The crowd seemed inconsolable when King Edwin and his advisors arrived in the heart of the city. The heart was known as one of the main centers of trade by the citizenry of Hailgrad. They were marked as large courtyards near the main roads that held stalls for business. The courtyards were lined with more permanent shops, inns, and taverns. Edwin’s mother and father had taken him to this particular courtyard a few times when he was younger, and it had always been filled with positive excitement. Locals and travelers from afar could be seen here swapping stories of news across the lands.
This scene was unlike Edwin had ever laid eyes on. Guards with their broad silver shields pushed the citizens back to make way for Edwin, who was atop his horse, Aneorthor, along with Baldric, Lars, and a royal orator, who were also horsed. In a regular circumstance, Baldric may have ridden his great bear, however, due to the unrest, he thought that it would be best to keep the towering animal away from the angry crowds. People were yelling and chanting. Goods were being strewn about, and a few stalls were even crumbling in small blazes as guards threw water on them to put them out.
Edwin and the others made their way further into the courtyard. The noise was dizzying, and clouds of kicked-up dust choked the air. Through the din and clouds of dirt, Edwin saw Halgreth, the captain of the gate, approaching them.
“Halgreth, what by Areandel is going on here? What has whipped these people into such a frenzy?” Edwin yelled over the din.
“Food and other supplies have run short,” he replied. “We had a good system in place, but with all the sudden movement of people, it was difficult to assess our stores and allocate food.” Halgreth paused and looked over to a nearby tavern. “My lords, if you will follow me, we could have a bit more quiet talk in here.”
“First, let me address the crowd,” Edwin said as he held up his hand. He turned to his orator and nodded his head. “Hello, everyone, please settle down.”
The boom of the orator cut through the mob, and as the people saw their king, they reluctantly began to quiet down. “Thank you. I have tasked my royal guard to take food from the palace, and our great chief general Baldric is going to charge his soldiers with going to the fields and gathering what food we have can to pass out amongst you all. I know these times have been hard, but stay together and stay strong. We must remain united if we are going to make it through this.”
Edwin’s speech was met with a half-hearted applause as the group ducked into the tavern.
The space they entered was tight but homey. Dark wood accented white walls, and there were a few people tucked in the corners nursing ale. Edwin was happy to be away from the crowd. There was something about the simple things and places in life that brought Edwin comfort. He felt more himself outside the looming shadow of the palace walls.
Guards stood post outside the tavern to keep the masses from filling it up. “Would you like for me to remove everyone?” Halgreth asked.
Edwin shook his head and nodded to the people. “They are fine, let us talk here.” They sat at a worn wooden table that had old but well-crafted chairs.
“Very well,” said Halgreth as the barkeep brought over some ale. The captain continued, “Thank you for your speech to the people. With the illness, we had limited contact with those outside of the gates and thought they had larger food stores. It turns out that shipments from Mendale stalled.”
“Stalled,” cut in Baldric with his booming voice. “What do you mean stalled? Are these orders from Mendale or individual merchants?”
Edwin looked at Baldric uneasily. The thought of Helewise purposefully stopping food shipments to exacerbate the supply issue seemed too treasonous to seriously consider, especially at a time like this.
Halgreth continued, “Well, we do know some merchants simply turned around when they were stopped by guards on the road and heard of the tragedy taking place at the capital. On top of that, our farmers were either ill or tending to the sick, so they were not gathering their harvests or slaughtering livestock for meat.”
Lars broke in, “The good news sounds to be that there is enough food, but it is just a matter of gathering it.”
“Yes,” Halgreth replied. “We do have far more important issues of safety. The real issue is getting enough people to carry out these duties.”
“What are these issues? Certainly, there must be enough people to task with these roles,” asked Baldric.
“First is the city. A few houses were burned down, and there has been looting throughout the area. Mostly, it's people ransacking homes that are empty because their owners were locked out of the capital or have passed away. Policing the city has taken a lot of troops and time,” he paused and took a swig of ale. Edwin did the same. The bitter but rich flavor seemed to settle him as anxious thoughts of the city in turmoil crept up the back of his neck.
Halgreth continued, “For safety concerns outside of the walls, we have hunted down more of your raiders about in the fields. They carry the same crude weapons and are clothed in the same garb. Most of them travel in small companies of ten to twenty soldiers, and they are quickly broken when faced with stiff resistance. Nevertheless, they have been making a significant impact on those outside the walls. Many of our people out there are not well-armed and are not in large enough groups to protect themselves. They need our soldiers to escort them while they gather food and go about their regular activities.”
“And we cannot pull everyone inside the city because we need the food,” Edwin put in.
“Exactly,” replied Halgreth. “All of these circumstances have culminated into a real problem for our city. Between these riots and the raiders, I do not have the soldiers to make sure all of these people are safe. There were two times when raiders caught groups of citizens unaware. Our people did not make it.”
“Halgreth, how many soldiers do you have inside the city,” asked Edwin.
“I have two thousand at my command,” replied Halgreth. As the captain of the outer gates, my charge is the area within bow-shot of these walls to the inner gates that lead into the workshop and specialized trades district. In times of peace, this position would primarily include policing the residential and smaller trades district and monitoring people arriving through the city gates. The crown usually kept a garrison of five thousand soldiers at the outer walls, but the plague took its toll.
“And Baldric, what of your army?” asked Edwin as he turned to Baldric.
“After our border campaign, I have some six thousand soldiers that returned with me. The rest remained in the borderlands,” he replied.
“Here is what we will do,” said Edwin after he took another long sip of his ale. Then, he continued, “Put half that number into protecting the fields of Aeros outside the capital. Make sure they stay vigilant and keep active patrols. Since our army is primarily horsed, we will have the power of mobility on our side out there. Escort all Hailgalad citizens that can be found to make sure they are safe and protected. Then, with the other half, task them with gathering all stray food and supplies across the fields and taking these to the people. I will head back to the palace and task the royal guards at the inner and palace gates to also start gathering what supplies we have to distribute amongst the people.”
Edwin paused and looked around defiantly at those gathered around the table and continued, “This is a crucial point for all of us. If we mishandle these next few days, we may lose Hailgrad and even all of Hailgalad.”
“It will be done at once, my lord,” replied Baldric. With that, he rose, put his right fist over his chest, bowed slightly, and was off.
Halgreth watched him walk away, “By your leave, my king. I should return to my duties.”
“Yes, of course, thank you for your service, Halgreth,” Edwin said with a smile and a slight bow.
As Baldric and Halgreth took their leave, Edwin sipped his ale thoughtfully and looked around. Lars was the first to speak. “My king, this news is grave indeed. Raiders are truly roaming around our capital? If you do not mind me speaking freely, if Sylvester and Helewise are half as shrewd as people say, then they will surely look to capitalize on this.” He paused with a worried look on his face, “I wonder what is going on in Frostwatch.”
Edwin was worried, too. This was ill news. Beyond his current orders, he did not know what to do next. Every turn seemed to lead to another pitfall. His parents and others he had watched growing up seemed to have such clairvoyance when it came to these things, but the more he thought, the more lost he became.
Finally, after another long sip of his ale, he turned to Lars. “Courage and patience is what we need now.” Edwin forced a smile, “Come on. Let’s get back to the palace so we can see what the others have been up to. Many minds may be good to figure out the best way forward.”
***
While Edwin went to deal with the issues in the capital, Sylvester and Helewise retired to their camps outside the city. It was clear they were looking for an opportunity to go and speak in private. Even in this short meeting, there was much that came to light that piqued their interest.
Edwin had offered for them to stay on the palace grounds, but they refused. "We have a lot of gear and accompanying staff that would congest the operations of the palace," Helewise said to Edwin as Johanna scoffed. She, as well as everyone else, could see through their attempts to make every move more difficult.
As the two were leaving, they stopped Gerrit and asked him to accompany them and discuss strategy. Gerrit was confused but obliged as Elizabeth nodded to him and followed them out. He thought it would be prudent to have a mind loyal to Edwin with them to ensure Sylvester and Helewise do not work each other up too much. One frantic soul alone may learn to quiet themselves, but two would almost assuredly lead the other to dark paths.
The three rode in a procession of personal bodyguards who were specifically trained to accompany governors on journeys. Gerrit thought it was somewhat strange the large number of armed guards they both had, but he shrugged it off. As they departed the palace hill and made their way out of the city, the unrest was all too clear. Droves of people were walking about, yelling and stomping. In the distance, Gerrit could hear an orator trying to quiet a crowd. No doubt that was Edwin and the others in one of the hearts of the city.
As they rode on, Gerrit was able to point out that each bodyguard had distinct differences. Helewise’s troops had the typical horse-accented armor, but it was hued gold instead of the standard silver. This was no doubt to exemplify her immense wealth. As for Sylvester, his troops were in the standard silver color, but there were designs of wolves on the armor. This was to honor his family, whose crest was a wolf. It would typically be standard for governors to follow suit with the crown’s army, but it was clear these two wanted to bring their flavor to their troops.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
After some time, they passed out of the grand Southern gate and by the Southern Lake of Zuiden to their left. The wind in the fields was warm and refreshing in the sunshine, and all was quiet here. They soon arrived at Helewise’s camp atop a hill. Among the many tents, hers was by far the most grand and stood in the center of the camp. A worker pulled back the opening to it and bowed. Helewise's tent was gold-laced with deep red designs. Inside, there were many fine objects and decadent furniture. The canvas walls were thick and blocked all the natural light of the midday sun, save a yellow glow that peeked in through slits in the top of the tent. The area was instead lit by a large number of candles that flickered and danced across the figurines and other trinkets that filled it.
“I never go anywhere to be uncomfortable,” Helewise said. “Come, let us have some wine and talk. There is much that has come to light that needs discussing.”
Sylvester eagerly obliged, but Gerrit was hesitant. Helewise turned to him and beckoned with an open arm, “Come here, Gerrit. Do not look at us as if we were traitors of Hailgalad. We only want what is best for the kingdom. Let us share our ideas and news so that we might best help our kingdom and new king.”
Gerrit reluctantly sat down. The three sat on lavishly plush, gold-trimmed chairs around a sturdy dark wood table. Sylvester scanned Gerrit’s face. “What are your thoughts on the current state of this kingdom?”
Gerrit pursed his lips and then responded, “Very uncertain. We have not gone through something like this before. In fact, I believe no kingdom has in recorded history. We are a resilient people, though, and I believe we can recover."
“Indeed,” said Helewise. “However, we need proper leadership to right this ship.”
“Excuse me,” chuckled Gerrit. “Are you saying what I think you are saying?”
Sylvester and Helewise smiled and looked at one another. A man appeared to bring the group some wine. “Let me be honest with you, Gerrit.” Helewise started, “King Edward and Queen Melanie were formidable people. In their early years, they increased our borders and profits that had not been seen in some time. But they grew complacent, and their ambition softened. It seemed to align with when they had their son.” Helewise paused and took a sip of her wine, “I do not much care for monarchies. There are many throughout time that have failed. Empires were washed away by the waves of time because one unequipped soul that was born to the right family ran everything into the ground. Now, do not get me wrong, Edwin is not so wholly unequipped. In fact, I believe he has the potential to be a great leader one day, but today is not that day. There is no time for him to grow into this role. We need strong leadership now.”
“I cannot believe this type of treachery is being spoken so close to the capital, if at all. You could be put in prison just by uttering these words, and I will not have it,” Gerrit said with a dumbfounded look on his face. “Besides, we are here to counsel him and help him grow. He is not alone. Do not be the ones to cut him down on every step. You can help the kingdom, but helping him learn.”
Gerrit attempted to get up, but Sylvester rose and put his hand on the man’s shoulder. “Trust me, Gerrit. You and I grew up with Edward. I love his family, and I love this kingdom, but I will not simply stand by while an inexperienced boy runs it in quite possibly the most pivotable point since Hailgalad’s inception. Help or no, a leader must lead.”
Gerrit started to walk away. Sylvester said softly in a kind tone, yet carried some malice, “Hear us out, I beg you. If you still wish after this, please return to the king and turn us in. We will not resist, we simply are looking out for the best interest of all of Hailgalad.”
Sylvester would not take no for an answer, and Gerrit knew this all too well. Anyway, it would be foolish to walk away before gathering more information. His silent exchange with Elizabeth was an understanding to do just that. This way, he could go to King Edwin and get these rats snuffed out for good. “Very well, go on.” Gerrit sat back down slowly. He would not touch his wine.
“That is a good man,” Sylvester said in a condescending tone. “We do not wish to take the crown from Edwin by force. We would propose he instead gives up his throne. It seems clear to us that Edwin does not want it anyhow. As a boy, he was always rushing out of the palace, away from any opportunity to learn about the duties of the king. Did you see him at the council meeting? He could not leave quickly enough as soon as an excuse presented itself.”
“He was a young man what did you expect? Earlier today, he was trying to reassure and help his people. They needed him down there in the thick of it to settle the crowds,” Gerrit fired back.
“He should have sent someone else; I doubt his words can do much to calm those people,” Helewise said with elitist disdain in her voice. “We have precious few days to rebuild our strength before outside forces pick us apart. He should be planning the large moves, not dealing with lowly peasant squabbles. He does not even know what is happening in the North. Frostwatch could be sacked for all we know. We have also heard that there were more raiding parties dressed as northfolk roaming about.”
“For the sake of this logic, let us follow it. Who would you wish Edwin to name as his successor? Is it you, Sylvester? We all know your unending quest for power and wealth.” Gerrit asked.
“No, I am afraid it could not be me. My history is, well, complicated,” said Sylvester with a sigh. “This is where Helewise enters the fray. She is capable, dare I say, the most capable person in this kingdom. She built a large business empire and, perhaps most crucially, can lead people. Edwin would cede the throne to Helewise, and we could institute a system where the next leader is elected by the people.”
Gerrit chuckled, “Oh yes, that will work. What of the Pydalians, far to the West? We know they tried this. The people in power forged the elections and, after a while, reinstated a kingdom under the new rulers. This would be your chance to take the throne without bloodshed, without resistance. Do not think that we are all so naive?" Gerrit stayed fixed on Sylvester, “What do you get out of all this anyway, Sylvester?”
“He will be my viceroy to all Hailgalad and will help me to rule,” Helewise interjected, “you, of course, will remain a chief advisor. Edwin and Elizabeth would forfeit all royal privileges but would remain members of the royal court. Edwin would rather galavant with his friends anyway. He does not want this burden, but we would gladly take it for the good of the people.”
“Right, right for the good of the people,” Gerrit muttered as he looked at the floor. “What happens if Edwin refuses? How are you going to propose this while keeping your heads?”
“As we said before, Edwin is not a ruthless person. If we meet him with a strong opposition and allow him a way out, he will not oppose us,” said Sylvester assuredly.
“By opposition, do you mean confrontation? Just the two of you going before him to speak? Surely, you do not mean military opposition.”
“Let me just say that we have been preparing for something of this sort of event at the Iron Mountain for some time. It was only after meeting Helewise and this awful tragedy that we found an opening, an opportunity to make this kingdom a better place,” said Sylvester with a snide smile on his face.
“Yes, the military resources from the Iron Mountain and the wealth I bring from Mendale make quite the combination. Just as Edwin’s ancestor, Eardred I, took control of the situation for the betterment of his people, so will we if it comes to that. But I truly hope it does not.” Helewise added, “We do not wish for any more death in this time of strife.” Gerrit could see that she seemed to be honest in that sentiment but was not thinking clearly in the slightest.
Gerrit stood up at once. “That is quite enough! Your delusions of power have gone too far, Helewise and Sylvester. I suppose this is what happens when the rats meet one another in the cellar.” He paused to scan the both of them. “I had hoped the two of you would step up to be leaders to help the new king thrive, not plot his demise only one day after his crowning and three days after his parent's death. I must be leaving now. There are going to be some people rather interested in this tale.”
“I am sorry, but do you think we would just allow you to leave?” Sylvester smiled. “You are an important figure that we hoped to turn willingly, but in time, you will understand this is for the best for our kingdom. We cannot leave our livelihoods in the hands of a boy who is out of his depth. Do not worry; you will not have long to wait. My people are on their way as we speak.”
With that, two large soldiers came into the tent. Their silver armor shone in the candlelight as they looked down menacingly at Gerrit. Before he could react, strong hands grabbed him and threw a hood over his head.
***
Charles nervously paced the palace hall. Elizabeth sat staring at the wall, deep in thought. Johanna sat calmly in a chair at the corner of the room, sharpening her sword. It had been at least an hour since the other council members filed out, and Charles was beginning to get anxious.
“Must you do that now?” Charles asked in a huff as he looked over to Johanna.
Johanna stopped and looked up. “One must always be prepared. What is it to you? There is nothing we can do right now. We must wait for Edwin, I mean the king, to return. Then we can help him with what needs to be done.”
“Are you not concerned about the meeting we just had?” Charles looked from Johanna to Elizabeth. “Helewise and Sylvester challenged Edwin at every turn. They appear to be working together, but to what end, I cannot say. Isn’t it odd they took Gerrit with them?”
Johanna paused thoughtfully from sharpening her blade. “Gerrit is a good man, loyal to the crown. If there is any dissension, he will relay it to Edwin,” she said, “as for Sylvester and Helewise, they are power-hungry, sure, but they would not try to take the crown from Edwin, right? Where would they get the forces for something like that?”
Charles turned to Elizabeth, “Elizabeth, what do you think about this?”
Elizabeth remained silent, deep in thought.
Suddenly, Rowena appeared with a horrid look on her face. It was a face that had something to say, and if it was not said soon, it would burst. Charles was the first to see her. “Rowena, is it? What is the matter?”
“I have something that needs to be said to our king,” she responded with her hands together and head down.
Johanna looked up. “Rowena, you can tell us. We are a part of his council. This way, we four can privately discuss and prepare what is to be said to the king. His time is valuable, after all.”
“I am not sure,” Rowena said as she began to back away.
“Rowena, please,” Charles begged with outstretched hands.
“Alright,” she replied and stepped forward. “First, come with me to my room. I have papers there that you might have an interest in. I also do not trust the openness of this room. Too many potential prying eyes.”
At this, even Elizabeth was intrigued. What was meant by the prying eyes, they could not tell, but it was clear Rowena was rattled. The three followed Rowena out of the hall and looked about uneasily as if they would see unfriendly faces peering in at them. The room was down the way to the right of the great hall. They went down a series of smoothly cut, white stone stairs and came to a hall of rooms that were filled with many books. “This is where the scribes and healers have their quarters,” Rowena said. “It is a quiet place that is good for thought.”
They finally made it to a modest-sized room that belonged to Rowena. The room was cluttered with papers and books. It was clear she had spent many sleepless nights in here recently. Many herbs and other oddities were filling up the empty spots. One that caught Charles’ eye was a black orb that seemed to give off a strange power that radiated throughout the room.
“I am sorry for the mess. It has been a trying few days,” Rowena said as she shut the door. Light and fresh air streamed in through the small balcony on the other side of the room.
“What is that black rock, Rowena?” asked Charles with his eyes fixed on the mysterious object.
“It is called a Maginite. It is a type of rock that is said to be able to amplify one's magical abilities. There were once many of them, but in the early days of Hailgalad, people feared them and sorcerers. With this, many of the kingdoms of the world decided to have most of them destroyed. This one, in particular, was left by a previous councilor and great healer to King Edward and Queen Melanie. He left long ago, and I am not sure where he is now or if he is even alive.” Rowena said with her eyes also fixed on the orb.
“What is this all about? Why did you call us here?” inquired Elizabeth impatiently.
Rowena snapped out of her stare, and her attention turned to the others. “I believe that this plague was no judgment from Areandel, and it did not happen by chance.”
The others stared at her blankly. “What do you mean?” asked Charles.
Rowena briefly hesitated but then said in a quick and anxious tone, “I believe this tragedy was sent through magic by a sorcerer of great power. A sorcerer of great power that wishes to destroy Hailgalad and all those that call these lands home.”