Legends: The Knight of Helm (#1)

Chapter 12

The innards of the throne room where nothing like that of the outside, layered with white stone. The room seemed to glow with power that could be felt like a stream of water. King Helv had three court wizards. While Helm had steered away from wizardry years ago, Dechoneus had taken the opposite path. Almost everyone in this kingdom knew a simple spell, if not more. While they were scholars and men of magic, the few, who did not put their faith in the mystical strength of magic, placed it in technology. King Helv stood there on his throne, with his son by his side. He smiled as he stood up in excitement.

"You must be an ambassador from Helm! You are considered a great friend of my house, and are welcomed!" King Helv smiled as he walked over towards them.

King Helv was a humble man, he saw his power as minuscule compared to the man he could be. This left his kingdom weak, though him a morally ethical character. He was a pacifist who loved his Ideology. He was no warrior, unlike his son. His people often believed their king to forget his noble place in the world, and found him too trusting. He had a shaved head, and a small go-tee.

"Yes lord Helv." Cladius said with a bow, "It is my great honor."

Cladius came alone while Almorah and Agular waited outside. He smiled at the king, his helmet in his hands and Sosire in its sheath.

The king waved his hand, "Come, let us eat, my soldiers will escort your friends into the dining area with me, we are to feast upon your arrival."

"As you wish lord Helv," Cladius replied with another slight bow.

"Ah, you are so very polite! So rare these days, Henry, come with us."

The prince nodded, "Yes father."

Prince Henry was a quiet man. He knew his place and his father had taught him the greatest manners the three kingdoms could muster. The prince had bushy, blade like hair, combed to part in the middle of his head. He wore royal garments, and a sword was by his side. His clean shaven face was starting to grow stubble. He was no older than twenty, thirty years younger than his father.

"Prince Henry, it is a great honor that you join me as well. I am humbled by your hospitality." Cladius said as Prince Henry and King Helv walked along.

"You are too kind, knight of Helm, for you bring great honor with you. My apologies for I do not yet know your name." Henry replied.

"All is well, I do not offend easily. I am Cladius, and hold no sir name. I am humbled you take interest in such as my name." Cladius replied.

Henry gave a smile of amusement. The young man only wished that such manners could be contained to a minimum, so it didn't take so long to get to one's point. The knight they spoke with was almost as well-mannered as himself. They continued down a hallway as Almorah and Agular were ushered into the same dining room area at the end of the hallway. The red carpet on the floor and priceless table said it all. The silverware was made of a silver and gold alloy. The room was full of space and decorations. Pictures of the king and his son sat on the wall, along with pictures of land marks. Cladius took his seat after the king and prince, Almorah and then Agular followed.

"My chief has prepared a nice meal, I hope you all like raddle-dad. It's a Dechoneus specialty. It's what we are known for." The king said smiling.

"I have had it once or twice, and it had always been a sweet pleasure." Cladius replied.

"Ah, yes good to hear!" King Helv said, clasping his hands together.

"So what is your business here, Cladius, I do hope it is good news." Prince Henry smiled.

Cladius looked at Almorah, who couldn't keep her eyes off the prince, and Agular who was letting his eyes wander, "Well, I am currently looking for the Sun God, any leads you might have would greatly suffice."

"The Sun God, Helm's mighty king. Well I do not know much of the legend myself." King Helv replied as the food was placed at the table.

"I can as well, not say a word towards this topic do to my lack of knowledge in this area." The prince commented.

"Very well, I thought this the case, however, I need a dragon's scale; do you know where I might find such an item?" Cladius replied.

"Well kill a dragon of course. The weakest can be found further south of Dechoneus in the Ridgey Mountains. I would beware of Griffins from the east, near the sea border, on your travels; we can aid you with a map." King Helv replied.

"I will humbly receive such a gift. As well as my inquiry, I have bad news. Helm has fallen to King Volohs's army. The Ommart are somehow involved as well. This is a fair warning. Aid would be appreciated; however I am in no political statist to ask." Cladius said.

"Well this is grave news! Under normal circumstance I would offer Helm aid, but we must look to our own borders. Helm may receive refuge here but I cannot walk into the enemy's grasp. I must prepare my own lands, for surely they will attack, it is only a matter of when."

"Father, I beg you, please give the people of Helm your aid, why not go to war and take our enemy together and before they know we have knowledge of their schemes?" Henry spoke up.

Almorah spoke up, "All due respect lord Helv, you are damning us. Our people will die!"

"Your people are already doomed, why should I doom mine as well? Hm? It is unsafe and risky. I will not have it." King Helv announced.

"Very well," Cladius replied starring at Almorah and catching her gaze, "We thank you for your time."

"Let us eat and enjoy each other's company." The king smiled.

Cladius, Almorah and Agular enjoyed a meal and the company of the royal family. It was later that evening that they returned to their chambers. Each getting the rest they needed for tomorrow. The king had promised provisions of no cost, and a map, but that was perhaps the only thing he was willing to give. Cladius needed to do things the hard way; he needed to collect a dragon scale, a hell hound's skull, a griffin's feather and the blood of a god. He wasn't sure how he would come across the blood of a god. He knew that he would have to manage until such a way was presented.

It was early in the morning when the group rose from their slumber Cladius waking them from their piece. He smiled as he shook the Quails awake. He was in his armor, ready for the venture.

"I'll go collect the supplies, get ready while I'm gone." Cladius smiled.

Almorah and Agular looked at each other, as both stirred from their half asleep self. Cladius smiled as he walked towards the market. Glancing over all the material good, he brushed by a bracelet with the crescent of the sun imprinted on it. It was made of complete gold.

"How much" Cladius asked.

"Three gold coins." The man replied, as Cladius dropped them on the table.

Cladius smiling as he walked away. He thought to himself of his dream the other night. A man with a bald head a long beard had come to his mind. He wore long robes of green and held a book in his hands. He struggled to think of what he said.

"My blood," He whispered to himself, "at the gate."

He shrugged his shoulders as he grabbed the supplies and map promised. They were going dragon hunting.