There was an uneasy silence in the room following the most recent utterance. Perry shifted his wait in the chair, then cleared his throat before speaking.
“With lightning?” he asked.
Telhari averted his gaze and responded shyly.
“Yes.”
“I see,” Perry said as he rubbed his chin. “Once again, you have proved to be quite the formidable ally!” Perry’s playful offer of a silver lining was not as effective as he would have hoped. When Telhari did not respond with a smile or rebuttal, Perry decided it best to move on. “I apologize that we let them slip through our guard,” he continued, “And I am sorry that you were forced into such a position.”
Telhari acknowledged this sentiment with a nod of his head, but said no more on the issue.
Perry was seated with Telhari, Ingrid, and Avenell behind the locked door of his study. On the room’s central table was placed a recently opened letter —one with purple silk cords embedded in a broken wax seal— which was presently folded face down against the wood.
“And you are sure it was wise to let them go?” Ingrid asked with a look of mixed concern and intrigue.
“I am confident that my message was well received,” Telhari said. “And if they do return, I will be sure to deal with them accordingly.”
“Then let us consider the matter handled.” As he said this, Perry stood up from his chair and walked toward the central table. “As it stands, we have more pressing concerns.”
The three looked at each other curiously.
“That letter…” Ingrid began, “What does it say?”
Perry picked the parchment up off the table and held it in his hands a few moments, before he handed it to her. She took it from him and held it up as she read. And as her eyes swept over the paper, they grew wider and wider with surprise. Finally, she drew the page from her face.
“Sir Perry…”
“Let me read this—!”
Avenell reached over and snatched the paper out of her hands. He read it through with voracious curiosity, until he too had seen enough to leave him shaken.
“Is this true?” he asked, scarcely above a whisper.
Telhari looked between the three of them and tried to hold in his curiosity. Thankfully, he did not have to wait long. Avenell handed Telhari the letter and he took it without word. After he had read over its contents, Telhari lowered it from his face made eye contact with Perry. He held his tongue a few moments and considered the news.
“Well, Master Telhari?” Perry asked, “What do you think?”
Telhari stared once more at the parchment in his hand. He read one final time those words which presently confounded him; portentous, black ink scrawled with delicate precision and sealed by the brand of absolute authority.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
And then Telhari smiled.
“Despite all that we have accomplished,” he started, “In truth, I am content just to be among you all. I want for nothing beyond that.”
Telhari then folded the letter neatly along its creases and handed it back to Perry.
“Whatever you decide,” Telhari said, “I will offer my support.”
***
The entirety of the Starspawn’s present members were now gathered in the great hall of the barracks. Many were still reeling from the morning’s events, and so a sudden summons from Sir Perry only served to magnify their excitement. Servants, serfs, and other peasantry came in from the field lands at the spreading of rumor and crowded into the great hall. After several conversations, it became clear that the announcement’s true purpose was known only to a few. Indeed, the fact that neither Mary nor Ellis knew what was happening had made all the attendees even more intrigued. And so together they stayed, gathered in close quarters within the great hall, jittering excitedly as Perry entered the room. Behind Sir Perry walked Ingrid, Telhari and Avenell who all stood a few paces from him. Once they had all settled into formation, the room became silent. Sir Perry then looked around at all the attendees and stepped forward to speak.
“I am thankful to see you all here,” Perry announced with a grin, “ And I promise I will be brief.”
A few bouts of laughter were shared between the Starspawn and their guild leader, after which Perry cleared his throat and continued.
“As many of you will have no doubt learned already, word of your exploits have reached well beyond the borders of this town.”
There now came a cheering of voices, all rising with a strength and camaraderie that warmed Perry’s heart.
“And it would seem that those words have made their way north— to the heart of our empire— and to the ears of the Royal administration.”
At this, he paused. There was a murmur among the gathered folks at mention of the nobility in Eadenfros. Those voices of the serfs and peasants were rich with excitement. But there was more concern among the others of the staff, and of the Starpsawn, who knew enough of politics to be weary of such a prospect.
Avenell stepped forward and held out his hand to Perry; within it, he held a rolled up parchment. Perry took the suspicious correspondence and held it up as he spoke.
“This declaration has been sent to us on behalf of the Royal Advisory Council in Eadenfros.”
There was much commotion now. But before anyone could interject, Perry unraveled the parchment and began to read aloud.
“’By decree of the Royal Advisory Council to the Omnirian Empire, to whom governance of the Great Omnirian Empire has thus been granted ad exspectantes regem [My own term, meaning “Awaiting the king,” literally. Practically, it refers the order being given by someone who has temporary authority in the present absence of a high king.] , Sir Perry Mannigold, Lord of the South Viemen Estate, is to be awarded the title of ‘Dragon Slayer’, and honored before the Royal Courts of Omnirius and the representatives of her sister nations at a celebration in Gate City, which is to be held in the evening on the first day of the 949th year.’”
The hall was speechless.
“And!” Perry added as he fought back a widening grin, “’Special recognition, along with a conferment of Knighthood under the banners of the Great Omnirian Empire, is to be granted to the ally of Sir Perry Mannigold, who, upon acceptance, shall henceforth bear the title Sir Telhari of the Starspawn’.”
Ellis’ mouth had long since dropped and he could do little else aside from stare stupidly up at his uncle and his teacher. He felt Mary grab his arm and together they locked eyes and smiled. Then the entire great hall erupted as one. Those of the Starspawn who were seated at the dining tables stood up and cheered or banged their cups against the table. Those of the elated servants and serfs waved and shouted with joy. A rising clamor of applause and goodwill resounded throughout the barracks. And for one small moment, Perry could see nothing else — feel nothing else— save for the happiness of those around him.