Fates Entwined
Korelia Castle
As the aftermath of the war largely subsided, the Lord of Korelia resud his court. For three days, the court and council focused on matters of war, hostages, the new masons’ guild, accommodations for a thousand laborers, and new alliances. However, today Lansius would address a lighter matter vying for his attention.
Hand in hand, Cecile and Calub stood before Lansius, seeking his approval for their marriage. Rather than make an imdiate decision, he invited them for a walk in the adjacent garden. Once they were out of prying eyes, he asked them to make their case.
Although Audrey was present, she remained neutral, not wishing to influence Lansius’ judgnt. Eventually, he invited Cecile aside for a private conversation.
Under the shade of a poplar tree, he inquired about her true feelings for the marriage, even assuring her that her late father's achievent was enough to secure the future of her House.
However, Cecile was adamant. The young woman’s confident and mature answer did not surprise Lansius. He knew that people in this world often married and started families at a young age.
With no further reservations, Lansius led everyone back to the Great Hall and contentedly granted his approval. As tradition dictated, he formally blessed the new couple before closing the court. Thus, Calub and Cecile were officially engaged.
When the possibility of a double wedding was raised, the new couple politely declined. It was a courteous decision, as no one wanted to overshadow the Lord’s upcoming marriage.
After the court was over, in a secluded corridor, Calub shared his deepest fear with Cecile. “I hope you’ll forgive if our children aren’t blond or fair skinned, but dark-skinned like .”
His comnt, after such a weighty court session, sent Cecile into a fit of giggles. Amid all the pressing matters, the skin or hair color of their future children was the least of her concerns.
A wise man once said that having a partner who could make you laugh was a good on. That day, the halls of Korelia Castle were filled with laughter once again.
***
Lord Omin
Omin was in high spirits as the city of Three Hills lood on the horizon. Despite his anxieties, Lansius had failed to give chase.
What a moron! That Lansius must’ve been getting his hands full with the prisoners and disillusioned with the ransom.
He snickered against the imaginary opponent. This had beco Omin’s favorite diversion to pass the ti.
Although relentlessly pursued by the nomads, the Coalition’s sheer numbers protected them from being tracked. Omin had sacrificed several of his valuable carts as a diversion, buying himself the ti he needed to escape.
He openly mocked Lansius for using the nomads' assistance to chase them down. The nomads were after all comprised of nurous tribes, many of which were undisciplined and too eager to collect trophies. Thus, Omin’s ragged convoy managed to escape and reached the Three Hills.
The Nicopolan bodyguard rode ahead to announce Lord Omin’s arrival. Unlike Korelia, Three Hills was a walled city. Despite the announcent, the soldiers at the gate asked Omin to wait.
Fifteen long minutes passed before a city official appeared above the gatehouse. “Under Lord Jorge’s command, the city gates of Three Hills are to remain closed until his return. No exceptions,” the official shouted.
Omin yelled back, “Please tell your Lord that Baron Omin is here and wishes to et him.”
“Lord Jorge is not here. He’s in Korelia,” explained the official.
Confused, Omin said, “I’m not sure I follow. Explain yourself.”
“We received a ssage two days ago stating that Lord Jorge is being welcod in Korelia.”
“T-that’s Korelians’ trickery!” Omin exclaid, a cold sweat forming on his back as he realized that Jorge might have been captured.
That incompetent idiot! He got the Black Knights and my Nicopolan cavalry and still got captured?
“We checked the writing and the signet stamp; they’re authentic. Lord Omin, please leave. We can’t open the gate.”
Omin, now desperate, resorted to threats. “Open the gate, don't force my hand!”
His convoy looked on in disbelief. Even with lucky stragglers who had joined them, their numbers barely reached a hundred. They were in no condition to do anything.
“Lord Omin, I urge you to reconsider,” the city official replied indifferently.
“The Korimors are retreating in an orderly fashion; they’ll arrive in three days,” Omin countered, aiming to sound assertive.
However, his words had no impact. Troops atop the wall were already readying their crossbows.
“State your terms, then. Co down so we can discuss,” Omin said, softening his tone.
However, another figure appeared atop the gatehouse, and everyone instantly recognized his face.
"Sir Arius," the Nicopolan bodyguard whispered. Omin, along with everyone else, was shocked to see him standing there.
"Lord Omin, please leave for now. I’m sure you have other matters to attend to," Sir Arius replied coldly.
Omin's shock quickly turned to rage. The fact that Sir Arius was there instead of Lord Jorge strongly suggested that a deal had been struck between him and Lord Lansius. Although Arius and his escort could travel light and use spare horses to overtake Omin's slow-moving, horse-drawn carriage, they would still have had to evade the nomads.
This seed unlikely unless Arius had been escorted by Lord Lansius' n and had taken a direct route to Three Hill.
Convinced his suspicions were correct yet powerless to retaliate, Omin clenched his fist. The city walls were tall and thick; the ramparts were deep. He turned away, his fist still clenched.
***
Korelia Castle
A man in grand and beautiful black armor, hastily fitted in just five days by an armorer, entered the chamber. Today was a special day and Lansius was flanked by his honored entourage in their best attire. The rich colors and their dashing attire exuded their charisma.
None other than the Marshal himself, Sir Justin, had accompanied Lord Lansius in this procession. Alongside Margo, he had collected Lansius from the Eastern Mansion that morning and escorted him through the town, finally arriving at the castle in a grand procession.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Tens of knights served as the honor guards, while thousands of townsn followed and gathered patiently outside the castle.
Inside the castle, the bridegroom was finally allowed to et his would-be wife after several days of separation. The maids in their best attire escorted Lansius into a chamber where a Lady in a fine ivory white dress was waiting.
The morning sun gently shone on the dress's silky surface, the small tiara, and the large golden ornants, lending them a grand and majestic look.
Reviews
All reviews (0)