Throne of Blood

Part I Chapter 9

"Your envoy is ready to depart your majesty," Brenwick stated as the pair walked through the green courtyard in route to the stables. The morning sun had just barely begun its ascent into the day as the first rays of light shattered through the darkness. The cool morning air made Valrun feel awake and ready for the trip that lay ahead of him. He knew the importance of reassuring his brother of his presence and would not take this venture lightly.

"Excellent," the king replied as they made their way into the large wooden structure of the kings stable. The stable consisted of fifty stalls with half on either side of the long structure. The stable contained the kingdoms finest horses for the high guard cavalry.  The high guard cavalry consisted of the most advanced and skillful horse riders who had perfected the craft of fighting while on horseback.

For this specific mission Brenwick had acquired the top twenty men to travel with the king. This would allow for a speedy trip while also providing the king with the necessary protection.

"Commander Dade, good to see you again," Valrun said, extending his hand to the leader of the high guard cavalry.

"Good to see yah too sire," responded the commander with a big toothy grin as he shook the kings extended hand. "Yah ready for the long ride," he winked at the king as he let out a laugh and left to prepare his men for departure.

"I see he hasn't changed much," whispered Valrun to Brenwick.

"No sire not at all, but then again he is the best at what he does," Brenwick responded mimicking the wink that Dade had just given the king. Both men let out a laugh as they walked to where the kings own horse was situated.

The kings horse was a dark, chocolate colored colt that was the grandchild of the horse on which he had fought upon during the war. Valrun opened the stall door and rubbed his hand along the nose of the horse, causing the horse to let out a slight neigh.

"And how are we doing today my friend," he asked the horse who responded with a stamp of its front hooves. "I think he's ready. What do you think chancellor?"

"I believe you are correct sire."

"Good, lets not waste anymore time idling about."

With that the king led his horse outside the stables and mounted the horse as he trotted over to where the cavalry awaited him.

"Men of the high guard I thank you for your service," Valrun began in his booming tone, "Our journey shall be short but nonetheless important. It is our duty as men of Valtoria to ensure the safety of the realm and that is what we are doing. We shall set out for Gold Pass and arrive there in a half weeks time. We must be swift and careful as to ensure the success of out mission. My brother and the kingdom would do well to remember who sits on the blood throne."

With that the men let out a 'hurrah!' and commander Dade ordered his men along as they exited the city and departed on the Gold Road.