The Last Knights of Belhae

The Fall of Faran

My time ruling over the Divide was perfect. The city had survived the onslaught, though the fields and Theros were in dire need of repairs and I took an active role in helping them. I planted new crops, rebuilt homes in Theros, all the while I was respected. I was also a stone's throw from Seirye's grave as well and I ordered a custom monument to be placed there. I visited very often, telling her of all the good things that were happening in the city and how proud she would be. The bard's guild gained recognition for their help during the siege, and their numbers grew greatly. The townspeople were able to place down their swords, and there was peace. Art flourished and trade moved through once more unimpeded. The new King of Gealdor was a friend to our city and our Kingdom as a whole, and we both prospered with each other's help.

    On a cool day after the harvest, nearly five months after I became Lord of the Divide, I received a messenger from the capital city informing me that Ebodan had died a month ago. When I asked why I was not made aware of this as soon as it happened, the messenger said that the Queen had requested news of his death to be delayed until after the funeral. I found this very suspicious, and even more so when the messenger said "Reigning Queen Alewis has ordered you to an audience with her and Marae immediately."

    "What do you mean 'Reigning Queen?'" I asked.

    "Queen Alewis has requested we refer to her as such, as she is the rightful ruler until Ebodan's heir is of age to take up his position as King."

    My blood went cold. Now that Ebodan was gone, it was true that the Queen would rule in the Prince's stead until he was mature. But that would mean my allegiance to the Kingdom was now allegiance to her. I dismissed the messenger and I began packing for the journey to Belhae. As I packed, my steward Gratian informed me that a dwarf had shown up in his armor looking to speak with me, I told him to send the man in and Skeldn appeared in my hall, not nearly as cheerful as he usually is.

    "King Skeldn! My friend, it is good to see you after so long. Is all well being King?" I said.

"That is exactly why I have come to you, Lord Narifayne," he said, "Dark clouds are forming once more, this time not of a foreign enemy but one of our own. Queen Alewis is now ruler of Belhae."

"Yes, I know this, I have been summoned to an audience with her and Marae. It would be nice to see Marae once more, despite my oath to not visit her in Runata."

"If you are to meet with Alewis, mind your temper. She has the ability to issue any command she wishes now, and we owe her our allegiance unless you plan to lead a rebellion against the rest of the Kingdom."

"You appear to be far less excitable, my friend, what is troubling you?" I asked him.

"Queen Alewis declared that because my brother's army assisted us in our 'betrayal of the Kingdom,' the dwarves were in active rebellion against Belhae. She said that all dwarves are now enemies of Belhae. Several of us have been arrested and thrown into dungeons, and there is a bounty on my head. I have to lead them to our home underground, Narifayne. At least there, they will be safe from persecution. I just wanted to say goodbye to you before I left."

    "This is asinine, you are a King! At the very least, a Knight of Belhae, she cannot do this to you or your people."

    "The Order of Knights is over, Narifayne. The Queen believes that it was the strength and lack of oversight of the order that caused the 'rebellion.' Publicly, she blames the war against Gealdor on the actions of the Knights. Since most are dead, none can act against her, and people believe it. She is trying to eradicate my people, and she will surely punish you and Marae. I must go now, be safe brother." He said.

    Skeldn walked out in shame, and I never learned of his fate. I can only hope that he and the rest of his people made it underground.

    When I arrived at Belhae I was given bows of respect as a Lord, but I felt as if the people were murmuring at my passing. When I arrived at the Keep, A guard stopped me and told me I would need to relinquish my hammer before entering, which I did unhappily. I went into the Keep and Marae was already there in front of Queen Alewis. Marae looked unchanged by the amulet, and I wondered if the power of it was overestimated. Queen Alewis was surrounded by royal guards, far more than any that I have seen before in these chambers. I bowed before Queen Alewis and she spoke. "Now that you two are here I am hereby informing you that the Order of Knights is disbanded for their treachery, there will be no more new Knights. Standing at the head of the rebellion was the two of you, and this will not go unpunished."