A Kingdom Ablaze: Last Man Standing

V

I get out of my bed with something on my mind. This is a day I've been waiting for. But before I focus on that, let me focus on myself first.

When I exited my bedroom, I knew where I was in. I am in John's house for probably the longest time. I forgot about my cottage in the hills. That is where I will go in a few hours. Anyways, I walked to the kitchen and made my breakfast.

Minutes later and I find myself taking a bath to clean myself. I put on some comfortable clothes. A grey shirt and some pants sure are comfortable.

I look at myself in the mirror. I've had this beard for the longest time as well. I knew what to do. I decided to shave my beard.

I was happy once I was finished. My hair has also grown so I look a lot different. My friends would still recognize me by my glasses though.

I packed my shoulder bag with some food, water, a handkerchief, and some keys. It wasn't long before I was now out and locked the front door with my keys.

I went to the horse carriage that John left me because I needed to feed the horses. And so I did and also gave them water. I spent the next hour exercising by just walking around.

It wasn't long until the hour was up and I was ready to take the horses out on the ride. As I arrive in the city, I can't help but wonder about the new buildings in the city. I pass through Great Silvyr Cathedral and it was as I remembered.

I wondered about time. Today is the first day of March 1920. It had been five decades since the Queen's accession but it had been marked with destruction. I recall every day going to the market where I'd mind my own business when black smoke would arrive and start attacking people. This black smoke also has that familiar... lady's voice. I also recall that buildings across cities start combusting and burning to the ground. Every building had a black trail on the sidewalk that just screams havoc. The "don't mess with me or else" havoc. I can't go one day without newspapers stating deaths and destruction. Her power doesn't stop there. On some days, the sky would turn pitch black, and blood-red lightning would strike. It could be anytime, anywhere. The lighting isn't what it seems though. It packs a big explosion when it strikes like a mini bomb. Do you want to know the worst thing about her? She says this is to restore disorder. She believes that the world is always in disorder, and it needs to be perfect. Even newspapers are praising her actions due to fears that she wasn't. The Blighters and its hundreds of servants are doing what they can to clean up the roads and debris because of this destruction. They told me to stay at my house because I'm too weak to combat these. Now the black smoke has taken the life of my only relative and best friend. The Blighters also haven't recovered from the death of their asset William. Revenge is the only word that burns in our minds.

But there is one moment of the year when she tops spreading her chaos. Throughout her reign, she stopped when she prepares for the most important day in her life: her birthday. And on this March Day, it was her time.

After minutes of driving, I reached the hilly terrain of my old house. I parked the carriage within walking distance. It feels nostalgic to be back in my previous home. I rushed to its front door and opened it with one of my keys. When I got inside, I smiled that the interior is clean. I inspected all the rooms and they were clean too. You see, this house has a purpose. I found my bedroom and looked for something valuable in its wardrobe. Inside is some clothes but I reached behind and I got a hold of a big chest.

I opened this chest with the last key in my keychain and inside is a bagpipe. I knew what to do with it. I rushed to the balcony of the house and I played some tunes. It didn't take long before I felt rumbling as I played it. The whole house shook as I played. Once I was done, I went inside to put the bagpipe back in the chest and back in the wardrobe. I went to the living room and I saw it. A staircase was revealed on the floor. I made my way down the stairs down to a secret chamber.

The chamber had some objects displayed on the wall, mostly of combat. This served as my training ground in combat. I learned how to use a sword, how to dodge with a shield, and how to use a bow. I've been a true knight since the day John died. I needed to learn to fight. I trained only with the sword and shield by the next hour.

After an hour, I was done and left the house making sure to lock the front door. I proceeded to my carriage and drove back to John's home.

7.00 pm