Early the following morning, the camp was greeted by the sudden sound of terrifically loud horns that blew continuously for a full minute. Their purpose was to wake up the entire camp so that they could pack up and prepare to march at first light. The sun had not begun to rise, yet Kaewyn had found little sleep after the funeral. His mind had been much too active. He had woken several times during the night, eventually deciding that just getting up and wandering the camp was better than lying awake in his sleeping furs. When the horns blew, he was wandering past some sleeping soldiers who lay upon the ground in their bedrolls by a warm fire. He heard them grumble and complain, but to their credit, they still rose and had begun to pack their equipment and take down tents.
He spotted Arlan leading his white horse through the camp and walked over to him. The chaos of the freshly woken camp was swirling around them, making it difficult to hear each other’s words over shouting sergeants and officers organising their underlings. He recalled that he had asked Arlan after last night’s funeral to organise the small force that would remain behind and guard the fjord and the border. This small force also had the responsibility of working with the Lady Eliya to assist her in dealing with her people that had chosen to rebel against her and had been raiding her lands. Arlan dutifully reported that he had personally that the force of fifty experienced men had been organised and knew their duties. After thanking him, Kaewyn dismissed Arlan who then joined the General in helping to get everything moving before sunrise. He still had to appoint a leader for this force, but he figured that could wait until they were prepared to leave.
Kaewyn returned to his tent and found Yohren still asleep, despite the horns that had managed to wake everyone else from their slumber. He said something to try and wake up his sleepy retainer, but if the horns hadn’t woken him, his voice wasn’t likely to either. He then gently nudged Yohren’s side with his foot but his retainer only grumbled and rolled over. It was then that he remembered Yohren had volunteered after the funeral to assist the monks in restoring the shrine after the funeral had taken place and must have only returned to camp sometime before Kaewyn had woken up during the night. Suddenly guilty, he decided to let him rest a little longer. He only hoped whoever’s job it was to pack up the tent checked inside before collapsing it on top of him.
Wandering the camp again as everyone scrambled to pack up, he stopped briefly to help a few soldiers carry their equipment into a wagon and then assisted a man who was trying to move several horses on his own. Afterwards, he saw Rahim shouting at a soldier who looked like he was packing up his gear. When he spotted Kaewyn, he came rushing over with a hint of madness in his eyes.
“What is going on here Kaewyn? Did you order this?” Rahim said angrily as he pointed at men hauling supplies into crates and wagons.
“I did.” Kaewyn said defensively. “You told me to make a decision and so I have.”
“But to leave? What about the promise you made me at the shrine? You promised me we would avenge father, together. Why are the men preparing to march south when they should be marching north!”
“I know I promised vengeance Rahim, and I hope one day we are given such an opportunity but there has been a development we can’t ignore. If you calm yourself, I will explain why we march south.”
“This isn’t the first time I’ve seen you break your word Kaewyn…” His brother snarled. “I saw you make a false promise to that bandit and then break it like it was nothing to you! Does your word truly mean so little to you?”
“This is nothing like that Rahim.” Kaewyn explained. “One of Lord Severus’ sons arrived in camp after you left. He brings word that his older brother has sworn vengeance upon me for what happened to his father and brothers. As we speak, he is probably gathering another army to invade our home. We cannot just ignore him in the name of our own vengeance. No matter how much we may want to.”
“But father…”
“Father would want us to protect our people. Especially when the Revaryn Empire has fallen into such chaotic times. You told me yourself he wanted to make haste back to Xu Castle after the Emperor was taken captive by Lord Valehran. Why else would he do this, if not out of a desire to protect our people? Besides… with what Lady Eliya told us, it seems that Lord Valehran is the one who orchestrated his murder. We don’t have the men or resources to challenge him. He holds the Emperor himself and his lands are far from ours.”
“Everything you are saying makes sense Kaewyn, but sense isn’t what matters to me right now.” Rahim said as fresh tears welled up in his desperate eyes. “I need to avenge him. I can’t just ignore this.”
“Is that what you think I’m doing?” Kaewyn snapped, doing his best to fight back his own tears. “You believe I’m ignoring what happened to him? I think about it night and day. I barely sleep, and every decision I’m forced to make, makes me feel like I’m not worthy to follow in his footsteps… Listen… Rahim. I have decided to leave a token force of troops here to guard the border and to help Lady Eliya with her rebels. Then we are to take the army back to Xu Castle to resupply, and then march to invade Oscua Province to remove this new threat in the south. It’s going to be hard, but I need you by my side… and I need you on my side.”
“I cannot march south when my vengeance lies in the north.” Rahim said emphatically.
“Have you not heard a word I’ve said? Lord Valehran is simply out of our reach. The only thing we can do is protect Greystone Province. Maybe… maybe after the south is pacified, we come up with something, but going after him now puts everything at risk. Don’t you see that?”
Rahim shook his head. “I do, but it doesn’t change how I feel. If you want to go back and protect our home… then you should. It’s the right thing to do, but I won’t be returning home until father is avenged.”
“What are you going to do? You can’t be considering riding off alone to fight Lord Valehran all by yourself. You’ll be killed.”
“I’m not stupid. I know I wouldn’t stand a chance alone, but I can remain here. Maybe I find out what’s happening in the north and discover if what Lady Eliya has told us is the truth.”
“Remain here?”
“Yes, I have decided that my men and I will join this small force you plan to leave behind. I will guard the border and discover who is truly guilty for the murder of our father.”
“Rahim… I cannot leave you here. You and your men number near half of our army. We will need every man we can get if we are to go to war with Oscua Province with any chance of defeating them.”
“Then… take my men as well. Leave me in command of only the small force you planned to leave behind.” Rahim’s tone shifted from one of anger to desperation in an instant. “Please Kaewyn, I cannot bring myself to return home just yet…”
Kaewyn hesitated. “The moment we leave, you’ll be crossing the river with your troops and causing trouble for whoever you think is guilty of father’s death. Lady Eliya is to become our new ally in case we need to resist the northern lords. This small force you wish to command is not supposed to remain to harass her, but to assist her in holding her lands. Your actions would seek only to provoke her to war.”
“If you think her bastard father is truly dead and that she is not to blame… then I believe you. I won’t hold her responsible. I won’t attack the Elentide.”
“You will. I can hear it in your voice Rahim. You’re angry and irrational.”
“Kaewyn.” Rahim sighed heavily. “When I was returning home with father after the campaign against the Great Traitor, I was a different man. I was the brother you knew. But after that ambush… I changed.” Rahim explained. “I think father always knew.”
“Knew what? What are you babbling about?”
“I’m not worthy of being a leader, a decision maker.” He said solemnly. “I let my anger control my thoughts. I let it fester… until it’s all I can think about. I don’t listen and my blood boils when someone says something that I disagree with. But you… you’ve always been calm. You let others speak up and weigh their opinions, consider the bigger picture and then decide what is best. You are just like him Kaewyn, even if you do not see it.”
“You are a terrific leader Rahim.” Kaewyn insisted. “And much more like father than I ever was. When you were fighting in the Heartlands, father sent back letters on how you were winning duels and leading the vanguard against the enemy. You sounded like one of those heroes of old from the stories. Everyone in Xu Castle hung on every word of those letters.”
“I may be good at fighting, but I am no leader. What father didn’t tell you in those letters was how I led the vanguard into several ambushes and lost many men. If father hadn’t been so wise, I would have died many times over. I could see the disappointment in his eyes after he had to rescue my men and I for the third time.” Rahim sighed again. “I should have told you the moment I saw you. But I was scared that you would take control of everything and then be all logical. I was afraid you would decide against revenge and that I’d lose my chance to avenge his death. I’m sorry Kaewyn.”
“Told me what Rahim? What are you saying?”
“I was with him, when he died.” Rahim confessed. “After the initial ambush, he rallied a group of riders and rescued me… again. But when we were breaking free, he took an arrow. He fell from his horse. The physician and I returned to him, but he was already too far gone. He told me… he told me that you would need my help. That I should do everything I could to guide you and help you protect our home. His final words to me were about you, Kaewyn. He… he loved you. He wanted you to succeed him and rule Greystone Province.”
“This… this is—” Kaewyn stammered.
“You probably hate me for leaving him behind like that…and not telling you the truth.”
“No I… I just don’t know what to say. I’ve always thought father wanted you to take over once he passed. Not me.”
“No Kaewyn, what you never saw was how he spoke of you when you weren’t around. He always wanted you as his heir. He had planned to officially name you as such when we made it back home, but then the ambush…” He lowered his head sadly. “Did you not ever wonder why he left you in charge of the province when he left to go to war?”
“He left me behind.”
“No brother, he left you in charge.”
Rahim’s revelation had shocked Kaewyn to his core. As a young child he was confident in his future as the heir and took it for granted, but once he entered adolescence and became a young man, he had come to firmly believe in his heart that his actions in his youth had forced his father to lose faith in him. He was always out drinking or hunting whenever anything important was happening in Xu Castle. Whenever he was told to make sure he was present, he’d slink off at any excuse. But what Rahim had told him changed everything. He had never thought him being left behind at home during the campaign as a sign of trust, only evidence of the lack of it. He was starting to see that his father did believe in him, despite his failings.
“I know. I shouldn’t have kept it from you.” Rahim said as he took hold of both of Kaewyn’s shoulders. “I don’t want there to be any secrets between us anymore and I know you shouldn’t trust me but please, give me command of these men and let me remain here.”
“Rahim... even after everything you’ve said… you must understand—”
“Kaewyn. The title of lord should go to a son. You and I both know the truth, I was never his son, no matter how much I wished to be. I will say whatever I have to say publicly and I will support you as father’s successor. I’ll write a letter as proof. Just… just let me honour the man who took me in as a son.”
“You must promise me Rahim, swear that you will not cross that river without my permission.”
“I promise and I swear. I will not act without asking you first.”
“…Very well.” Kaewyn exhaled deeply. “The men you brought with you will remain with the army, but the force that will remain behind is yours.”
“Thank you… cousin.” Rahim said as he embraced him tightly, somewhat crushing him.
“We will always be brothers, Rahim. Always.”
“I know what you said but, I promise you will not regret this. You won’t.”
Kaewyn smiled as the two parted. “We’ll see. You’d better prepare then. What’s left of this camp after we leave will be yours”
Rahim nodded. “I’ll say goodbye to you now then, in case I don’t see you before you leave.”
“Farewell, and good luck.” Kaewyn said as he hugged his brother.
“To you as well.” Rahim said. “And… thank you for trusting me.”
“Rahim…” Kaewyn said flatly.
“Hmmm?”
“I’ll need that letter.”
“Oh, of course. I’ll have a man bring it to you before you leave.”
Rahim left Kaewyn and began barking orders to a group of soldiers who were disassembling one of the larger tents. He could hear him telling them to leave that particular one standing as he intended to use it for himself. Already Kaewyn felt doubts creeping into his mind. For now, at least, he was satisfied. With the letter that Rahim had promised to deliver, the succession crisis that had caused so much tension could soon be dealt with. Rahim was the only other with a valid claim, with his support and a letter written by his hand acknowledging Kaewyn, it would be a simple matter to finally declare himself the official lord of Greystone Province.
After an hour of frantic preparations, General Alaric reported that the bulk of the army was ready to begin the march to Xu Castle. He noticed that a large majority of the men were discontent and grumbling that they were returning home without battle. He couldn’t blame them. Many of these men signed up to avenge their late lord. He only hoped that their mood would change when they realised that how serious and legitimate the threat was in the south.
Yohren appeared from within a crowd of gathering soldiers and sleepily greeted Kaewyn as he was mounting his horse. He apologised several times and explained how exhausted he had felt, and then joined him by mounting his own horse, fairly competently now that he’d had some practice. Yohren had mastered the basics of riding, an impressive feat considering his relative inexperience only a few weeks ago. The two men then joined the stationary column of troops who were awaiting the word to march. Kaewyn took his place at the head of the column alongside the General and Marcus, as well as Arlan, and then called for the march to begin. He looked to see if he could spot his brother still in the camp, and when he did, he waved, but Rahim was too busy ordering about his new troops.
Hours later, the army passed through the forest where the shrine to Ohnix was hidden and entered the open plains of the Emperor’s Way. On the way to Edheren Province, their journey had been filled with tension and unease, but the same could not be said for the return trip. Everyone riding at the head of the column was bored. He had tried to start up some conversion on various topics, but interest had soon faded.
“The Lady Eliya was not quite what I was expecting.” Arlan said.
“What did everyone think of her?” Yohren asked innocently.
General Alaric chuckled. “Well, for one, she had some huge… assets!”
Some of the soldiers marching at the head of the column heard the General’s words and burst into laughter. Pleased with himself, General Alaric lapped up the applause. Kaewyn rolled his eyes whilst Arlan simply shook his head. Yohren however, appeared to not understand the reaction and seemed confused.
“Honestly, the Lady seemed very competent. She was obviously a skilled warrior.” Arlan said in an obvious attempt to steer the conversation away from silliness. “I know I wouldn’t want to fight her in the field.”
“Heh.” General Alaric chuckled again, seemingly emboldened now that he knew he had a receptive audience. “I know I’d like to fight with her in some fields.”
“Gods be good.” Kaewyn groaned.
“You are all fools.” Marcus interjected as he rode up beside them. “Only one thing on the mind. You’d think you were all young men who had never… oh, sometimes I forget who I am travelling with.”
“You aren’t much older than the most of us Marcus.” Kaewyn noted.
“Maybe not in age my lord, but in other ways...” Marcus sighed. “Speaking of fools…. Where is your brother? I haven’t seen him once since we departed the fjord.”
“My brother asked to be left in command of the troops we left behind to guard the border.” He explained. “Before you say anything, he has promised not to act without my permission.”
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“And naturally you decided to grant this absurd request without a second thought.” Marcus sighed. “When you asked me to serve you, did you intend to use my advice or do you just appreciate having me follow you around all day?”
“Calm yourself Marcus. Rahim gave me his word that he would not cross the Rau and he has never been one to break his word once given.”
“This is incredibly short sighted of you. That man is not worthy of such trust and you’re a fool to give it so freely. Would it be particularly difficult to consult me before making such important decisions?”
“I can make decisions on my own. I need not consult you with every small choice.”
“I would settle for occasionally, but regardless, I suppose there are some positives to your… decision.”
Kaewyn cast a sideways glance and smirked. “Are you alluding to the fact that by granting his request, he now only has fifty men under his command instead of several hundred?”
“A fair point.” Marcus said. “Though I am still wary of his intentions, it is true that with such a small number of troops, he is less likely to be able to cause trouble.”
“At least for us. He could still start a conflict with the Elentide.” General Alaric added. “His desire for revenge has not lessened, I can guarantee you that. I hope he takes his word seriously my lord and doesn’t draw us into a war on two fronts.
“I hope so too General.” Kaewyn replied.
“My lord, if you are to listen to anything I say today, then let it be this.” Marcus said sternly. “Lord Corrhen’s funeral signifies the end of the old to the troops. Even I have heard the rumours that have spread like wildfire through the camp. They openly wonder whether you or your brother will succeed your father to become lord. With the entire army under our control, along with Rahim guarding the border and out of the way for the time being, I believe it is the perfect time to officially name yourself your father’s true successor. It is time for you to become the Lord of Greystone Province.”
“I agree.” General Alaric said. “It is high time to put this succession business behind us. The troops need to know who they are fighting for. They need to know it is you and not your brother giving the orders.”
“Even if he only has fifty men by the border, your brother is still your father’s son.” Arlan said. “If you name yourself the lord, will this not aggravate him further?”
“No.” Kaewyn said. “He has given up his claim. He told me himself. I believe Rahim is only interested in vengeance now.”
“How can you be so certain?” Marcus questioned.
“This letter.” Kaewyn said as he tossed the parchment to Marcus.
Marcus unfurled the parchment as read through it rapidly. A wicked smile appeared on his face as he threw his head back and let out a laugh. One of Rahim’s men had delivered just before they marched, just as he had promised. Kaewyn had read it then.
Dear brother,
I write this letter to bestow upon you, Kaewyn Edderfield, my blessing and support in you assuming our father’s title as the new Lord of Greystone Province. Let none question that you are the rightful ruler of our land. I, Rahim Edderfield, have also borne witness to the last wishes of Lord Corrhen Edderfield, who indicated to me before his untimely death that his son, Kaewyn Edderfield, should rule after him. Gods grant him rest. In addition to the above, I hereby relinquish my own claim to the title of lord in favour of my brother. Let this letter serve as proof as to my acknowledgement of the above.
Signed,
Rahim Edderfield
Marcus had later suggested that before they head for Oscua Province to respond to the threat of yet another Lord Severus, that they stop just outside of Oakerton to resupply the army. Although the campaign against the Elentide had ended without hostilities, their supplies had still begun to run low. Kaewyn agreed, seeing the obvious wisdom in the suggestion, and decided to send Yohren ahead with a few riders to inform Seneschal Talbury that they would be returning shortly. Yohren was excited at the prospect of being given some responsibility, and before long he and a few seasoned riders galloped ahead of the army and disappeared from view. Kaewyn smiled, knowing he would enjoy riding at such speeds now that he was getting better at riding.
In addition, Marcus also suggested that while they were home, they should hold a very brief ceremony officially acknowledging Kaewyn as his father’s successor. He was unsure at first, but with Rahim’s letter of support there was no reason to delay any longer. Anyone who held doubts or concerns about him becoming the lord were probably in the minority now, he thought. Any who remained in Xu Castle that might have favoured Rahim over himself, would now be silenced by the letter he now possessed. Although he had not yet avenged his father’s murder, such a thing seemed so distant to him now. Inside, he still desired to avenge his father, but he also knew that the lordship of Greystone could not be left vacant forever. He had already seen what effect having no clear leader had had on the troops. They were confused and often did not know which orders to follow. Uncertainty often led to disaster, a fact which Kaewyn was all too familiar with from his studies of the Empire’s history. The time had come for him to put aside his fears and accept the responsibility that his father had always wanted him to have.
The journey back to Xu Castle had been made much faster than expected which delighted Kaewyn immensely. He was eager to see his home again even though he had not been away long. What excited him the most however, was not seeing the familiar and welcoming walls of Xu Castle or even being officially named the new lord of the province, but the thought of seeing Camilla once again. He had been thinking of her with increasing frequency since he decided that they would return and pass by Xu Castle. He wondered what she had thought of the book he had left in her chambers and was eager to discuss it with her. If the situation within Oscua Province had not been so dire, he would have liked to have stayed longer. He knew however, that it was not wise to linger, haste was paramount, and the sooner they crossed the border into Oscua Province, the better chances they would have at success.
The army soon arrived just outside of Oakerton and set up camp by the Emperor’s Way yet again. Leaving the General in charge, Kaewyn continued riding and traversed the familiar winding hill that led up to Xu Castle. As he approached the gates he was filled with a sense of warmth and safety. He longed to be inside those walls, but more than that, he wanted to be with Camilla. He heard a sentry shout something and soon the gates were opened. As he rode through the gatehouse and entered the courtyard, he saw Seneshal Talbury standing amongst a few other civil officials who wore their standard white robes. He had expected to see Camilla there, as well as Yohren who he had sent ahead earlier but neither of them was in the courtyard.
“Welcome back my lord!” Seneschal Talbury said warmly. “I was so happy to hear your campaign ended without any hostilities. Though I understand the situation is more complicated than that.”
“Where is Camilla?” He asked.
“Uh, I haven’t seen her my lord. In fact, I haven’t seen her since we learned you would be returning.”
“When was this?” He questioned impatiently.
“It would have been this morning my lord. When Yohren arrived with the news of your return.”
“Is she missing? Why is she not here? And where is Yohren?”
“Lady Callidus mostly kept to herself after you left my lord, as for Yohren, I have not seen him either. Don’t fret my lord, I’m sure she is here somewhere. I’ll have men look for her.”
Kaewyn shook his head and dismounted his horse, handing his reins over to a guardsman. “Rahim decided to remain at the border with a small force.”
“I know. Yohren explained everything. It is troubling that a son of Lord Severus plans to emulate his horrid father. It seems that you will ride to face the black and gold banners once again my lord.”
“This time will be different Talbury.” Kaewyn explained. “Our force is much stronger now and this time we will be on the offensive.”
“You sound… confident my lord.”
“And why wouldn’t we be?” Kaewyn insisted. “This army is not led by Lord Severus, but his third son Marcus Severus. I doubt he possesses the military knowledge of his father, if he did, he’d have been there when they attacked us the first time.”
“You may be right…”
“The army of Oscua Province is also heavily depleted since the Battle of the Rau. I doubt this Marcus Severus has had time to replenish the numbers of his father’s defeated army.”
“The Battle of the Rau?”
“That’s what the scholars are calling our victory over Lord Severus.” Kaewyn said with a smile. “Just like the stories of old.”
“Hmmm. Yes.” Talbury said softly. “It does seem that way.”
“Listen Talbury, there is something I need you to do. Marcus has suggested that now is the perfect time for us to hold a ceremony naming me the official lord. Could you organise for it to be held tonight here in the courtyard?”
“My lord?” Talbury said in surprise. “Firstly, I must offer my congratulations, but these things take time to organise. Days… weeks… even a whole month. Notables from the surrounding villages and towns need to be invited, a date set, and a feast must be planned. I cannot possibly organise something worthy of a such a momentous occasion in mere hours.”
“Well, you will have to manage I’m afraid. The army is only stopping to resupply. We march for Oscua Province tomorrow.”
“By the gods Kaewyn, I will try.”
“And find Camilla, Yohren too.” He said as he mounted his horse. “You check the castle. I will go see if one of them is in town.”
“I will my lord.” Talbury said, completely flustered and red in the face. “By the gods…”
“I’ll return tonight for the ceremony.” Kaewyn shouted as he rode back out through the gatehouse and down the winding path that led to Oakerton.
Kaewyn spend the next two hours searching every inch of Oakerton for any sign of Camilla or Yohren. He thought he had found her in the busy marketplace when he spotted a woman with long flowing brown hair in expensive clothing, but it turned out to be just a wealthy merchant’s young wife. Frustrated, he returned to the army’s camp by the Emperor’s Way and asked if Camilla or Yohren had come looking for him, but no one had seen either of them. He had no idea what was going on.
When the sky darkened and the cold air had begun to blow in from the plains, Kaewyn was alerted by a guard that Yohren had been seen in camp somewhere near makeshift stable that housed their warhorses. Immediately he sprung to his feet and rushed over, only to find his retainer calmly stroking one of the mares. When he approached his friend and announced himself, a startled Yohren spun around to face him in complete surprise. When he questioned him on where he had been, Yohren explained that he had been looking for him as well and that they must have kept missing each other. Annoyed, he asked if Yohren had seen Camilla anywhere, to which Yohren nervously told him that he had only seen her when he arrived early in the morning and delivered the news of their return to Seneschal Talbury.
Kaewyn was starting to worry for her safety. If Camilla had wandered off or gone for a ride without telling anyone, she should have come back by now. A part of him also realised that she had seemingly disappeared right after learning that he was coming back home. Doubts began to fester within his mind, he started to think that maybe she had left because he was returning, but he knew he was overreacting and simply thinking the worst. She had never said or done anything that would indicate that she wanted to avoid him. Perhaps he was worrying for nothing. Word arrived at camp shortly thereafter that Seneschal Talbury had prepared the ceremony and was awaiting guests and that Kaewyn’s presence was required. Hoping that Talbury had discovered Camilla’s whereabouts, he saddled up a horse and headed back to Xu Castle. The rest of the notables from the military camp, such as Arlan, Marcus and the General, as well as Tavian, promised that they would join him soon.
Upon his arrival, he was greeted by a very different castle. Decorations had been set up and banners bearing the Edderfield colours of white, grey and black were everywhere. All of the wall sconces had been lit and illuminated much of the grounds. Several tall standing torches had been set up and flickered with flame, providing yet more light to the courtyard. Seneschal Talbury stood at the gatehouse entrance and welcomed each person with grace as they arrived, ushering them inside the castle. Kaewyn found himself impressed by how well Talbury conducted himself as a host and was content in his decision to leave him in charge. When the Seneschal had a spare moment, Kaewyn asked again if he had any luck in his search for Camilla’s whereabouts, but the older man simply nodded his head.
He was starting to really worry for her safety. If she did not attend the ceremony tonight, he was starting to think he should send out men to scour the countryside in search of her. Once Talbury had finished welcoming yet more guests, he took Kaewyn aside and told him that he had searched Camilla’s chambers. Most of her belongings were gone, and he also believed that her handmaiden had disappeared along with her as none of the servants or guards had seen her recently either. It was troubling news, but he figured if her handmaiden had left with her, then it was possible Camilla had simply decided it was time to return to Vinum Province. Seneschal Talbury had come to the same conclusion and told him not to worry, but the feeling that something was not quite right lingered in the depths of his stomach and no matter how much he tried to focus on other things, it would not leave him.
Kaewyn left Talbury to continue welcoming more guests and made his way into the courtyard. More than two dozen people had gathered and more were arriving every moment. He recognised many of them, including Bailiff Mallis and Madame Talissa who were seated together at a large table, drinking merrily. He also noticed Harold, the barkeep of the Lusty Woodsman and his black cat. The barkeep appeared to be providing several barrels of wine to the occasion and jovially filled the mugs of anyone who walked by. He even saw the Oakerton smith, the man who had forged the longsword at his hip. The smith was having a quiet drink alone with what must have been his family.
There were others whom he did not recognise, but many looked to be prominent scholars and wealthy merchants, judging solely by their attire. It was these people his father had always preached caution against, as in occasions such as this, it was they who would seek him out and attempt to ingratiate themselves into favourable positions or relationships. He was entirely not in the mood to deal with such things and figured it best if he kept his distance.
He soon grew tired of the celebration and decided to check his chambers. Perhaps Camilla had left him a note or gift that would explain her whereabouts? He climbed the marble steps and rushed through the Great Hall, passing servants swiftly as he did so. When he finally made it to his chambers, he had convinced himself that there must have been a note waiting for him, or better yet, Camilla herself. The disappointment of reality struck him hard when he found his door locked, as he had left it. He entered and found nothing. Cursing, he threw one of the tomes from his collection at the wall and cursed again. For a moment, he simply stood there panting from his exertions to get there in such speed. It dawned on him that Camilla was far more important to him than he had ever realised. The thought of her being away caused him to feel sick to his stomach. The fact that he had not even the slightest clue as to where she had gotten to, only served to magnify this feeling deep within him. Shaking his head, he headed back down to the courtyard and the celebration, hoping that some Vinum Province wine would calm him.
Several hours had passed and Kaewyn had completely drowned himself in wine. Not only Vinum Province stock, but whatever he could get his hands on. He drank with everyone and anyone and drifted from conversation to conversation. Sometimes he caught himself asking questions about whether anyone had seen Camilla, and more than once he had to stop himself from saying too much. He knew it was time to stop drinking when he stumbled and nearly fell, knocking a prominent merchant’s wife off of her feet and into a table. The woman’s dress was covered in alcohol and soaked through. He apologised to the merchant and his wife and they accepted it gracefully, but even in his state he could tell that he had offended them both greatly. Putting aside his current mug of alcohol, he wandered off and found a quiet dark corner to be alone. His head began to throb and the sick feeling in his stomach soon returned, though this time it wasn’t only Camilla’s disappearance that had him feeling that way.
After suppressing the urge to throw up, he noticed a burly guardsman approach him. The man was somehow familiar, but all the guards were to him. He had spent his entire life living at the castle, and while guards came and went, a great many of them had served for as long as he had been alive. This one in particular though, sparked a memory.
“Uh, milord?” The guardsman said hesitantly in a hoarse voice. “Is that you? Are you well?”
“I’m fine.” He replied as rubbed at his temples. “Why do you seem so familiar to me?”
“Uhh… once, you… uhh, drank a bottle of my wine.”
“Sergeant Jothram! Of the first watch?” Kaewyn recalled with a dumb smile. “I knew I remembered you.”
“Indeed milord. Of the second watch though.”
“I owe you a bottle of wine, do I not?” Said Kaewyn as he braced himself against the stone wall of the castle.
“Those were yours words milord, but I’ll not hold you to them.” The Sergeant said. “Are you okay? You seem… not yourself.”
“Go have a drink Sergeant!” He suggested. “I owe you that much.”
“Not wise to be drinking on duty milord.”
“That didn’t stop you the first time? Why else would you have had a bottle hidden up on the wall in the first place?” Kaewyn pointed out.
“Well… I uhh, take my job more seriously now milord. Considering the state of the empire and all.”
“Sensible… sensible. You know what else is sensible?” Kaewyn said, trying to concentrate. “Repaying your debts! Let me go and get you a bottle from my persononell… stocks.”
“No milord, please don’t concern yourself with that.”
“Nonsense Sergeant. If I am to be lord, I must honour my debts and my word. Shtay here…” He said.
He made his way over to Harold the barkeep who was standing beside his many barrels of wine and filling mugs. When Harold noticed him, he held up his hands defensively.
“I think you’ve had enough Kaewyn! How else you gonna make a speech later?”
“How much for a barrel of your finest wine?”
“A whole damn barrel? By the gods Kaewyn.”
“It’s not for me… I owe a man a debt.” He said, pointing at the confused Sergeant.
“In that case, it’s yours. No charge.” Harold laughed. “Try not to lift it all by yourself, you’re likely to hurt yourself Kaewyn.”
“Thank you, Harold.”
Kaewyn got the attention of the Sergeant and pointed enthusiastically at his new barrel, doing his best to let the Sergeant know that the debt had been repaid. The Sergeant awkwardly waved back. With a satisfied grin, Kaewyn wandered towards the gatehouse and spotted Yohren. He was carrying various pieces of armour in his hands. He had a particularly large chest plate, some greaves and gauntlets and a longsword, still in its sheath.
“Yohren?” He called out.
Again, his retainer was startled by Kaewyn’s sudden presence.
“Oh, Kaewyn. You uhh, seem to be having fun.” Yohren replied with a nervous smile. “How much wine have you had?”
“Only a little.” He replied. “What are you doing with all of that stuff?”
“Oh. This?” Yohren said nervously. “Just… delivering it to some soldiers in camp.”
“Why are you working when you should be celebrating?” Kaewyn asked. “You are my retainer Yohren, not a servant. Tell those bastards to get their own gear.”
“Oh no, it’s no problem. I like to help out.” Yohren replied.
“Well… don’t let anyone tell you what to do. Only I’m supposed to do that.”
“Right. Uhh, can I go now? I’d like to have this sorted so I can come back and have a drink.”
“Don’t let me stop you.” Kaewyn said. “But make sure you come and find me later.”
“Oh?”
“I want to hear more stories of your father… and mine.”
“I will.” Yohren said. “See you later my lord.”
At the mention of his own father, Kaewyn became incredibly sad. He remembered that tonight was not a just celebration for him, despite the merriment and drinking, but it was also another way for the people to mourn his father. To him. It simply served as yet another painful goodbye. Swallowing back the pain, he suddenly felt much more sober than he did before. His head still throbbed and he soon realised what a fool he had made of himself. His father never would have gotten drunk at such an important occasion. Again, he felt inadequate and unready for the responsibility he had to embrace. One thing he knew for certain was that he’d had enough of tonight already. Better to have it over and done with.
Kaewyn walked into the centre of the courtyard and called everyone to attention. It was loud and people were speaking, but after he repeated himself a few times, they fell to order. Some people who had interacted with him earlier looked on apprehensively, unsure as to whether he was going to say or do something silly as he had been doing for the last hour. He then announced that they were to get on with the ceremony and that they could return to their merrymaking once it had concluded. Noting his serious tone, there was no protest. Everyone stopped drinking and talking and gathered into an expectant crowd in the courtyard.
Kaewyn walked up the marble steps and stopped at the very top. The wind was cold and harsh and the sky was a lifeless black. He turned and faced the crowd filled with both strangers and friends, but he had never felt more alone in his life. Even when he spent days alone in his room reading tome after tome full of stories and history, had he ever felt as alone as he did in this moment. He missed his father greatly, but perhaps even more than that, he wanted this moment to be surrounded by his family. Rahim was at the border and dealing with his grief in his own way, but he wanted him here, standing by his side as a brother, regardless of whether he was by his brother by blood or not. Kaewyn’s mother had been away from Xu Castle for what had felt like an eternity. When his father left for war, he thought that his mother would remain by his side and offer advice and counsel him, but she too had left. He did not even know if she was safe and worried for her safety every day and hoped to hear some word from her. Finally, there was Camilla. The woman who he had come to realise meant so much to him in these past few weeks, but she too was gone. He felt isolated and vulnerable, and with all eyes upon him, he spoke of protecting the people, defeating their enemies and honouring his late father. Everyone cheered for him and called out his name, but he felt none of it. Seneschal Talbury walked up the stairs and stood beside him and shouted for all gathered to fall to their knees and welcome Kaewyn no longer as the acting lord, but the true Lord of Greystone Province.
Hail! Hail Lord Kaewyn Edderfield!