The Realmsic Conquest: The Hero of Legend - Book 1 [2015 Watty Award Winner]

Bonus Chapter (For my Wattpad Readers!)

The following scene takes place the night before the Realmsic Victory Ceremony:

Maebus could feel himself smiling. His lips were actually tiring from being creased to the edges of his face. But he couldn't help feeling genuine happiness. It was an emotion he thought he'd never fully experience again. Despite his jovial mood, he quietly waited for Kelm outside the Chamber of Honor, standing between the pair of flickering torches hanging upon the entrance. Occasionally, his body swayed in rhythm to a melody playing in his head.

His eyes darted from one side of the empty corridor to the other. A part of him wasn't even aware of how he'd gotten there. He'd mindlessly trotted from his personal chamber, allowing his legs to carry him to the far north side of the Realmsic Castle. For the first time in a long while, his heart was light. Even the castle itself seemed brighter in this new day of peace; in this new day without Damian.

He'd once described peace as being 'ever elusive'. Now, it was something tangible. He could feel it as strongly as the heat emanating from the torches. Admittedly, he was clueless regarding where these new days would take him. Like the beginning of his journey, he found himself once again peering into the unknown. But unlike before, he was ready to accept the challenge of this new day.

Maebus heard the rustling of Kelm's ceremonial robe prior to seeing him round the corner. Beaming in delight, the King greeted his advisor, his brother, his friend.

"Well aren't you just as happy as can be!" Kelm declared as he approached the entrance. "Does your face hurt?"

"It does, but not from smiling," Maebus chuckled. "I got whacked pretty hard during the battle."

"Well, it's just nice to see you smile again." Kelm gave Maebus' shoulder a firm squeeze. "Why are you standing out here? Everyone's already waiting inside. You didn't want to go in?"

"No, I was waiting for you. I thought it symbolic that we go in together. You aren't just Advisor to the King, you're equal, if not greater."

"Such kind words, brother. Had only you gotten me flowers also." Maebus burst into laughter as Kelm pressed his hand against the chamber door.

"Ready now?"

Maebus nodded.

With a gentle push, both doors swung open, revealing the chamber's interior. Wow, Maebus thought. It really was a new day. It'd been a long time since he'd last seen Kelm open a door without using magic. Upon entering, the chamber felt reminiscent of the Realmsic temples Maebus' father took him to as a child. Aligning the room were the armored suits of celebrated Realmsic knights. Over-sized paintings of historic battles adorned the four interior walls. Before them, a center aisle stretching between several rows of pews led to a large metal altar at the front of the chamber. Its galvanized specks shimmered within the shaft of sunlight that beamed through the space's only window. About 30 or so short stem candles resided in rows upon it. Spotting the standing torch positioned next to the altar, he assumed the candles would be used during the ceremony.

Maebus next spotted Archivist Fable standing beside the altar. Her standard Archivist attire had been replaced by a traditional Realmsic ceremonial robe. The flowing royal blue garment perfectly complimented her fair skin, long silver hair, and green eyes. Maebus knew there were many within the Realm who fashionably used magic. He wondered if this was an example of such as he made his way through the pews with Kelm at his side.

Scattered throughout the rows were numerous Realmsic officers and councilmen. The assembly rose to their feet upon seeing the King and Advisor. From the collective erupted a thunderous round of applause as the two traveled down the center aisle and found their seats in the front row. The applauses slowly diminished as the assembly retook their seats. Maebus recognized Keri Trust, George Emmanouil, and Maya Ela, along with four other officers from the Western Nations who would be assisting Fable during the Ceremony of Honor.