35 Wine and Ale
HAELAN'S POV
After the King recognized and commissioned the new warriors, he walked up to the podium and faced his new protectors. "Before we end this declaration of loyalty to the kingdom, I would like to have a word to you all.", he started while everyone in the gallery listens intently. "You may be wondering why you are before me earlier than expected. The murderous attempts have been prevalent, threatening the kingdom for days. My only son is a victim, almost facing his inevitable death.", he paused for a while and breathe sharply. "So many innocent lives are lost, who fought with either a fork or a ladle to save their families from their unidentified offenders. Children who don't even know how to fight. Pregnant women who sacrifices two existences at a time.. Aging townspeople who limply run for their lives.. And more unexpectedly, priests who were mutilated even when they are on their knees.", he said with his closed fists.
"Fighting and protection is our job. We need you. The kingdom needs you. So today, you are expected to be the real Men of Honor as you always were. We fight for honor, for our families, and for our brothers.. Men, we fight for this kingdom!", he shouted as everyone in the gallery chanted for the King's name.
'King Silvius of Nether! Hooray!'
"Not one single entity, creature or soul traveler will ruin what we bullt here", he said as he come down the bronze podium with his head held up high.
The King sees soul travelers as enemies, and finds them as possible culprits in the attacks. However, the way he identify the attackers, it was not specifically defined. They don't know who their enemies are, and why they are being attacked. What kind of perfect timing did I get myself into?
If they find out who I really am, I would end up in a coffin. My knees trembled in worry, I am in danger here. As I look to my side, I caught my reflection on the silverware hanging in the wall, only to notice something wrong. Agalea's face seems different, for I can see my very own lips. Helena's thin full lips. That's what Atrius and Jacomus noticed this morning. The body transitioning of my soul have surprisingly begun.
Before the King could sit on his throne, a priest approached him with a whisper. I guess he just heard the news about his son. Then, he talked briefly to Gallanthe, looking unaffectionate about a news not worth a smile. The King then left the gallery followed by his Esquire and protective knights.
While the squires await for the recessional, another high priest in white tunic and gold arm bands faced the crowd. "The palace requests Lords Harlan and Callaghan, together with the Paladin warriors, and the high ranking knights, archers and crusaders to stay behind. Good news has been heard. The prince have finally awaken", he said as the squires cheer loudly. "Tomorrow, the palace will have a banquet. But for tonight, we will have wine and ale. King's orders", he added as the crowd cheered and applauded.
"I should get the book as soon as possible then. Before I get caught between the war of this kingdom with their enemies", I said as I watch a sea of men chanting for King Silvius of Nether.
AUTHOR'S POV
The palace instantaneously became engrossed with liveliness and light, for the only Prince of Nether have finally become well. The newly appointed warriors were ordered to go back to Brandenburg led by Gallanthe, for tomorrow will be another day of festivity in the midst of a mediocre security welfare. Barrels of wine and ale were given to Brandenburg as a token of celebration.
The palace, with the persistence of the Queen, decided to hold a banquet for the only successor of the monarchy. Messengers were immediately sent to all royals from across the land, kings, dukes and lords bearing invitation to celebrate the miracle everyone applaud about.
On the other hand, Haelan still waited in the loge for her turn to have her private oath taking. She watched every squire depart through the steel doors, clamouring with excitement for the upcoming duty on the banquet. As she was about to slump on the floor, a palace knight called upon her attention to proceed in the chancery to take her oath.
She immediately followed the palace knight through the foyer, up to the grand staircase leading to the chancery. From there, she was asked to patiently wait for the presence of the King with royal clergy and his constables.
MEANWHILE IN THE PALACE
"We do not hold special treatments to squires. Why do we have to exempt this?", the King asked as he walk his way to the palace chancery together with his esquire, palace knights and Yereah.
"General Rowan cited its possibilities. Besides, it is not the squire's fault to lose his armor for the event", Stellan explained as he follow Lord Callaghan and Lord Harlan from the rear.
"Stellan is right, your Highness. Besides, it would be a shame if we skip this particular squire", Lord Harlan said.
"I didn't know that now matter how impeccable Brandenburg have always been, you would come up with a lame excuse for this extra special squire. A reason that's obviously worthy scorn", the King said with a long sigh. "Very well, one last stop before I see my son", he added. "Let me just say", the King paused as he stood with his arms crossed. "I'm suprised Galen was able to cling to life. Your work have always been impressively infallible, Yereah", he commended the high priestess as she bow to the King. "Surely, who found out my son's sentience?", he asked as his face his vassals.
"It was Sir Stellan, your Majesty… with a squire", Yereah answered. King Silvius shrugged it off and continued walking to the chancery.
As they enter the room, the King was too stunned to speak when he saw a pair of grey eyes staring back at him. His lips parted as it tremble, he stared at Haelan whose eyes have a great resemblance to someone he knew in the past.
Haelan stood up quickly and bowed at the presence of the highest royalty of the palace. "Your Majesty", Haelan bowed her head. "I am Haelan of Greco", she nodded at Lords Harlan and Callaghan as well who were standing by just right behind the King.