1 The end of a War

Some could consider an ending of a long lasting war a day of happiness and celebration but every topic has it's opposition. William Valens was not happy while he marched in his armor through the fancy hallways of the Kings castle. He wasn't particularly upset about the ending of the war but rather disappointed that he would not have chances to prove his heroism so often from now on.

His lifelong dream was to obtain the legendary and most respected prize, The Greatest Hero's Reward. The legendary reward was granted only for the bravest and best soldiers of the kingdom. During the history of Kingdom of Verend only 9 people were to ever get it. The latest being William's mother who was just a simple maid girl when she got it.

William's mom, Jeanna Valens was the only one awake in her mansion when a group of furious orcs attacked. She knew the guards wouldn't never get there in time so she grabbed a decorative sword from the fireplace and stood her ground against the orcs. Somehow without any fighting skills she killed a dozen of brute orcs. The king who ruled at the time personally invited Jeanna to a ceremony where she was given The Greatest Hero's Reward. After becoming a loved figure by the people she started training and was later send to the war.

William grew up idolizing his own mother and started training with the sword at a very young age. He wanted to get the same admiration that his mother had gained so he later joined the army and soon the long war against orcs began. William saved a plenty of villages from raiding orcs and lost count how many he had killed after a week.

Despite his great efforts and rising through the ranks in the army, William didn't get any sort of message from the king. So now he decided to go see the king himself and ask about the reward. But he was a bit nervous about the meeting because he hadn't notified the king in any way. William usually sorted people by their actions and achievements rather than just being born into a powerful family or a social status. He feared that the king wouldn't want to see William at all because he was a son of a merchant and a maid.

"Nonsense, I'm just worrying too much. And my mother was in a respected role in the kingdom", William thought to himself and went closer to the doors that led to the king's great hall.

"Knock, knock, knock", William knocked the large doors.

"Who is there? Come inside and introduce yourself please", the king's voice shouted across the room. William had only heard the king once before, when he gave a speech about the upcoming war. It was a long ago but William still remembered the calming yet inspiring voice of the king.

"It is I, the lieutenant colonel William Valens and I would like to discuss for a minute with your highness if it doesn't cause too much trouble", William answered formally. He always hated too formal speaking because it didn't get straight to the point and was unnecessary flattering to the other one. But his time in the army had taught him that pleasing people higher his own rank kept him out of trouble and sometimes caused something good so he had gotten used to it.

"So what is your topic of discussion lieutenant colonel Valens?" the king asked with his soothing voice.

"Well I assume you have heard about my mother Jeanna. She got The Greatest Hero's Reward fairly easily" William told the king.

"I indeed know about your brave mother but what do you mean?" The king wondered.

"My whole reason joining the army was obtaining the same reward but despite my efforts being far greater I've got nothing!" William said a little aggressively. He was tired circling around the topic so he went straight to the point.

"Calm down please. There's no need to get mad here. My father told me that the people needed a public figure back then. A shy little girl defeating orcs was a perfect way of showing that anyone could join the army and be a hero", the king explained.

"I think I understand but why haven't I got it? I literally saved many people risking my own life and this is what I deserve?" William bridled.

"After the war we are in no need of a hero figure right now. And I apologise for your mother's death. Even though she had a brave heart she couldn't survive long without a proper training", the king said sadness in his eyes.

"Sigh... I understand. But hey do you hear that sound?" William asked worried. They both listened more carefully and heard a rumbling and a menacing noise coming from the distance. Soon they saw a scorching fireball coming closer through the roof windows.

"TAKE COVER!" William shouted and stepped behind a stone pillar.

To be continued ->