Valadel

Chapter VI

Cristomir sat back in his chair. He could feel Gallador's gaze, studying and criticizing him. Gallador then turned his head to look at Jenna, who looked down to avoid his stone gaze. The room felt tense, and Cristomir wondered if they made a mistake. Gallador stood from his chair and paced across the room. He walked over to a small counter alongside the walls of his office. He poured himself a goblet of wine, and shot Cristomir a glance, raising the bottle of alcohol in the process. Cristomir turned down the offer, as did Jenna. Gallador shrugged his shoulders and set his bottle back down. He raised his goblet and sipped the wine slowly, as if to draw out the suspense. Finally, he sat back down.

"How long have you known?" He asked Jenna.

"For a week..." She said.

"And you?" he asked Cristomir.

"The night of Oathbreakers return."

Gallador nodded. He took another sip from his goblet and placed it on his desk. Cristomir wondered one day if he would have an office like this, a chamber for him to issue orders, promote rangers, and walls to mount his war trophies on. He examined Gallador's. Behind his chair and desk, on the furthest back wall was Jorden's grand banners, bearing the iconic lion wearing the crown of daggers. On the left side wall were many magnificent weapons varying from daggers to battle axes. On the wall to the right were many portraits of the many leaders of the rangers. In the center was Rorden, the original ranger and the warrior king. Cristomir wondered if he would ever achieve a status like the one that man had.

"Well Cristomir, I like you and you know that. You and your cousin are like sons to me, as I never had one. So I am of course, pleased to hear of my daughters pregnancy and your soon to be marriage. However, I know you in ways my daughter doesn't, I know what kind of man you are. And if you are as bad a father as you are a ranger, I'll have you imprisoned."

Cristomir face twisted into confusion. He tried to comprehend what Gallador had just said to him. He had tried his best to be a great ranger for two years, did Gallador really believe that? What if he did? What if he-

Finally, Gallador started laughing.

"I'm kidding, man! I can't think of a better man I'd want my daughter to be with! Except for maybe...Tytus." Cristomir felt a little awkward once more, but again, Gallador laughed. "Oh ye of little humor. Come, stand up!"

Cristomir did so and Gallador hugged him. Jenna did so too and he kissed her on her forehead.

"I assure you, this is amazing news. I can't wait to be a grandfather, although it will be hard to admit I am one. This is a splendid day! Now, why don't you two head off. I have a lot of work to do, about the castle and what not. I'll speak with you later."

"Bye father." Said Jenna.

"Goodbye sir." Said Cristomir. As Jenna had left through the door, Cristomir could feel Gallador plant his hand on his shoulder. He pulled him to the side of the room and stood a little close in front of him.

"Cristomir, all joking aside, I do want to talk to you about your soon to be marriage and fatherhood. Neither are easy, in truth, they're harder than fighting wars. But no matter how hard they will be, you must swear to me, swear to me you will never leave my daughter or your child, you will never treat them badly, and you will never whore around with other women. Do you understand?"

Cristomir stood brave in front of his mentor and leader. He slowly nodded. "Of course, Gallador. I love Jenna with all my heart. I will never hurt her, I promise."

Gallador smiled. "Good on ya, Cristomir. And one more thing before you leave. You're marriage will be in the next moon."

Cristomir opened his mouth to protest. "Gallador, we want an autumn wedding, we've decided this long ago."