Chapter 30: The Dahlia of Quintus River
The Quintus River, the longest and largest river that flows to almost every region of the Arcondale Peninsula. It provides water to every life form that exists; According to the legend, the river is formed after the God of Creation swing his sword to the peninsula which was a deserted area. The Heathen Kingdom is one of the newly formed kingdoms in the peninsula but it is one of the strongest.
The Grasslands is a vast area where there used to be 10 Khals ruling together; however, a Khal of them realize that they can not thrive if continue living the way of the steppes. That man is Khal Kjartan, he separated his land with other khals, built cities, farms and forbid his men from raiding and razing. Thanks to him, fewer people die of starvation and fighting. Unluckily, his action has angered the khals of the Grasslands, and together, they form a coalition to attack him. But their latest effort failed and two of the khals were killed by Kjartan.
Carrasona, the capital of all the Heathen kingdom, lies right next to the Quintus River. It is large, well-defended by two layers of stone walls with a population of around 120000 people. In the middle of the city, we can see the Royal Palace, a large and luxurious place. Deep inside, there are two people in the throne room arguing with each other. The man sitting on the thrones gives a tough atmosphere with a well-built body and royal clothes, his age is around 45 years old and although he is a king, he looks confused about what's going on.
The person talking to him is a small girl with an age of no more than 12. She has white skin, light pink hair ad her height is about 1.5 meters. Her beauty can be described as immeasurable, she is Christina, the Princess of the Heathen Kingdom. Admired for her beauty, she is called The Dahlia of the Quintus River. But she is shouting at her father, Khal Kjartan right now:
- HOW CAN YOU DO THAT? I'M YOUR DAUGHTER, YOU'RE SELLING ME LIKE CATTLE.
- Listen to me, Christina, I have to do that. He has helped us in our troubled times and although I've defeated the Khals, I need more soldiers to attack Grasslands and end the trouble forever.
- Big brother says that you have more than 60000 men.
- The number of the enemies is 160000, and my scouts say that they are reorganized and will attack right after the winter ends. If the rumors are true, King Ivar's soldiers are disciplined and elite. With his support, I can become the Great Khal of the Grasslands, the position that no one has ever had.
- And you sacrifice me, your daughter?
- I do not sacrifice you, he is the best candidate for you. You'll be his queen and together rule over the Kingdom of Fortuna.
- But he is cruel, I heard that he crucifies his enemies and even let his wolves eat them. Moreover, he is a cripple without legs, I don't want to marry a person like that.
As a girl, Christina also dreams of marrying a hero in shining armor. That's why she can not accept marrying a man that doesn't have legs even if he is a king.
Khal Kjartan calmly listens to his daughter's words. From deep in his heart, he wants to reconsider his decision but he has sent messengers to the Kingdom of Fortuna already. Taking back his proposal now will be an open insult that can lead to war between two kingdoms. He can't afford to lose an important ally at the moment and create a powerful enemy. Although King Ivar is young, he has gone through two wars and wins even on the disadvantaged side. His troops, who are called Samurais and Demon Riders are said to be summoned from hell and immortal, no blades or arrows can kill them.
He shakes his and ay to his daughter:
- We will not talk about this topic again, he'll be a fine husband.
- But father...
- Enough, you are a princess and you will act as I say. For the goods of our kingdom.
Disappointedly, Christina gets out of the room. Her maid, Anna, is waiting for her outside the throne room. Seeing that her master seems sad, Anna comes closer and gently hug her:
- Your Highness, his majesty doesn't accept?
- Yes, he insists that this is the best marriage proposal that I could get. His messengers have gone to the Kingdom of Fortuna already, he has no intention to take back his words.
- Don't worry, your Highness. I'll come there with you, your mother didn't love his majesty at first, but when you were born, they fell deeply in love with each other.
- People say that King Ivar is a cruel person. How can I love him?
- I'll always be with you, if he mistreats you, I can always convince her majesty to ask Khal Kjartan to bring you back.
*************
( Change POV)
After discussing with my council, we have reached an agreement. I will marry the princess of the Heathen Kingdom and she will be escorted to Neverwinter in three months. I'm quite anxious since the last night I didn't have a girlfriend so I don't know to treat a woman properly, but this can be improved somehow.
I will give Arondight to Impetus to command my army, I do not intend to live Neverwinter for now as I have many works to do here. He will lead 10000 men from here and Kruger will aid him with another 15000. 10000 more will be mercenaries hired from all over the kingdom, they can be undisciplined but under Impetus's command, I'm sure that there'll be no problem.
10000 soldiers left from Impetus's formal army will be put under Charles's command and stationed in Neverwinter. My uncle can reinforce Meath in Kruger's absence to protect it from a possible threat.
Aside from these, I've been constructing a defense wall on the border of the Abandon Forest to protect Neverwinter from the Beastmen. There have not been any attacks since the last time but as people say: precaution is better than cure. Fighting on high walls and being well-prepared will be effective tactics to deal with who only know to charge forward like the Beastmen. I don't have the intention to march deep inside the forest since my men can be destroyed for not understanding the terrains and from possible ambushes.