Valadel

Chapter XLII

Joras sat in his throne, looking warily upon the gathered crowd in his courtroom. The room echoed with hushed whispers and rumors, adding only more heat to the already muggy room. Each and every row covering the courtroom floor had been filled to brim, residents almost spilling over. Next to Joras was his queen. She had finally been allowed to leave her bed rest from her pregnancy. A week it had been before Joras was allowed to see his beloved wife. Knowing what was coming made him appreciate her more than he ever had before. She caught his gaze and smiled at him, as did he to her. And after the court speaking, he would finally be able to see his child, his son. He was given a son. He and Victoria would name him soon after.

To his right was his unwilling brother and advisor. He stood, stone faced, as he imagined with annoyance what Joras would say. The elves had created a rift between them, and Aldrien's advice often fell on his deaf ears. He scraped his fingernail along his tooth and flicked off his finger the remnants of his lunch. Joras scowled at his absence of manners, but would scold him another time. Finally, Joras nodded at Sir Bayer, who returned the gesture. He took a horn from his side and blew into it, creating a deep, somewhat loud, noise. The whispers were extinguished like a fire and the court speaking had begun.

"The speaking is now to begin," said Bayer, "all rise and pay respects to your king."

The audience did so, rising from the seats and bowing to the king. They then sat back down upon their damp, wooden seats. The silence that fell over the courtroom was cut through as Joras spoke.

"My people, thank you for attending. I would do the customary prayer to the gods, but for this particular matter, I wish to cut straight to the issue at hand. All of you, I hope, are aware of the expedition to the ocean castle made some time ago. I told you nothing was found in the castle." He prepared himself for what he had to say next, and how he'd say it. Their faces stared back at him, curious, intrigued, unnerved. The faces of his people, the faces of the world.

He took a deep breath, and relished in what little calm he could muster. "It was a lie, a lie I told you all to protect you and our kingdom."

Gasps and grunts were heard from the people, in manners of confusion and annoyance.

"What was in that castle, there is simply no easy way to say this. My people," he hesitated, fearful of their response. A riot was the last thing he needed now. "My people...elves are among us."

A wave of whispers swept over the crowd as each member of the in the courtroom wondered if their ears had deceived them. Joras nodded at Bayer, who looked as bewildered as the crowd. He wore confusion upon his face as well, but blew into the horn, quelling the waves of whispers.

"However," Joras resumed. "They are not as we believed. They are not the evil ones our ancestors faced long ago. They are peaceful creatures. Granted, their numbers are not strong, as there are only two-"

"Then kill em then!" Shouted a member of the crowd. More shouted and agreed.

Bayer blew into his horn. The crowd once again quelled their outburst. "Speak or interrupt the King again, and your tongue will be removed," Bayer threatened. He looked over to Joras and nodded.

"They will coexist with us, and they will do so peacefully. Any threat made to the elves will be considered treason, and punishment will be delivered. The restoration of their race will begin soon. Thank you. This speaking is over."

The crowd met the dismissal with an explosion of chatter, quick to all tell the king of their thoughts and opinions. Joras rose from his throne alongside his wife. He sighed and rubbed his forehead. The stationed knights of his kingsguard came closer now, urging him to back to his chambers. A contemptible Aldrien blew past him, eager to exit the scene.

"Aldrien!" Joras called after him.

Aldrien ignored his call.

"Aldrien!" Joras called once more.

Aldrien stopped in his tracks. He turned to face the king, an accusation resting on his lips. "Joras, you realize you portray yourself as a madman to your people, do you not! Mark my words, this will not sit well with our populace or the other kingdoms for that matter. Restoring elves? The notion is insane! The rantings of a fanatic is what you demonstrated on your throne today!"

"Prince Aldrien!" Called Bayer, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Watch your words when speaking to the King!"

Aldrien took heed of the warriors threat. "This isn't over, Joras...the day will come when you will realize you have made a terrible mistake." He stripped his torso of the pin that marked him as advisor and skidded it across the floor. He glared at the piece of metal as if it were the elves. Joras' fist balled up in anger as Aldrien left the room.

"I am a king, mind you! I could have your head served to dogs if I wanted!" he shouted after him. He hung his head in frustration, but pushed the fool from his mind.

"Your grace? Should I send men to detain him?" asked Bayer.

Joras shook his head. "No...let him clear his mind. I'll speak with him later. If he wants to leave, then it'd be my pleasure to send him on his way."

Bayer nodded. "Let us leave to your quarters, before the townspeople get to antsy."

"Yes, yes...come."

They left the courtroom, as the voices of disgruntled citizens lashed after them, nipping at the king's conscience, or what was left of it, at least.

"Is it true my lord?" Bayer asked as they walked the halls of Castle Elderstone. He was always hesitant to question the king, even if it was a simple question.

Joras sighed, and nodded irratibly. "Do you think I was jesting in there? Of course it's true."

Bayer nodded, and wished he had hesitated more before he asked that question. "Where are they? Are they in Elderstone?"

"That's not your concern, Sir Bayer."

Bayer nodded, understandingly. He searched his mind for what he knew of elves. His knowledge was lacking, as he was a warrior, not a scholar. Elves and history fascinated him very little. Seeing what spilled from a man's stomach when you cut it open, that fascinated him far more.

"Of course, My Liege. My apologies for asking."

Joras snickered. "Don't apologize, just don't ask stupid questions."

Bayer nodded again. Was it that stupid of a question though? Not as stupid as bringing back the race that enslaved our own many years ago...

"Of course, Your Grace."

Joras rolled his eyes. He had quite enough of these discussions revolving around those damn elves.

Perhaps I ought to have killed them...could anything or anyone be worth this much trouble?

Had his men not risked their lives in bringing back these elves, perhaps he would have.

But he owed it to them to honor their final actions. He was their king, and they were his men.

And a king lives to serve his men

*****

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