The Tales of Asedith- Loyalty to the Crown

by Donald Davis

  “Well, that happened,” Joshua said as he and Evalyn shared a laugh. They woke up the next morning, wrapped in each other’s arms. They had just laid there, enjoying one another's company throughout the morning. It was already later than Joshua had hoped to be leaving, but it was well worth it to him. “I wish I could just stay here with you,” he said. “So stay,” Evalyn replied.

  “Would that I could. You know of the oath I've sworn. Besides, my family needs me.”

  “I know. As much as I would like for you to stay, I won't try to convince you otherwise.”

  Joshua thought for a moment. “You should come with me to Roseshire.”

  “Me? Come with you? How would that work? Just as your family is in Roseshire, my family is here in Yordenfall.”

  “I know, but perhaps it doesn't have to be this way. If you come with me to Roseshire, we can explain to the king that our houses can join. I know it's a lot to take in, but think about it. A new alliance between one of the crown’s enforcers and the royal family of Yordendall could be very beneficial to the kingdom as well as our own families.”

  “Joshua, you're suggesting that we marry?”

  “I am.”

  “I am flattered, don't get me wrong. But, I'm still wondering how it would work. Would you move here or would I move to Roseshire? In the end, one of us would have to leave our family.”

  “Perhaps there's a way that I could still carry out missions for the king, but travel between the two cities from time to time. Either way, I'll have to speak to him. To my knowledge, there isn't an oath for a king’s knight as far as who he marries, so long that the king approves him of it.”

  “I don't know what to say.”

  “Say yes.”

  She grabbed his hand and smiled. “I would love to, Joshua. But I fear that I can't travel with you all the way to Roseshire without a definite answer. However, if you speak to the king and get approval, then I'd be happy to.”

  “Then it shall be,” Joshua smiled back and kissed her.

  Two hours later, Joshua had packed his belongings and prepared for travel. Evalyn’s plan had him feeling hopeful, something that he hadn’t felt in a long time it seemed. As he prepared everything and saddled his horse, Roland, his wife, and Evalyn all gathered to see him off. Since they were the only two that knew of the incident, Joshua and Evalyn wouldn’t mention anything to her parents until the king had given Joshua his decision.

  Joshua stood next to his horse and turned to look at them. “Thank you all for your hospitality and for allowing your healers to attend me. It truly saved my life.”

  “You saved our lives first,” Roland said. “If not for you, the assassin would have succeeded in their attempt.”

  Evalyn smiled, “We truly are grateful.”

  Joshua smiled back at her. “Of course, my lady.”

  “Thank you again, ser Joshua. We wish you luck in your travels,” said Roland’s wife, whose name Joshua still didn’t know.

  Roland spoke up once more. “You are always welcome in Yordenfall, Joshua. Thank you for your service to us and to the crown itself.”

  “Of course, Roland.”

  Evalyn walked towards Joshua and hugged him. Joshua quietly spoke in her ear. “What’s your mother’s name?” he whispered. “Avice,” she replied. Joshua smiled, “Thanks again.” They broke apart and before he knew it, the Braiths turned around and climbed the stairs back into the leadership hall. Before Evalyn walked in, she looked down the stairs back at Joshua, then smiled and waved. He smiled and waved back as she proceeded into the building and out of sight.

  It was going to be a long way back to Roseshire, Joshua knew. But as he traveled throughout the land, the days still didn’t seem as long or dreary as the way to Yordenfall had been. He thought of Evalyn often, and his proposition to the king. The days seemed to go by quickly, it seemed. Even though it only felt like a few days, Joshua finally reached Roseshire a week after departing Yordenfall. He approached the stables and unsaddled his horse. It was dark, but thankfully not early morning yet. Joshua walked by his family’s chambers and dropped his belongings just outside the door. This can’t wait, he thought. I must speak to the king immediately.

  After dropping his belongings outside his quarters, he proceeded to go into the castle and find the king. He would still be in the main chamber, probably finishing appeals by the people. Joshua made it to the chamber and proceeded in. He spotted Braden at the end of the hall, hearing what would be the last appeal of the day. Joshua hadn’t heard much from across the long hall, but he could make out that the king had denied the request, whatever it was. Joshua hadn’t time to care at the moment. He wanted to get back to his family, but now wanted more than anything to appeal to marry Evalyn.

  By the time Joshua reached the king, the crowd had started departing the castle. Braden, Joshua, and a few guards were all that remained in the room. “Ah, Joshua. I’m glad that you’ve returned. You’re feeling well?”

  “As well as can be expected, your grace. The journey back to Roseshire wasn’t as bad as I had predicted.”

  “That’s good to hear. No doubt in a hurry to see your family?”

  Joshua was surprised to see that the king seemed to care. “Yes, your grace. I’d very much like to spend time with them.”

  “I understand, you’ve been through a lot. Before you can go, I do have some questions for you though. Just what happened with this assassin I hear of?”

  “Well, your grace, it is just as the Braiths described in the letters. We were returning from the wedding when the assassin single-handedly attacked the caravan and almost took everyone out.”

  “In any case, by saving the lives of the Braiths, you managed to grow a stronger bond between them and the crown. This is very good for Asedith and the bond between Roseshire and Yordenfall. You have my thanks, Joshua.”

  “Of course, your grace.”

  “Also, how did the Braiths fair? Did they seem like they would be obedient and loyal to the crown?”

  Joshua wanted to ensure that Braden believed that they were. The Braiths have been trying to spread loyalty to the crown ever since the previous rulers had grown the reputation of Yordenfall to be a city of traitors. “Yes, your grace. The Braiths were nothing but understanding and helpful with all matters.”

  The king smiled. “Fantastic. So, you’ll be off to see your family?”

  “Yes. Though, I had an appeal to make first, if you’ll hear it.”

  The king seemed unsatisfied. “With all due respect, I’ve heard quite enough appeals for one day. Maybe some other time?”

  “Actually it would be best if we spoke of it now if you’ll hear it.”

  The king leaned forward in his throne. “Joshua, I’m trying to politely decline. We’ll speak of it some other time.”

  Joshua was irritated by this, but he knew better than to argue with the man who decided when and where he went for missions. Not to mention that he would have to approve if he could marry into his service or not. “Very well, your grace.”

  Joshua stood up and started towards the exit when the king stopped him. “Wait, Joshua. I do have other news for you.” Joshua turned around to hear him out. The king stood, then proceeded. “The wedding that you attended two weeks ago is not the only wedding that’s happened recently. Just a few days ago, I married your sister Emilia.”

  Chapter 16: Doubt

  Anger crept its way into Joshua’s mind. Along with it, a hint of fear. “You what?” he asked the king. Again, the king said the same thing. “Yes, it was three days ago. I married your sister, Emilia.” Joshua couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Not once had he heard of this before. “Oh. Why would you?” he asked. The king answered in his sly way. “If you take the time to think about it, the answer is obvious. Not only is she a beautiful woman, but she is also well known and well-liked within the city and the kingdom itself. As the daughter of the previous king, it further helps my claim to be married and bound to the previous family who once
ruled… Your family.”

  As much as it pained him to admit, it was probably a smart power move on Braden’s part. Binding oneself to the previous rulers would usually help a new ruler maintain power. By doing so, Braden would now be more popular and be seen as a fit king to most citizens. “I see,” Joshua finally said. Braden saw his frustration and tried to make him understand. “Look, I know that this isn’t ideal to you, but this is the best move for not only me but for the crown and even the kingdom. What better way to show the kingdom unity by their new king merging with the previous king’s family? It should erase any doubt that was originally instilled in the people’s minds.” Joshua understood the motive well enough, but still couldn’t be happy about it. “I understand, Braden. Truly I do. I just can’t be happy for you at the moment. It has nothing to do with you, it’s just that Emilia is my sister. I want her to be happy. I feel like I should have been here.”

  The king spoke on the matter. “I understand your concern, Joshua. But don’t worry, she’s happy. I made her very happy on our wedding night.” Joshua could feel the blood rushing to his head as he grew with anger. If it had been any other man, he would have struck him. But as there were guards all around them, it would have done no good and he would quickly end up dead. Joshua stood up and bowed. “Well your grace, if that is all, I will take my leave.” He started for the door again before the king said something else. “Ser, there is one more thing. You leave for another mission tomorrow for Grimedrift. I’ll send a servant to your chambers tomorrow morning with more details. Now, that’ll be all.”

  Joshua exited the hall and closed the door. Grimedrift?? What am I to do there? He was struck by the idea of traveling there, no matter the reason. Grimedrift is a small town that had been destroyed several centuries ago by unknown reasons, even though some speculate that it was magic of all things that caused it. All that remained of it now was ruins of old houses that had mostly been burned down. In fact, there was a perfect circle that surrounded Grimedrift territory that marked the buildings, grass, and everything with gray and black colors. According to records, all the citizens either mysteriously died or randomly disappeared. There are now dark and disturbing creatures that still remain there to this day. Anyone that had previously traveled to Grimedrift usually went missing or died in some strange way. I don’t like this. Not at all.

  Joshua returned to his quarters late at night. He carried his supplies and planted them in his chambers. He was still disturbed at the fact that Braden had married Emilia, but also that he would once again have to depart. He had just gotten home and was now going to depart on what was possibly his most dangerous mission yet.

  He figured that his mother was now asleep, so he would rest and give her the news the next day. Joshua put up his supplies and laid down in his room. At night, Joshua would sometimes think about things. Evalyn was one of his most common thoughts. He had begun to really care about her, hoping that everything would work out for the two of them. He was still infuriated at Braden for what he did to his sister. Not only that, but he wouldn’t even hear out his proposal. Things didn’t seem to go very well that day, and all Joshua wanted to do was hold Evalyn in his arms. After several moments of pondering, he finally managed to fall asleep.

  The next day, Joshua woke up to someone knocking on his door not long after sunrise. Joshua went to answer at the same time his mother did. Terra looked up and was startled when she spotted Joshua. “Oh, Joshua! You startled me,” she gasped. Joshua proceeded to answer the door. It was a man around Joshua’s height, wearing average clothing. “Ser Joshua?” the man asked. “Yes, that is me.” The man started digging in his bag and found the letter that was addressed to him. “Ah, here we are.” He handed the letter to Joshua, bid him a good day, and proceeded down the stairs and out of the castle.

  Joshua threw the letter down on the table just before greeting his mother with a hug. “How have you been, son?” she asked him. “Both well and not so well, mother.”

  “Ah yes. I heard of the attack, dreadful news. I’m just thankful that the Braiths kept updating us of your recovery. Without that, I would’ve been worried sick.”

  “I know. Thank you for your concerns mother, but I’m fine now.”

  “Son, I know you must have been through a lot. But we just started talking and I can already tell that something is wrong. What troubles you?”

  Terra was good at that. Somehow she always knew if something was troubling either Joshua or Emilia when they were growing up. Maybe that’s what a mother does. “Well, I’ve met a woman, mom. She kind, beautiful, and unlike most women. I’m so lucky to have met her.”

  “I see. She’s also a lucky woman since she’s found you. So, what seems to be the issue?”

  “To tell you the truth, I’ve grown fond of her. I think of her all the time and I can’t stop. In fact, before I left, we had discussed the possibility of marriage. But as a king’s knight, I would need the king’s permission since I am sworn to him. I tried making a proposal to him last night, but he wouldn’t even hear me out.”

  “I’m sorry, Joshua. Maybe you can speak to him today.”

  “No, not today. I am to leave already. This time to Grimedrift. That is what the letter is meant for, more details.”

  As the word “Grimedrift” came out of his mouth, Terra gasped once more. “Grimedrift?? Why there? What could the king possibly want with a place like that?”

  “I’m unsure. No doubt that there are more details written here though. He told me about the mission before I left last night… Just after he told me of him taking Emilia as his wife.”

  Terra leaned in and hugged him, tearing up. “I’m so sorry that you had to find out that way. They married three days ago, and the king only gave her notice a couple of days before the actual wedding. During which time, you must’ve been traveling back from Yordenfall.”

  “That cannot be a coincidence,” Joshua said angrily. “At any rate, it’s done now.” Joshua sat down at the table. “I don’t know, mother. I don’t know that I can do this… Not anymore.”

  Terra sat next to him and put her hand on his. “I know things can get overwhelming sometimes. I know that there is much going on, but I know that you can emerge from this stronger than ever. Now for your sake and for Emilia’s, maybe you should just try carrying out this mission and see what comes of it. If all goes well, perhaps the king will hear out your proposal for your own wedding once you return.”

  “Perhaps. I will try. Does Emilia and Braden’s marriage not bother you?”

  Terra looked at him sharply. “Of course it bothers me. But what am I to do about it? He’s the most powerful man in Asedith, with thousands at his command. I am only an aging widow.”

  Joshua sat and thought on that question himself. What am I to do? “I know, mother. I’m sorry. All we can do is try to be there for Emilia as much as we can. He had better be treating her right.”

  “I wouldn’t know. The past couple of days he hasn’t let anyone see her. Supposedly she waits for him every day in their quarters, but I think there is more to it than that.”

  “Well, perhaps I will have more leverage once I return from Grimedrift. Depending on what he wants from there, maybe I can use it to my advantage.”

  Joshua and his mom continued talking for a short while longer. Once he had read the letter, he and his mother discussed its contents. He was to travel to Grimedrift and try to observe the creatures that inhabited it. The king felt that there was some secret origin behind the events at Grimedrift and wished for it to be uncovered. And if at all possible, to see if the land could one day be cleared and recovered to move citizens there once again. No doubt that this was some ploy to boost his support and numbers once again. Joshua admitted that it sounded like a fool’s errand, but he would attempt it for Emilia, and for the chance of being with Evalyn.

  After speaking of it for a time, Joshua said farewell to his mother once again. He gathered his belongings and walked out the door. Within the hour, Joshua
was at the stables and he saddled up his horse. He would do this fool’s errand. Not necessarily for himself, but for his family and for Evalyn. Even though he was still irritated with Braden, he set out once again.

  Chapter 17: Gone

  Joshua was thankful that Grimedrift wasn’t all that far from Roseshire. Not as far as Yordenfall, though that’s where he would rather be. He continued to think of Evalyn often, as well as his mother and the situation that his sister had been put in. Instead of these things making Joshua weaker and distracted, he used them to remain focused and to stay strong.

  After a day and a half of riding Northeast, Grimedrift territory came into view. Joshua sat on his horse atop a hill. He looked down below to see the grass fade into a dark gray, then eventually almost black. Looking on even further, he noticed that the village itself was just a little further. It was down below, between two large rocks. The village was small and the rumors of it seemed to be true. Even though he was still a distance away, the village seemed to be abandoned and in ruins.

  Joshua could feel the worry setting in. How did it come to this? All his life he had heard of the terror that resided within Grimedrift: the stories of people vanishing, monsters roaming, and a village that seemed to have a mindset of its own. It had gotten so bad, that the king of Asedith from two hundred years ago decided to stop sending his knights and guards to inspect it. Everyone had given up on this village due to the dangers that it contained, so why would Braden need to send Joshua there? Something didn’t add up. But whatever he could find there, Joshua would try using it to his advantage to get what he wanted from the king.