no doubt in my mind he was knowingly controlled, but had no power over his actions. He lead an army of undead, and the first city to fall was Shiro, I was there. The second, a military powerhouse of Felldur, which kept orcs, for ages inside Cadrasar, without incident. It is gone, and with it, the only barrier keeping the darkness away.”

“I see bard, But I know far more than your guitar will every play.” She replied, her smile fading off into oblivion. “I recently saw a boy, confused and destroyed by the relationship he had with a much older woman, who was a pawn in someone’s scheme to seduce the young boy. This boy lost his purity, and extently his insanity. He saw his lover, but up, opened up like surgeon was too happy with his tools. He saw the result, and saly it broke him.” She approached the king openly, and ignored Jeritus. “King Americos, wise and generous Lord of Core Crest, by my master, we have deemed that Kinasa, and Zinasa are both useless, and full of nothing but decay and mystery of a new darkness, much closer to home. When you pass, and by what grace there is, let it be not for some time but when it does, let your son exhibit the same personality and character that you possess. Kinasa is home to new evils now, evils you thought not existed, and far more deadly than the orcs that your people have little experience in facing; drows and driders.”

“What are they?” Americos asked, very intrigued.

“The drow appear no different than an elf, but you can easily tell the drow and elf apart. They are dark in color, purple, dark blue, violet even. These driders, are large spiders with what appears to be a drow attached to its top. It is able to spin webs, bite, and strike around itself simultaneously. Americos, if you thought trolls were such a bother, how much more so are these monsters, when they are woven by a newer dark evil, that this world has not seen for they belong on another plane. They are resting now, but when they leave their forest of iron, they will be all good’s bane.”

“Okay, and why have you come here then, strange creature. Your honey words does not sound human, for they sound as if they come from a mind very old, far older than the span of men.” he asked silently as Jeritus backed away from the strange woman.

“This bard here has come to inform you, and he has given you the correct information, but it was not complete. I have completed, for he really knew nothing of Kinasa or Zinasa, it was all suspicion, and I have come to confirm that his suspicions are true. However, I have also come to call you to action. Grento has been in trouble, perhaps one of his own has been here, by the name of Elgath? Well it does not matter anymore since I am here. Americos, I urge you you send your armed forces to Kenderhell. Kenderhell has survived three sieges under the command of Constable, who by my understanding was not trained in Grento, but in Felldur, which means he is extremely battle hardened. They need more men, and though I am sure you would rather not fight a two front war, Core Crest once had many wielders in magic, I am sure it remains true to this day, have them train harder while you take your soldiers and calvaries to the war in Grento.”

“I just put my men to rest.” he said to her. “I will not send them to battle tired, for I desire for them to live, and be able to return to their families. I would desire if I can, to avoid writing a note to someone’s wife, son, daughter or family that he died for such a noble cause.”

“Then you are taking away their right to die for a cause that they may believe in. Let them choose!” she confronted the king. “Call your soldiers from their sleep, and let them answer!”

The king politely stared down at the strange woman. “You never gave me your name? What is it?”

“My name is Arcwa, as my origin, it is best to keep that silent.” She answered. “Now call your soldiers...and stay close bard, why would you desire to be away from this, and more importantly, why are you without a quill and parchment?”

The Bard silently nodded, and dropped his staff on the ground as it withered away. He dropped his sack, pulled out his book, an inkwell, and his quill. He started writing the events that transpired rather rapidly.

Americos sighed and stood up from his throne. He moved towards a heavy wooden door, opening it. It creaked as he went in. He pulled a torch off the wall, and to his pleasant surprise, not all were sleeping. Others were still up playing cards or telling stories. They often were restless, and many sleepless. Though some did have to be woken up rather rudely. “Everyone up. Today, we have an important decision to make.”

“What decision be that my King?” said a soldier.

“That lad, is one of great importance. Outside to the mess hall yet again! Sorry lads for waking ye up so rudely.” They followed Americos single filed down to the mess hall. They all lined up just as they were before they went to their rest.

“Now, I understand many of you are very tired, and exhausted, but we have a decision to face. I have received confirmation that the age of elves is ending, and that there are very few if any left. The Candle of Life is being snuffed out. Recently I was told,” he pointed to the bard and to Arcwa. “By these two creatures who persevered. Yes they appear human, but they are much more than that, if they are willing to stand up, and suffer for what they have endured. They have given us news, and the second has confirmed it with facts. Shiiro is also destroyed, and now, there is nothing keeping the orcs inside Cadrasar.” The soldiers gasped and began silently discussing with one another. “It is time, there is only one other nation of men, and no we cannot call on the dwarves to help, for they have, and always have been a race of greed; their sin caught up so deep, that they must help themselves, before they can help us.

“Grento is a strong nation, full of prosperity and religious freedom. Well not anymore, they would be willing to listen to the God of the Dwarves for prosperity and gold, the God of the Orcs, so they can do what they please without remorse. They will not listen to the God of the Elves, like I have had you do. Yes, there are a few rebels amongst us, and they will be answered for, as we are to love our neighbor, and not judge them, but correct them.

“Our neighbor is Grento, and we will love them and with that love we will correct all of their acts of immorality. Things they have done there, will never be done without discrimination here. They do unspeakable things, and behold, when the final day comes, they will answer to the judgment seat. Now here is the decision we must all make, there is word, that one city has reversed itself, and began persecuting those who do not follow the law of Unverdus, which is under no leadership. That city is Kenderhell, and it is holding fast to armies, many sieges they have survived, and it appears they may not survive another. Here is the decision, do we rest, and let the increased opportunity for light to fail and die in this world, or do we march now, think carefully, speak amongst yourselves if you must, but when you make that decision, it is likely we will not return to Core Crest soon.”

Jeritus observed the soldiers as they chattered betwixt one another. The room was full with echoes along the walls, many arguing what was right, what was wrong, who was indifferent for either result. The chatter woke up Honob, who came down, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The chatter tuned down to a very dull roar.

“If ye are willing to come with me to Kenderhell, and fight for what is left of that Candle, please step forward. I will understand if none of you desire to go, and get some rest.” Americos nodded.

There was a deafening silence so loud, it scratched the inside of his ears. One soldier stood up, stepping forward three steps. He stood proud, though it was clear he was exhausted. “I have come far and wide, I have listened with a carefully trained ear. I will tell you, though I am indeed struggling to stand, I will make the journey to Kenderhell to fight for the Candle. That Candle is all I have left.”

Others followed, stepping up two steps. The half circle was enclosed around the single man, as he had the courage to stand up first, and was softly pushed up the stairs.

“What is your name?” Americos asked.

Honob raised his hand to protest, but Americos waved its dismissal.

“My name, my King, is irrelevant. It does not matter what you call me, it does not matter what you call the men who serve under you. We may be men, but today, we will fight for a cause, and by that cause we will be known. Point that sword, and we will strike down any and all injustice. Our nameless feature will be one to be feared by both man, and the orc. The rest of Grento will realize how weak they really are, and will wonder where we get our strength. We lift our eyes up to the hills, and beacon them to do the same. They will see where our strength comes from, and they will want it, but cannot have it unless they got rid of the chains that shackle their freedom, the freedom to be free is what is really enslaving that nation. They are more of a harm to themselves on the inside than that of the growing darkness on the outside.” he answered. “We...are...nameless! We will march when you tell us to!”

“Then it is by the cause you serve, for you are not under me, but under Unverdus.” he replied, pointing to a soldier, who seemed vibrant with energy. “We will march when the moon is full, you sir, take my fastest horse, and ride unto the night, through every street, and beacon all to arms. Soldiers who can wield the spear, as well as the sword and shield. and tell them to ride through the night, with great haste over the frosty plains. Tonight, yes tonight we have decided that we will fulfill our oath to be everything Grento was meant to be. Grento, Core Crest may have to take over your nation, and fill it with light once again. Gather your arms, gather your horses and spears, we leave this night.”

The king ignored Honob’s protests of money and wealth again, such as the pickpocket he is. The king gathered even his suit of chainmail, and lead the soldiers out. Almost immediately the nameless man charged with the task of ushering reinforcements went out, riding and shouting “MARCH TO KENDERHELL! MARCH!”

The rush of iron hopped on the horses, clanking and immediately rode. The small army, which with no doubt would be followed by a great army of reinforcements to follow it, would ensure victory in the North, by Unverdus’ grace, and by His grace alone.

“Are you satisfied Bard? A story one for the ages, one that starts out mildly cold, and goes into great seasons of cold cruelty.” Arcwa said to Jeritus. “Well then, let us ride into the night, into the morning, through the sun set and over the hills.”

Jeritus nodded and the two took two horses from the stable, without permission obviously but Americos didn’t seem to mind as they too rode with them.