Calradian Chronicles: Coming Darkness

Chapter 8: The Long Ride

Argoron: Capital Ciry of the Calradian Empire

The armies of the the Enpire gathered outside of the city. One by one, each soldier picked up a weapon and settled onto a horse. Inside the palace, Drosios, now clad in armor stood at the entrance to the palace. Vadrios enter the room, also wearing armor in order to have his father come to the army.

Vadrios:
Father?

Drosios:
Vadrios.

Hearing the words of his son was enough to pull the emperor from his daze and look up to him.

Vadrios:
The men are ready for departure. We only await your command.

Drosios:
Of course.

The emperor looked down at his feet and put a hand on the wall. Vadrios became concerned for his father's wellbeing and walked up to his father.

Drosios:
I hoped I would never live to see another battle again, to know the empire was safe. Now I suppose that nothing can last.

Vadrios:
Perhaps one day it will, but it seems now is not then. I believe you will perhaps live to see peace come to Calradia.

Drosios:
You always did know how to help. Before we leave, I'd like you to come prey with me.

Drosios and Vadrios walked into the palace chapel, kneeling in front of the cross at the end of the room. The two men closed their eyes and preyed for their victory.

Drosios:
Oh lord. I prey that you will be on our side. That you will give us the strength to repel these enemies. Oh lord, granted us the strength, the courage, and the might to light our way to victory. In the name of the father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit, amen.

The two made crosses across their chests before folding their hands together. With their prayer complete, the emperor and crown prince arose from their knees and exited the chapel. Equipping their swords, the two walked onto the fields where the men stood outside Argoron. Mounting their horses, Drosios and Vadrios waited at the front of the army and faced their men.

Drosios:
Men, we have met a terrible betrayal! Archon Phelian Comnos has had assassins attempt to murder me and my family, all in an attempt to take the throne for himself! We will not let this betrayal go unpunished! We ride for Jalmarys and we will bring this traitor to justice! For the Empire!

Soldiers:
For the Empire!

Drosios led his men away from Argoron, Vadrios riding close behind him. The imperial army made it's way to the large forest southern from Argoron. Realizing the setting sun in the distance, Drosios pulled his horse to a stop and held his hand up to signal the army to stop.

Drosios:
It is getting late! Make camp, we will pick up in the morning!

The soldiers all nodded and began setting up their tents. As the camp was complete, Drosios and Vadrios both waited in their command tent. Vadrios looked out of the tent, watching the soldiers. Drosios took notice of this and walked to stand beside him.

Drosios:
Vadrios?

Vadrios:
Father?

Drosios:
Son, I know something is troubling you. Would you like to discuss it?

Vadrios breathed a sigh of defeat, realizing nothing would escape his father.

Vadrios:
I suppose there are times where I just don't understand it, the burden I must bare. There are times when I realize when I am the emperor, it will be nothing but a heavy burden.

Drosios took notice of this and placed a hand on his son's shoulder.

Drosios:
I understand that, I've been carrying the burden ever since my grandfather sat upon the throne. I was half you age and expected to be emperor after my father. I understand the burden is heavy, but Vadrios, I have seen you prepare ever since you were a young boy. I know one day, you will make an excellent emperor l. I love you, my son.

Vadrios then hugged his father who did not hesitate to hug him back.

Vadrios:
I love you too, father.

As the two separated from their embrace, a soldier entered their tent.

Soldier:
My lord, a large number of men approaches.

Drosios:
Are they Archon Phelian's men?

Soldier:
We don't know.

Drosios:
How many?

Soldier:
Less than we have, but they could kill enough to where we won't have the men to siege Jalmarys.

Drosios:
Then we must make sure, ready for battle.

They all exited their tents and the imperial army drew their weapons towards the approaching army. When the men came into view, Drosios knew who they were.

Drosios:
Stand down!

The approaching army carried bright red banners with a golden lion holding a spear on it, which Drosios recognized as the insignia of Vlandia. As the Vlandian army came to a stop, the man leading them dismounted and removed his crowned helmet. The man possessed dirty blonde hair and a mustache, along with a scar on the left side of his face. Drosios approached the man, who appeared to be the same age as he was.

Drosios:
I see you received my message, King Amorcon.

Amorcon:
Of course, and I'll be glad to fight alongside you.

Drosios:
Have your men make camp, we have to discuss this in my tent.

Drosios returned to his command tent, Vadrios and Amorcon following close behind him. The three joined in the tent, Amorcon leaning against the map table in a casual manner.

Amorcon:
So, what exactly happened to you.

Drosios:
Assassins have burned our church, all in an attempt to bait us into it and kill my family. We captured one, who revealed that the traitor wishes to take the throne for himself.

Vadrios:
Yes, something we can not and will not allow to go unpunished.

Amorcon arose from his leaning position and gave a nod to the two.

Amorcon.
That is very true. For this traitor, I am glad to fight by your side.

Amorcon held out his hand towards Drosios who then grabbed it. The two squeezed each other's hands as they shook. Letting go, Drosios and Amorcon took their swords and held them up together.

To be continued