The heavy doors creaked open, the sharp clicking of their boots echoed across the polished marble floor of the throne room. Dust danced in the streams of light, filtered through the tall stained glass windows. Casting fragmented colors like broken jewels across the floor. The kindrean flag draped from the vaulted ceiling, somberly. Leaving a feeling of unease in the air.
The King's sat rigid on his throne, starring at the approaching group with anger simmering in his eyes, his silhouette framed by golden light. Strangely his expression slowly began to soften.
In his hands, he held the legendary Stag's Blade, stroking it's sheathe like you would a skittish animal. His calloused fingers ran over the ancient etchings of the material. The leather sheathe, rumored to be of dragon hide, shimmered faintly under the light. His nerves seemed to calm from the gesture, grounding him in the victories of the past.
King Edward griped the handle tightly, finally speaking, his voice low and gravely. "We can assume the man who made it through the gates isn't Landor." He said stroking the pommel of his sword. "I see no reason why he would hide his face if he was. No…the Talorans must have rejected our offer and sent a spy." He hissed in disdain. "Savage, battle-hungry beasts."
He narrowed his eyes at the room, his gaze like the pull of a bowstring. "Our only choice is to fight"
Sir Barnabas stepped forward, bowing on one knee. "Give the order my king, and I shall ready a cavalry by dusk. We hit fast and end it before nightfall, they'll never see it coming."
Thessa's eyes brightened with urgency, she stepped beside Barnabas, bowing swiftly before rising. "I agree, we can attack now and be rid of them before this time tomorrow." Her heart beat with joy, she was getting everything she hoped for.
Edward smirked, and chuckled for a moment, the sound echoing off the stone walls. "I'm sure this brings great joy to you, Thessa." He said, amused. "Your instinct to fight was right all along."
She smiled from ear to ear. Bubbling with feelings of victory.
Edward, scuffed. "Get up. You'll do well leading a platoon." He continued, shifting to a commanding tone. "Barnabas, give the order to the men at the wall. And all knights of Kindrea, we're going to war."
"No…"
The room froze in silence.
All eyes turned to Edric, standing at the rear of the group. His voice although low, hit like a pebble on a still river. Looks of confusion ran through their faces.
Edward leaned forward slightly, frowning. "What do you mean 'no'?" He asked, tilting his head in curiosity, but mostly confusion.
Edric stepped forward slowly, the soft thud of each footstep pressing into the silence. Moving with calm and purpose till he stood parallel to his sister and Barnabas.
He cleared his throat, and starred his father in the eye. "When I was in Eldoria I fought against the Talorans. And contrary to what most people think, they're not mindless brutes. Sure they relish a good brawl, but…" He paused, turning his back to them, and edging them on in a dramatic fashion. "…they would never give up a tactical edge, just to fight."
Thessa's patience wore thin. "What are you getting at?" She said, feeling agitated by her brother.
He turned, back to them, giving Thessa an aggressive look, making sure she knew, he was unto her.
His gaze, so strong it cut through the air like a drawn blade. Its effect were physical, causing her to gasp, and stumble back a bit.
Edric smirked, sensing her discomfort. "The Talorans came here and demanded we let them through. Although not immediately, we agreed. Why would they change their mind after getting what they wanted?"
The king stroked his thick beard. His brow wrinkled by the weight of his thoughts. "Maybe, they had a change of mind."
"Yes! I can see that happening," Thessa concurred. "I mean they are savages after all."
Edric, grinned. "That's exactly why we can't go into battle just yet. 'Maybe' isn't a good enough reason to send men to die."
"He does make a good point, your majesty" Sir Barnabas added.
"No!" Thessa exploded at the top of her voice, stamping her feet on the ground. "This is the last day the Talorans gave us, if we don't attack now, we'll be trapped in our own kingdom when the siege begins."
"But how will we know it will begin?" Edric fired back, with a sharper tone.
Edward raised his arm, silencing them before the argument could spiral further.
"We must find Landor or whoever passed through our gates," King Edward said. "Till then all battle preparations will continue, but we don't strike.
Sir Barnabas, bowed. "Yes sir! I shall direct the search myself. " He said leaving the room, hastily.
Thessa hissed turning her gaze from her brother in annoyance.
Edric watched her coldly. "I don't know how you benefit from this battle, Thessa…but I won't let you drive this kingdom with your ego."
She didn't respond. No witty comeback or sneer. Just a long, tense silence. Then without a word, she turned and strode toward the door.
King Edward watched her leave, he reached his hand out to call to her. But clenched his fist, changing his mind. "She's not ready," he muttered under his breath.