(Draft 1) A Twist of Steel

Chapter 3

The Autumn Isles boasted some of the best views in all the continent of Dontos and probably Nixrym too. The soft lapping of the waves, the solitude of the whispering branches and the smooth, golden sand, it was a place of beauty.

King Nuron Solis however had his mind on other things, he was watching anxiously from the balcony of the Silent Tower.

King Nuron was a Euralias or higher folk as men called them. A name given because of their immortality and highly commendable culture that mainly situated around their patron god: Yronwyn, the god of nature.

He was currently gazing upon the entourage riding towards Castle Chryseum, a hundred or so Euralias all of them mounted upon a dawnstag. Their banner fluttered, discernible even from this distance, a brown tree with white branches like antlers against a dark, green velvet background. The flag of Autumn Isles' neighbouring country, Rowanok.

He steadily moved down the spiral staircase across the marble floor, beautiful paintings adorned the walls and ornate carvings covered the doors. King Nuron strode through his great hall and into the warm sunlight, his household were outside awaiting the arrival.

Nuron gave the nod to his captain of guard and took his place by his son Lukurn in the front.

The golden doors swept open to the clattering of hooves, admitting their guests. King Randor Elwood dismounted from his steed and surveyed the courtyard. Four hundred guards stood to attention and a hundred-other staff as well, the cooks were frantically preparing a feast down below. Three hundred more guards were spread out along the ramparts and twenty others, dressed in light blue armour with gold cloaks surrounded Nuron and Lukurn.

Randor had a handsome, hewn face with straight golden hair flowing behind him, he sported a tall crown of antler; a reference to house Elwood's sigil.

"We welcome you here, your grace. I do hope the ride was not tiresome? I know from experience the distance from Castle Chryseum to Arbor Palace." Nuron asked as curtesy demanded.

"I thank you for your concern, the ride was ever sweeter by the kindness shown by the Lords of your kingdom." Randor answered before sweeping his eyes around the castle's towers.

"I must ask for accommodation for my companions and daughter?" Randor spoke, his normally stern mouth relaxing in a polite smile.

"Your companions may have room in our barracks, you and your daughter have apartments already available in the Whispering Tower." Nuron answered already tiring of the boring, rehearsed speech expected of them.

"My thanks," Randor said, stepping down from his steed and walking slowly up toward Nuron. "May we talk elsewhere? I hear Castle Chryseum's garden have miraculously grown in their lustre."

"Of course, my son will escort your daughter to her chambers unless, she wished to differ?"

Nuron turned his attention to the lady who had dismounted next to Randor. Windswept blonde hair cascaded from her shoulder in ringlets, brown doe eyes looked around the castle in wonder; this was her first time here.

"I would love a walk." She gushed though the slight narrowing of her eyes told Nuron she was more alert than she was letting on.

"Of course, Lukurn would you please show Princess Silva the orchards? I'm sure their magnificence would be more than enough to sate her appetite."

"Of course, father." Lukurn replied, slightly puzzled but pleased enough to spend time with the beautiful new visitor. "My lady," he held out his arm and she took it with a smile, the searching look she shot at Nuron however was far from friendly.