BOOK 3: One True Destiny

Chapter 18

                                                                                         The two heirs

As King Sebastian of Portugal dies from his wounds from the Battle of Alcacer Quibir, the court is left behind to appoint a new ruler. The deceased king had no direct successor, causing for his two nearest next of kin to vie for the throne. The two competing heirs are Jorge de Lencaster, the Duke of Coimbra, the late king's favored but illegitimate brother, and King Philip of Spain, who's Sebastian's first cousin. The opinion about the heirs remain divided. Jorge, though politically skilled and highly capable of becoming a great ruler, has unquenchable thirst for power, making the majority of the nobles to detest him. King Philip, on the other hand, is considered a foreigner by the Portuguese people, who prefer to be ruled by their own. The court's inability to decide lead to the Portuguese succession crisis, wherein the country remains lost and vulnerable without a head in their monarchy. Jorge is impatiently waiting for the Pope to grant him legitimacy; the process will take some time... Time that he does not have. He needs to act quickly if he wants the throne. This soon-to-be king simply cannot allow the circumstance of his birth hinder him from inheriting one of the most powerful kingdom in Europe.   

Francis cannot wait for the ship to dock. He cannot stay still as he sees the island getting bigger and bigger. The French prince disregarded the fact that he is now entering the territory of his enemy. As soon as the vessel stop he immediately disembark together with the passengers and proceeded to walk to the streets of Portugal. Francis experiences firsthand how the schism on the succession is affecting the country. He witnesses how the Portuguese people show their dissatisfaction regarding their county's plight by engaging into riots and rallying in front of the castle gate, demanding that the court must name their next king. He risks his own life for this untimely visit. Francis has placed himself to a kingdom in turmoil... A kingdom whose fate hangs in the balance.

                                                                                The New Leader

Meanwhile, back at Spain, the entire court is waiting for King Henry. Philip sits on the throne when the herald announce his visitor's arrival. "Presenting His Majesty, King Henry of France." Everyone at court bowed down to the visiting king as he walk towards his royal host. "King Philip, no words can express my deepest gratitude for granting my request." Says Henry as the two perform a handshake. "King Henry, as a father I cannot say no. I apologize that I had a hand in your son's current situation. He is very persuasive." Says the Spanish King. The French King smiled and said, "Bash does not accept no for an answer. Like his brother Francis, he is willing to risk everything for the sake of love." The Spanish king answers, "You are lucky to have Bash as a son who committed such as selfless act in service of a friend and of the woman that he desires. I wish I could say the same thing with Carlos." Before their discussion can go further the herald ones again made an announcement, "Your Majesty and the court, his Royal Highness, Prince Sebastian of France and his company, are requesting for permission to be admitted to court." King Philip replied, "Their request is granted." After a brief moment, Bash together with his fellow mercenaries emerge. Everyone is stunned! Throughout the centuries, they only hear the legends  and stories of the members of The Order; now they see them as they enter the Spanish court! "Your Majesties, as the leader of The Order, my brothers and I are offering our service to you." Says Bash as he and his company bowed down. King Henry is tongue-tied... If Bash is indeed their new leader, then it means he had relinquished his position as a prince! The astound father immediately requested to be excused as he wishes to have a private audience with his son at the council chamber. Upon closing the door he asked, "Bash, what is the meaning of this?" The young leader answered, "Father, I decided to offer myself to a cause higher than my own... higher than of France. I do believe that I can serve my loved ones better as a man whose loyalty belongs to the world and not merely to a single kingdom. I will always be your son, I beg you not to be afraid on my behalf, for I finally found my life's purpose." King Henry held Bash into his arms and cried, "Bash, you are not thinking clearly! I know that you are doing this all for the sake of Mary! You are my son and my heir... We need you... France needs you!" But Bash is adamant. "Father, all my life I only loved one woman. If this is the only way for us to retrieve her, I am prepared to dedicate my life in service of The Order. I sealed a deal with them... I can no longer take it back." Upon hearing this the king let go of his son, who is now the head of the most powerful organization the world has ever known.  "Father, we must get hold of Francis before our enemies will. Our sources indicate that he boarded a commoner's ship bound to Portugal. I am currently corresponding with my men who are secretly looking for him; our search must be conducted discreetly for once the Portuguese court finds out that the heir to the throne of France is in their territory, they will hold him captive."