Thread: The Weight of the Crown (JellyFish & Greeneyed23)

Agatha froze. THe relief when everyone heard Nila would be alright was palpable. hama was the most evident as his huge shoulders fell. She looked at ehr family then turned and began barking. DUncan Siddell go inform the others. but that- She flashed her hand across in a slash snapping and pointing at Duncan. i said go. It is your duty as a prince to inform them that the Royal Family is not disrupted and we will reconvene in the morning for breakfast, in the garden as per our mother's wishes. Her face was hard and though they started to argue, the boys backed down rushing to obey. She looked at the brother and sister above Aretha. Liam, Gretchen. Go get the maids and cooks. have them provide anything mother needs. And help father out of his robes and crown. He is not to be in his royal garments while in this state.' They nodded and went off. Sweet Gretchen A wonderful lady and so beautiful. but weak. Her heart had a fault in it. She could never be queen. She did not desire the throne but it was still a shame. She would have been a fine Queen if her own body had not betrayed that possibility. She looked at a guard. You. Your name? He stamped his feet and pounded his spear down. High Guard Second Class Xavier Quint Your Grace. Wrong. Your name is Elite Guard First Class. He blinked. But Majesty I was only placed here- her eyes narrowed. Are you arguing with me? No never Your Grace! Good. This door holds the heart and soul of our very nation. you are to die before you let anyone not authorized by myself or my sister Aretha within. Am I clear? He stomped and pounded his spear saluting. To the death Your Grace. Good. Now I want you to tell your nearest fellow to bring the captain of the High Guard and the Commander of the Elite Guard here. At once. He saluted again and went to obey. Agatha looked at the maids who were watching in awe. Fix your jaws. Take the children to their rooms. it has been along day and they need a wash. Kurtis I will be there soon to say good night. Children say goodnight to lord Hama. The children all chorused goodbyes and many demanded hugs from the Dragon who onliged them kindly. As they went he watched them go then looked back at the princess waiting. he sensed he would have orders of his own. Xavier reappeared with the Captain , who was in golden armor, and the Commander, in silver, both looked very concerned. They started to speak but she cut them off.My father is indisposed for the moment. Commander Juba. The taller of the two, nearly as tall as Hama actually, and built like an ox, with the ugliest face in the kingdom, saluted and growled. Your grace? Agatha pointed at Xavier. This man has been transferred to your guard. he has heard too much to be only a high Guard. You will swear him in and take his oath now before me. Juba blinked and looked at Captain Tavel who shrugged. Juba grabbed Xavier by the hair and snarled. Do you swear by the blood of your father's the bone of your mothers, the heart in your body, the sword in your hand, and the spear you wield that you will die in the service of your King? Xavier blinked but nodded. I swear it. Juba backhanded him across the jaw. then say the Oath. Say the Oath of Death. Xavier gulped but obeyed. I Xavier Quint will give all i am, have been, and shall be in the service of my lord and Master King Patis Redsword, Ruler of of Ethlberg. His death will not come while i draw breath. I swear this by all that is . Both holy and vile. And may the Dragon's themselves take all i love should i fail him. May Zoar and all the gods keep my soul until my task is complete. Juba studied him for a long moment then released him. it is done Your Grace. She nodde.d Take him opout and see to it that these rooms are guard on all sides, both above and below as well. You will not let in anyone not of Royal Blood or authorized by myself or Aretha. is that understood? Both Elite Guards saluted. Good. go. And see him properly outfitted before he takes post. An Elite Guard should be properly attired. They left. She looked at Captain Tavel who looked back calmly. I have stolen a man from you. He shook his head. They are the King's men thus your men Your grace. I cannot lose what is not mine. She smiled, bur it was a cold smile. You are a good man Captain Tavel. Why is it you never sought the silver armor and the black spear? he shook his head. I did not have the proper bearing Your Grace. i displeased the former Commander. Now i am too old. Agatha nodded. Captain i want you to call out the Red Guard. He blinked. Your Grace? You heard me. Call otu the Red Gaurd. I suspect that soon my father will be riding to war. He will need his master warriors at his side. Tavel bowed. Of course your grace. Is there anything else Your Grace? Yes. You are to double the guard. Where Your Grace? The whole of Ethl Castle. He blinked but saluted. If Your Grace wishes I will be about her commands. I do wish it. Tavel saluted yet again and marched out. Lord Hama. Hama stepped forward. Your Grace? She smiled. You are not a subject to this kingdom so i cannot command you. But i would appreciate it if you would stay close. To either Aretha or myself. I may need your counsel, and I trust her's above all others. But for now i am going to put my son to bed. And i have another request for you.' You have but to ask Your Grace. She nodded. i want you to find the first of these elite warriors you discussed. Find him or her and begin their training. I want them to be at their very best. And when you deem them ready they will kill the Rezda once known as Frederick. Your Grace there is no time before- She smirked. I know what that chest is Hama. Please don't think me a fool. She smiled back. I think many things of you Your Grace. But never have I considered you a fool. She nodded. Good. Then please. train our warrior. Begin our war against the Rezda. Their presence has threatened my family. I will not let that pass by unpunished.' She glared up at him. He spoke softly. So softly only she and Aretha could hear him as he growled in his dragon voice. Then i shall forge you a warrior able to destroy nations. Agatha nodded. Good. She moved past Hama and looked at her sister. Aretha. I need you close until mother is well and father returns to the throne. i cannot trust the others to stay calm or strong. i need you. She patted her sister's cheek. i need your words. She hugged her sister then left Hama and Aretha alone. Hama turned toward her his face in shadow as the torches fluttered with the shutting door. He looked human but somewhat sinister. Your sister is wise. I will find this warrior. but I wonder this...' he moved toward Aretha. His presence was intoxicating. He smelled of a thousand thousand things. All of them exotic and delicious. His eyes were deeper than he pools at the base of Ethlberg. His voice caressed her ears. After I forge this warrior. After we win this war. Upon whose head will the crown lie? Not Duncan. Not Siddelle. Certainly not Liam or Gretchen. The skeins of fate are already woven. The next Ruler of Ethlberg castle shall be a Queen. And she is already of ruling age. I...wonder...who...could...it.be. He was gone. after his final word he had moved with impossible speed or simply vanished not even making the flames flutter. Fara way the sounds of the Dragon Doors slamming echoed through the halls. The silence remained