Evander opened his eyes reluctantly, staring at the ceiling for a long while. The light from the small window above his bed pierced the glass with its brutal rays. He lay motionless, thinking, wondering. After maybe a lifetime, it seemed, he reached up and rubbed his eyes. He could hear Alrid in the common room moving things about. "Already working", he whispered under his breath.
He sat up and swung his legs off the bed, the wooden floor was cold on his bare feet. For a moment he sat. Breathing slowly while staring into nothing. He reached for his boots sitting side by side. After sliding and tying them on, he stood up and slipped on his white shirt. He slid on his surcoat and then the elven armor that was given to him by the king. The cape gracefully fell as it unrolled down his back. He adjusted his hood so it lay flat on his back and strapped his knives onto his belt and red stag-leathered grieves.
With a heavy sigh, he stared out of his chamber window. It was small so there wasn't much to see. "Time to inform the king," he said as he turned to exit his chambers. Alrid was moving about the common area gathering things and putting them into his saddle bag.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB33mzuMIFl
"Good morning, father." Alrid said as he continued to pack more items into his bag.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVvJappUJL
"Good morning, my son. I see you are preparing for a trip." Evander said, nodding at his saddle bag which lay against a leg of the table in the center of the room.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK60qkJ5aq
"Yes, I am heading into the market to do some trading," Alrid spoke calmly but with excitement.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdSbIbOcO4
"Excellent, I shall ride with you. I must meet with King John and inform him of Edmond's passing." His hands found each other and he rubbed them slightly.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmvAQTM6so
"I would greatly enjoy your company," Alrid said as he closed his saddle bag and coiled the tie around the hook at the bottom.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9qN3e3qr2
Evander claimed two apples out of a crate of straw for Onyx and Tolish. "Let's head out," he said as he handed one apple to Alrid.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIOS3BFFh4
Evander claimed his scythe from the wall near the door and slipped out into the cold crisp morning air, locking the door behind him with the key around his neck. The air was shallow and slow against the growing tundra. Onyx and Tolish were already up and about, grazing on the few patches of grass that remained.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xOo1nKdn2
As the men approached, the massive shire horses trotted over happily to their respective Hunters. Was it for the apples they held or because of the love they had for their riders? Either way, they were happy to see them.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZFQic7bo1
Onyx and Tolish were prepped for riding and the Hunters mounted up, "Ready boy?" He said and Onyx confirmed his agreement with an excited head shake, making his mane fly back and forth. Tolish was obviously ready well as he stood back on his hind legs with excitement. Tolish was a much younger stallion and was always ready for a run whenever he could.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJmBKiemnP
Evander and Alrid made their way casually to the Kingdom of the Flag, it wasn't a far distance away so the calm early morning ride was a nice way to wake up and get the day started, whatever it had planned for them.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xHMPriJSQ
As they drew nearer to the keep, black smoke came into view. Evander and Alrid both worriedly glanced at each other and knew something very bad was happening, just not what yet. Quickly Onyx and Tolish were urged into their full speed gallop, covering ground faster than any other horse could ever manage.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sCvyIIdgH
Before long they crested a hill and witnessed a terrible truth. That moment Evander said they would be ready for, had arrived. And they were not ready for it. The threat was very real and very present as evidence showed hundreds of abyssals had been besieging the keep for some time and had probably started during the night.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qWYGhLOCp
The abyssals were ghastly indeed, being demons at one point in time, they were tall creatures. Ranging from eight to eleven feet in height. As demons, they had massive wings but through the process of corruption, they had all but lost the ability to fly. Their wings had become brittle and had since withered away, leaving nothing behind but their bare backs. They were pitch black in color with tendrils of dark magic protruding from their limbs and heads. They had no weapons save their long sharp claws used for tearing.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzFdAHrrwB
Evander and Alrid rode hard onto the keep, determined to defend it until the end. A few of the abyssals began to take notice of the newcomers on horseback and frankly did not appreciate their presence disturbing their siege. The ones that took notice began to charge them, claws dragging along the ground as they ran.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCX6KzRLnE
As they approached, Evander stood up on Onyx, ready to jump. "Steady. Steady." He said to Onyx. Once the first abyssal came into his range he leapt off of Onyx with a powerful kick, unleashing his scythe from his back and exposing the blade of the bastard sword hidden within. Onyx charged onward, crashing into more enemies and sending them sprawling. Evander slammed onto the first enemy, it toppled over and Evander rolled forward over its head. He quickly stood and slashed its head clean off without even turning around.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhIgZT6LJ7
The others closed in fast, still, Evander remained unfazed. He unleashed several daggers from his belt, killing three abyssals in seconds. He threw his sword into the skull of another and ran forward toward his foes. Before the pierced abyssal fell, Evander kicked in its knee and reclaimed his sword. His scythe came up and met the stomach of another whose guts spilled out onto the frozen earth. Evander twisted around and sliced another's leg clean through. The leg flew and hit another in its face. The one-legged abyssal fell on its side only to meet the heel of Evander's boot as he crushed its skull.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlFBh26Snr
Evander spun the scythe over his head and slashed the abyssal the leg had hit from shoulder to side, splitting it in two. As the pieces fell apart, Evander stood from his crouching position and looked up. Three remaining abyssals still ran toward him at full speed. Evander scoffed and bolted toward them. His sword came up and he ducked backward as he slid to his knees to avoid a clawed hand swinging at his head. His scythe caught the calf of the abyssal who squealed out in pain. It toppled onto one knee and met the cold steel of Evander's sword straight through his chest.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlcfe03G4E
The second wailed in anger, Evander pulled the sword from the first abyssal and ran forward, swiping its legs off the ground, making it horizontally airborne. Before it could fall any distance, Evander slammed his boot into its chest causing it to glide back. The last came at him to his right. Evander kicked off of its chest and sliced the airborne abyssal straight down the middle of its torso. He continued his swing in a circular motion and into the back of the final abyssal. Blood spurted out the front of the foul beast painting the ground in black blood.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm45HtmVcDI
Evander gazed at the blackened ground, the sword remained buried in the chest of the abyssal, propping it up. With a sharp exhale, Evander stood and placed a boot on its shoulder, he pushed against it and as it fell backward he heaved on the sword and it slid out of its target with ease. The abyssal landed hard and loudly as it fell for the last time. Evander swung the blade back into the end of the scythe and replaced it on his back as Onyx trotted around neighing happily.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYlLurB05k
Evander mounted Onyx and patted him on his neck, "Good boy." Glancing around he spotted Alrid taking care of his own pack. They ran at him as they each made it to him and Alrid fought like he had been doing this for years already. His focus was intense as it was lethal. One by one the demons were cut down, blood blackened the land around him. Limbs lay scattered as bodies fell hard.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMHVumakFK
Evander sat on top of Onyx and watched intently, he knew Alrid could handle himself, he was a Drayton after all. But just in case, Evander was ready to intervene at a moment's notice. Alrid seemed to be growing exhausted from the sudden exertion and Evander noticed this. There was one last abyssal charging Alrid from behind, he didn't notice.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzq0lM78Qn
As quickly as lightning strikes, Evander retrieved and loaded an arrow onto his long bow and released it. Just as Alrid turned to his attacker, the arrow pierced straight in and out through the other side of the creature's throat. Its eyes went wide and then empty and it toppled over onto Alrid, its momentum still carried it forward.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIyvZDloTo
Alrid swiftly slid back across the ground and the head of the creature landed on his foot as it bounced, "Shit," Alrid exclaimed abruptly.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifAE3JytXp
"We need to meet up with the King and get those creatures under control!" Evander shouted as he trotted up and then passed Alrid, he then headed for the keep. Alrid nodded and whistled for Tolish. His horse came galloping up to his master's side without stopping and Alrid grabbed onto the saddle and swung his leg over. Once Alrid had a good hold, he urged Tolish faster to catch up with Evander.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzSmhsf6zv
Evander galloped towards the mayhem, he could see the King's Guard fighting ruthlessly to defeat their intruders. Amidst the carnage, Evander could see the bloodied sword of King John. He hacked and slashed the heads and torsos of abyssals left and right. Bloodied limbs and figureless heads toppled to the snow one after the other.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEAFOoRUOJ
Evander charged Onyx into the bloody carnage. He leaped from his horse and pulled out his bastard sword, slicing a head off on the way down. With cold dirt launching up a little as he landed. He wasted no time standing and immediately darted to the nearest abyssal. The abyssal's chest armor proved no match for the sword of the King's Hunter.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5P8b6NCmL
Evander moved swiftly from one abyssal to the next until he reached the king. "Glad you could join us, Evan. Let's get to killing!" The king chuckled to Evander from over his shoulder. Alrid joined them shortly after, leaping off of Tolish as he approached. "Alrid! Welcome to the party!" King John shouted with excitement. He sure did love a good and bloody battle.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGZJ1wOoZ1
The three men stood with their backs facing each other and their weapons at the ready, Evander with his long scythe, Alrid with his bow and knives and King John with his two-handed greatsword. For a moment, everything was still. No one moved. The King's Guard formed around them, creating a circular barrier between them and the abyssals. The only sound was the cold harsh wind of winter.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKKN291aWm
The abyssals began to slowly back away, looking into the sky. "Why are they retreating?" King John questioned. He had never seen abyssals act this way. Something was different, something was wrong.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXtadsrOpj
"I don't know but I don't think it's a retreat. Something is about to happen," Evander said as he slowly turned his head to the king.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nudnJDr8z
King John's eyes widened as he heard a blood-chilling scream from above the clouds. Every man looked up, the abyssals returned their death stare to the humans. The creator of the sound stayed hidden for a while until a projectile of green liquid broke through the clouds at immense speed. It headed straight for the grouped humans. "Break formation!" King John screamed and the men in danger quickly ran around to the opposite end of the circle, Evander, Alrid and the king following beside them.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwCXtXLyG4
The green ooze penetrated the earth right where the men had been standing a few seconds ago. The liquid quickly ate through the ground, creating a crater as deep as a grave. "Acid," Evander said. "Only one creature spits acid in this realm." He looked to the king. "You need to get your men to safety. They are in grave danger and they cannot help with this foe. I gather most of these men have never seen this creature before and I will not risk their lives. I can handle this, John. Keep the abyssals back while I deal with this. I have dealt with these before." Evander spoke with growing worry for the king's life.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLldzk2O3L
"I am not leaving you out here to fight on your own. I am the king of this region, I will defend it with my life." The king said to Evander and he turned to his men. "Keep the abyssals at bay, do not let them through!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0QUlB8P1P
"Yes, sir!" The commander answered his king. Their formation morphed from a defensive line to an all out assault to keep the blood-thirsty demons occupied so Evander could deal with...with whatever needed dealing with.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMq3EQ09zt
Suddenly, the clouds swirled up into themselves as a black-winged reptile broke through in a dive bomb, spinning toward the ground. King John, Alrid and Evander all shot glances to the new addition to the party. They studied as it hurtled toward the ground. Just before it destroyed itself in the ground its massive wingspan broke open like it had been under immense tension and the beast leveled out with the ground, all happening within a few seconds.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0I6RbMekR
The beast flew straight for the men with determination for their blood. Its jaws gaped open to reveal massive teeth and its throat swelled with green smoke. It spat another acidic ball towards them. The projectile flew in a line rather than arching. The king and Alrid jumped to the ground but Evander simply stepped to the side, evading it with minimal effort. The beast flew close and Evander held his scythe at the ready with his bastard sword now removed and in his other hand.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaHEP4DO4J
"Get me up there, John!" Evander shouted and the king did not hesitate. He ran up to the Hunter and with fingers locked together he launched Evander into the air just as the creature flew overhead. His scythe buried itself into the underside of a wing and Evander held on against the torrent of wind as the creature screeched and bolted skyward.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5pcz7CwvT
Blood ran down the blade of the scythe and onto Evander's arm. He held on with all the strength he could muster within himself. It flapped its heavy wings harshly as it rose. With a grunt, Evander dragged his bastard sword up and flipped it so he held it with the blade facing down. He used the rest of his strength to drive the blade between the scales near the opposite wing. It roared in agony and dark, black blood spewed out from the wound.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV75r1VvU6
The creature slowed to a stop and gravity took over, sending them back down. The wing that the scythe had been thrust into had lost function causing it to use only one wing. Evander used the leverage of the stuck sword to pull himself upright. He straddled the beast with his legs and kept his head down as he watched the descent.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKWsL51VMY
He waited to be closer to the ground before he made any more attacks toward it. When they made it close enough to the ground Evander pulled his scythe from beneath the wing and drove it straight into the skull of the beast. It made no sound. Only gradually closed its wings and bowed its head. Slowly the massive beast fell out of the sky. The king and Alrid were standing and had been watching the entire time, astonished at Evander's skill and maneuverability.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLN2V8TS6I
They drifted down toward the king and Alrid, gradually diving as they went. Right before they hit the ground, Evander pushed hard and flipped backward off the beast and allowed it to smash into the cold, hard ground. It slid a few hundred feet and Evander landed quietly. He stood, flicked the blood off of his weapons and approached King John and his son.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkelGw0zVDm
The king looked at the beast and back to Evander, eyes wide with surprise. He stood up straight and began clapping his massive hands as he walked toward Evander. He chuckled as he clapped and Evander seemed not to take notice of it. He just slowly walked to the king. When they were close enough, the king enveloped him in a huge embrace, lifting him off the ground.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xkg5TVFs4
He set Evander down and spoke, "That was a sight to see, Evan. Maybe one day, you could teach me." After a moment he spoke again, "How did you learn to fight a creature like that? You were experienced, like you had done that a hundred times."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqam8WQaCW
The three men began walking to inspect the creature a few hundred feet away and Evander explained, "I have fought a great deal of them many years ago with a dear friend I have not seen for 17 years. I have missed him. I do not have many friends. He and I fought in the war together, he was only eight years older than I was. I was just becoming a man and he was already well on his way to a gray beard. You may know him. He served in your guard for five years. His name was Leo Garbrook."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzAFo2I85H
"Leo", the king said, stroking his beard. "Yes, I have heard that name. I remember Leo as one of my greatest warriors. I always wondered where he learned to fight but honestly did not think it fair to ask him. I am sure he has his secrets. As you have yours."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjmaSgAOEo
"And you have yours," Evander said with a smile. Glancing around as they walked, he could see that the King's Guard had more or less taken care of the rest of the abyssals. He would be able to figure out why this creature attacked them. They came up to the side of it and studied it for a few moments. It was a wyvern, from the Collapsing Highlands. The docile and gentle creatures from the north. What was one doing all the way down here and attacking on behalf of the abyssals no less?123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBtPbCW4v8
Evander knelt beside it and placed the tip of a blade on the beast's underbelly, above its heart. Gripping the hilt until his knuckles were white, he used all of his weight and strength to drive the blade through the tough hide. Once he was through, he twisted the knife back and forth, creating a hole. He pulled the knife towards him to cut a deep gash, enough to get his arm in, the king and Alrid watched on, awestruck. They had never seen this before, they weren't sure anyone had.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9ibvWrvKs
When Evander was satisfied with the wound he created he pulled out his knife and wiped it on his pant leg and replaced it on his belt. He cleared his throat and pulled apart the wound to peer inside. Holding it open with his left hand he reached in with his other. Searching around the guts and other vital organs to find its heart.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32DxlEm7gv
"Ah, there you are." He said quietly. He wrapped his fingers around it, gripping hard but gentle, he didn't want to rupture it. The heart was warm and still. He pulled it out with one hard jerk upward. The veins snapped back with high tension. He stood and eyed the heart closely. The organ that was normally a warm pink was instead a dark black with sickening purple veins bulging from the surface. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0caocdo3JS
He brought the heart to the others to show them. "This looks like the handiwork of Varamont." He pointed to it as he spoke. "This is a wyvern. They normally do not come this far south from the mountains. Especially around keeps the size of yours. They are docile creatures and have only one mission in life, and it is not to attack people. They only attack when threatened. Varamont is corrupting him with black magic. He's turning the wyverns into abyssals as well."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpVXthNTRr
"The moment has come, Evander." The king said with fear heavy in his eyes.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kkjMucCTV
"I am afraid so." He placed the heart into a silk pouch on his hip and whistled for Onyx. When he came trotting up, Evander placed a hand on his neck, gently patting him. "You are going to need a good brushing after today's events, aren't you, boy?" Onyx whinnied at his voice and marked the dirt with a hoof as if to say, Yes.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMiI800Ou2
"It is wonderful to see you again, Onyx. How have you been?" the king said with a hearty laugh. Onyx whinnied and shook his head as if to say, I am happy to see you too, John.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PUp4XdHDI
Alrid approached with Tolish in tow and he whinnied in greeting.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil2bURhaCy
"Tolish, there you are! As beautiful as ever, you are getting so big," King John exclaimed with outstretched arms. He lowered them then and said, "We are missing one more member to our little party." He lifted his two forefingers to his mouth and whistled loudly. After a few moments, his horse came trotting casually through bodies and blood. The horse was a stark bright white adorned with silver armor from the top of his head to the base of his tail. He was similar in size to Onyx and Tolish, most likely also a shire horse. King John was a large and burly man and his horse needed to be strong enough to carry him and his armor.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwjMkmbCwm
The massive white horse slowed to a walk as he approached his master. He whinnied calmly and greeted him. The king slapped the horse's neck firmly and gently before he spoke, "Everyone," he was also addressing Onyx and Tolish, "I would like you to meet, Caspian, and I'm sure we could all use a drink and a great meal. Let's all head inside." He lifted himself into the saddle and turned Caspian around toward the keep.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7iQzr5fhW
The party arrived at the keep and dismounted their horses, Henry Cobblestone, the stable master approached them. "My king, I am so glad you have returned. And you have brought Evander and Alrid, so good to see you lads again." Henry went and shook each of their hands excitedly. Henry had always been a very high energy and excitable man. He had retired some time back and enjoyed the company of horses.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7vl1O8wMs
Henry hurriedly escorted Onyx, Tolish and Caspian into the stables and quickly began dressing them down from their saddles, including a wash and feeding. Evander, Alrid and the king made their way up to the central keep and as they walked, King John spoke, "We must bring the other kings together. We must take action against this. If Varamont is already making his power known, we must be ready for when he comes for us all with full force." He stopped and turned to look out through the main battlement gate, "I fear this was only a show for us. This was not all he had." He looked back to Evander who dreadfully agreed.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrE24by4HD
After a few minutes of walking through the winding pathways and under a number of gates, they made it to the keep and stepped inside. It was warm and inviting. Long red banners hung on the walls, starting at the ceiling and draping down to the floor.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAehHYYnJkm
They arrived in the small circular room that was the king's study, bookshelves lined the walls. Books of all manners of study, and of course all of the records of trading and events that have taken place or have yet to.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTieJ8Yul6x
King John took a seat across the room at his desk facing the door as Evander and Alrid sat in two chairs across from the desk. It was covered in parchments and notes along with a few stacked books and a quill in an inkwell.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUkVR5gRhE
The room was quiet for a few moments as the men sat in thought of what to do next. King John stood slowly, "I need a drink," he extended an offer to Evander and Alrid with a gesture.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OKFU813to
"Yes, thank you," Evander said quickly.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl5EQmusLd
Alrid accepted the offer with a simple nod of his head and King John stepped over to a bookshelf that had a ledge protruding out from the rest of the bookcase. On it was a miniature keg laying on its side, it had a keg tap that faced the inside of the room. He placed three glasses underneath and spoke as he filled them, "What brought you in today? I had no summons for you." He peered over his left shoulder at them briefly as he asked then returned to watching his actions.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbR1TewDCz
Evander and Alrid looked at each other briefly before Evander spoke, "I bring grim news, John." There was a pause as the king finished filling the glasses and set them down on the desk two at a time and then the last one he held in his hand and remained standing. King John listened on without a word as he held his glass close to his stomach. "Edmond's sickness has finally claimed him. He is buried by his oak in Fortune's Woods."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap8jTW0upG
King John did not speak, he stood in silence and set his glass down gently. Placing his fists on the desk as he leaned forward slightly he looked up, "How long ago?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSz1GJ5IoCN
"Two days," Evander said quietly but still audibly.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToTEOAIQ5E
"Let us drink in his honor. To Edmond," King John lifted his glass high in the air as he spoke. "A father, a grandfather, and my dear friend. May he rest now and forever."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2gHDQwsA2
"To Edmond," the men said in unison in calm voices. It was their own private little vigil in a room that had been filled hundreds of times with the voice of Edmond and his light. They all took slow, methodical drinks and emptied their cups in remembrance.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFDcV64TAt
One by one, glasses were placed down again and King John reached back and grabbed the arm rests of his chair and pulled it towards him before taking a seat. "Now, the matter of notifying the other kings of what has transpired here today." He pulled out parchment from a drawer of his desk to his right and softly slammed his hand down with them underneath. He plucked the quill from the inkwell and began writing down the events on three separate parchments. He also included the news of Edmond's death and that the Transfer Ceremony should be held. In light of the current events that had been transpiring, he informed them that if possible they should make haste to the Keep and be present before the day was out.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrRgLz5aRK
He lit a candle to his left and pulled out a red wax stick. He held it over the flame until it began to drip. He transferred the candle over the now-closed parchments in the center. Between each letter he would set the wax stick on a small metal plate so he could stamp his seal into the wax without the wax stick dripping on his desk.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvhxrLirDU
He took the three sealed letters and stood from his desk, he walked around to the exit of his study and opened the door. The knight standing guard outside was Sir Derrick, King John handed him the letters and instructed, "Two of these letters are to be sent by horseback and the third for Caldack Reach should be sent by pigeon. Inform me when this is done."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuoScCPBLq
"Yes, my king," Sir Derrick respectfully responded with a shallow nod.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzBUuvM15r
"Thank you, Sir Derrick," the king thankfully said as he moved back into the room. Now addressing Evander and Alrid, "How about we get some food in us. Now that would be excellent indeed," he chuckled. Evander and Alrid happily agreed together and rose from their seats.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgov40ekre
They followed King John to the Grand Hall and sat down at one of the six long tables that ran from the entrance to the far back wall where steps ran up to an elevated platform. On the platform was another table that ran perpendicular to the ones on the lower level. The tables had one long red runner in the center going from one end to the other on each of them. Also in the center sitting on top of the runners were candlesticks a few feet apart, extending the length of the table. In the center of the room was a large hearth used for heating the Grand Hall during the winter months.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNhCR6IHFs
King John called in food from the kitchen and joined Evander and Alrid at the table. As he sat down and relaxed he spoke, "With good fortune, the other kings should be here before nightfall so we can perform the Transfer Ceremony. It is not the conventional way we do the ceremony but in light of what has happened here today I fear we do not have the luxury of time."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ7qW0jx2E
"I fear we do not have the luxury of anything anymore," Evander said with his fingers interlocked on the table, they were trembling. "I do not believe this time we will live to see the sun. I fear this is the end of us."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxmOait2ZZ
Alrid shifted in his seat uncomfortably, "Well, so much for me living forever, then." Alrid chuckled slightly and looked to his father for his reaction. Surprisingly, he was smiling a little. He then let out a sharp exhale in a way of laughing. King John burst into laughter and Evander couldn't help but break at this.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFfxad3FMS
The three of them laughed until the food was brought, "Let us eat in honor of Edmond. A friend, a father and one hell of a fighter." King John boasted.
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx7Fp7avdd
