Chapter I: Returning Home

     "Impulsive," I muttered, shaming myself, "That wasn't very clever."

     I scolded myself as I headed back. It would take at least a day to reach the capital without a horse. Unfortunately my outburst caused it to dash off. Walking the first few miles, I contemplated on the matter at hand: The royal family's situation.

     "I pray Her Royal Majesty is being patient." Sighing, I looked up to the sky, hoping the deities would bless the kingdom regarding this event. A dryad like I should be under a god or goddess should I not? But not once has a deity come to claim or instruct me.

     Considering I had burned down the forest around the battlefield after the Knights had left, all the creatures had been scared off. Though I eventually reached an unburned forest and began to look for a faster way to get to the kingdom. I was still in the northern outskirts of Brienne land, so the temperatures are considerably low compared to the kingdom's capital. With this note, I looked for mountable animals such as elk. This wasn't that difficult to do since no one really comes to the outskirts, which made the wildlife peaceful and comfortable. That battle aside. I soon found a herd and laid down my helmet as well as my spaulders, pauldrons, and cuirass. I decided to keep the greaves and sabatons, as well as my sword. Though they were still alarmed, they were less skittish when it came to those who don't wear armour. Most animals run at the sight of any human, especially one with armour or weapons, so I've learned it's best to remove all the loud heavy weights.

     The elks had heard the sound of my armour clanking as I removed it, so they ran off. At least I knew where to. I repositioned my belt so that my sword was now behind me instead of being visibly at my side, I began to track the herd all the while picking wildflowers as offerings. With this, I managed to persuade the herd to help me return to Giev, the north city of Brienne. There was some negotiation within the herd since none of the elk were willing to carry me all the way to the kingdom. We eventually agreed I would meet up with another herd that they were familiar with who hopefully had a member that would be willing to take me the rest of the way.

     Riding on a running elk, it was somewhat like a stiff but sturdy horse. Occasionally jumping over a fallen tree trunk here and there, the elk would switch between trots and running which was faster than my Friesian. Soon enough we reached the area where I'd change to the next elk. As the previous elk, which is male, left to rejoin his herd, I rode off on the new elk, which is female. This one was alright with taking me to the city walls.

     As I got off the female elk and thanked her, I asked her to wait as the guards opened the gate. One guard, Sir Jerovah, gave me a helmet. I immediately put up my 'hair' and put the helmet on to cover my wooden face. After securing the helmet and covering my head, Sir Jerovah handed me a cloak to cover my oak skin since I left my armour in the forest. The kingdom's people do not know what I look like under my armour, but I still have their respect as the kingdom's Lyathro Commander. I requested someone to fill a sack with wildflowers and alfalfa hay to give to the elk. This was done in minutes since there are feed stalls near the city walls. As the sack was tied around the elk, I explained to the cow, or rather the female elk, that by having another elk bite and pull the marked string, it would untie the sack from her. After receiving this instruction, she bowed her head and returned to her herd.

     "Lythro Commander, the royal family seeks your presence immediately." The knight informed me frantically.

     "Yes, I'm heading there now. Please send a messenger bird to the queen, informing her of my arrival in Giev." I replied, swiftly heading to the north gate's stables and mounted my horse, Malachi, who made it back with the group. "Come, Malachi, to the palace."

     As Malachi began to trot, I instructed him to go faster. Though not going at a racing speed, he still dashed to the palace. As we passed through the northern city and reached T'rov'ch, the kingdom's capital, I saw multiple crowds on the streets. Amongst the crowds were warriors with and without ranks, scattered about. The palace had probably already doubled the security. Despite the people, the roads weren't bustling. Instead, they were quiet with a few whispers here and there. It must've been worry or fear. After all, King Vrien had just died. I just hope the people wouldn't do anything rash. The queen and prince are likely already suffering. As for the princess, I can't say she knows of the situation, she might've been kept the dark about her father's death. She's only seven after all.

     The palace guards opened the door as soon they saw Malachi and I dashing through the palace's front garden. I jumped off my horse when we reached the steps and rushed up, heading inside the palace, straight to the throne room. There sat Queen Rhae on her throne with the king's throne empty. The prince and princess were sitting on their respective thrones as well.

     "Sam!" Shrieked Princess Axenscia, the seven year old little girl who wore a pastel pink dress. She jumped off her throne and bolted right for me, bawling her eyes out.

     Ah, so she knows. I furrowed my brows pitifully and pressed my lips. I too, wish to cry like she is right now. I secured my helmet and lifted her up, trying my best to sooth her while walking to the queen, whose face was tight but clear with ache. The prince seemed bitter and sad.

     "Your Majesty the Queen," I bowed to Her Royal Majesty, "I have received the news." I stated firmly but respectfully. Unsure of how to address the situation.

     "Lythro Commander, Dame Samuel." She acknowledged. "The front door needs guarding," Queen Rhae faces to the guards inside the room, subtly telling them to leave, "I would like some parchment and a quill please. Bring the royal seal and black wax as well." She ordered the servant. The throne room is now empty of any royal staff excluding myself. The only sound was Princess Axenscia's sobs.

     "What do I do, Samuel?" Queen Rhae rests her elbow on the throne's arm, and her face in her palm, losing composure. "He's dead." Her Majesty confirmed.