Chapter 9 - The Little Dragoon

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Present Time.
There was a bustle about the castle of Kona as maids, cooks and servants all frantically spilled from the kitchens for the biggest feast the kingdom had seen since the King's five hundred birthday. Though no cause for celebration, still an acoustic symphony played out a sorrowful ballad. A top table was prepared for some of the more esteemed guests that were to dine with the royal family of Kona. Among them members of the senate and other prestigious lords and ladies that dressed in costly robes and fabrics, some more willing than others to flaunt their luxurious wealth as they dwelled in small talk waiting for the appearance of the King.
The Maester and his son sat amongst these guests and they looked as out of place as they felt. As Damani expected long before he arrived, It did not take long for the civil discourse to diverge into accusations and petty statements as Darius watching on awkwardly, could only bite his tongue and deflect questions he could not answer. 
“So…” one of the women said in an unbearable squeaky voice. “How long will you be in the capital?”
“That is for the King to decide.” Damani responded with a fake smile.
“As long as it is needed, such is the nature of their arrival.” Hadrian quickly asserted across the table coming to his friend's aid.
“And whose land will it be that is given up to make way for these vagabonds.” The squeaky woman spoke again, twirling at her glass of wine in hand.
“Silence woman, They have been chased from their home. Show some compassion,” The woman's husband anxiously chirped in.”
“I will not Mika,” she continued.  “A perfectly good home for their kind lies abandoned in the mountains, no?” 
“You're free to have the place,” Galiron grunted as he stood up to stretch his legs. Turning, he looked at the other tables and to the company of which appealed to him. “I'll sit with the drifters if that's alright with you my Prince.”
“Do as you wish, General,” Hadrian smiled.
“Who does this half breed think he is?” the woman remarked. 
“You will watch your tone with the King’s guests,” the Prince warned. “And you will show respect to a General that has dedicated his life to protect our borders.”
The woman seething gave a sarcastic smirk to Galiron as he left. The general was not impressed. “Cunt.” He muttered under his breath. 
Much bigger than even the great hall of Leuven, the crowd that gathered could only but admire the stonework that ran around the room. For some, it had been years since they last laid their eyes on such marvellous craftsmanship as still servants rushed round dealing out cutlery, rearranging furniture, lighting candles and refilling glasses that were drained just as quick. 
At the other tables some chatter bustled as to why they were being kept waiting, but that was to be expected. They had arrived during the early hours of the morning after many days on the open road. Tired and hungry among other things, emotions ran high over the losses suffered and to the fragility of their future. This along with the lingering thought of once again losing a home reopened old wounds that had never fully healed.
Finally, the room took to their feet and fell silent with the appearance of the King who entered the room to the surprise of the crowd. There was gasps throughout the room and the woman who had been vocal to this point let slip in shock the goblet of wine she was holding. Tobias, the great KIng of Kona clutched at a wooden stick to help him upright staggered towards his seat.
“I was not aware the King was injured in battle.” The squeaky voiced woman whispered to her husband but the words travelled down the table. “See, this is what happens when we stick our noses into forign affairs.”
“Mia, please be quiet my dear,” Mika again urged his wife. “This is not our place to comment on.”
“I would argue if such is a consequence of our charity.”
“You rode to our aid yourself, did you?” Damani prepped up to the surprise on Darius' face.
“Mika.” The Prince addressed.
“Yes my Prince.” The man answered nervously.
“The King does not ask much of his subjects… But he nor I will stand idle and allow such intolerance towards welcomed guests. Do you understand?”
“Y-y-yes sire… understood.”
“Please, do not stop on my behalf,” the King gestured to the musicians as he finally reached his seat, but the room did not resume its chatter. Despite having his suspicions that something was afoot regarding the KIngs health, even the Maester watched in shock at the weakness distilled into a man that was known far and wide as the pinnacle of health.
“How long have you been hiding this Tobias?” Damani asked.
“Time is relative my friend and death does not choose sides nor will it grant exceptions to even Kings. I have done my best to mask my illness but I do not see any point in keeping up this facade any longer given the revelations that have come to pass.”
“You're sick?” asked Mika. “I thought you were immune to diease."
“I am, Lord Brotherton but do not stress. This illness is not contagious, at least from what I understand of it. Such is the irony of it all.”
"Your life force is linked to the alchemy stone.” Darius surmised.
“Ahh, the future Maester. Darius isn’t it?”
The young Snow-elf bowed his head. 
“Yes," The King acknowledged. "I do believe the root cause of my infliction lies sealed atop Falaj.”
“We are all bound by the same fate it would seem.”
“Did you not hear the King when he said his illness is not contagious?” The squeaky woman spoke. 
“I did and yet something just as sinister threatens us all.” 
“I have heard of what you speak off from the mouths of others,” The King spoke again. “But I would like to hear it from the young Tassinari himself. It was him that made the discovery. Please, stand and tell all what you saw, and to any that would deny the severity of what we face. I urge you all to listen.”
Darius stood up before even realising he was stricken with nerves. He looked at his father for strength but quickly found it in the sincerity of his own experiences. “I have travelled to the edge of the world,” He began. “There, I saw a glimpse of our future and how it ends. The world as we know is dying at its core. Alchemy, magic.. or whatever term you choose to give it. We are more dependent on it than we could ever know. We have seen the extinction of many creatures since the sealing of alchemy and as alarming as that is, none could have predicted that our world itself relied on such a thing. The elemental stone that gave us life was the beating heart of this realm but that heart has been turned to stone and petrified, it beats no more.”
“What utter nonsense.  Tobias, you surely do not believe this tripe.” The woman nervously laughed.
“The King has asked you to listen.” Hadrian spoke up.
“The great quake just over one year ago was a warning of what is to come. But there have been other signs and now look no further than your own King. This is no coincidence.”
“What can we do?” Another member of the senate spoke up. “Many have tried to break the seal and yet they have all failed. If what you say is true, is there no hope for us?”
“I’m not sure if hope is the right word. But there has been a sighting. A light amongst the darkness.
”What do you speak off?"
“A dragon has returned to our realm."
“A dragon?” Mika asked, turning to see the King's expression was not one of surprise.
“Yes, Lord Barcroft. We have confirmed sightings of such a beast from numerous sources. Including many of own men." Hadrian replied.
“The Lady Brotherton spoke again. “Surely such a thing goes against your own conjecture on the fate of the elemental stone. Dragons are extinct and have been for 50 years."
“True." Darius responded. "I will be the first to admit that oversight. It is documented that dragons can sleep upwards to a hundred years, but if a beast of pure magic can survive in this world then we must understand how. Death is closing in on us all… We can only hope to meet it halfway and I plan to."
The crowd, already silent, remained in silence. Darius couldn't even tell when the music had stopped but the silence was eerie all the same.
“What are you going to do?" The King asked.
“I am not just going to sit and wait for the end of days. I am going to seek out the Alami. There must be something they can tell us.”
"Spoken like a true hero," The King smiled.
"The Alami have not been seen in years."Lord Barcroft answered. "For all we know they too are extinct." 
“I saw the dragons fall from the sky with my own eyes.” Karadin announced whilst entering the room apologising for his timekeeping. He took his seat before speaking again. “If one has indeed returned then I agree that it has defied its fate and such a thing should not be overlooked.”
“There has been no contact with the Alami in a long time." Lord Barcroft again pushed.
“Not all that is hidden is lost." Karadin followed up. I know where to find our furry friends. If Darius will have me, then I wish to accompany him.
“Of course,” Darius muttered. “That would be a great help.”
“Now, whether or not they will want to be found is another matter entirely. The roads that we must walk will be perilous but I have travelled enough to know which paths to take.”
"I’m going too,” Amadeus said abruptly, taking to his feet having remained silent through all the chatter. "I will ensure all paths walked are safe."
The King glanced at Damani and they shared a nod.
“What of the Atholians?” One of the Snow Elves shouted and the great hall fell silent once again.
”I implore you, Tobias.” Damani agreed. “Their actions cannot go unpunished… You must convince those who are stubborn and galvanise any other who wish to fight for a just cause.”
“For too long have I avoided the inevitable, but no longer. Even If this world is fated for an impending destruction then I would see it that I correct my wrongs before my time comes. Karadin in his absence has already set that plan into motion. We are going to war… I too shall meet death himself halfway.”
“Thank you Tobias.” Damani smiled as he took to his feet.  “I raise a glass to the King of Kings.”
“This talk has brought vigour back to aching bones. Your people can spend the night in the castle. I’ll see to it that they get more suitable dwellings tomorrow. Now eat, drink and be merry, for a dragon has returned to our world.
***
A few hours had passed since the last meal was served and after a moment of reflection the room was filled with music and dancing and for a time their sorrow and pain was forgotten. The King, despite not seeing much of it himself, had put on a night that was sure to be the talk of the province for the weeks to come as the finest musicians in the town played melodies that appealed to the crowd. Ale, far from drying up, was still flowing freely as Damani and many of the other attendees called it a night and many of Kona’s own residents that managed to weasel their way into the castle stuck around for the gluttony of a night at the expense of the crown.
“How is Tal?” Galiron asked, slouched over the table with a glass in hand.
“She's taken it hard,” Darius paused. “Not just with my grandfather but also with your fathers passing. She grew close to him in your absence.”
“So I hear. So he made her a warrior in her own right.”
“I-i-i think she wanted to be more like you.”
“That's an understatement if I ever heard one.” Amadeus barked out. “Girl practically begged father to train her.”
“You should go see her. I’m sure it would mean a lot.”
“I will… I should have gone a time ago.”
“Not like you to get sentimental." Amadeus said.
“People change Amadeus.” Galiron responded.
"Did you know the King was sick?” Amadeus asked Galiron, 
“I’m not at liberty to answer such a question.” Galiron replied.
“It is not a hard question?” Amadeus mocked. “You either did or you didn’t.”
“I swore an oath to the Royal family. It is not my place to comment on the wellbeing of the King or any among the royal court. Such information in the wrong hands could...”
“The cats out of the bag brother,” Amadeus interupped. Does it really matter now?”
“The principal of it does. Whether or not it's important is irrelevant. It is basic decorum not to discuss matters of such nature.”
“Look at you and your big words,” Amadeus said sarcastically.
“It's not exactly a big word. Seven letters, no longer than my name.” Galiron replied.
“Drop it Amadeus,” Darius said softly. “It's none of our business.” 
“I certainly don't get it.” Amadeus blurted out. “Though I’ve never been one for keeping secrets.”
“I was once like you…” Galiron sniggered.
“What happened?”
“He grew up,” Darius laughed.
“Keep your secrets then.”
“Amadeus tends to wear his heart on his sleeve,” Darius smiled. “Just like how you where.”
“Learn it from me brother. You're just more liable to get cut where it hurts. For me, It's not as trivial as simply keeping a secret. I value the trust that has been placed in me, whether it be to a King or to a friend… or even a brother.”
“How's the ale going down lads.” Karadin said, appearing from the crowd.
“It’s gonna be hard to get out of bed in the morning,” Amadeus replied. 
“Don’t be saying that. I hope to be on the road by noon.”
“By noon?” Darius almost gasped.
“Aye…Is that too early for you?”
“With what I'll drink tonight, I may need a day just to recover,” Amadeus chuckled.
“Unfortunately for you two, our departure time is non-negotiable and fortunately for me, I don't get hangovers. I do suggest you maybe think about calling it a night soon.
“We will,” Darius smiled. “Won't we Amadeus.”
“Don’t be rushing to bed on my behalf. I just wouldn't want you two regretting it come tomorrow. Oh another thing,” the Prince stopped mid turn. “Darius, I almost forgot. Father wants to see you before we depart. Perhaps you could stop by and see him now before you hit the sack.”
“Yes.. of course.” Darius replied before realising what he agreed to. “Is it not too late? Maybe I should wait until morning?”
“Nonsense. The old man barely sleeps as it is. No he will still be up making preparations for your departure no doubt. If you want I'll take you to him myself.”
“That would be for the best i think.”
“Will I go with him?” Amadeus asked.”
“That will not be necessary.”
Darius nervously stood up and followed Karadin out of the room as Amadeus helplessly watched on.
“He's going to be ok.” Galiron laughed. “The King doesn't bite.”
“What does he want with him that he can’t say to me? 
“I honestly don't know.”
“The best way to keep a secret is to pretend there isn't one.”
“I’m speaking to you as a brother. Tobias will just want a word with him before he goes.
“Why?”
“To give him directions or advice, i dont know. Now chill out and finish your drink. Ill be back in a bit” Galiron said getting up out of his chair.
“Wait, where are you going?” Asked Amaedus.
“To get us another drink of course.” Galiron laughed.
***
There was a knock on a door as the King called out for the visitor to enter. “Come on in,” he shouted as Darius peered though. 
A fire in the corner was piled high and burning with an intense heat as Darius entered. As he approached, Tobias finished with a letter he was writing, stamped it with a blue wax and put it atop a neatly stacked pile.
“I hope you enjoyed your meal?” Tobias said.
“Very much so, I ate my fill and then some,” Darius replied. “I have ate things tonight I never knew existed.”
"Very good," the King laughed as he climbed to his feet. "You will need all your strength for this journey ahead. At times you may not know when the next hearty meal will be, the same goes for a good night’s sleep so be sure to be well rested before you head out.”
"I have experience sleeping rough and tracking food will not burden us. We have endured both the Silver Mountains and the Northern Reaches."
"I am happy to hear that. Still, don’t stray too far from the roads for the wilderness will be perilous. Even the roads bring their own dangers."
Darius had heard all this advice before from Dalzell and from his father. It was common knowledge for travellers to be weary of fiends and bandits. Even so he did not object to the Kings advice as he knew he meant the best.
"When do you plan to attack Athol?" Darius said bluntly when he felt the King had said all he had wanted to say.
"As soon as reasonably possible. These letters must reach their destination and then I will await their replies."
"Who are the recipients? If you don’t mind me asking." Darius said looking at how high stacked the letters where getting.
In my lifetime, I have aquired quite a roster of friends and allies. Some are here tonight like Lord Barcroft and Lord Brotherton but there are countless others. Further wide there is the houses of Cilbaen and Lionsford. The free cities to the west, Sovos, Calif, and Ketema. The wood elves of Meridia, The monks of Maipe and lastly a letter I bestow to you to deliver to the Alami in the wet woods though I need no response from them.
“I see you mentioned the wood elves. Have they not cut their ties to the outside world.
“Yes that is true. They seldom stray from their boarders nor allow outsiders in, but we still confer from time to time.I do not expect them to fight but I shall let them know of my intentions for their lands are not too far from the Atholian border. 
“Is it true that they have a magical barrier that none can pass through?” Darius asked.
“Yes, but I have my ways of contacting them,” Ragner replied.
"Do you expect the others to respond kindly? I'd imagine some in the free states would be reluctant to help."
"I cannot be certain, but I have lived for a long long time. I know some of these races more than they know themselves. My words have been chosen carefully and I am confident my reasoning will prevail, for it must. Just know this Darius Tassinari. At the next full moon you have my promise that an army, the likes of which have never been seen before will be marching towards the Atholian captial. 
"Prince Karadin has insisted we leave tomorrow."
"Very well. He knows the lay of this land better than most. Now come, let me show you why I summoned you," the King said as he guided Darius into the next room. Darius eyes glistened as he entered. Countless jewels and rare stones and other things of supreme worth lay on display. Darius focused back on the King and followed him past all the valuable objects as he stopped at a mannequin that was equipped with unusually shaped golden bracers on its arms and greaves on its legs. Sharp angles but smooth to touch. On the torso, light silvered steel chainmail that reflected the light from the fireplace in the corner of the room. There was a belt with a crimson jewel within and the outfit was topped off with a crown that bore a matching jewel. 
"This is for you," the King declared.
"For me?" Darius said, shocked. He could only imagine on what occasion something like this would be worn.
"It should fit, but if there’s any adjustments needed, ill see they are done before morning."
"It should fit?"
"You are about his size so I do not think adjustments should be necassary, if memory serves me right."
"Who did this belong too?"
"I had this made for the legendary dragoon as a gift once I heard of the things he had accomplished."
"You never got to give him it to him though, did you?"
"No, but it's time Lucere had a new hero for it desperatly need’s one. It is inspried by the ancient armour the Alami dragon riders wore long ago. I had it made based on old scriptures for there have been no dragoons for at least a thousand years. Not until Darnell tamed the beast. I still don’t know how he did it. That secret was lost with him.
"I am no hero."
"Nobody is born a hero. they arise at unprecented times."
"Plase, I do not deserve such praise. I cannot carry such a burden."
"Heroes are never ready."