Chapter 78: Funeral

There was a solemn serenity over the graveyard, where the fallen knights of House Delecroix were laid to rest, . Over eighty figures, somber and reverent, stood upright, their gazes fixed upon the burial site of Ser Roy of Roin 'the up-jumped'.

Some days ago I had heard some knight giving him that nickname. They laughed so much over their drinks, I wonder if they laughed too when during the night they had their leg broken by unknown assailants....

The air was heavy with the weight of loss as the funeral procession proceeded, the mournful strains of a dirge mingling with the rustle of leaves in the wind.

As the final words of the eulogy drifted on the breeze, a somber silence settled over the gathering, broken only by the soft sound of earth meeting wood as Ser Roy's casket was lowered into the ground. 

As I witnessed the eulogy, my thought drifted back to when I returned home the day after the battle .

I still remember the disarray of mansion , especially my parents . Their eyes widened in disbelief as they witnessed the absence of any surviving knights among the hundred I had taken with me.

'The strenght of the knight of house Delecriox fell so much?' My father had said

'Not really , you don't throw a piece of meat at a lion and hope that he chokes on it. They instead were useful, I don't think I could have survived without them, especially Roy he was the best of them all...' I had answered.

My mother's worry manifested too , as a near-threat to confine me within the safety of the mansion, fearing that with each outing, I courted the embrace of death herself. However, I was too exhausted to entertain their concerns. My weariness was evident in my expression, and they could see that it was not the time for lectures or admonishments.

Sensing the gravity , they held their tongues,for which I was thankful, understanding that there would be a more opportune moment to discuss the events of the previous night. I also inquired about the arrangements for the fallen knights' funerals.

And my father, with a solemn expression, had explained that the bodies would be returned to their respective families, who would then decide upon the date and details of the ceremonies. He assured me that the expenses would be covered by our family, a gesture of respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who had served under my command.

'Not Roy, his funeral will be public for all to see, he was the one whose death helped me reach victory the most. Also give his son a higher title a small barony shall suffice, that I owe to him at least, and I am sure that the county lacks land to give..'

My father, after that tried to inquire more about what happened , after all he sent 100 men and none returned,but I was in no mood and I ended that day with me telling him the three names of people that I wanted captured , questioned and executed. My parent's eyes popped out when Elenoir name popped out , yet father gave me the nod when he saw the look in my eye.

I harbored no sentiment for Elenoir; whatever connection she once shared with the Favian before me was of no consequence to me. My sole concern lay in the fact that he was the one that bastard loved, and in his actions, he had taken something from me. It was a debt I intended to settle, and with interest.

Yet that was in the past right now I was to pay respect to Roy and his family

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The skies seemed to mirror the setting as they opened, releasing a gentle cascade of rain upon the mourners gathered at the gravesite,

Looking around, I noticed a woman, her shoulders trembling with silent sobs, cradling a young boy child into her stomach. A servant stood nearby, holding an umbrella aloft to shield them from the downpour, their faces etched with sorrow.

The woman's tears mingled with the raindrops, her sorrow palpable in the air as she held her child close, seeking solace in the midst of loss.

It was then that I noticed the child's face, a striking resemblance to the knight , etched in the innocent features of youth. In the depths of those young eyes, I glimpsed a familiar spark, a glimmer of the same indomitable spirit that had defined Ser Roy in life and in death too, especially there.

Moved by a sudden impulse, I stepped forward, my footsteps muffled by the soft patter of rain against the earth.

The boy's face peered to mine, and in the son's I saw the father.His eyes were glassy, with tears spilling over his cheeks.

I kneeled , the knee sinking in the mud. The guards and the people looked at me in surprise.

I paid them no mind as I looked at the boy as I spoke about his father

"He was a man with honor that no one can deny that " I declared.

"Too much honor, my lord," the boy murmured as I looked at him

"How old are you?"

"Eleven and a half, my lord," the boy replied,he said as he sucked the air with his runny nose

"You are old enough to know then," I continued, my voice growing somber. "I and your father fought together two times, the second being the last. During the fight, we were both in our darkest hour. Your father turned back to me, and in that moment I could see what he meant to do. I did not stop him, for that I may be guilty. He gave his life and I killed the culprit of his death.So at least know that your father was avanged "

The voice of the boy's mother rang out behind them, ''My lord....please he is too young''

But I paid her no mind. The boy deserved to know how his father had died.

"When life left his eyes, he died smiling," I continued. "Your father was a brave and honorable man. He is not here to reap what he has sown, so it falls to you, his son, to do so. I owe a debt to him, and I shall repay it by guiding you into your future."

My gaze softened as I placed a hand on the boy's head. "Soon, you shall be enfoiffed as a baron. Your education will change; you will no longer fight as a knight but instead rule and lead. May the day come when your father looks down upon you from above and is proud of all that you have accomplished."

"I will make him proud," the boy whispered through tears and mucus. I smiled warmly at him. "I am sure he will be. What is your name, young one?"

"Rolvin, my lord," the boy replied.

"Rolvin, son of Ser Roy the brave," I mused. "It has a nice ring to it. I am certain your enemies will tremble at the sound of your name."

A small smile graced the boy's lips until his gaze fell once again upon his father's lifeless body and son tears came back to his eyes .

I wonder if he'd approve of what his son will become , yet for now on Roy's face a small smile stood as if he was proud of how his life ended , cleansed by the rain and the tears of his beloved.

You are now to rest , oh my brave knight.

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