Shadows of wolves

Chapter 15

King Eric

A messenger burst through the doors of the throne room, stopping everyone. "- give Fredric my permission to double the watchers on the Carian borders. But remind him we do not wish war unless it is unavoidable," I continued to address one of my couriers. I turned my attention to the puffing messenger who was kneeling a few meters away from me. Such formality. I did not agree with shows of power, were people of lesser rank in society than oneself bowed to you. I believed every man and woman was that of equal. "Rise," I said, showing my annoyance at his display, he was one of Arl Karen's men, there was doubting that. "Have you caught you breath?"the man nodded quickly, his blonde hair went in all directions at the movement. "Well? Aren't you going to tell us why you rode so hard from the Arl's estate? You would have had to leave early to reach the palace a few hours before midday. So tell is what is so important?"

The boy, barely a man, flushed and took a deep breath, settling himself before speaking, "The Arl told me to be back at his estate before sun down and I don't wish to... disappoint my Arl," he tried to hide his hesitation. I studied him closely as he drew a sharp breath and handed forward a letter, sealed with wax. I started at the wax seal of Droste. It had been a long time since I has been there. I broke the seal and my memories, skimming over the letter. It was a invitation to stay in his estate and to go hunting with him.

There was another page behind the letter with details on the preparations for the on coming war with neighbouring Kingdoms. Out listed the names of new recruits, both conscripted and volunteers of varying age. I didn't like how many conscripts there were. Sighing I rubbed my eyes and handed the papers to Byron my first in command. He read over the letter, his face was a mask of pure calm, but after the years I had known him, I knew he was just as displeased as I. "What is it like in Droste of late?" I turned my attention on the boy.

He hesitated, looking around, before answering, "i-it, err is um good? Yes, good. Life in Droste is good." He was a horrible liar. I stood from the throne and began towards a door that led to the royal gardens. "Walk with me," I didn't care to look back to him, I knew he was following behind me. Servants opened up large double doors, revealing the beautiful gardens of roses, tulips and other bright flowers that my mother had so loved before she disappeared. I heard the gasp behind me and smiled. "It is wonderful isn't it?" I asked walking down the pebbled path, the boy walked a step behind me. It came to my attention that I didn't know his name. "It is very spectacular your majesty"

"My mother loved the beauty of plants and would often disappear in the Meadows on her horse. My father worried for her every time she slipped away, so he gave her the task of creating these gardens. She could then roam them without leaving the safety of the royal castle," I told the boy as I ran my fingers over the petals of a delicate blue flower. "Tell me your name," I spoke as I continued to walk through the gardens, waiting momentarily for the messenger to catch up.

"I am Jace of Droste," he bowed again.

I bit back the want to order him not to. My decision of whether to accept the Arl's invitation or not would depend on what the conditions in Droste where like of late, too long had a blind eye been turned on the northern region.

"Now tell me truly how it fairs in Droste," I said lowly.

"I don't want to speak against my Arl-" he looked around cautiously,"-but it is not the most desirable place to live."

I rose my eyebrow and gestured for him to continue. He shifted uneasily. "Well, um he has started to conscript people without or little reason-" he cut himself off, as if just for saying those words his head would be put on a pike. I inwardly sighed. Arl Karen had a lot to answer for. This boy, was to afraid to even speak of the conditions in Droste. "What do you mean?" I questioned patiently.

"He has been conscripting every second person of age he sees and two weeks ago he took my friend and his wolf-"

"Wolf?"

"Er yes your highness, his wolf. It killed a few guards to help him, but Arl Elkin did something to make it listen to him, people who were standing near heard him negotiate with the wolf and it knew what he had said."

"Was it a Narrian?"

"I do not believe so, but perhaps there is a chance it is a wild Narrian that doesn't know what it is?"

"Hmmm that is possible, unlikely though," it was I puzzle, one that I didn't have to solve. Talking with Jace, had sealed my decision. Droste needed to be put right again, and it is my duty to do so. "Tell the Arl I will be there on the Morrow."

"Um excuse me your highness but the all requested you come this evening. The time you arrive will be before the sun sets if you leave now."

"I didn't know there was an urgent matter to be attended to."

"I apologise your highness-" Jace bowed and I held back a grimace"-but if you don't mind me saying, the sooner you arrive the sooner the people will be happy."

"I shall leave now then, for the sake if the people."

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I know I have been away for a long time and I am sorry!! I have some holidays now and should be able to update a bit more :)
Thanks for being amazing!!