Chapter 13

In the eerie darkness of the night, John's restless steps echoed through the yards of House Ironclad. The moon cast long, haunting shadows across the ancient stones, and a chill hung in the air. As he wandered, his senses tuned to the peculiar happenings above.

John's heart raced as he gazed upward. The sky, usually a tranquil sea of stars, had been marred by an ominous sight. Strange, shifting colors danced across the heavens, like ethereal flames licking at the fabric of reality itself. It was a sight that filled him with dread.

Without a moment's hesitation, he turned on his heel and sprinted back towards the fortress that was House Ironclad. Inside, he sought out Alex, who had recently adjusted to this lavish lifestyle in the midst of a medieval era that was anything but typical.

Alex, was in a luxurious bath, attended to by a diligent maid who poured fragrant water over him. This extravagant life was foreign to him, a stark contrast to the existence he had once known. As he enjoyed the warmth of the bath, John barged in, his face etched with urgency.

"Alex," John panted, "you need to get out of that bath. Something's happening in the sky. I fear the fallen knight may soon threaten the kingdom."

Alex, surprised by John's sudden intrusion, rose from the bath, water dripping from his imposing frame. He wrapped a robe around himself and listened intently as John explained the bizarre celestial phenomena and the impending danger.

"We can't afford to delay," John urged, his voice filled with concern.

Meanwhile, Ser Aric, the fallen knight, who had somehow obtained immortality. Was raising an army of lifeless soldiers and unholy creatures. What's more, he's drawing life forces from the future, and it's what has been causing these strange disturbances in the skies."

Alex's brow furrowed in contemplation, his mind racing. The weight of responsibility and the urgency of the situation hung heavily in the air.

"We must gather everyone at once," Alex declared. "Our kingdom's fate hangs in the balance, and we won't allow Ser Aric's dark ambitions to come to fruition. We shall stand together and face this unnatural threat head-on."

With a determined nod, John and Alex set their course, ready to confront the malevolent force that lurked beyond the enigmatic skies, for the destiny of their kingdom depended on their unwavering resolve and the bonds of friendship forged in the crucible of adversity.

Later that noon, In the grand hall of House Ironclad, Lady Elara, the Lady Paramount, had summoned a council of trusted advisors, lords and vassals to discuss the imminent threat to the kingdom. The air was tense as they deliberated the steps needed to avert disaster.

As the council commenced, hidden undercurrents of resentment swirled among the assembled nobles. A voice, laced with skepticism and disdain, pierced the silence. It was one of the secret detractors, questioning Alex's worthiness.

"We claim to have a knight from the future," the disgruntled nobleman sneered, "yet all he does is indulge in baths and feasts. I doubt he's capable of wielding a sword." The murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.

John, standing staunchly by Alex's side, spoke up in defense. "Rest assured, he will begin his training soon. His unique mark sets him apart, and it's a mark of destiny." He cast a reassuring glance towards Lady Elara, who nodded her agreement.

However, discord still hung heavily in the air. A vassal lord of House Ironclad, fueled by his own animosity, rose defiantly from his seat. His words were a challenge, as he declared, "I'll never recognize this foreigner as one of mine." He stood, and his guards and loyal followers rose to support him.

Lady Elara, her patience tested to its limits, rose from her seat, her eyes flashing with anger. "You would do well to remember the oaths of allegiance your father swore, to this house and to the kingdom," she declared with authority. "As the Lady Paramount of this house, I command you to stand down."

The rebellious lord remained defiant, and Lady Elara's patience ran thin. Without hesitation, she ordered a few of her trusted soldiers to deal with the insubordinate noble. Chaos loomed as the confrontation escalated.

Meanwhile, Alex watched in stunned silence from the corner of the room, realizing that the entire commotion had been ignited by his presence alone.

As John and Lady Elara worked to restore order and calm the tumultuous gathering, a tomato suddenly sailed through the air, landing squarely on John's face. The room erupted into chaos once more as factions within House Ironclad openly divided.

Amid the turmoil, a voice rose above the fray, suggesting a possible solution. "Make Lucius our chosen knight," the voice proposed, "and seek the Oracle's blessing to legitimize his knighthood. He can fight for our cause."

With tensions mounting, Lady Elara swiftly made a decision. She ordered her guards to escort her, along with John and Alex, to safety, away from the volatile gathering.

Left behind, House Ironclad stood divided, torn between loyalty to Alex and the prospect of Lucius, the chosen knight who might hold the key to their salvation. The fate of the kingdom now rested in the balance, as the House teetered on the brink of a tumultuous divide.