The Early Chronicles Book Five: By Desert Divided

Chapter 2

King Rynard's arrival was awaited by the queen and her advisors, as well as some of her knights and attendants.  Swanwhite stood in her stiff green finery on the grand palace steps with Goran to her right and Rufus to her left. 

"I cannot remember the last time I spoke with the king."  Swanwhite said nervously.  

"Worry not, your majesty.  He is a good man and shall respect you greatly."  Goran encouraged.  Swanwhite took a deep breath and raised her chin to a posture more befitting for a royal welcome.  Ulmnus the Faun entered the courtyard and blew a heraldry trumpet that sounded warm and noble as it reverberated around the stone courtyard.  

"Presenting his royal highness, the lord of Anvard, King Rynard of Archenland."  Ulmnus announced.  An array of bright colors flurried into the courtyard as many horses trotted in, tossing their manes and carrying the king's company.  Swanwhite instantly spotted King Rynard atop a magnificent white charger.  He wore purple and red robes and a golden circlet on his brow.  Though he had streaks of grey in his dark brown beard and he sat heavily upon his horse, there was no mistaking his strength and fierceness.  The pounding of hooves slowed to a steady clip-clop as the visitors assembled in a cluster in the courtyard.  Archenland attendants took hold of the king's horse while he dismounted, and Swanwhite, Goran, and Rufus descended the stairs to meet him.  Swanwhite felt slightly shy at the king's presence as she approached him.  

"King Rynard, you are most welcome."  She recited and curtsied slightly.  King Rynard placed a hand on his sword hilt and bowed at the waist to her. 

"Queen Swanwhite, you are much grown since last we met."  The king smiled slightly under his beard.  Swanwhite relaxed a little, grateful that the king wasn't as fierce as he looked.  Goran stepped forward and bowed low before grasping the king's offered hand.

"King Rynard, an esteemed pleasure."  Goran said with a diplomatic politeness, but then a smile curved his lips.

"Goran, my old friend!  Although I suppose it is General Goran now."  The king said with mirth in his eyes.

"Always Goran to you, my lord."

King Rynard chuckled pleasantly and clapped Goran's shoulder.  Swanwhite smiled at the obvious friendship between the two of them, and decided she was going to like King Rynard very much.

"I look forward to chatting with you, but first you must come inside and refresh yourself, as you must be tired."  She gestured towards the palace doors.

"Thank you, my lady, I believe I shall.  Perhaps we may discuss business in two hours hence?"  He removed his riding gloves and handed them to a servant nearby.

"Certainly.  My Captain Rufus will show you to your accommodations."  She said. 

"Your highness."  King Rynard bowed slightly and she did the same before walking back up the palace steps.  

That evening, Swanwhite, Goran, Rufus, and King Rynard sat in Swanwhite's private library.  King Rynard talked of the hearty Archenland crop and told Goran who was still in his service (since they both knew the same people), and Rufus talked with the king about events that had happened many years ago even before Swanwhite or Goran were born.  Swanwhite greatly enjoyed the king's company and noticed how great of an influence he'd had on Goran's character.  King Rynard was fierce as a lion and had the outward appearance of someone hard as steel, but inside he seemed to have the heart of a champion and the kindness of a grandfather.  

"Tell me, Swanwhite.  Has Goran been behaving himself?"  The king teased.  

"On most occasions."  Swanwhite smiled and glanced sideways at her general.