The King's Command
A little later you make your way to the throne room. Hopefully Nat's distraction didn't make you too late. You swing open the heavy double doors and instantly see Queen Laurine's scowl upon your tardiness. Figuring it would be better to draw less attention, you take the first open seat at the back of the room.
King Orson and Queen Laurine sit upon their thrones in front of rows of extravagantly-dressed noblemen and women. In the front row you eye the backs of Duke Kane and Baron Reginald. Both held incredible military might and seemingly endless wealth. It's no surprise they have the best seats as both were instrumental in the growth and defense of the kingdom.
Duke Kane's Order of Knights were the best trained warriors in Brelia. More than a few times, King Orson called upon them to protect the kingdom. As far as you knew, the Duke was loyal to the throne. His son, Garrick, was highly regarded for his weapon mastery and dueling ability.
Baron Reginald was more of a loose cannon. His background in politics and trade meant he relied upon his guile rather than raw physical strength. The Baron was a well-informed man. Nothing stayed a secret from him long. For that reason, you’ve always kept a safe distance away from his daughter, Caitlyn.
“...they have grown too bold. We must show them the military might of Brelia!” the baron's voice rings out over the crowd.
“Nonsense Reginald," Duke Kane interjects. "Moving soldiers near to the border would look like an invasion force on Rath. We have been at peace for a decade now. We don’t need to give them cause for another war. Besides, Prince Urijah is on a diplomatic mission in Rath. We risk losing the heir to the throne if we assemble soldiers near the border.”
“We can’t just allow our villages to burn! My King, we must act!” the Baron replies heated.
King Orson holds a hand up, silencing the crowd from growing louder. He stands from the throne and paces a few times back and forth as if in an internal debate. His fingers find his lengthy beard in thought. After a few moments, he looks up and addresses the court.
“We must not act in a way that would appear aggressive to the Nation of Rath," he speaks. "Many of our countrymen died in the war and I would not dare compromise their sacrifice—”
“—but my King!” Baron Reginald interjects.
Orson silences him with another wave of his hand.
“Your King is speaking. You would remember your place, Baron,” the king icily spoke, “I will not forsake our citizens to invaders, bandits, slavers, or anyone else. I will send a small company of soldiers led by my own son to discover the threat at our borders. I will not put the heir in danger by sending a full battalion. My second born will scout and report back. Then we will decide the best course of action. If Rath has betrayed our peace treaty, then they will face the full might of Brelia. My son, step forward.”
Shaken by the King’s command, you rise from your chair and walk towards the front of the room. At this point, every eye in the room is fixed upon you.
“My son. You have heard the trial placed before you. Along with a few of my elite soldiers, you will travel to the western border and discover the source of these attacks. I am taking a risk sending the second born while the heir is on a diplomatic mission, but there is no one I trust greater to accomplish this task. I will not be the only parent taking such a risk. Garrick, son of Kane, and Caitlyn, daughter of the Baron, step forward. You will accompany the prince. The court understands the threat of our border is something that cannot be ignored. You will depart at first light.”
King Orson and Queen Laurine sit upon their thrones in front of rows of extravagantly-dressed noblemen and women. In the front row you eye the backs of Duke Kane and Baron Reginald. Both held incredible military might and seemingly endless wealth. It's no surprise they have the best seats as both were instrumental in the growth and defense of the kingdom.
Duke Kane's Order of Knights were the best trained warriors in Brelia. More than a few times, King Orson called upon them to protect the kingdom. As far as you knew, the Duke was loyal to the throne. His son, Garrick, was highly regarded for his weapon mastery and dueling ability.
Baron Reginald was more of a loose cannon. His background in politics and trade meant he relied upon his guile rather than raw physical strength. The Baron was a well-informed man. Nothing stayed a secret from him long. For that reason, you’ve always kept a safe distance away from his daughter, Caitlyn.
“...they have grown too bold. We must show them the military might of Brelia!” the baron's voice rings out over the crowd.
“Nonsense Reginald," Duke Kane interjects. "Moving soldiers near to the border would look like an invasion force on Rath. We have been at peace for a decade now. We don’t need to give them cause for another war. Besides, Prince Urijah is on a diplomatic mission in Rath. We risk losing the heir to the throne if we assemble soldiers near the border.”
“We can’t just allow our villages to burn! My King, we must act!” the Baron replies heated.
King Orson holds a hand up, silencing the crowd from growing louder. He stands from the throne and paces a few times back and forth as if in an internal debate. His fingers find his lengthy beard in thought. After a few moments, he looks up and addresses the court.
“We must not act in a way that would appear aggressive to the Nation of Rath," he speaks. "Many of our countrymen died in the war and I would not dare compromise their sacrifice—”
“—but my King!” Baron Reginald interjects.
Orson silences him with another wave of his hand.
“Your King is speaking. You would remember your place, Baron,” the king icily spoke, “I will not forsake our citizens to invaders, bandits, slavers, or anyone else. I will send a small company of soldiers led by my own son to discover the threat at our borders. I will not put the heir in danger by sending a full battalion. My second born will scout and report back. Then we will decide the best course of action. If Rath has betrayed our peace treaty, then they will face the full might of Brelia. My son, step forward.”
Shaken by the King’s command, you rise from your chair and walk towards the front of the room. At this point, every eye in the room is fixed upon you.
“My son. You have heard the trial placed before you. Along with a few of my elite soldiers, you will travel to the western border and discover the source of these attacks. I am taking a risk sending the second born while the heir is on a diplomatic mission, but there is no one I trust greater to accomplish this task. I will not be the only parent taking such a risk. Garrick, son of Kane, and Caitlyn, daughter of the Baron, step forward. You will accompany the prince. The court understands the threat of our border is something that cannot be ignored. You will depart at first light.”