Chapter 58

"I was selling goods in my usual place when I heard of this town. I have not done much business outside my usual area so I figured a free town like this one would be perfect. When we were close to arriving we were ambushed by these bandits. Sadly the fight went on and ended and no information was gained. I am just happy made it here without any other problems."

Kane told the group about his encounter with the bandits. He did not go into detail and he hoped no one would question him. Sadly that was not the case.

"You must be a very successful merchant. Your guards seem very strong and capable. Where do you hail from?" asked Kervad with a suspicious look.

It was clear that the knight from the Kokar kingdom did not trust him. Kane was originally going to hide most of his information but thought that it would be better to mislead the knight in other ways. Or maybe intimidate him. Soon he would deal with the knight anyways. Kane made sure to add it to his list of things he wanted to do in Crazus town.

"I am a merchant from the Iron Rose Kingdom. These are my personal guards. I am very pleased with their skills."

Kervads eyes immediately opened wide and he seemed to be even more suspicious of Kane.

The other people were giving strange looks at Kane and Kervad. Some were surprised that Kane was from the Iron Rose Kingdom while others wondered why Kervad was acting strangely.

"The Iron Rose kingdom you said? I have been there before. The king is a tyrant and the people suffer. If it was not for that famous wall of theirs the kingdom would have fallen many times over."

Suprsenly it was Yia the Mayor's daughter who spoke before Kervad. She looked angry at Kane.

"I apologize for my daughter's outburst. It is a lovely place" said the Mayor.

Kane simply smiled and said "It is fine. In fact, I agree with your daughter's opinion."

This surprised the people sitting at the table especially the Mayor and Yia. The old healer looked interested and Kervad seemed to be glaring at Kane.

"You dislike your home?" asked the Mayor.

"No, I love my home and its people. I just didn't like the old king. None of the people did."

"Why stay if you dislike it so much?" asked Yia.

The group seemed invested in what Kane was saying.

"Well because the king was executed of course," said Kane while laughing.

The room fell deathly silent. Kervad seemed to be struggling to stay in his seat. It seemed that being able to confirm that the rumors of the kingdom being conquered were too exciting for the poor knight.

"What do you mean?" asked the Mayor.

"Well, it is a pretty interesting tale. Some say he was a dragon in a man's skin. Some say he was powerful as a god and as handsome as an angel. Some say he was sent to make the world fall under one flag. A flag that would unite the world. He freed the people of their suffering and charge with an army to defeat a tyrant and avenge all who suffered. He had stirred the hornet's nest first. He started conflicts within the kingdom weakening it. He brought people to his cause who wanted better lives for themselves and their loved ones. Together they fought a bloody fight to the death. The freedom fighters sacrificed their lives to open the impenetrable wall's gate. Then the king leads his army of crimson crusaders and wild men of the woods to attack the kingdom and slay the king. It was a magnificent site if I do say so myself."

The room was so still that the only sound that could be heard was the flames of the candles.

Kervad looked worried while the rest looked a mix of shocked, interested, and a little afraid.

"So any army conquered the Iron Rose Kingdom? It has fallen?" asked the Mayor.

"Not fallen but risen. The king immediately improved the conditions of the people's lives and strengthened the kingdom as a whole. None are unhappy now and life is thriving. In fact, the new king defeated the army of united orc tribes and now the lands are safe. No more will they attack the citizens of the Iron Rose Kingdom."

This news also gave birth to surprise and fear. The orcs had been like a season. It came no matter what. The new king defeating the orcs was really surprising.

"Mind if I ask something Mr. Kane?" said Kervad.

"Be my guest" said Kane.

"Has the new kingdom got into any other conflicts?"

"None that I am aware of. Why do you ask Sir Kervad?"

"Oh it's nothing," said Kervad.

"Well I am shocked, to say the least," said the Mayor. "But it is good that the kingdom is better now."

"Yes, it is. That fool of a king sickened me" said Yea.

"Well I am happy to hear that the people are doing better now," said the Mayor's wife.

"How strong is the kingdom now? They used to not have that big of a military force" asked Vern.

Kervad looked highly interested in this.

The new king's armies are strong and fearless. They are ruthless when they need to be and brave when it is needed. In fact, many people have joined his forces. Not only does the king have strong military might but he himself is like a dragon. In fact, he uses the power of flames to burn all his foes and even trolls fear his power.

This got everyone's attention especially Kervad and Lo.

"He is a mage?" asked Lo.

"Among other things" responded Kane.

All that had been said by Kane was being fully digested by the people of Crazus Town. It is not every day they hear of a tale so shocking. You could see the yearning for more information on the story in their eyes. Well except for Kervad. He looked nervous and excited. In fact, he quickly left after dinner ended.

Kane said goodbye to the rest and promised to talk to them more at a later date. For now, he will head home to get some sleep.

Well, actually he will first have a little chat with the fleeing Kokarian Knight.