Validation

As the large column of soldiers were making their way, James felt that they had a strong chance in coming victorious out of the upcoming battle. With every step that they made, the ground shook slightly. Looking over at Francis, James spoke up, "Francis. You have to teach me how to make a speech to such a large group of people. I do not know what happened, but I froze up." There was a hint of shame on the face of James as he was speaking those words.

Francis smiled as he said, "Don't worry about such minor things. In due time you will get used to it. I remember the time when Father made me talk to the men. I froze up and could not even form up a single sentence."

It was clear that Francis tried to ease up the atmosphere. Even Christopher and Warren joined in, as the group of them started to laugh together.

"What is that?" Warren asked as he was pointing towards the direction they were heading. A rider approaches them quickly. They had passed several merchants and convoys, yet never seen something like this.

Worried, they all started to hold their hand on the hilt of their sword. As the rider was approaching closer he started to yell, "I come in the name of King Wimbledon the 3rd. I seek audience with the knight of the Witterton family. I bring news from the king."

Hearing this, everyone eased up as they made way for the rider. James was the one that greeted him, "I am James Witterton. How can I help you?"

"The king has invited you to explain your reason for this campaign that you are holding. It is strictly forbidden for nobles to fight each other without valid reason, nor having the consent of the royal family." The messenger said. He handed James a letter, which indicated that he was summoned to the king.

Nodding, James looked around to his friends and spoke up, "Please, lead the way."

Before they could leave, they were stopped by Francis. "I will join you. I am sure that Warren and Christopher are able to lead the army to the gates of our destination." With that, he followed James and the messenger.

…

After half a day of ride, they arrived at the King's City. Without any delay, they directly made their way towards the palace. There was a large audience present. It was clear that the king had summoned several nobles in the city to witness James' speech.

Walking into the throne room, they were greeted by the king and queen. "You are now in the presence of the king Wimbledon the 3rd and the queen. Coverings of the Kingdom of Graycastle.

After bowing, they heard the king speak. "Knight of the Witterton family. I have heard that you are marching towards the king's city with an army. Can you explain why you are doing this?"

Hearing this, James understood the reason for being summoned. He knew that at some point his campaign would be questioned. Thinking for a moment, he spoke up, "Your grace. The reason I have gathered an army is to march towards the family of Herewealth. As they have dishonored my family as well as me personally, I am willing to take revenge and settle this by blood."

Hearing those words, the king was surprised. "And in which way did they dishonor you?" He asked curiously.

"They have stolen my legally married wife and are forcing a marriage on her." James said with confidence.

"Lies! They are all lies, you majesty!" A shout came from the audience. This voice belonged to Jake Herewealth.

"Silence!" The king commanded. Looking irritated at James he asked, "And what proof do you bring to such claims?"

James took out the paper which indicated that he was legally married to Loraine. A guard took the paper and brought it over to the king. As the king opened up the paper James continued, "As you majesty can see, I am married to the woman named Loraine Bloom, of the Bloom family. This marriage has been witnessed and accepted by the church. However, during my stay in Valencia, there Herewealth family barged into my house and kidnapped my wife with force. They are forcing a marriage on her. This is unacceptable."

"Lies! We have never done such a thing!" Jake roared out even angrier this time.

The king ignored him and continued on reading the document. After a moment he spoke up, "It is indeed true that you are married to the woman called Loraine Bloom. And if it is true that the Herewealth has kidnapped her and are forcing a marriage onto her, you have every right to defend your honor. For this, I will not stop your campaign. However, as the kingdom will suffer, I expect to be paid a heavy compensation for the damages." He looked over at the audience and called over to Thomas. As he was the head of the Bloom family, he was also involved in this dispute. "Thomas. Is it true that your daughter has been kidnapped and is being forced by the Herewealth family to marry into their family?"

Thomas bowed gracefully and spoke up, "It is true that this knight is the lawful husband to my daughter. It is also true that she has been taken forcefully from the city of Valencia. Moreover, it is also true that the Herewealth family is forcing a marriage on her."

"You bastard! This was all your plan!" Jake shouted with anger filling his eyes.

This time, the king did not ignore it as it has been the third time already. "Enough! Guards, kick that disrespectful guy out of here!"

With that, the guards forced Jakes outside of the room. He kept on screaming and cursing towards Thomas and James. Even after the door towards the throne room closed, screams could be heard from the other side.

"Seeing that the situation is like this, I will allow you to defend your honor in the field of battle." The king said looking back to James. "However, do not forget that any damage has to be compensated with a high interest."

"Of course, your majesty." James said bowing towards the king. "I thank you for your understanding."

With that the audience was over. There was no obstacle left to face the Herewealth family. It was time to prepare for the upcoming battle.

…