Tale of the two Thrones

CHAPTER FIVE

After a long day of riding, King Lonzo Thai and his soldiers finally arrived at the city gate of Eldrador. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. General Zuma dismounted his horse and approached the officer in charge of the gate. The officer, a tall and imposing figure with a stern expression, looked up from his seat and nodded in recognition.
"Hello, good day," General Zuma said, his voice firm and authoritative. "Good day," the officer replied, his eyes narrowing slightly as he scrutinized the general and his men. "I'm General Zuma, and this is King Lonzo Thai of Nefaria," General Zuma said, gesturing to the king. "We've come to surrender our kingdom to Eldrador, as agreed upon in the treaty." The officer nodded, his expression unchanging. "I've been expecting you. May I see your identity, please?" General Zuma reached into his belt and pulled out a small parchment, sealed with the royal crest of Nefaria. He handed it to the officer, who took it and examined it carefully. After a moment, he returned it to General Zuma, his eyes flicking to the king and then back to the general. "May I examine your sword?" the officer asked, his hand resting on the hilt of his own sword. General Zuma nodded, drawing his sword from its sheath. He handed it to the officer, who took it and examined it carefully, checking for any signs of tampering or deceit. After a moment, he returned the sword to General Zuma, a small smile playing on his lips. "Welcome to Eldrador," the officer said, his voice a little softer now. "You and your men may enter the city." General Zuma nodded, his face expressionless. "Thank you," he said, his voice light. The officer turned to his men and ordered them to open the gate. As the heavy doors creaked open, General Zuma mounted his horse and rode off towards the king's palace, King Lonzo Thai and his soldiers following close behind. They rode through the city, the streets lined with curious onlookers who watched them pass with a mixture of wonder and suspicion.
General Zuma knew the way to the palace, having been there two weeks ago to deliver the scroll of surrender. As they approached the palace gates, General Zuma nodded to the officer stationed there, a familiar face who had been briefed on their arrival. The officer saluted smartly, and the palace guards moved to open the gates, their movements swift and efficient.
Without a word, the gates swung open, and the procession rode into the palace courtyard, the sound of hooves on cobblestones echoing through the stillness. The beautiful black stallions, their coats gleaming in the fading light, moved with grace and precision, their riders sitting tall and proud.
            The palace was a sprawling complex, its walls stretching as far as the eye could see, a city within a city. The servants' and guards' quarters were located in a sprawling wing to the left of the palace, a bustling hub of activity where the staff who kept the palace running lived and worked. Behind this wing, the medical chamber stood, a place of healing and learning where the palace doctors and healers tended to the needs of the royal family and the palace staff. Adjacent to the medical chamber, the King's Garden bloomed, a vibrant tapestry of colors and scents that filled the air with sweetness. The garden was a tranquil oasis, a place of peace and contemplation where the king and his family could escape the pressures of rule. At the heart of the palace, the mighty Throne Hall stood, its high ceiling and grand architecture a testament to the power and majesty of the king. This was the seat of government, where the king held court and dispensed justice, surrounded by the trappings of his office and the symbols of his authority.
Beside the Throne Hall, the Court Room stood, a place of deliberation and decision-making where the king met with his ministers and advisors to discuss the affairs of state. Here, the fate of the kingdom was shaped, and the course of history was charted. And behind the Throne Hall, the King's Chamber stood, a vast and opulent space that was the king's private domain. This was his sanctuary, his place of refuge and relaxation, where he could escape the pressures of rule and be alone with his thoughts. The King's Chamber was a marvel of architecture and design, decorated with the finest furnishings and artworks, and protected by the highest security measures to ensure the king's safety and privacy. By the right side of the palace, a majestic building stood tall, its walls adorned in pristine white, with a striking logo of a tiger's head emblazoned on the facade. The tiger's head symbolized bravery and freedom, reflecting the fearless and adventurous spirit of the first prince. This was his chamber, his personal sanctuary, where he could retreat from the demands of royal life and indulge in his passions.
Adjacent to the first prince's chamber, another impressive building stood, its walls painted a soothing sky blue, with a graceful white stallion's logo at the apex. The stallion's logo represented strength, loyalty, and wisdom, qualities embodied by the second prince. This was his domain, where he could pursue his interests and hobbies, surrounded by the comforts and luxuries of royal life. The third prince's chamber is a majestic sanctuary bathed in the bold, fiery hue of red, evoking passion, courage, and strength. The room's focal point is the majestic eagle logo, emblazoned on the wall, symbolizing sharp vision, fearless leadership, and soaring ambition. The eagle's outstretched wings seem to embrace the space, infusing the atmosphere with a sense of power and freedom. As you step into this chamber, you can't help but feel the prince's adventurous spirit and unyielding determination.
Behind these three imposing buildings, a vast library stretched out, its walls lined with towering shelves, laden with books of every genre. The library was a treasure trove of knowledge, a sanctuary for scholars and book lovers, where they could immerse themselves in the written word. The musty scent of old books and parchment filled the air, as the soft glow of lanterns illuminated the pages, inviting readers to explore the vast expanse of human knowledge.
The female chambers, intended for the princesses, were situated nearby, but since the current king had no daughters, they remained locked and unused, their beauty and luxury waiting for a future generation to appreciate. However, the queen's chamber was an exception, a warm and inviting space that reflected her grace and elegance.
The palace complex was a marvel of architecture and design, with various buildings and facilities that catered to every need and interest. The archery field, where the royals and their guests could practice their marksmanship, was a popular spot, as was the kitchen, where the palace chefs created culinary masterpieces. The stable, home to the royal horses, was a hub of activity, with grooms and trainers tending to the majestic animals. Other palace buildings, like the armory, the treasury, and the chapel, added to the grandeur and functionality of the complex, making it a truly amazing place.
            As the carriage came to a halt, King Lonzo Thai emerged from its luxurious confines, his eyes locking onto those of Prince Alford, the first prince of Eldrador. The prince, with a graceful bow, greeted the king, his movements fluid and respectful. King Thai, with a warm smile, quickly gestured for the prince to rise, his eyes shining with gratitude. "I didn't expect the first prince to welcome me personally," King Thai said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Your kindness is truly appreciated, Prince Alford." Prince Alford's face lit up with a gentle smile. "Your Majesty, you showed me great hospitality during my visit to Nefaria. I wanted to return the favor and make you feel welcome in our kingdom."
As they exchanged pleasantries, the second prince appeared, and the three of them walked towards the throne hall, their footsteps echoing through the grand corridor. The guards stationed at the entrance bowed deeply, their eyes fixed on the kings, as they passed by. Upon entering the throne hall, a majestic space capable of holding a thousand people, they beheld King Sham sitting regally on his throne, his presence commanding attention. The three men approached the throne, their movements synchronized, and bowed deeply, their heads bent in respect. "Rise and take your seats," King Sham said simply, his voice resonating through the hall. The two princes sat on the chairs to the king's left, while King Lonzo Thai took his place alone on the right. King Sham turned his gaze upon the Nefarian king, his eyes inquiring. "How was your journey to Eldrador, Lonzoo Thai?"
King Thai's response was brief, his voice tinged with a hint of fatigue. "It was okay, Your Majesty."
The throne hall, with its high ceiling and grand architecture, seemed to amplify the weight of the moment. The kings' words hung in the air, their significance palpable. King Sham's expression remained impassive, his eyes fixed intently on King Lonzo Thai as he spoke. The throne hall was silent, the only sound the soft rustling of fabric as the princes and guards shifted slightly. The weight of King Lonzo Thai's words hung in the air, a clear sense of surrender and defeat.
"I have the scroll of surrender with me," King Lonzo Thai continued, his voice firm but laced with a hint of resignation. "The people of Nefaria and I have thought deeply on this, and we realized that victory was not on our side. To avoid further bloodshed and suffering, we have agreed to accept Eldrador's suzerainty and are happy to be under your governance and leadership." King Lonzo Thai's words were met with a solemn silence, the gravity of the moment sinking in. The princes' eyes were fixed on their father, their faces expressionless. The guards stood at attention, their eyes fixed on the kings. King Sham's gaze never wavered, his eyes boring into King Lonzo Thai's as he absorbed the significance of the surrender. The scroll of surrender, a symbol of defeat and submission, seemed to take on a life of its own, its presence a harsh reminder of the consequences of war. The throne hall, once a symbol of power and authority, now seemed to embody the weight of responsibility, the burden of leadership, and the consequences of conquest.
            King Gabriel Sham's voice was deep and resonant, his words dripping with wisdom and authority. "You have done well, King Thai. It is only a foolish chick that looks straight into the eyes of an eagle. Indeed, Eldrador is a kingdom far superior in military power and might compared to Nefaria. You and your people were wise enough to think deeply over a short period of time in such a matter. As the wise saying goes, 'A wise man knows when to surrender, and a foolish man knows not when to yield.' Surely, Nefaria may be small, but it is undoubtedly filled with people vast in intellect. Your people are greatly known for their wisdom and intelligence. Today, your wisdom has saved you from the ugly acts of war, remembering that 'a battle avoided is a battle won.' King Lonzo Thai listened intently, his eyes fixed on King Sham's face, his expression a mix of gratitude and humility. "You, as their king, are known for your kindness, humility, and generosity. For that, you have earned yourself a reward, which will be presented to you tomorrow morning. As the wise saying goes, 'A good deed is never lost, and a good king is always rewarded.'" King Sham's words were a balm to King Lonzo Thai's soul, soothing his wounds and lifting his spirits. He felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that he had made the right decision in surrendering to Eldrador. "A wise king knows when to surrender, and a wise subject knows when to obey," King Sham added. "Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for your kind gesture," King Lonzo Thai replied, his voice filled with sincerity. With that, Prince Alford stood up, a graceful smile on his face. "I will show you to your quarters, King Lonzo Thai. Please, follow me." As they left the throne hall, King Sham added, "Remember, King Lonzo Thai, 'A king's greatness is measured by his humility, and his wisdom is measured by his actions." King Lonzo Thai felt a sense of relief and gratitude as he followed Prince Alford out of the throne hall, the weight of his surrender slowly lifting off his shoulders. He was pleased with the kind words and gestures of King Gabriel Sham, and he felt a sense of hope for the future of his people. As they walked through the grand corridors of the palace, Prince Alford pointed out various artworks and tapestries, sharing stories and legends behind each one. King Lonzo Thai listened intently, his eyes wide with wonder and curiosity. Finally, they arrived at a beautifully decorated chamber, filled with comfortable furnishings and a stunning view of the palace gardens. Prince Alford bowed slightly, gesturing for King Lonzo Thai to enter. "This will be your quarters for now, during your stay in Eldrador, King Lonzo Thai," Prince Alford said with a smile. "I hope you find it to your liking." King Lonzo Thai nodded his thanks, feeling a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the kindness shown to him. He entered the chamber, his eyes adjusting to the warm and cozy atmosphere, and felt a sense of peace wash over him. "Thank you, Prince Alford," King Lonzo Thai said, turning to face the prince. "Your hospitality is truly remarkable."
Prince Alford smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It is our pleasure, King Lonzo Thai. Rest well, and may tomorrow bring new beginnings."
            The next morning, king Gabriel Sham sat at the head of the table, his eyes scanning the room as he began to speak. "My dear ministers, I have called this meeting to inform you of a decision I have made regarding the former king of Nefaria, Lonzo Thai." He paused, his gaze sweeping the room. "As you are aware, we have a vacancy in our court, left by the passing of our former minister for warfare and security. After careful consideration, I have decided to appoint Lonzo Thai to this position." The room erupted into a flurry of whispers and murmurs, as the ministers discussed the king's decision. Some nodded in agreement, while others looked on with skepticism. King Gabriel Sham waited patiently, allowing his ministers to have their say.
Finally, after several minutes of discussion, the king raised his hand, calling the room to order. "I understand your concerns, but I believe Lonzo Thai's skills and experience make him an ideal candidate for this position. His peaceful and strategic thinking will be a valuable asset to our court." The ministers nodded, one by one, signifying their agreement with the king's decision. King Gabriel Sham smiled, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Very well, it is settled then. Lonzo Thai will join our court as the new minister for warfare and security."
He turned to a servant standing by the door. "Summon Lonzo Thai from the guest chamber. It is time for him to take his place among us."
The servant bowed and hastened to carry out the king's orders. After a brief moment, Lonzo Thai entered the room, his eyes scanning the space before coming to rest on the king. He stood by the door, awaiting permission to approach. King Gabriel Sham gestured Lonzo Thai to an empty chair at the table. King Gabriel Sham's voice was filled with warmth as he began to speak. "Lonzo Thai, yesterday I told you that honesty and humility have their rewards. Your selflessness and courage in surrendering to us, to protect your people, are qualities that truly make a great leader." Lonzo Thai's eyes were fixed on the king, his heart filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your words are too kind." The king continued, "Most men would have chosen to fight on, regardless of the cost. But you, Lonzo Thai, chose the path of wisdom. You put the needs of your people before your own pride. That takes great courage." Lonzo Thai's face was flushed with emotion. "I only did what I thought was right, Your Majesty. I couldn't bear the thought of my people suffering more than they already have." The king nodded, his eyes shining with approval. "That is the mark of a true leader. And that is why I, along with my ministers, have decided to appoint you as our new minister for warfare and security matters." The room erupted into a chorus of congratulations and applause, the court ministers and guards cheering and whistling. Lonzo Thai's eyes widened in shock and gratitude, his face beaming with joy. The king raised his hand, and the room fell silent once more. "We have also prepared a new home for you and your family, close to the palace. You will be allowed to keep your old servants, and your general will retain his title and serve our kingdom." Lonzo Thai's voice was choked with emotion. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, court ministers. I am truly humbled and grateful for this honor. I promise to work to the best of my ability and not disappoint." King Gabriel Sham smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I have no doubt that you will, l Lonzo Thai. And to seal your new position, I hereby declare you Earl Lonzo Thai. May we work together for the betterment of our land." The room exploded into cheers once more, the court members shouting "Long live Eldrador! Long live the King!" as they clapped and whistled. Lonzo Thai's heart swelled with pride and gratitude, his eyes shining with tears of joy.
Later that evening, Earl Thai approached King Sham, his face still flushed with excitement. "Your Majesty, I request permission to return to Nefaria and bring my family back to Eldrador. I cannot wait to share this news with them."
The king's face was warm with a smile. "Of course, Earl Thai. I will give orders to the general to prepare a suitable escort for your journey. May your family be safely returned to you, and may they flourish in our kingdom." Earl Thai's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your kindness and generosity are boundless. I am forever in your debt." The king's voice was filled with warmth. "You are not in my debt, Earl Thai. You are a valued member of our court, and a true friend. May our friendship and alliance bring peace and prosperity to our kingdoms."