Aetherian(Part 1): A War Begins

Garrett

 Prince Roderick stormed out of the King's chamber sobbing, and Belle followed him down the corridors of the Ivory Tower. They were probably going to the sanctuary at the tower's base. Queen Alicent was holding Prince Vorian and Princess Andrella close to her, with tears running from their eyes. Garrett had a hard time holding his own tears. King Robar had been one of his best friends even before the Busch Rebellion, and now he was gone. The worst was probably Ser Lloyd Greylock, who was sworn to protect the King. Garrett felt more guilt than sorrow from him, and he soon left to the base of the Ivory Tower after Belle and Roderick.

"He didn't deserve this," Princess Andrella sobbed.

"I know," the Queen agreed. "Whoever did this will pay, I swear it."

"You know, Robar was always reckless in dealing with his enemies," Garrett reminded. "It could have been a few dozen people."

"Did people really hate him that much?" said Prince Vorian, letting go of his mother and sister.

"Ser Darien and Prince Roderick were attacked on the Kingsway a few months ago," Commander Vestarr reminded. "He certainly had a lot of enemies. I'll find out who did this."

"Thank you," said Andrella. Garrett went down the corridor, but he was more concerned with the people around him than the people who assassinated King Robar. With the King dead, the Lysanders had full control of Mistral, and probably Aetherian. Prince Vorian was technically a Busch, though. Maybe he would get his mother's family to stand down, and stop their attack on the Swamplands, saving Darien and Damien more peacefully. It wouldn't be a peaceful reign for Vorian even if the Lysanders stand down, though. There was at least a few houses in every one of Aetherian's regions that wanted House Karvine back on the Dragon Throne, and since Valeria Karvine has already completely taken over Alessia, it wouldn't be long before she arrived in Aetherian to wage war with Vorian. Garrett's biggest concern was the Guardians, who had been warriors long before Aetherian had been united by one. They had taken an oath not to swear their loyalty to anyone other than the people of the world they protect, and everyone knew that Vorian had wanted to finally bring them to submit. After that, there's no doubt that more people would turn against him, especially Karlon and the rest of the Snowlands. Garrett soon ran into Ser Brett Coyle, who he sensed a feeling of concern from.

"The bells along Mistral's walls have rung, Commander," he said. "Word of the King's death has spread all across the country."

"Is something wrong?" Garrett asked.

"Very," said Ser Brett. "Alyssa Busch has summoned the army of the Craglands."

"Robar's sister?" said Garrett.

"I guess she refuses to swear her loyalty to someone with Lysander blood," Brett suggested. "He hasn't even been crowned yet and already, his own aunt has turned against him. What are we going to do?"

"You and Ser Lloyd stay by his side for the time being," Garrett answered. "You are the Commander of the Dragon Knights, Ser. Serve Vorian as you served Robar, counsel him, protect him, lead his armies. Where can I find Ser Lloyd? He needs to know about Alyssa."

"In the tavern," Brett answered. "He's beating himself up."

"Go and tell the Queen about the Craglands," Garrett ordered. He then went down to the empty tavern, where he found Ser Lloyd sitting behind the bar with a glass in front of him.

"How are you holding up, Ser?" Garrett asked.

"Not as well as you would think," said Lloyd, taking a sip from his glass. "You know, a Dragon Guard shouldn't outlive his King. I've outlived four, now, though the second one didn't even last a month."