Ten years after the foiled Novalian invasion.
Summer slowly gives way in Malvay. You could feel nature whisper how close winter was.
Soft scrunches follow as John Kado rides his silver horse into the gates of the capital, Crownstone. The gates opened swiftly, an urgency about the regent. Getting to the castle, he orders the swift opening of the gates, blitzing in as soon as his call is yielded to.
John Kado alights his horse, leaving the stable boys to their duties. His light satin cloak hugs his purple tunic at the point of fastening. John hastily enters the building, finding his way through the long hall ways. He ends up at the king's throne-room.
A pair of guards open the thick metal doors, allowing John enter. All the members of the king's table are present, including the newly appointed lord of salt, lord Craven, of the east. They have all clearly been waiting for the regent. A husky voice queries from atop the throne.
King Gregor: Well, I suppose if you are so abruptly going to put a council meeting together, you should at least have the decency of not being late, yes regent? Especially seeing how your king is seated donning no more than a nightdress!
John Kado bows apologetically, making eye contact with all the lords standing either side of him.
John Kado: Your majesty, my lords. It was not my intention to keep you all waiting. As you must all know, we would not all be here if it was anything short of a matter of pure urgency.
King Gregor: And what could be more urgent than my sleep? The cocks have only just crowed. With the advent of winter comes the need for more royal rest.
John ignores Gregor's remarks, going straight to the point.
John Kado: The north is tearing apart. The deceased lord Darwin's family have amassed a hundred youths.
King Gregor: The man who killed their father is dead. Your newfound friend killed him. Tell them to take issue with him.
John Kado: They are undertaking a peaceful march southwards, to Crownstone, to make their demands plain.
The king squints his eyes as he adjusts from his restful position, leaning forward.
King Gregor: And what do they chant as they undertake this peaceful march you speak of?
John Kado lowers his gaze, the words heavy for his mouth to carry.
John Kado: They chant...death to the king, Oragon must be free.
King Gregor violently rises from his throne, yelling furiously.
King Gregor: No one has the power to make demands of me! Those empty-headed northern bastards! John, you will ride to the Blazers. Tell lord Pennyworth that I demand of him ten scores of able fighters. You will meet these Darwinians and bring their heads to me. I desire to decorate the city walls with spiked heads.
There was a fire in Gregor's eyes as he spoke. His fury was never a pretty sight. Having rehearsed this scene over and over, John places his right hand on his chest, raising his left in the air. It was the nearest alternative to kneeling that he could think of. John speaks firmly, everyone else in the room watching on.
John Kado: I am your servant, my lord.
King Gregor: Then do what the hell I say.
John looks away from the king, sending a clear message. Gregor doesn't even bother with him.
King Gregor: Very well, then, you softy. Gaius, you are commander of my swords. Take charge.
Gaius drops to one knee, his face to the ground. King Gregor moves his head in a semicircle, rolling his eyes. He raises his voice, filling the mostly empty room with echoes.
YOU ARE READING
DEMON HUNT
FantasiaMario Cadel gets caught up in a series of tragic events that opens his eyes to the mysteries and darkness in the world. He begins a struggle to establish peace but whether he succeeds or not is another matter...
