17 The King of Nehcaa

Without Queen Ruhtra knowing, Sir Matthew was traveling to Nehcaa, the kingdom of King Rehtu-Baligant.

After having traveled for some days, Matthew finally arrived at the kingdom, and he did not believe his own eyes, for he was looking at a utopia.

After all the things that he had heard, Matthew did not expect to see such a peaceful and prosperous place.

As he walked within the kingdom, Matthew noticed the people were smiling, and the children were laughing, but it now seemed like Matthew's reputation precedes him, because two guards now came up to him, and said that he should follow them, which Matthew, with no choice, did.

Sir Matthew reached the inner-castle, and was led to the throne-room, where he saw the King himself, sitting on a throne of beasts and dragons.

Sir Matthew now learned these things about the King and his Twelve Palatinus.

King Rehtu-Baligant, the wielder of Précieuse, and the King has fused with Ancalagon the black, making him; the Black Dragon King.

The King's Twelve Palatinus;

Sir Nolenag.

Sir Orlando - the wielder of Ladnerud.

Sir Revilo.

Sir Oflotsa - and his loyal steed; Alwahm- the Chimera.

Sir Tenamada.

Sir Rogero.

Sir Ogier - the wielder of Cortain.

Sir Niplit.

Sir Huon.

Sir Sarbareif - the giant Palatinus, he wields the club of Goliath.

Sir Renaud - his horse; Bayard and his sword; Froberge.

Sir Charles.

Each Palatinus was keenly watching Sir Matthew.

Matthew now also noticed the mage; Melusine.

" Tell me, knight of Ruhtra, why has the Queen sendt you? " asked King Rehtu-Baligant.

" She does not know that I am here " said Matthew.

" Really? " said the King with a giggle.

" Then why have you come? "

" To ask that you and your Palatinus, never set foot in Tolemac " said Sir Matthew with a glare.

But King Rehtu-Baligant just calmly looked at Sir Matthew.

" I see that you love your Queen "

" With all my being " exclaimed Matthew, proudly.

" Are her breasts really that enticing? " said Rehtu-Baligant with a smile, while all his Palatinus giggled.

" Better to serve a good Queen than a cruel King "

" Cruel? " said King Rehtu-Baligant, surprised.

" Does my rule really seem that cruel to you? " asked he.

Matthew hesited for a moment.

" No… from what I have seen, your rule does not seem that evil, but I am sure that you are hidding something! " exclaimed he.

King Rehtu-Baligant just giggled.

" My dear boy, if you really think me evil, then why do my people smile? If you think me cruel, then why do my people prosper? And if I am really the tyrant you claim, then may God strick me down where I stand " said Rehtu-Baligant, as he had stood up from as throne, and was now standing before Matthew.

Sir Matthew could not help but feel drawn by the King's supernaturel aura and charm, but he thought of his Queen, and stood his ground.

" You may Indeed be a good King, but I serve a far greater Queen, and I would happily die for her " said Matthew, as he drew forth his sword.

The Twelve Palatinus were ready to attack, but King Rehtu-Baligant gestured that they do nothing.

" I am happy to see that Queen Ruhtra has such a loving and loyal knight " said Rehtu-Baligant, as he sat back down on his throne.

" What is your name? " asked the King.

" Sir Matthew "

" Hmm, I shall remember that name, now, Sir Matthew, I suggest that you return to your Queen "

" But- "

" Good Sir knight " said Melusine. " I think it best if you returned home, and not start a conflict which you might regret "

Sir Matthew thought about it for a moment, and then realized that he might be in over his head, which took him way too long to figure out…

Matthew now left Nehcaa, and returned home, to find Queen Ruhtra displeased with his actions.

" Why did you do such a thing? " said the Queen.

Matthew was quiet.

" Did you really think that you could kill him, all by yourself, in his own kingdom, surrounded by all his Palatinus "

Matthew remained quiet.

" You were lucky that you did not get yourself killed " said Ambrosius.

" Yeah, and I would say that it was all thanks to a woman by the name of Melusine " said Matthew.

" Really? " said Ambrosius, surprised and delighted.

Queen Ruhtra just looked at Matthew from atop her throne.

" Forgive me, my Queen, for I have sinned, but I assure you, that I will do better, I will be better " said Sir Matthew, while kneeling.

Queen Ruhtra just sighed.

" There is nothing more to be said. Go now and rest " said she.

Matthew did as he was told.

Leaving Ruhtra and Ambrosius alone, in the throne-room.

" So, what should I do? " said Ruhtra.

" About Sir Matthew or King Rehtu-Baligant? " said Ambrosius.

" Both "

" Hmm. To one, I suggest you watch over, to the other, I suggest you be careful "

Queen Ruhtra smiled.

" It seems like there awaits long and weary days for my people and my knights " said the Queen, as she looked out at her kingdom.