POT

Chapter 30

KINGS AMONG US

1312, Next Morning

“I find Saint John different.” Elmo opinionated, “I never knew that women could be knights.” He added.

“Our kingdom is a unique one. Unlike other nations, we consider women equal with other fellowmen.” Julie answered.

Sir Elmo nodded, “In fact, some of our Lord Knights are women, Victoria, for example, is the Lord Knight of Cavalry.” Julie added.

“If I recall it right, women rights were recognized centuries after this age.”

“I do not know, but we follow a maxim that’s why. We believe that everyone is equal.”

“And what is that maxim?”

“Every king springs from a race of slaves, and every slave had kings among his ancestors.” Julie recited.

“Ah, that’s from Plato!” Elmo exclaimed.

“True. We always accept as true that ever one had a royal blood, thus, no one should consider others as inferior.” Julie explained.

“I really wish those principles reached our age. Until now I can’t believe that your country was never mentioned in our books.”

“Oh, that is too painful to hear. I felt like the world has forgotten us.” Julie commented.

“Julieanne!” Manfred called out, “The council needs us.” He informed.

“Coming Father!” Julie went to Manfred.

 

Elmo’s POV

Something’s not right. Saint John’s political structure is very different. How come they are not completely adopting the feudal system where in fact 1312 is the dominant age for this system? Is this the effect of my stay here? No, it doesn’t seem to fit, Saint John was already like this before I came.

“Sir Elmo!” Julie went back “Father told me that you can join us in meeting the council.”

“Me? Why?”

“I asked him.” Julie smiled, “I told him that you can contribute a lot to our strategies.” She added.

Oh shoot! Why did she tell her father that? Julie really trusts me a lot, “I am really not that good Julie.” Elmo tried to refuse.

“Oh worry not, I believe in thee.” Julie took Elmo’s arm.

He blushes, “I’ll just give my best shot.” Elmo humbly said.

Julie kept her smile “Pleasure! Come on!” She led the way.

“Julie, is Saint John’s maxim, the one you said a while ago, has it been the foundation of your kingdom?”

“Yes. If you can see the history of our kings, only a few of them become kings or queens due to succession. My Father became king when king Philip died and won a duel against the Turks’s best knight. The people chose my Father to be king.”

“I see.” Elmo said something is indeed not right Elmo thought.

 

___

“Who is this shrimp?” Grimhold uttered.

“He is Sir Elmo Magalona…” Julie introduced, “The heavens sent him to aide us.” Julie winked at Elmo.

Oh dear! Now I really have to do something to prove her claims. Elmo thought.

“He is still a kid to me.” Yvone commented.

“Don’t let thy sight deceive thee…” Master slayer Flint blurted, “… remember, Lord Thomas looks like a shrimp too,” He fibbed.

Everyone laughed, “Indeed, an old shrimp though.” Quincy joked.

“Very well…” Thomas clapped, “Thy highness?” He gave in.

“Pleasure, Thomas. Lord knights, we are lucky that the Turks has not yet attacked us last night. But still, we have to be prepared because soon they will be in front of our castle gates…”

Flint raised his hand, “Milord, as I traveled back here, I accidentally saw Prince Wilhelm and his men near the Euphrates River.”

The Lord Knights reacted and murmured.

“That’s too soon! I as expecting them to arrive tomorrow morning!” Manfred was stunned.

Flint shrugged his head “They will be here before dusk.”

“Pardon my intrusion your highness.” Elmo raised his hand.

“What is it Sir Elmo?” Manfred noticed.

“These Turks, are they the Ottoman Turks?” Elmo asked.

“Yes, why?”

“I fear that we will be having a hard time defeating them.”

“What led you to that conclusion Sir Elmo? Kindly enlighten us.” Manfred requested.

“If I am not mistaken, they are the ones who defeated the eastern part of the Holy Roman Empire.”

“Is that true?” Murmurs continued to linger.

“Then we will stop them right now!” Manfred declared bravely.

Wow! So this is what a king really looks like during times of war. Manfred is far cooler than those in the movies! Now I know where Julie got her spirit.

“Sir Elmo” Thomas Joined in, “thou seem knowledgeable of the enemy’s structure. Could thee share thy wisdom to this council.”

At that moment everything becomes heavy. It seems every one was expecting for my affirmative answer. Hours before, I am just a college loser drooling at sleep, now I will be a great contributor to a country in need.

“Julie…” Elmo look at Julie.

‘I trust you, Elmo’ Julie’s words reminded Elmo as she answered him with a smile.

“Sirs, Ma’ams, I am not really knowledgeable about the Turks, but I know another way that may help you defeat them.” Elmo boldly declared.

Everyone nodded.

“Pleasure Sir Elmo! Thy art truly heaven sent.” Julie stood up and embraced Elmo.