by A E Stanfill
Micha looked down upon William without any signs of emotion, “I hope my father can forgive you when he sees you in the afterlife.” He unsheathed his father's sword. “Because I will never forgive a traitor like you in this one.” Micha swung the blade, cutting William's head from his shoulders. “My father has been avenged,” he whispered, wiping the blood from the blade and sheathing it back to his waist.
“I am truly sorry that you had to lose William as well,” Gawain said, patting Micha on the back.
Micha turned his head ever so slightly and smiled. “Thank you Sir Gawain, but I lost him a long time ago. This man that is dead before me is not William, and never will be.”
“Well said, now let's do what we came here to do.” He unrolled the blueprints, looking them over. “Well, this is unexpected.”
“Sir Gawain?” Micha said. Gawain walked past Micha and over to the cannon, he was whispering incoherent words to himself as well. “Master Gawain?” Micha called to him. “Can we destroy this thing or not?”
“I cannot believe what breathes life into this abomination” Gawain said, ignoring all else.
Leon approached Master Gawain next, “Can we destroy this thing, or not?” He stuttered.
“Found it!” Gawain bellowed.
“Found what?” Leon jumped, forgetting his question from before.
Gawain took his knife from his belt and pried a wooden plank from off the side of the cannon. Reaching his hand into the hollow opening, it seemed as though he was searching for something. He didn't say a word to anyone as he performed these actions. Gawain stretched his arm ever further until his shoulder touched the cannon itself. He ran his hand around every corner until his fingertips made contact with something cold and metallic. “I believe I have found what I am looking for.”
“Will you not tell us what that is?” Micha questioned.
Gawain was still refusing to give answers, and wrapped his fingers around the unknown object. He gripped it tightly in the palm of his hand, giving it a hearty tug. “By the gods, this thing is hard to remove,” he exclaimed. He readied himself and pulled on the object once again. This time it cut through his plated gloves and into his skin causing him to remove his hand hurriedly.
“Are you alright, Master Gawain?” Leon questioned with a look of worry.
“No need to worry, Leon,” Gawain chuckled. “I will be just fine.” He took off his glove, showing a small gash on his hand that was bleeding out. “Miss Ellyn, could you please tend to my wound?”
“Of course, Sir Gawain.” She took some cloth out her pouch that she had carried around with her, wrapping it around his hand snugly. “When we get back to Wespington, you will need a healer to treat that cut. We don't want an infection to spread.”
“Will you at least tell us what it is you seek in that cannon?” Micha questioned.
“It's something that breathes life into the weapon itself, and without it the cannon is useless,” Gawain finally answered.
“Why didn't you just say so, I'm sure one of us can get-”
“Move out of the way,” Ulrich grumbled, as he walked in between Ellyn and Gawain, not even giving Micha the chance to finish his words.
“What do you think you're doing?” Gawain snarled, trying to block the path between Ulrich and the cannon.
“I am going to retrieve the piece of the legendary blade from within the cannon.”
‘How did he know of that? I myself did not even know until I had looked over the blueprints more closely, and yet I told not a soul.’ He glared at the young boy studying his eyes closely, not knowing what to make of the situation. “How did you know of what was inside the cannon?”
Ulrich smiled brightly, “I can feel the power radiating from it,” he answered. “The more pieces we gather the stronger it gets.” The boy was smart and when Gawain dropped his guard, Ulrich sidestepped him and got to the cannon. He reached his hand inside the hollow space and pulled the piece of the blade out of the cannon.
Gawain was upset with the child, however at that moment he was more concerned with how easy it was for Ulrich to remove the item with little struggle, and without getting cut. Ulrich held the piece of the blade close, and the item at hand started to emit a dark purple light drawing him in, at least in his mind anyway. Gawain watched in horror as the piece of blade that Ulrich held came to life, “Give me the artifact,” he calmly said. Ulrich did not respond, for he was in a trance-like state as he stared into the purple light. “Ulrich!” Gawain shouted. “Give it to me now!”
Ulrich with a devilish smile on his face refused, “I finally understand.” he laughed. “Soon I will make my dream a reality, this world shall be shaped the way I see fit.” His voice was dark, evil, it was as if the Ulrich of old no longer existed.
“What has happened to Ulrich?” Ellyn frowned.
“It's the object he holds, the dark power within has a hold on him,” Gawain explained.
“How do we set him free?” Ellyn cried out.
“I do not know.”
Unexpectedly for the others Ulrich fell to the ground, and the piece of the blade that he held slide over to Gawain's feet. He bent down to pick up the cursed artifact, but when he stood back up he caught a glimpse of Leon standing over the now unconscious Ulrich. “What did you do?”
“Does it matter?” Leon replied. “Instead of worrying about the how, I say we worry about getting him to his feet and getting the hell out of here before the castle guards storm this room.”
15
The New King's Coronation
The city of Drasal was throwing a festival in honor of the new king being crowned. There was dancing in the streets, troubadours could be seen on every corner playing instruments and singing songs of virtue. Even the knights took to the festivities, eating and drinking their fair share afterward dancing with the maidens in the town square. But not all were happy with a new king being crowned and voiced their frustration and distrust.
There were still a select few who wanted to know what had happened to King Edward, and why Lord Alistair was anointed to become the new king so quickly. But any such insolence from the townspeople was dealt with swiftly by the knights that were celebrating the coronation of the soon to be king. And if any of those scoundrels made it through to the actual coronation and caused trouble, it would be those knights’ heads on the chopping block.
Back at the castle, the coronation for that night was being prepared. Decorations were being hung, and the high priestess was preparing herself for the ceremony of the passing of the crown. In an hour’s time there would be a new king and a new destiny for the kingdom of Drasal. There was knocking at the throne door; it was Caine, and he wanted to discuss somethings with Lord Alistair. “Come in,” a voice called out, it was the Chamberlain.
Caine walked inside the room and humbly bowed, “Your Majesty, I have news.”
“Could you excuse us, Ballard,” Alistair said, motioning for Ballard to leave them to their devices.
“As you wish.” And out of the door Ballard went.
“Nice look for you,” Caine joked, pointing out the fact that Alistair was wearing a different sort of armor.
“I must look the part,” Alistair laughed. The armor he wore was a little over the top; it was diamond plated, and when the light hit it, it almost seemed to sparkle. And the armored gloves he had on seemed to have spikes at the knuckles. The boots on his feet made him at least an inch or so taller. The tippet that stretched from his neck was made from silk and had pearls attached to the shoulders, and lastly, he had the King's Defender sheathed to his side. “You said there was news to discuss?”
It was clear that Caine was excited but trying his best to conceal his emotions. “Our scouts have indicated that Gawain and his students live, and not only that but that another piece of the blade was found,” he explained. “It makes its way here as we speak.”
“That is great news.” Alistair slapped Caine's shoulder, “But do tell. Where was it found?”
“It was found within the Reaper Cannon.”
“That explains how the cannon got its power.”
“Now the cannon is useless to us.”
“If you think about it, this is good news indeed.”
“How do you figure?”
“King Adan has no bargaining chip in his hands, so we have no use for him now.” Alistair was happy that he could carry out his plans without issue. “Come now, we have a ceremony to get to.”
Later on that night the ceremony for the passing of the crown had begun, but as Alistair looked around his castle only to see a select few in his presence, that angered him greatly. “Where are the people of Drasal?”
“Only the counsel and your First Knight, and your Chamberlain of course, are permitted to witness this divine moment,” The Priestess answered. “The unclean must stay outside the castle doors.”
This will not do, if I am to succeed I need the trust of the people first and foremost. “Caine.” He glanced over at his First Knight, “Open the castle doors and let the people in to witness their new king taking the throne.”
“I don't believe that would be wise, my Lord,” whispered the Chamberlain.
Alistair turned and scowled, “That is none of your concern.” He turned his attention back to Caine, motioning for him to open the castle doors.
“Do not open that door young man,” one of the counselors demanded. “This is the passing of the crown, the unclean are not fit to witness such a moment.” With that others started to voice their displeasure at Alistair's decision as well.
While the counselors were bickering among themselves Alistair stood from the throne. “If I say the people are allowed to witness the crowning of their new king, then that is all that matters!” He flung his hands up in the air. “If any have a problem with that, then leave now and I shall find more suitable counselors fit to serve me.” The room became quiet, which made Alistair smile knowing that even they must bend to his will. “As I thought. Caine, please proceed.”
Caine opened the castle doors to the thousands of townspeople who stood outside just hoping to catch a glimpse of their new king. “People of Drasal,” he shouted. “Come inside these hallowed walls and witness the crowning of a new king.” He stepped out of the way welcoming the people in, and they cheered with joy as they rushed inside.
“We can begin, High Priestess,” Alistair smirked.
“Let the ceremony began,” the High Priestess sighed, and started to hum. Not long after the surrounding priestesses in the room started to hum along with her; it was a beautiful hymn and very well coordinated. The High Priestess pulled a small vial of what looked to be holy water from her robe and doused the crown.
She placed the vial back within her robe and lowered her head praying to her god Emilie, to protect the new king who would wear this crown upon his head. When the prayer was done, the High Priestess raised her head and the humming abruptly stopped. “Lord Alistair, kneel before our god Emilie, and all else in this room.”
Alistair bowed and knelt before the High Priestess. She picked the crown up from its pedestal and held it up in the air for all to see, before turning her attention back to Alistair. “Lord Alistair, do you swear to the god Emilie to uphold your duties to the crown? To serve the people with a wise and caring hand? To serve swift justice when needs be and punish the wicked? Will you promise to uphold the seven holy laws of the land?”
“I shall,” Alistair proclaimed.
“Then I, High Priestess of the church of Drasal, servant to Emilie and protector of the seven laws anoint you Lord Alistair, the new king of Drasal.” She placed the crown atop his head. “Rise and take your rightful place as King.” Alistair stood, unsheathed the King's Defender, and raised it up in the air to cheers from the townspeople echoing throughout the castle.
16
Terocs Have A Secret To Share
King Peregrine sat in the war room talking over his next strategy with his trusted counsel - he was worried that the warriors he had sent out to destroy the Reaper Cannon had yet to return. If King Adan caught them and had the warriors executed, he would never be able to forgive himself. “We have to act swiftly, I fear the worst for Sir Gawain, Micha, and William. But most of all I fear for those young warriors that followed along with them. Brave souls they are, but I cannot bring myself to think of the fate that has befallen them.” King Peregrine said with a frown.
“What is your plan of action?”
“I wish to use what resources we have left and storm the city Odrela.”
“That would be disastrous.”
“You forget who is King, if I wish to storm the walls of Odrela, then so it shall be.” Peregrine slammed his fist on the table.
“Think of your people. What shall happen to them when there are no knights, nor soldiers here to protect them?”
“I have to think of my men, and my people. If the others have failed, it will only be a matter of time before King Adan aims that cannon right at us. We have to act before that happens.” Right then Vardis came barging into the war room, “What is the meaning of this, Vardis?”
“King Peregrine,” Vardis bowed. “We have news that five riders approach the city.”
King Peregrine stood from his chair, “Roundup what soldiers we have left, and let's give these riders a warm welcome, shall we.”
“Your majesty is that-”
“Do not second guess me Vardis. I am your King, you would do well to remember that.”
“As you wish my Lord,” Vardis bowed again, before walking out of the room.
The riders approached Wespington, and just like King Peregrine had commanded, all of his knights and foot soldiers, along with the king himself, were there to greet them. “It's just Micha and company,” a guard called out.
“Do you see Sir William with them?” King Peregrine asked.
“We do not.”
“This does not bode well if they are back without him,” Vardis interrupted.
“Do not jump to assumptions, Vardis,” King Peregrine scolded.
Micha came riding into the city first, followed by Gawain and his students, and of course Ellyn, “Greeted by a King and his Knights. Such a grand welcome, for people such as us,” Gawain joked, as Micha kept his eyes fixed afar.
King Peregrine cracked a faint smile, “Is your task complete, Sir Gawain?”
“It is,” Gawain slightly bowed, then dismounted from his horse.
“Where is Sir William?” Vardis blurted out.
Gawain looked back at Micha and sighed, “Matters such as this can only be discussed in private.” He looked around at the crowd they were drawing.
King Peregrine also had seen the crowd gathering around them, “That would be most wise indeed,” he agreed. “Vardis take the men and scout around the city; we must make sure that none have followed.” Vardis nodded and rode off with the rest of the Knights. Once inside the castle, King Peregrine led them back into the war room and asked for them to take a seat. “Micha, please tell me what transpired in Odrela.” Micha refused to answer; instead, he lowered his head in shame at what the man he believed in had done. “Sir Gawain, would you be so kind as to explain things in Micha's place?”
“Of course, King Peregrine,” Gawain nodded ever so slightly. “But you will surely not like what you hear.”
“Let me be the judge of that,” King Peregrine responded. “By all means tell me what you know.”
“As you wish,” Gawain faintly smiled. “I won't go too deep into the details, but we did find the object of our search.”
“The Reaper Cannon, you found it?” Peregrine gasped.
“We did,” Gawain answered.
“And?”
“Do not worry yourself about the cannon, it has been dealt with.”
“That is great news,” King Peregrine breathed a sigh of relief, before questioning Gawain further. “And what of William? Why is he not with you?”
Gawain, with sad eyes, only said three words, “William i
s dead.”
“You lie!” Peregrine just couldn't believe that his longtime friend fell in battle.
“This is no lie, William did not make it out alive.”
King Peregrine slammed his fist into his open palm, “Tell me who killed William, and I shall have him caught and executed.”
“We killed him.”
“What?” Peregrine coughed, unable to take in what he had just heard.
Micha stood up from his chair, “It's true,” he shouted, and slammed his hands down on the table. “William betrayed us, he was the one that sold the cannon to King Adan after you ordered it to be destroyed. Because of him, my father died on the battlefield along with half the Knights Of Wespington, William got what he deserved for his crimes.”
“What Micha says is the truth,” Gawain said. “William was the traitor all along.”
“But why?”
“Revenge.”
King Peregrine held up his hand, “Say no more, I understand now why he would do such a thing. Pity I could not do more for him, but I had to think of the people foremost,” he sighed. “At least now maybe William can find peace in the afterlife that he could not find among the living. May he be reunited with his family if the gods find fit to do so.”
“May Hades find a place of torture for that evil soul,” Micha spate before storming off.
“Poor soul,” Gawain mumbled.
“Indeed a sad day for that young man.” Peregrine agreed. “But he is strong, and I have faith that he shall find his way past the hatred he feels right now.”
Gawain stood from his chair and bowed, “Your Majesty, I do not wish to sound rude. But now that the Reaper Cannon has been disposed of, we must be on our way, for we do have a mission of our own to complete. I feel bad for Micha, but that alone cannot keep us here.”