Itchy Feet

Chapter 3

[IFy-Trivia]�

*⛄ Sknarle - {Wildebeast} PR; Skarr.yol. - Giant serpent beast that dwells in the Southern Lands. Wild and dangerous. Has a unique set of scales that help it to burrow into the earth. Has three tails.

🚥

Chapter 3✴

"The king is dead!!!??"

Desperate echoes shook the kingdom at every corner.

"Treason! How else did the wolves breach the palace?"

Word was a different set of wolves had slain the king. Ones whom had infiltrated the city way before the attacks commenced at the wall, which was now presumably a distraction. The masses were left hopeless at the loss of their king, and for fear of the devastating new weapon their enemies had acquired- our enemies. A power to turn the peak of day into night, a full moon night.

The king's guard was already in prison, but all for the lack protest I believed. The princess buried herself in her sorrow, mourning in her chambers. And I had failed my master.

The room was abuzz with heated debate among the kingdom's dignitaries gathered in the palace.

"We have to act swiftly, with an iron fist to let our enemies know we still stand strong even in the face of adversity." The king's brother remained defiant, impatient, furious. "We need to strengthen ourselves from command to army!" he continued.

"And how do you suppose we do that master Grant? Appoint a new king? Strengthen the chain of command?" the young general's tone was subtle, his point was not however.

"Perhaps we should let Master Grant take charge for now? Princess Caryna is much too young to hold court at her age." An elderly gentleman suggested midst all the squabble.

"Let's not forget about the possible treason before we decide on the matters of the throne." General Vorn was less subtle the second time of asking. Not even his gentle tone could help.

"What are you insinuating General Vorn? And with all due respect master Collins, I am not one for the throne. I am quite content at Stone Valley." the king's younger brother brushed off the accusations for murder quite coolly for all his hot air, "But since we are on that note, if we are talking about treason, then why are those two here?" his thick blond hair flickered our direction as the chamber fell silent. Even I didn't understand why we were there.

"We all know how much you opposed the king's wishes to establish a strong elite force to serve as the king's guards. One that could withstand the strength of the kingdom of Borren and the might of the Aeripots," General Vorn stepped forward, "And I for one, intend to honour King Hermann's wishes by bringing them into the integral part of this kingdom, especially at such a time as this."

"What kind of kingdom shall we become if we let the protection of our king to a bunch of slaves, former assassins and failed monks? To savages with no true honour? That was all I opposed in my brother's vision." Master Grant replied.

"And how would we even know to trust these soldiers if you don't mind me asking?" An elderly woman with the whitest hair I could spot concurred.

"We'll trust my father's instincts."

A loud silence thumped the hall as a blond girl walked through the doors.

"Princess Caryna?"

"I'm fine General Vorn, " she proceeded into the hall without hesitation. There was a completely different aura about her this time. She didn't seem helpless or weak any more. Almost like she had grown through the grief in her brief moments of mourning. Now, at this moment I could believe she was related to her uncle.

"I will maintain the royal guards my father assembled and also I will tend to the matters of the throne as is custom." She walked slowly in front of all who had gathered.

"But-"

"Do you not trust me, Master Collins?" She cut protest before he could even hatch. Her question was nothing but rhetorical.

"Anything I lack in experience shall be complemented by council from Master Hommer, Madam Siuli and you, Master Collins." For once there was a murmur of unison among the forty individuals gathered as she paced around.

"Our priorities, besides investigation for treason, shall be to fortify our battlefronts at Stone Valley and at the Pearl Dam. Master Grant will carry out his duties at the Valley and General Maas shall take care of the Dam." She paused for a moment, contemplating.

"Captain Klop will handle investigations into the moon light spell the Borren's have acquired, and Madam Ovive will handle the treason rumours."

Several members nodded in approval, even Master Grant's fierce rage had been tamed. Content, she suddenly turned towards the door, breaking stride gracefully in the dead silence. She had just grabbed the bull by the horn and driven it onto its knees without breaking a sweat. No one dared to say a word.

"Come with me," she said to us as she exited.

The hall erupted into murmurs as we left the dignitaries mauling over their thoughts. Princess Caryna's two shadows trailed behind us as well. Into the Princess's chambers and the doors shut.

"What is your name?" She turned to the gorguem girl.

"Karla."

"And you?" her eyes were stern, sincere and frightening at the same time.

"Kou. Kouda." I replied.

"Where do your loyalties lay Kouda?" I dropped my face in shame, no matter how hard I tried to look at her. My failure weighed heavy on my mind. "Where do your loyalties lay?"

"I live to serve my master's wishes... so I remain loyal to his blood. Loyal to you."

"I'm bound to you now, by contract." Karla did not wait for the question.

She wandered off closer to the window, silent, for a while.

"My father seemed to expect a lot from you two," she said, "Especially you Kouda."

"Me?" I couldn't help my surprise.

"Yes, you." She turned back towards us, "He thought you could serve as leader of the king's guard, leading the charge for the elite guards."

"Why me my Queen?"

"Queen?" She gave a slight chuckle of disbelief, "I guess I am, aren't I?" She took another long pause, almost as if she needed time to come to terms with her new reality.

"I don't know." She continued, "Perhaps it's because you are a Kai? Or maybe not. He used to call it his gut feeling. It never steered him wrong. Was he right about you?" She stared deeply into my eyes, I got lost in her's for a second.

"Are you ready to take charge Kouda?" She echoed.

The moment took my breath away. I never felt ready for such type of responsibility, but, "If that is what you wish, then so be it." I replied.

😁😊😍😚😎😤

D🍩nut forget to comment and vote! Please 😂 ;-; Regular updates!!!