The tales of the Borgs : King vs King

Chapter 22

Two guards stopped Even's messenger as he entered the gate. "Stop right there," One of the guard said as he grabbed the horse's reins. "What business do you have here," The other guard asked as he put his hand the the hilt of his sword. "I come in peace," Even's messenger replied. "I'm just the messenger. I have a message for King Hjalmar," Even's messenger continued. "Who's messenger are you," The first guard asked. "I'm Even Falk's messenger," Even's messenger replied as he got off his horse. "Come with us," The second guard said as he walked away. Five minutes later Even's messenger and the two guards arrived to the great hall. King Hjalmar and Hertha were talking to each other as the other walked up to them. "King Hjalmar we have someone that you would want to speak to," The first guard said.

"Who is this," King Hjalmar asked as he stood up from his throne. "This is one of Even Falk's messengers," The second guard replied. "And as his messenger, he has a message for you," The second guard continued. "Oh, does he," Hertha asked as she looked at Even's messenger with anger. "Yes he does," Even's messenger replied as he looked at Hertha then to King Hjalmar. "He's been raiding our lands for weeks now," Hertha said with anger in her voice. "What could he possibly want to tell us," Hertha continued. "He wants to make a deal with your father King Hjalmar," Even's messenger replied. "That surprises me," King Hjalmar said as he walked towards Even's messenger. "You may tell Even that I would speak to him. Go back to Even now. Tell him that we would like to him tomorrow at noon in this great hall," King Hjalmar "Yes, of course King Hjalmar," Even's messenger as he started to walk away with the two guards behind him. After Even's messenger and the two guards Hertha looked at him with confusion.

"Are you really going to make a deal with Even father," Hertha asked. "I do not know yet Hertha," King Hjalmar replied as he walked back to his throne. "Right now I just want to see what his deal has to offer me," King Hjalmar continued as he sat down. The next day Even and a few of his men arrived to Asbjorn Island by horse at noon. Four guards led Even and his men to the great hall as they got off their horses. When they went inside the great hall King Hjalmar, Queen Kari, Hertha, Stigr, Olin, Felman, and twelve other warrior were in the great hall. King Hjalmar and his wife Queen Kari were sitting on their thrones while Hertha and Stigr were sitting in chairs next to the thrones with Olin by their side. "Welcome to my home Even Falk," King Hjalmar said with a polite smile on his face."I heard that you have a deal to offer us," King Hjalmar continued as Even and his men walked up to them.

"Yes I do," Even said as he smiled politely back. "Let's hear what you have to offer us Even," King Hjalmar said as his smile disappeared. "My brother and I fell out with each other a few days ago," Even said. "We argued about the raids I did on your lands. And how the last few raids have been failures. He also blamed the failure on me but he didn't tell his people he gave the amount of men for the raid. He made me, his own brother, a failure. For that I want to make him pay," Even continued. "And how do you plan to make him pay," Hertha asked. "I want you and your father to help me attack Geirland," Even replied. "I want to overthrow Calder and replace him as king. If you help me do that I would be forever in your debt King Hjalmar. I would also be an ally to you for future raids and wars," Even continued. "You have a deal Even," King Hjalmar said as he stood up from his throne.

Felman looked at King Hjalmar with anger and confusion on his face "Your brother has been a problem for me ever since he arrived. He threatened my rule and he threatened to conquer my king if I didn't give land and money. Then he sends his brother to do his work. I would gladly help you just to see him suffer," King Hjalmar continued as he walked towards him. "This is good news to hear," Even said as his smile grew bigger. "Thank you King Hjalmar," Even continued as he put his hand out. "My pleasure," King Hjalmar said as he shook Even's hand. "Let's celebrate our new alliance. Bring ale and food," King Hjalmar continued. Fifthten minntues later the servant brought out jugs of ale and platters filled with venison, chicken, lamb, and with some vegetables on the side. Hertha, Stigr, Olin, and Felman were sitting at a table eating and drinking.

"I don't like this allince your father has with Even," Felman said with anger on his face. "Even and his men killed my parents. I can't forgive him for that," Felman continued as he looked at Even. "I don't like either Felman but this alliance would be useful to us," Hertha said as she drank her cup of ale. "If we have Even and his men on our side we conquer Geirland much easier. Since he was born and raised there he knows the land better than anyone. Plus we have a new ally for the future raids. Besides who is to say he'll live after war? He may die by his brother or you in future," Hertha continued as she ate her chicken. A few minutes later Even felt like someone was staring at him. When he looked around he saw Felman staring at him with such hatred. At first he didn't recognize the boy but then it hit him. He was the boy from the village called Jeppe where he killed Felman's mother and one of his men killed his father. He started to remember the pain and the tears in his eyes.

Two hours later after the celebration Even walked up to Felman outside the great hall. "What is your name, boy," Even asked as he stood by him. "My parents named me Felman Hérou," Felman replied as he looked at Even. When Felman mentioned his parents it brought back the memories of the raid and how much pain he caused. It also brought back the memories of the raid on Jebbe and his men murder the boy and his whole family. "About your parents i'm sorry for what happened," Even said as he looked at Felman with sadness on his face. "It was wrong of me to kill your father in front of you. Please forgive me for my faults Felman. Let us put this behind us since we're allies now," Even continued as he put his hand out.

"You and your men killed my parents in cold blood therefore I can not forgive you," Felman said as he ignored Even's hand. "What kind of son would I be if I didn't avenge my parent's death? You're King Hjalmar's ally, not mine. One day I will kill you," Felman continued as he walked away. Five days later someone from the celebration went to Geirland to deliver the news of Even's betrayal to King Calder. It was a young woman who served King Hjalmar who arrived to Geirland. Rain was pouring down in Geirland when she arrived. The town was empty as she walked towards King Calder's great hall. A few minutes later she entered the great hall and saw King Calder sitting on his throne. "Who are you," King Calder asked as he looked up. "I'm a servant of King Hjalmar," The servant replied as she bowed. "I have news of your brother Even," The servant continued as he sat back up.