Paladin - the path north volume one

Chapter 18

Rorgard, King of Keldran looked upwards as the demon cloud dispersed overhead, everything the Elf had told him had come to pass after all. He stepped down from the great halls tower, entering the hall and leaving through the main doors, his daughters looked at the open door with fear from under a long table.

"Don't worry girls, nothing out there can harm you. I promise."

His girls all seemed calmed by his words, he would never let anyone hurt them, they meant everything to him... especially now.

"Do you have to go, father?" Velainna asked, she was usually the calmest of his daughters... but the storm had unnerved her.

"Do not fear for me, the Elf has been right about all things so far and there is something now that must be done."

She went back to her mother and sisters, now huddled by the fire pit. What it must be like to feel the warmth and the bite of the cold... he shut the door behind him and set off for the main gate, his sons falling in behind him, led by his eldest Rorhelm, all his sons took after him, each with dark beards... except for Rordan his youngest, he had the fiery red hair of his mother and a temper to match.

"Are the preparations complete?" he asked of his eldest as they descended the first great stair down to the third level of the city.

"They are, father, the men are placed as you asked and enough pigs blood has been distributed."

"Excellent. Rorgam, Rorvan, supervise the operation," he ordered of his sons. Each bowing before leaving for their respective positions.

With the storm having passed the wind had now dropped, perfect conditions he thought. Rordan stood beside him, clenching his fists.

"Why can I not fight father? I am my brothers equal in battle" he demanded, his face starting to redden in frustration.

"Because there is a hierarchy to these things, your eldest brother will be King one day, you and your other brothers his captains. Before I entrust you with any task you'll control that damn temper. I will not tolerate your hot-headedness to ruin over a decade of preparation... do you understand me, son?"

Rordan nodded, though his face was still flushed and he was sure dealing with his youngest son would be a pain in the future. They all made their way down to the second level where Rorgard's bodyguards joined them, forming a protective shell around him and parting the growing crowds. The journey down to the first level took a little longer, the people were now out in large numbers, his guards trying not to injure those in his way. They emerged out on to a stage, guards posted all around. His sons following him as he ascended onto the raised platform that looked down into the lower city. The main courtyard hung with banners and flying flags from each of the tribes... now they just had to wait.

Rorgard didn't have to wait long, a rolling of drums signalled the arrival of the approaching Paladins. The gates swung open and the group of hundreds passed through the gatehouse and out into the courtyard, the gates swinging shut behind them.

"Welcome to Kendral castle, all peoples are welcome to enter in peace," he called out, his voice carrying down to the gathered Paladins.

The group of them bowed in unison, becoming less tense after arriving in the city. Rorgard looked to Rorhelm who nodded at him in acknowledgement. A trumpet sounded from beside them, two more sounding from below in the wings of the courtyard.

"But you are not people, you are demons, filth in need of extermination!" he called out.

The Elf had warned him of their arrival after the storm and he had prepared accordingly. As the trumpets ceased, crossbowmen and archers rose from the courtyards wings, the demons backing up against each other in fear.