The long treacherous road to the capital, Silverfort, wound through verdant farmfields, hills, and steep mountain paths. Kael finally traversed these and arrived at the Silverfort.
Silverfort is the biggest castle city in the Greythorne kingdom, which lies on top of the mountain range called Brine mountains. Brine mountains were called as such for the rock salt they possessed. Which made the Greythorne kingdom a wealthier kingdom compared to other kingdoms in the vicinity.
Orin Darkbraid barked commands to his hogriders, as his braided beard bounced on chest. Kael urged his horse to move up the group and join Orin.
"Ser Orin, take it easy. We have almost arrived at the capital." Kael said. Soon thereafter they reached the gates. Kael showed his emblem to the guards to let them through the gates.
As they were reaching the Silverfort, Kael heard the wheels creaking under the cart's heavy load, people bartering with each other, smithies ringing with hammer on anvil; which only grew as he passed the gates.
After a while, an unblemished silvery white wall came into view. This wall separated the city from the true castle – the seat of power of Greythorne Kingdom, Silverfort.
A procession of courtiers stood outside the gate to welcome him. It seems his close shave with the death made his and kings supporters anxious. They were probably here to make sure he is healthy and in one piece.
Even with many nobles present, Kael noted some of the prominent members were not present. These were the nobles who disagreed with the decision of the King to select him as the crown prince.
Lord Malrik, foremost member of the court, wore a robe made from noble golden silk, a sign of his authority, the robe he wore had the embroidery of eagles against the mountain skies.
"Your highness," bowing just enough to adhere to the noble etiquette but not enough to show deference. "Greythorne rejoices at this heaven brought blessing. The kingdom has solely needed his presence."
It would be very hard to believe he didn't know what was going to happen to me? But coming to greet me even though he disagrees with father's decision shows how much of a cunning fox he is. Thought Kael.
Kael answered with measured dignity. "I thank you, Lord Malrick. I will do my utmost for the kingdom."
Long live the King! Long live the Kingdom!
Chant went off in the crowd. The whole crowd repeated it in one voice. The fact that he was not included in the chant spoke volumes to his standing in the capital. Kael, who was satisfied that his body remembered all noble etiquette and he only needed to read on it to remaster it, was brought back to reality as his position in the capital was laid bare in front of him.
Kael hung his head low and said. "I am very touched by all of you. But I would like to meet my father. I would like to ask for your forgiveness as I'll need to leave quickly."
Lord Malrik slightly curved his lips upwards, "Gentlemen, our prince has survived death. He is travel weary, and needs to rest. How about we meet him later?"
🏰🏰🏰
After a while, in a dimly lit chamber heavy with incense and herbs Kael met his bedridden father - the King.
The man looked more specter than sovereign, flesh wasted, breath rasping shallow. Yet his eyes, when they opened, burned with the embers of command. He lifted a trembling hand, and Kael knelt, allowing the dry fingers to brush his hair.
"Kael... my son" the King whispered. "The realm... will test you. Wolves... within... and without."
His words trailed into a cough that rattled the air. The attending healers hurried to steady him, but the King turned his face away, retreating into shallow sleep.
Kael rose, a chill sliding down his spine. Wolves within and without. Monsters outside, and treachery inside. A world cursed on both sides.
🏰🏰🏰
That night, as Kael sat alone in his chamber, a raven tapped at the window. Its eyes glowed faintly red under the moonlight. When he opened the latch, the bird did not fly away but dropped a scroll upon the sill before vanishing into shadow.
He unrolled it and read the inked words:
"Beware of the banquet tomorrow. Daggers wear smiles."
The wax seal at the bottom bore no crest.
Kael let the scroll curl back into itself. Already, the game had begun.