Lythor, Lumithar 24, 528 EK

  After parting with Thalion at the threshold of Loriane’s house, Kaelus tapped his horse’s neck once — a wordless farewell to what he left behind — then bowed his head and let the mount carry them upward along the rising road toward the palace.

  The road from Loriane’s to the palace climbed steadily. Wooden houses gave way to neatly cut stone; small arches and ornamented gates marked knights’ compounds. Family banners fluttered softly, servants passed with trays, and the burdens of travel changed into the clink of training gear — no more market clamor. A boy servant cast a quick, curious glance at Kaelus, then moved on, swallowed by the palace rhythm.

  Halfway up the rise, Kaelus saw two mounted figures approaching from below. He recognized them even before the small pennants on their saddles came into view — the men he’d assigned to handle the drake scales.

  They slowed as they drew near, then offered a short salute — more habit than ceremony.

  “It’s done, Sir,” one of them spoke first. His tone was easy, the way men spoke to long-known commanders.

  Kaelus steadied his horse so they were alongside. “How goes it?”

  “Smooth,” the soldier said. “We handed them to the palace smiths — the ones who work the forging materials. They took one look at the quality of the scales and accepted immediately.” He smiled faintly. “No one dared lowball an offer for this.”

  The second rider added, “As ordered, we didn’t fix the price. Payment will follow the workshop’s needs. Word is, if demand spikes, the value climbs high.”

  Kaelus nodded. “Good.”

  For a moment they rode in companionable silence — the quiet of men who have fought together for years.

  “You’ll return to the barracks,” Kaelus said at last, his voice steady.

  “Aye,” they answered in unison.

  One of them tapped his chest lightly — a familiar, almost intimate salute. “Be cautious inside, Sir. Palace feels restless these days.”

  Kaelus only nodded. He did not ask for details.

  The two men urged their horses and rode down the slope. Kaelus continued alone, climbing to the palace gate.

  As he neared, the air softened into order. Guards greeted him with accustomed lines.

  “Welcome back, Sir Kaelus.”

  He nodded but did not speak. He dismounted; a trooper took the reins without being told. Kaelus walked toward the hall where the king and generals would be in counsel.

  But the hall doors were closed. Two guards stood at the threshold, rigid. They saluted, but held their place. A meeting was underway.

  He waited.

  Soon the doors opened. Prince Ryven stepped out.

  “Kaelus,” he said.

  Kaelus returned the salute promptly. “Your Highness.”

  Ryven didn’t shut the door. He glanced back into the hall. “Father,” he called. “Kaelus is here and waits for you.”

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  “Send him in,” King Roland’s voice answered from inside.

  Ryven shifted and nodded, indicating Kaelus to enter.

  Kaelus stepped into the hall; Ryven remained in the corridor — busy issuing orders before the portal closed fully.

  “You — tell the stablemen. Prepare my mount. Feed it. I leave tomorrow,” Ryven’s voice rolled from the doorway like an order sealing the space.

  Before the throne, Kaelus inclined his head — a brief, respectful gesture. Hands folded neatly at his side; he was the embodied shadow of discipline that needed no flowery words.

  “Stand,” King Roland’s voice was flat but heavy.

  Kaelus rose.

  The king regarded him for a long moment as usual: weighing not only the report but the bearer. “How was the journey, Kaelus? Smooth? How fares my son?”

  Kaelus swallowed and chose his words. “A minor trouble, Your Majesty. On the road we were troubled by a pack of Shredder Rats. A young trooper fell.” Kaelus’s tone was short; he offered fact, not lament.

  Roland narrowed his eyes, then nodded slowly. He drew a breath and stroked his beard — a gesture of softened resolve. “I will see to his family. Put it from your mind for now.” His voice held a promise, not empty pity.

  “Thank you, Your Majesty. Prince Darius is well — though he had to handle a religious matter in Brightwater. Lady Eveline calmed things and helped resolve it.”

  The king inclined his head. “Anything else?”

  Kaelus briefly addressed General Dunwald. “I bear the military situation report from Brightwater — General left it in my keeping.”

  Dunwald, upright at the king’s side, inclined. “State it.” His voice was terse; no theater allowed.

  Kaelus reported crisply: “Situation under control. Sir Magnus reports the town secure. Monsters could not breach the pilgrimage sanctums. Guards tightened; no infiltrators succeeded.” Each sentence was a tactical check, not a tale.

  At that moment Prince Ryven entered and took a seat near his father, eyes still sharp. He leaned forward slightly. “What of the fishermen there? Has the Frostfang blockade begun to stir protests?”

  “Some demands were raised, Your Highness,” Kaelus replied briefly. “But your brother calmed them.”

  The hall fell into contemplative silence — the report digested not with emotion but with calculation.

  Kaelus bowed once more. “May I withdraw, Your Majesty?”

  Roland rubbed his jaw and drew a long breath. His voice was measured, careful. “Kaelus, I know you’ve just arrived and you must be tired. Yet tomorrow I plan to negotiate with Kaelric Valterion — to Valterion.” There was a historical weight in his words; the plan was no light thing.

  Kaelus bowed low. “I am ready to escort you, Your Majesty. My rest is adequate.” His answer was concise — an unadorned pledge.

  “Are you sure? The road is long and dangerous. If need be, we can postpone.” Roland searched Kaelus’s eyes for signs of weariness.

  Kaelus weighed it, then spoke firmly: “I am ready whenever Your Majesty requires. But —” he paused, “Valterion is now led by Kaelric. They closed the route without notice. It would be risky for Your Majesty to come without a path-opener and envoys first.”

  The king’s expression shifted — concern braided with duty. “Valderin folk have felt the impact. I have met Kaelric before; he will not welcome small delegations. We’ve sent teams — there’s no reply.”

  Kaelus stepped forward a pace. “Permit me to set out tomorrow with soldiers and elite knights. I will open the route, secure the passage, and bring word. If Valterion intends war because of the Aurelion standard, I will report it. If they accept negotiation, I will report that too.”

  Dunwald interjected crisply, “That is sensible. We do not know how they will react to the king’s arrival.”

  “I will advise that King Roland intends to come tomorrow while I act as path guard,” Kaelus added, voice flat but resolved.

  The king studied him for a long moment, then decided: “If that is best, go, Kaelus. I will follow a day after you. You will not go alone.”

  “Aye, Your Majesty,” Kaelus saluted.

  Roland released him to rest. “Rest. Tomorrow will be long.” The order closed their exchange.

  Before Kaelus could withdraw, Ryven spoke — his tone softer now but resolute. “I will go with Kaelus.”

  The hall stirred.

  “No,” the King cut in. “You go with me.”

  Ryven lifted his chin. “Father — if only Kaelus passes through, they may detain him. If the Aurelion prince arrives, they must receive him. My presence forces their nobles to present passage. That opens the route without detouring via Ironhold.”

  Political sense, not a lust for battle, was plain. He explained the aim: negotiation in Elysara, Valterion’s capital; the safest route logically passed through Valterion towns, and his status would compel local magnates to permit transit.

  Roland looked at Kaelus. “Can you keep him safe?”

  Kaelus bowed; his reply was short and heavy. “I will guard Prince Ryven with my life.” Firm. Plain.

  Dunwald, usually as stiff as a pike, exhaled and said, his voice softened, “Ryven carries weight; you will be under the prince’s protection.” A half-smile flickered — not derision, but role affirmation.

  Roland nodded. “Very well. Rest. Tomorrow is long.” The command ended the council. Kaelus gave a final salute and turned.

  If you'd like to light one little light for me:

  ??https://ko-fi.com/barunamarch

  But simply reading and enjoying this tale is more than enough—I am already deeply grateful.