Calradian Chronicles: Coming Darkness

Chapter 15: Heir to the Throne

Near Argoron: Calradian Empire

The armies of the Empire rode back towards their capital of Argoron. Vadrios who now led the army rode alongside Amorcon as they approached their departure.

Amorcon:
I am sorry, Vadrios, I knew your father well. He was a good man.

Vadrios:
Indeed he was, King Amorcon.

Vadrios looked down in shame and sadness for his now-fallen father. He then rose his head and turned to the Vlandian King.

Amorcon:
This is where we part ways. I must return to Vlandia.

Vadrios:
I understand, I wish you safe travels.

Amorcon gave a solemn nod before turning and leading his army away from the Imperial Army. The soldiers finally approached Argoron and arrived at the gates as they opened. Vadrios looked from left to right and saw the people kneel as he rode his horse along the roads, he did not care though, his mind was only set on the return from preventing a war. Vadrios rode into the palace courtyard and dismounted his horse as he turned to his men who restrained the prisoners.

Vadrios:
Take the prisoner to the dungeon, I want them ready to stand trial for crimes against the Empire.

Soldier:
Yes, my Prince.

The men took the prisoners to the dungeon and watched Myvan give him a glare as he was taken to the dungeon. Vadrios turned around and found his mother standing behind him in disbelief.

Rhagaea:
Vadrios?

Vadrios:
Mother.

Vadrios went to his mother and hugged her. The two then separated and looked over the soldiers.

Rhagaea:
Did you win the battle? Did you prevent the war?

Vadrios:
We did, but at a great cost.

Rhagaea:
Of course, I am sure the fallen soldiers did not die in vain.

Vadrios:
I'm afraid it is far more than soldiers, mother.

Vadrios motioned to a cart being pulled up by two soldiers. The cart was revealed to be carrying the body of Drosios in the back. Rhagaea became saddened like Vadrios did over the loss of her husband. Vadrios sadly looked at his father's corpse before he retreated into the palace to process this all.

Later that night everyone in the capital as well as surrounding vassals have come and arrived at Argoron. I the center of the room Drosios' body laid on a catafalque now once again wrapped in his royal robes and his hands around the handle of his sword. The Archbishop of Argoron stood at the top of the room and held a candle in his hands.

Archbishop:
We are now gathered to celebrate the passing of our ruler, Emperor Drosios Nebranos. He was a great ruler, and a great man. Now may he pass into the arms of the Lord and forever rest in the heavens above. Amen.

All:
Amen.

Vadrios watched as many came up to the catafalque and paid their respects to the late emperor. Soon he himself walked up and lit a candle on the catafalque beside him. He lowered his head and paid respects to his father.