Virgil Madriach's Story

"...and now, let me show your majesty." Virgil ignored the old mans words as they were drowned out by the clank of the guards armour walking behind them and the echo that filled the hall as they walked through at a brisk pace. He was still young, busy chasing women, writing poetry and playing with swords, his fathers death was an most unexpected event. "Your majesty." the kind old man said trying to get the boys fleeting attention, he turned around raising an eyebrow "You've seemed...to have forgotten where the throne room is?" he asked ever so softly. Virgil has been away from the capital for many years enjoying time in the Marshes and hasn't seen his father during that time, now it was too late. "This way your majesty" as he bowed, fearing he has angered the young king.

He sat on the throne, it was uncomfortable, hard and unforgiving on any kings buttocks. The only thing keeping him awake was the fairly attractive servant just across the room, she notices it and flicks her hair. "Wine!" as he raised his hands, bluntly interrupting the old mans detailing of the coronation ceremony. "His late majesty's coronation was a spectacle, hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets...the Red Guard convoy.....it would be most wise to make it happen again your majesty, why? you may ask to, capture the hearts of the people and of your vassals."Virgil placed the goblet down, taking a breath. "Yes...yes, go organise that." The old man scribbled onto the scroll. "I nearly forgot among this excitement, your majesty, the invitations."
"Then, send them out?" the mans enthusiasm was too much for Virgil to bear. "Lord Hightower, Lord Sundregn, Lord Stormkeer, Lord Rondalion, seems to be in good order your majesty, i will send them out at once."
"Dismissed." Now he was alone the stone throne pressing even harder against his backside. He reminisced of the days gone by.

The sun shone through the small window hole, lighting up the dim room. Last night was a typical night, drinking til he couldn't even open his eyes, bedding every good looking servant there was, fondling with lordly daughter, what can they do? He is King. Virgil got out of bed, albeit with some difficulty, hangovers always suck. There was a knock on the door "Your Majesty, Lord Eddermarch comes!" Virgil frantically looked around to find his robe in order to cover up his manhood.

Qunten Eddermarch was his fathers most trusted (and true) man, rewarded the most fertile and richest Bannship in the Lowlands. The man was not the same since the last time they met a decade ago, his hair grizzled, skin wrinkly, time taking its toll. There was a moment of awkwardness as they both tried to find words. Qunten's eyes gave it all away, he was surprised at the same time with sorrow. It seemed like they both knew what each other were thinking, nostalgia of the old days. Qunten was like a uncle to Virgil sometimes more loving and caring than his own father. At the age of 7, Virgil was sent to the Eddermarch Household to train to become a Knight as it is customary for all able boys of high nobles to become knights. Frankly, Virgil was no knight, always counting and digging into books preferring rather to read about swords than use them. Though that did not bother Qunten who never beat him or treated him harshly, a very kind and understanding man he was. Wine pored.

"Rough night?" his voice was weak not booming as he remembered. Virgil took some time to think still dizzy from the wine. "Aye...so good sir what brings you here?" Qunten sipped some wine to wet his throat "I just wanted to see if everything was alright here, bloody rotting to death and to make matters worse I'm sitting all day in my castle, gotta get some fresh air." Something must of happened to him, i no longer see that signature grin nor the relaxed face only lines upon lines. "Eh, you ain't no boy anymore, i was like you" he pointed to the fair maiden standing shyly in the corner "chasing women, drinking my heart out, but then duty called i settled down, made three strong sons and a beautiful daughter." his tone grew more harsh "Tales of your great adventures are spread far and wide" he said mockingly "You are a man, your father did not raise you to become a whore pusher, maker be damned." Uncle Qunten is known for his directness, no one could steer his words, never softening or twisting them, Qunten the Honest they called him and maybe the very few who truly deserve such title. Virgil sat there, silent there was nothing to say nothing to refute the mans words "Clean your act up, boy." Qunten stood up and left and there he sat as King.

Today was court where the King himself hears the problems of the locals and pleads from the lords of the realm, the least glamorous part of being King. Thieves being sentenced, debts being repaid all of that bored him. "Ah...ah your majesty, two days ago my son was beaten by this man and stole our salt bag...please be just." The lady's son was badly bruised, eyes swollen. "Your name thief." Virgil pointed at him, signally to stand up. "Your majesty, i am no thief my name is Theo."
"Then please explain why the boy is so bruised?"
"Maybe he had a great fall, your majesty?" he said smirking.
"No! liar! that is our salt bag!" the woman shouted.
"Silence." Virgil boomed, everyone froze.
"Theo i wish to ask one question, is this really your bag?"
"Of course your majesty, i would never lie in front of you."
The woman then started crying "My poor son..." Virgil was unsure of what to do, he sat there looking at the bunch.
"Your majesty?"
"A slight moment please Deaglan."
Suddenly Virgil stood up and drew his sword waving it around. "Milord??" the woman said. "I have decided to split the bag into two...that solves everything right? Give me the bag." The woman then cried out "My son! Justice your majesty" He then told her to stand up. "Theo what is this bag used for?"
"Coins and trinkets your majesty."
Virgil then cut it in half "Deaglan, lick it." the squire stood there puzzled "I said, lick it" the squire took the piece and licked it with a sour face "Salty, very salty." Theo began to turn red, eyes darting around. "Well..." then he was interrupted by Theo "Your majesty! MERCY!" he knelled and cried "Hundred crowns for compensation, a month in the mines, take him guards."

It was night a meeting between local lords was being held at the keep. "My lords and ladies if i could have a word..." Ostel stood up, he started to circle the table "Rumors flow through my ears all the time but I've heard the most foul one yet." He paused as if he was performing in a play to engage the audience. "Your majesty, I've heard from the merchants in town...Lord Hightower has doubled his fleet, a indication of war." The table began to shake as they discussed "That dirty pirate bastard is always up to something!" one person shouted, half the table nodded and seconded "Aye, your majesty, 1000 crowns to the man that gets rid of him!" Virgil raised his hand "We will know for sure when he comes for the coronation..."
"He ain't gonna come!"
"Yeah!"
"Do something about it!"
At this point the meeting was getting out of hand, people cursing at each other, hands on scabbard. "Silence!" boomed Qunten no voice was more true. Virgil nodded at Qunten saying thanks. What did he hate the most? Rowdy people with power. "The invitations that were sent out to all vassals of the realm should by now reached every single one of them, now it is their choice to come or not, i estimate their arrivals will be within three to six days."

The coronation nears. Virgil could hardly sleep, not due to excitement but day in day out servants and officials scurried around like rats setting up the throne room, he has never had to answer that many questions "Over here?" "Like this?" "This colour?" Someone save me he thought.

"Deaglan get me my arms and armour, lets head to the courtyard." The courtyard was empty Where is everyone? Deaglan assisted Virgil to slip on his mail. "Strap on the plates now, thank you." he said after some time adjusting the mail. "Lend me my arms." Virgil grabbed his warhammer firmly and took a light swing, he couldn't remember the last time he was in actual combat most of his experience comes from tournament participation. Then he grasped the shield, Heavier than last time? having a go at his fitness. Deaglan the squire was always donned in full armour with his longsword ready to fly out of its holding. "On your guard Deaglan." The squire took stance sword held high. Virgil held his shield and hammer like a boxers 'peak a boo' always having his upper body covered at all times. "When you are ready sire." Virgil stepped forward and swung, Deaglan effortlessly stepped to the side and pushed him back. He swung again instead with an overhead which Deaglan parry-ripost. Virgil who was almost of guard caught the attack before it landed onto his brestplate, adrenaline started to come in. Virgil's movements were stiff his swings clumsy and unbalanced. They sparred for an hour, Virgil only managing to hit Deaglan once with a glancing blow. They spent the rest of the day discussing tactics and improvements. Night came.

Virgil walked onto the balcony looking out at port. "Lord Hightower is in town." Ostel muttered with a hint of resentment while continuing on with his rant. "This bodes ill, who would of thought the most infamous pirates in Penumbrian history shows up first at the Kings coronation, the maker is screwing around with us." The sun was too strong for Virgil's eyes, he shaded it from the sun with his hand trying to get a clearer glimpse of the huge vessel a few kilometers off shore. "That is the Aspi..." Ostel cut in "Aspidochelone, the largest warship in current existence, and it ain't that slow either your majesty." Suddenly a guardsman came in " Your majesty there's this very large bearded man causing some trouble in old town, a brawl just broke out like ten minutes ago." Virgil shook his head "As they say, where ever Typhon goes trouble follows very quickly behind." Virgil returned to his seat ordering servants to get him wine. "Perhaps his intentions are not malevolent, maybe he is genuine." Virgil suggested only to be criticised by Ostel "Argh, a thousand pardons your majesty. Typhon is one crafty bastard, he didn't become Warden of Hightower through right of law or succession, you know the whole story. It could be that his early arrival is part of his scheme. Right now he can't do anything to you right now but wait he will do something after he leaves." Virgil couldn't help but to take his word. "Still i am surprised, wouldn't he be risking his head." to which Ostel scornfully replied "Those savages are a strange bunch, I'd keep a good distance if i was you your majesty." Qunten stood silently across the room, eyes unaware of the world Virgil couldn't help but notice. "Whatcha lookin at boy?" Virgil straightened himself up "You look lonely over there." Qunten smirked "I can't help but think, your father had a much easier time when he started out, all the Wardens were tame like dogs, Hightower was not run by a bloodthirsty pirate. Now it's most unfortunate that you had to deal with their overly ambitious children eh?" Ostel was clearly irritated by the mans casualness towards the King never bowing or respectful gestures, it felt like an insult but dared not say to him. "I know, the Maker knows there will be a conflict, the problem who will start it first..." Qunten's words were cold but true they struck Virgil hard, as a person who has never held any more responsibility than knowing when to wake up and count money it was hard to comprehend.

Virgil opened up the old door, it was the abandoned room where two decades ago he lived. It was located away from most of the high activity areas, away from the gossip and the glamour, this area was where servants and the executioner lived. For much of his life he lived among the ordinary people and grew accustomed, sometimes he preferred the company of the poor than of the rich. Even though every single human is capable of betrayal, I'd rather have a poor fellow stab me in back, at least he'll do it himself. he thought as he looked around the moss covered walls. Virgil walked out and a large man gave him a good fright. "Your majesty it is most unwise for a person such as yourself to roam the castle without proper security." His voice was deep but strangely gentle he was bold and stood atleast 2 meters, perhaps the tallest man he has met in person, he wore black robes with its hood off. "Sorry good sir you gave me a slight fright." The man bowed "My humble apologies, i am one of the several executioners that reside here." Executioners were well paid individuals but were shunned by society and was unable to live with the common populace spending most of their day sharpening their tools and reading books. The most intimidating feature was the sword that hanged on his back, it had no sheathe, there were large letters that bore the phrase "I Spare No-one" with a detailed etching of the makers hand symbolising justice. "I kindly ask if i could accompany you back to the main quarters." How could he protest? "Of course, maybe stay for some wine while you're at it." The executioner bowed his head "You are most kind but i must get back to my duties once you get there, please my apologies your majesty." His name is Klaus the Executioner.

Virgil sat in his study anxious for the ceremony which was only a few days away. "Deaglan go and fetch Tigernan for me, thank you."
"With haste your majesty." he said as he bowed. Tigernan was the most knowledgeable man when it came to noble houses and the Wardens, he was very old aged no less than 80. "I am here as you summoned, majesty..." Virgil pulled out a seat for him inviting him to take a seat. "I find myself dumbstruck when it came to knowing my own vassals, please enlighten me a good king should know his own people well."
"Who'd you like to start with?" the old man scratched his head and opened up a large book that detailed all the worthy houses of the realm since a hundred years ago.
"Lord Sundregn, Vaino Sivareth son of Gale, please." Tigernan flicked through a dozen or so pages then he examined the page. "House Sivareth is a fairly young but the most competent rulers of the Marshes in history, i dare you to find any mentionable wrongdoings and pin it on Sivareth. As for Vaino himself he is aged 32, described as relatively fit, brown hair and hazel eyes. Marshmen couldn't have a more better leader they are all content and of general knowledge the Marshes is the most safest place in the whole isle. I could go on but that would take a whole day." Virgil nodded Well this is a person i actually look forward to meet. he thought "Interesting, I'd like to hear about Lord Stormkeer, if i am correct Maul Theongor?" jk
"Indeed, Maul was the second son to Isu Theongor, in his fathers eyes and most of the highlands he would not rule, ever in his life time. Unfortunately or fortunately for some, Isu's eldest died then Isu died without another heir but Maul. There's not much written about him but he has only recently been on his wardenship a similar situation as yours."
"Enlighten me about this 'Ice Queen'"
"Many lowlanders cringe when that name is spoken a staple in children's folktales. Much of her past is shrouded in mystery and controversy, according to her birthdate she is no more than a year older than you. Don't let her age and beauty fool you, i say without doubt that she can give all the wardens a run for their money."
"Hard to believe, the only women i met were those ones that were good in bed." Virgil chuckled "I beg you not think that...she is devious, a devil." he warned Virgil sternly. There was no more to say Virgil led Tigernan out personally walking him back to his quarters.

Several servants scurried around to set up drinks and seats for the tired men. "His majesty shall be here shortly, please enjoy the finest wines in the world from the Marshes which i believe his Lordship tastes very frequently." the servant bowed to Vaino but gave no heed to Typhon. An old man stormed in donned in full plate and hair well groomed. It was Qunten. "Greetings your lordships, excuse his majesty for being late..." he sat down with both of men and smiled. "I trust that you bear worthy gifts for his most gracious majesty?" Qunten leaned in a bit more "The gifts you have hopefully will please his majesty and put yourselves in good light." he mockingly implied rebellion but doubted they picked up on it. The drinks came...

---

Virgil walked in with a dozen guardsmen. He was dressed with bright red velvet jacket and loose fitting black pants with the royal crown. It was really casual for a king. "Lord Sundregn and Lord Hightower, finally we all get to know each other." Virgil pulled out a seat and sat between Qunten and Typhon. "Good lords we are still waiting on Lady Rondalion and Lord Stormkeer, shortly you will be shown your quarters, respecting your privacy you will be able to station your own men in your respective quarters."
"For now let us drink and know each other well."

Vaino turned to the man who spoke. The new king, Virgil, who of which he bowed to. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you Prince Virgil. I am sorry about your father, his death was ill timed. Now...as I walked through the streets I heard about some ships that were outiside the city. I trust that nothing is out of order? He asked the Virgil. The boy was only a prince since he had not officially been crowned as the king. He pulled out a seat and sat across from the prince. He was a bit tired from the journey.

He glanced at the giant who was Lord Hightower. The man had been increasing is navy significantly lately. Vaino, of course, kept tabs on all of his neihbors, especially Hightower. After all Hightower had a larger navy than anyone else so raids were a threat. It was a good thing Vaino had a garrison at God's Reach to keep an eye out on the coast or else Hightower would be able to raid coastal villages freely.

Virgil was not sure if Vaino was screwing around but he replied "Not at all i believe they are Lord Hightower's grand flagship and escort." Virgil came in closer to Vaino, he raised his glass "Cheers for the good of the realm." and to Typhon also. "You know good sir, I lived in the Marshes for as long as i lived here, a glass of thick Marsh brew and bright red wine every night was standard and i must comment, Sundregn brothels are the finest." He did not mean to insult but to test his waters.

Brothels? The first meeting and the prince speaks of brothels? Vaino thought to himself. It was not very proper to act in such a way but then again this boy was a bastard. He hoped the other wardens would come soon for he wished to get to his deal that he was going to propose to the prince. Perhaps he could do so privately if the chance came by. He then grinned at the prince. "I have often been much too busy to experience those simple pleasures so I cannot give feedback. I do, however, enjoy the wine very much. Personally I lean towards sweeter wines. Plum or apple wines are especially delightful." He told the prince. "Do you by chance have any?"

"No no no I'm not drinking any sissy wine I want something stronger, Haven't been up to brothel for a quite a few years since before I was married, And forgive my language I still have bad habits from I was growing up so if I use commoner terms don't get mad"He said as he laughed. " Don't worry I brought make it here weapon schematics of my latest weapon on my ships very useful if you want to put them on top fort" and Laid a roll of parchment on the table. "Shame on you swamp Lord bringing weapons to meeting with the king even i know that you give the guards your weapons, see all I have with me is a stick in my men only have their fists."

"Forgive me Lord I'm going to speak candidly, I'm sure you've heard the rumors about me I'm lowborn, that I'm the king of criminals, And I'm at utterly ruthless to my enemies, As I've heard that your a bastard, that your womanizer and a drunk, and that you don't have the will to control the four Hounds your father kept in check. I'm sure you don't like the rumors about yourself as I don't like about me so let's make first impressions based on this conversation. First you should wipe Out Your Court, kill, banish, retire anyone that you wouldn't put any trust to protect your child. As much don't trust any of us lords you definitely shouldn't trust any parasites, perhaps an advisor that maybe came to you as soon as your father died hoping to gain favor or advise you on the best course of action. Someone that would wait until the perfect time to slip poison to you when you killing instantly or killing you slowly doesn't matter maybe even taking in your Successor and molding them in his image."

"That doesn't mean you trust us at least three of us could hold you off for years maybe indefinitely if we chose to. The Lord of the mountain killing your army off in the narrow mountain pass, the Lord in the swamp hitting you after you when you get Swamp fever from the insects or fallen pits of mud or kill your army when they take off their armor because it's just too hard to move, And me I could hit and run you for years with your ships I outnumber you 5 to I make some of the best ship and ship weapon and attack on me would cost to you too much too much time and resources to rebuild after a failed attack."

"To show that you had fire, the drive to be better or at least as good as your father you need to show Everyone else that you have it. Kill your Court replace it with trusted that's one way. Could kill us four But that would start a war you can't win and I'm sure we all have commanders all competent enough with the wage war and that would be a problem. though the third way it always find another nation maybe get more land for your Kingdom" He said this with a grin the predator shows when prey with the arm reach, and when he talked about the swamps defenses he winked at this his fellow lord right next to him.

Virgil was about to reply to Vaino's question when the giant spoke. Everyone was silent listening to his hard voice. "Audacious!" Qunten pulled out his sword and pointed it Typhons neck. Guards came in and were ready to pounce. "Pfft, a bunch of bollocks..." before Qunten could go on Virgil stood up "Enough!" he signaled the guards back to their posts, Qunten sheathed his sword without protest. Ostel stood in the corner silent, his face red and had his hand on his dagger, the atmosphere was heating up in an attempt to defuse the situation Virgil thanked Typhon and then examined the blueprints. "I've heard tales and seen them on many ships but never had i seen the actual plans to make them, amazing. Ostel please sent them to Tigernan for copying."
"As you wish your majesty." he stormed out of the room. Typhon was a distasteful person to Virgil but hospitality must be maintained and he had to made sure that no harm came to them to build credibility. "Let us finish off our drinks and you will be shown to your quarters where you will spend your time at till the end of the ceremony, do check by the library our librarian and historian Tigernan is an interesting person to speak to about history and the likes."

Vaino sustained his manners even though he truley wished to cut out the giant's tongue. Suggesting to kill the court before the coronation was very unwise. It was true, however, that all of the wards posed a threat. The Ice Queen and Lord Theongor could just sit behind there fortresses. Hightower would hide behind his navy though there were a number of ways to destroy that navy. Vaino had terrain and numbers on his side but he did not wish to rebel for it would only hurt the marshes.

The warden took a drink of the wine handed to him by a butler. It was good, not as good as his own wine he kept in his cellar, but it was still a fine wine. He turned back to the prince. "So we are able to visit the library and stay in our quarters. Anywhere else? I personally wanted to spend some time in the city to get some things. I here Langsmerth traders carry the best spices in all of Penumbria."

The journey from Arv Rondalion to Langsmerth had been if not a pleasant one, at least a tolerable one. The weather had been treacherous but finally after five days of riding and stopping to make bed along the way in the small towns and passing villages they had arrived at Langsmerth at long last.

“Announce Lord Rondalion.” Murdock command the guard stationed at the large doors to the Great Meeting Hall.

Soon after arriving at the Palace, Isodell had wasted no time in gaining an interview with the new King. Her curiosity was too unmanageable as was her men's. But more so hers. She needed to know what kind of man he was. Though her informants had informed her he was surprisingly capable though maybe a little green and unused to such great responsibilities. Isodell wanted to see for herself whether he lived up to the information she was provided. There was nothing more so annoying then being given false intelligence thus it would also let her know whether she needed to replace her sources in the Palace in the near future.

“Where is Lord Rondalion?” Questioned the large guard, a frown creasing his thick brow as he eyed the group with the woman at the fore.

“You need not worry about that.” Isodell answered haughtily. “Just do what you are paid to do.”

The guard's frown turned mutinous at having been talked down to by woman but any words of rebuke he might have had died on his lips as his eyes flickered to the large group of solid men behind her clad in mail with swords at their sides. Instead he simply nodded and turned to open the grand doors.

“Your Majesty.” He bowed and gestured with a hand behind him. “My Lord Rondalion, the Warden of the Lowlands.”

Isodell swept in on a cloud of blue and purple silks that was her gown. A deep scarlet velvet cloak rested on her delicate shoulders and a long veil made of white net attached by a diamond encrusted ring adorning her pale hair masked her beauty. Her Knights close behind her.

“The Witch!” A woman's voice gasped and the hysteric whispers ensued en masse.

“Tis' the Ice Queen. She'll freeze you to death with her glare and those devil purple eyes!” Spoke another voice, as all eyes in the room rested sharply on her like the pointed ends of daggers.

A smile cracked across the face at the frightened whispers of the Courtiers. How very amusing, she thought in delight, that these people should fear her.

“Aye, it is the Witch, the Widow FitzWarren.

“Your Majesty.” Isodell said in a clear cut voice of obeisance that hushed all noise; stopping in the center of the room she curtsied deeply.

But it was no ordinary curtsy. A painful Court Curtsy that she had not preformed since she was a child and had visited Langsmerth with her father as a child. It had seemed easier then, when she weighed little more then a puppy. But right now it was painstaking work not to collapse on the spot right there. Yet, Isodell did not let her affliction appear on her features. She would never show any signs of weakness, not in front of these fools.

Legs crossed, her hands clasping the folds of her dress to the sides, her head bowed and her knees almost touching the ground, Isodell held the pose for a long moment before rising to face the party. Sounds of metal rubbing and straining echoed behind her as her Knights rose from their half kneeling bows after her.

“My most sincere condolences and my congratulations Your Majesty.” Isodell addressed her King philosophically. “It seems life is full of bitter sweet moments, is it not? To gain something we must oft times lose something of greater value.”

With a single hand Isodell lifted the long netted veil over her head. Her lips curving into a delicious smile as she studied the men before her. The Kings was dress in red velvet and could be no more then her own age. Yet his outfit was casual by Court standards and she somehow found this small detail endearing.

Next to him stood an older gentleman Isodell recognized from her visits to Court as a child as Lord Eddermarch. It was obvious time had taken a toll on Eddermarch, he was no longer the striking man she remember him to be but neither was he anything to sneer at, there was a reason after all that he had been the old Kings most trusted friend and adviser. The Kings guards – more then half a dozen of them - stood firmly behind the two men.

And off to the sides stood two men. Isodells eyes narrowed for a split second as they landed on the large brooding figure that she knew to be no other then the King of Criminals Typhon Sturmaz. And next to him could be either the Warden of the Highlands or the Marshes. Isodell could not be sure as she had never met either man in person before; sparing the pair no more than a passing glance, her attention was back to their new Sovereign.

“Forgive me Your Majesty, I do digress.” Isodell spoke sweetly. “In celebration of your accession to the Throne we bring you gifts from all of us at Arv Rondalion. Nay! In fact from all of the Lowlanders. We are after all your own people are we not Your Majesty?”

Isodell beamed gesturing forward four Knights that held two great chests between them. The men came forward placing the beautifully decorated chests a little before Isodell and opened them to reveal the priceless content.

Gasps once again echoed through the room as hushed whisper began to circulate. Isodell ignored them.

“The purest gold and silver in all of Penumbria so your reign is forever rich, bountiful and full of beauty.” Isodell stated in reference to the two trunks.

One filled to the brim with dazzling gold bars, statues and jewelry embedded with rare gems and stones from the mines of Silverstone. The other filled to the brim with similar objects but consisting of pure silver.

Gesturing, the next Knight forward who held in his lands a large silver platter covered over by a square of dark velvet. The material was lifted to reveal armor carved with an intricate design of swirls and spirals and at the center the family crest of the House of Madriach.

“Swords, Sheild and Armor plates of the finiest Iron and Steel from the very Mines of the Lowlands. None other in all of Penumbria could ever compete with it's lasting and forbearance so Your Majesty is always protected.” Isodell stated, eyes flashing quickly to Hightower and then back to rest on the Kings. “Though one wishes most adamantly that Your Majesty never finds himself in such a precarious position, however, it is an unfortunate but true fact that treachery is most certainly rife in Penumbria.”

Isodell spoke in a grave yet suggestive tone, letting the words lie between all present for a long moment before continuing.

“And last but not least.” Isodell added buoyantly once again. “Cinnamon flowers, Piment Escense, Sweet Salt & Safron to name a few and with many other more. So Your Majesty's life is always filled with spice.”

Isodell stated opening the smaller chest brought in front of her herself that held slotted compartments that held the rarest and most expensive spices and herbs that could be found in all of Penumbria and from beyond. Some of which cost more then silver or gold for less then an ounce a piece.

Taking a large pinch of the Sweet Salt Isodell let the snow white grains slip through her fingers and back into its place in the trunk.

“Or maybe spices were ill thought . . .” Isodell teased with a wicked grin upon her full lips; suddenly looking back up, capturing the Kings gaze.

She could hear her Uncles oaths under his breath knowing where his niece's daring was going and that she would refer slyly to the Kings like for whoring and drinking. But Isodell wanted to see if the new King possessed a sense of humor. One by one she planned to draw the Kings true traits out and see whether he was a fit ruler or someone who must be removed for the good of Penumbria.

True heir or not be damned!

“It is rumored, after all that Your Majesty's life is already overly spiced . . . is it not?”

In response to Vaino "Yes you can certainly leave the castle and into town, you are not under house arrest." Virgil chuckled emphasizing the last two words reminding him and Typhon to know where they step.

A messenger politely totted to the table where they were seated "Your most honorable sire, Lady Rondalion arrives!"

"Just in time, please more wine!" Virgil clapped. Servants hurried with one nearly tripping over.

Isodell walked in, Virgil was clearly allured by her cold beauty. All eyes were fixed on her as she sat. Her presences unnerving, it was almost like if the dreadful tales of the Ice Queen were true. The mention of disloyal vassals send shivers down his spine and discomforted faces were visible.

After making formalities and being acquainted, the gifts were presented. "Wonderful gifts, these must be worth at least tens of thousand of crowns, I am most certainly humbled by such a generous gift." Ostel returned walking obviously. "Ah, your lady, a thousand pardons." he bowed quickly "My lords.." Ostel moved over to the corner of the room and took post again.

Her remark which poked around with his hedonistic lifestyle caught him off guard, Ostel who picked up on it right away stiffened and looked directly at Isodell. Virgil cleared his throat "Excuses." feeling slightly pulled by the sly suggestion he hoped that Vaino or Typhon did not pick up he quickly replied "Bleh, overly spiced? Not enough spice, flavorless, The gifts you bring shall spice up my life just right." Virgil ordered one of the young pages over. "First step to Knighthood, take these bags to the pantry." The giant now the witch, jolly. he thought.

Virgil stood up and readjusted his jacket. "Sire?"

"Ah worry not Qunten, I'm not the one used to sitting down all day." Virgil discreetly gave Qunten a nudge. "I ordered a military display, i hope to the maker all the men are ready."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Lord Stormkeer is still a league or so away i hear, we've been sitting down all day, why don't we bring this out to a more open area? you wouldn't want to miss out on the scenery here."

“Fine I shall not soil your honor like also my own, but give Thoughts to my words They may be blunt but they have some truth to them” sipping his ale and ignoring the kissing up his counterpart was doing when he hear shouts of witch and screams of the servants He started grin like an idiot and reached for his stick until he saw it was just a lowland counterpart. After the showing of her gifts he went over got one knee took her hand and kissed it whispering to her ears only "Another hound to see how loose the leashes are have come by" then louder for the rest to hear " the rumors of your Beauty and stormy eyes are true and if I was single then I would ask for hand in marriage unluckily my heart and hand are already spoken for"

He sat back down as quick as he could before the woman could slap him, and when they got up to see the parade he stated " you need a wife and an heir my lord, I have a sister, still pure and she and my wife are always together, and my sister has all the assets a man could want. Give me the word and we can become brothers in all things." Sending his three guards away with a signal, Two of them bumped in to guards of lords of the swamp and lowlands quickly whispering " for your lord" before two stumbled off with their weapons to the dock and the third waited outside the gate with a note for the Lord of the high lands repeating the maneuver of his two compatriots. When read the note said "I love fishing for lantern fish if you would like to join me in fishing come to the docks tonight"

Finally... the coronation was over, everything went smoothly but then the thoughts of his vassals were still lingering in his mind. Was it a good first impression? Typhon was very open and showed discontent towards him, the Witch merely playing around with his mind. The maker has not granted him trust, it would be a impossible feat to siege Langsmerth and take it with a lone force, the garrison alone was five thousand and with the support of other vassals plus local militia and Banns the manpower would reach a staggering thirty thousand within a few days march. He did not fear within his own walls but of the walls of others, what is a king if he simply hides in his castle? Out of all the vassals he could only trust with semi confidence Maul. House Theongor were always humble vassals. But what if it not the case now?

"His majesty arrives!"

It was tradition that a newly crowned king rides through Langsmerth greeting and connecting with the commonfolk. It is a grand event the king was followed by the legendary Crimson Guard with their signature dark red silk robes and their terrifying helmets that covered their entire face only showing a slit of their eyes. Virgil sat on Thunder albeit slightly uncomfortable, his fathers armour was cooking him alive, it was too heavy for liking. The Guard flanked all of his sides, it was hard to see anything, that pretty much made the point of the march redundant. The walkways were filled with commonfolk chanting and cheering.

"Move aside, let me reach my people." Two guard towered in front of him, they turned around.

"I highly advise your majesty that you stay in the middle here, it is too dangerous."

"I do not heed your advice, move aside you two.:

Qunten rode after him, almost running over a crowd of people. "What's wrong with your head boy?" Qunten held his shield over his chest ready to bounce if any was to happen. The crowd was cheering even louder, the chants faster. The people were inspired, their own leader in shining armour fitting of heroes of the legends told. He knew that a sneaky shot from a crossbow could end his life but why did it matter, his people were more important. Virgil moved closer to the sides of the street with several guards chasing after him. "Protect his majesty!" Virgil swung down from his horse hanging from the stirrup hi-fiving the crowd. "The king, the king, his majesty!" a most bold maneuver even Qunten could agree.

"Enough, get his majesty back we are reaching the old town." Qunten said. The Old Town was the poorest part of the city filled with outcasts and the homeless. Guards then attempted to pull him back into the bulk of the convoy.

"Hands off, i am your king."

"Your majesty we are all worried for your safety."

He did not bother, Thunder went into full gallop. Qunten and a squad of guards rode quickly. The crowd roared. Virgil took off his helmet showing his beautiful hair and bright face.

---

The day was done, Qunten spared him a lecture almost grinning Just like your father. Virgil rested in his study in front of a fireplace.

“Why to have an alliance, what do you mean besides having an army twice the size and strength of your opponents, the ability to travel fast over the water, the high economic rewards of having the biggest and strongest navy on the island, I guess nothing.” He rowed his boat in and took the lantern fish out of the swamp lords boat “I’m leaving in three days, tomorrow I’m meeting the king again, no more jokes tonight leave any more with the barkeep he’s one of my men’s cousins and likes to tell me jokes. If you want to tell me the jokes in person schedule another fishing trip with the bar keep.” Ignoring the other two he went to his room and slept, thinking over his thoughts. The lady was smart and if he and her teamed up he could only trust her so far before she would stab him in the back. The lord was more trustworthy and would make a good partner overall, but how good could he lead troops was the question.

He walked to the palace gate and ended up back in a meeting room. The thought that stood out in his mind was now I will see the kind of man, the whelp is.