The west is reunited as the last of those who stood with the order of the three swords are hunted down and thrown into prison.
Your territory extends from the lush and prosperous fields of Dullac, which manufacture most of your empire's food, to the desert-like plains of Maggotscar that was once the capital of the house of Lordrez, a family of Eastern dictators and rulers who had captured the west. But now, however, due to their constant warring with their own flesh and blood, they have ended. All over, the oppressing banners of the Dullaccans are being burnt to symbolise their overthrow. Gotland, despite some rebels, also surrenders to the new rule of Emperor Alexander de la Crost. The province, as you all know, needs massive help. The swampy lands need to be dealt with by draining the murky ponds and streams to allow fresh, clean water to take over. Though not now, in a few years, it will become the lush and forest-like place it should of been all along. You sign papers and move the capital to Portswater itself, that will now need to live up to its reputation as capital of the fresh empire.
Hundreds of new residents move to the new capital, including much from Maggotscar.
A few months pass as the cold winter arrives, and though it was hard to keep warm, Aurora returned with her illuminating lights of the north, signalling her return. As planned, Prince Mortwood and his remaining 2000 men pack their things as they prepare to return to Wents. It is no doubt that the Farhallians have sacrificed much for you and your people and for that, you tell Prince Mortwood that you are eternally grateful. The people of Wents had answered your call just in time and hundreds of men who didn't even get a chance to say a word to you, gave their lives for your cause.
But all the wars are over now. You intend to deliver a reign of prosperity and joy over your subjects. One that hadn't been seen from the very beginning of the west.
"I thank you so much, Prince Mortwood", you say to the noble as he gathers his things in his room.
"I know how much you Farhallians have sacrificed for me. I know that you are my allies and I intend to return the favour anytime I can", you promise, holding him at the shoulders.
"Emperor Alexander, you are a trustworthy ally and a most welcomed friend. Since the day I first met you, you have been nothing but kind and respectful towards me and so that is why I had to return the favour by urging my father to respond to the call of his most devoted friend. May your reign be well and full of prosperity, Emperor", he wishes you.
"Your father", you say.
"I would love to come to his kingdom to meet and thank him personally", you tell him.
He smiles.
"Very well. I shall let the men know that his highness, the Emperor, will be travelling with us", this he says with a friendly bow. Both of you share the laugh.
That same day, you and men from your court join the Farhallians on their ships as you all depart to the kingdom of Wents.
You must say that you met some fierce winds and waves on your way there to Wents. The waves roll and crash as the winds blow them against you. This however, gives little fear to the Farhallians unlike you and your men as you begin thinking that this was a mistake and surely you'd drown before you can see the shores of Farhallia. Even so, despite your much worrying and fretting, the Farhallians turn out to be impressive sailors and they bring you through.
You land on Farhallia's shores. The feeling of being on a foreign land makes you feel even more royal. Prince Mortwood sends word of your arrival to his father who in turn sends a carriage to you. You see little in your carriage whilst you ride with Samorra and Cambridge. The air smells fresh and pure, not what you had really expected. When you arrive at the palace entrance and step out, you see a glorious building, built from neatly cut stones and bricks, with even glass windows that not even you have. There is a path made from brick leading up to the palace entrance and by its sides, plants and flowers.
"Just like you westerners, we Farhallians believe in hospitality and beautiful decors, but just on the outside. For some reason, my people value who you are on the outside than on the inside."
He then proceeds to hand you a hooded cloak which he says must be worn by all visitors.
He leads you and your men inside to a bright room, lit with torches and polished breastplates, hanging from the roof. There, you finally meet the king.
"Emperor! It is greatly pleasing to meet you!", a loud, mature voice greets, descending a flight of stairs down to you and yours.
He holds you at the shoulders and embraces you friendly.
"But truly. All I've heard are tales of a polite and courageous man who was high, knocked low only to come back even higher. Who are you really?", the king insists on knowing.
It is then that you pull back the hood and reveal yourself to him.
"I AM ALEXANDER OF THE HOUSE OF DE LA CROST, EMPEROR OF THE WEST. BUT MY PEOPLE CALL ME The Black Raven..."
YOU ARE READING
The Black Raven: plot of the three swords
Historical FictionLord Alexander has just come to the throne of Portswater, a province in the west known for aurens in times of trade, but steel in times of war. He thinks that being a lord isn't too complex, but what he doesn't know is that there are those cunning...
