The Amulet (A tale of Eswor Book 2)

After

A double update today because The Masquerade Ball reached 900 reads!!!! I can't believe it this is so exciting!!! I want to thank you guys for making this possible and ahhhh! I just can't believe it!
Thanks for reading!
-Hannah
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At Derricks coronation he announced my return and declared that I was officially the Captain of the guard. He also announced that he was engaged and his wedding would be in the summer. His fiancé Sarah was a lovely lady, something that I was never able to accomplish. The two of them were currently in Thirer trying to form a treaty between all of the kingdoms again.

Terragon went back to Thalidien to tell his father that we were going to be wed in Galeilth and live out our lives here. He would stay there for a long time as it was hard for him to try and leave everything behind.

Cole and Seth helped me out with the training of new recruits. We had banished those who followed Warren to an island far off of the coast of the country. They then returned to their mansions as Lords now.

I walked down the stairs from my tower while pulling on my cloak. Opal had returned back and lived with us in the castle. She became a close friend to Sarah and helped her with everything. Sort of like an advisor.

I walked into the practise grounds where men were stretching and preparing for their run. I mounted Strider and started circling around them. It was early in the morning. The dew was still fresh on the ground and the morning fog hadn't dispersed yet.

"Alright men. I want you to run through the hunters trails through the forest, around the entire castle and without stopping. I'll be following along with you on Strider. If you stop at anytime, then you can start again tonight. Start running!"

I had Strider trot next to the group, while shouting words of encouragement. "C'mon! My father had me do this every morning when I was a child!" When I said my father, they knew I meant Kinnley. I had started calling him that when I realised that he was a father to me. After all, he did raise me.

The men finished and re-grouped in the practise area. I smiled, and dismounted. "Good job. Now you're going to be doing that every morning every day, as long as I'm alive." I heard grumbles and complaints. "It keeps you in shape and its good for your endurance. That way if you don't have a horse, then you know that you can deliver a message safely in a time of danger." I looked at all of them. "Go get some water before you lot fall down dead."

I heard some 'thank yous' and 'it's about time' along with some not so nice things. I watched them go and led Strider back to the courtyard. I brought him to the stables and groomed him.

"Captain?"

I peeked my head out from the stall. "Yes?" It was a messenger.

"I have a message for you from Terragon."

In a blink of an eye I was right next to him. The messenger handed me an envelop with the Royal seal from Thalidien. I nodded my thanks and walked back into the castle. I wanted to read this in private.

I rushed up to my tower and tore the letter open. I took off my cloak and bit my lip in anticipation.

Dear Kava,

I hopefully will be back home with you soon. Zarius has been the only reason why I've been gone so long. My father has agreed to let me stay with you, but it's more of letting Zarius agree. He isn't so keen on the idea of me marrying a human, much less you. I don't really know why, but he just doesn't like you. At all. However that isn't going to stop me from persuading him to let me go. Father and I are trying our very best. Expect me to be back in two months or so. I love you and I dread every day I'm not with you.

With love,

Terragon

I sighed at the letter. I knew that Zarius would be a problem but I never thought he would be this big of a problem. I sat at my desk and quickly wrote back.

Dear Terragon,

I just received your letter as I was grooming Strider. If you really want to get Zarius to approve, let him know that I have a sword and would be happy to use it against him. Use intimidation! It always works. It hurts that I can't tell you I love you in person, but parchment will just have to do for now.

Yours always,

Kava

I folded it up and placed my wax seal on it. I ran back down the stairs. The first maid I found I asked her to see if she could get this to a messenger. "It's for Terragon. Thank you so much." I smiled at her and walked to the courtyard. People were bustling about busier then ever.

My eyes widened when I realised what was going on. "Captain, don't tell me you forgot about Derrick's return." I looked up at my Lieutenant, James.

I grinned sheepishly. "I may have forgotten." My eyes widened. "I need to go tell the men. It's our job to lead him through the city." I ran away from James. "You go get our horses ready, I'll go get the men!" I shouted over to him.

I can't believe I forgot about this! I ran into the barracks and rang the bell signalling it was an emergency, and they should meet in the main hall. Men walked in, with confused expressions on their faces. Some were in the middle of shaving and had half of their faces done. Others were waking up from a nap.

"Quiet!" I shouted. "Alright. I forgot that His Royal Majesty is returning today, and it's our duty to line the crowd and make sure that no one can get through us." I smiled sheepishly. "Everyone get cleaned up as best as you can and put on your uniforms! Meet in the courtyard and hurry we haven't got all day!"

They all dispersed and rushed to get ready. I ran out and rushed back into the castle. I changed into my uniform and quickly ran out of my room. I tried not to run into anyone, but it was hard as maids and other people were preparing the castle.

When I made it to the courtyard, I ran over to Strider and mounted him in one swift move. James smiled at me from his horse. "Looks like you made it Captain."

I smiled. "At least I remembered this time." As we were waiting for the men, I finger combed my hair and re-did the braid so I looked semi decent.

When everyone was here, someone rushed forward. "His Majesty will be here soon!"

I nodded and looked at the men. "Form lines on either side of the road that leads from the city's entry to the gates of the castle! Make sure that no civilians get in the road. James and I will accompany His Royal Majesty down the road." They all saluted in sync. "Let's go."