𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬

24: Feast of The Damned [Part 1]

Crow was already growing weary of this so-called meeting. Sitting by the main fire in the middle of the Kings Guard settlement, he watched the peasant class being put to work under the watchful eyes of the nobles. It was much the same as the Iron Heart camp, yet it felt entirely different. His brother, Raven Von Flockson, was nothing like this so-called Star King, Roof Von Schlieffen—a ridiculous title for a boy of his age. Roof's martial arts might be impressive here in this small, isolated world, but they would mean nothing in the wider one. Still, even Raven had begrudgingly admitted that Roof could pose a problem for the two brothers. That was the main reason Crow had come here: to forge an alliance. They had to pass the test and survive long enough to find a way out of this godforsaken hole. The others with him were growing impatient too. The deal was done—Queens Hand would fall. Now they just wanted to leave.

If only that damned boy hadn't shouted about some stupid pig. A young guard had leapt down from the scaffolding while Crow and Roof were in the middle of discussions. Crow had been irritated by the interruption and even more so when Roof suggested they celebrate the union of the Kings Guard and Iron Hearts with a feast. He had tried to avoid it, but here he was, sitting in front of the fire, watching the camp's cook churn the pig's skin on a spit roast. Around him, the other Kings Guard had gathered, including the Kings Fist. Crow eyed them carefully, noting that the rumours seemed to be true—Roof had indeed begun teaching martial arts to some of his own men. And they looked skilled. The Schlieffen family martial arts was not something to be taken lightly.

Sipping from a wooden cup that had been handed to him, Crow peered over the rim, scanning the crowd for anyone who got too close. The little party was starting to ramp up, excitement building as the pig neared completion. Many were already salivating at the sight. Glancing at his companion seated beside him on the same log, their eyes met, and both silently wished they could just leave.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Star King Roof rose from a log on the opposite side of the fire. It seemed he was done picking which of the girls would keep his bed warm for the night.

"This is a most fortuitous moment indeed," Roof began, his voice booming. "For today, the Iron Hearts and Kings Guard join hands!"

The crowd roared in approval, though Crow noticed his fellow Iron Hearts exchanging glances, clapping only to keep up appearances. Roof, oblivious, basked in the noise, his ego swelling with every cheer. "With this deal I've secured our victory! I, the Star King, will be the light in this darkness, leading our fight against those whores in the Queens Hand!"

A few scattered laughs erupted from the crowd. Crow forced a grin, though the words left a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Of course, whores are meant to be shared!" Star King Roof continued, a smirk spreading across his face. "Don't worry, whoever racks up the most bodies in the next battle will get their turn with that Nessa whore! Only after me, of course!"

Another round of cheers followed. Crow observed carefully. His brother had been right—no matter how crude Roof's words, his Schlieffen blood showed. His aura, his charisma—it had clearly won over most of his men. Roof could voice his true thoughts openly, and no one seemed to bat an eye.

"Fluko, step forward," Star King Roof commanded.

The small, scrawny red-haired boy Crow had seen jump from the scaffolding earlier hesitantly stepped forward. This was the boy who had shot the rare pig. Doesn't look like much, thought Crow.

"It's Fulx—" the boy began to stammer, trying to correct Roof, but Roof ignored him with practiced ease. Grabbing the boy's arm, Roof raised it into the air.

"As a reward for that magnificent shot, this little man will get a day off from patrol! Come on, give our dear comrade a round of applause!"

The crowd clapped, though noticeably less enthusiastically, most of them now fixated on the roasting pig. The red-haired boy looked crestfallen, mumbling something about wanting to learn martial arts. His words were lost as Roof's personal bodyguards quietly ushered him back into the crowd.