Galahad was looking in astonishment at the gates to the city which were wide open. In front of them near a small but well-made table was sitting an older Human in armour which had seen better days. Or even years. Galahad ordered the legion to hold, while he alone approached the old man.

"Welcome to Quaia, sir...?" The old man inquired.

"Galahad of Avalon, sir...?" The Marshal of Avalon bowed slightly to a man.

"Lord Kaspian Tride, the City Lord of Quaia. Please take a seat, Lord Galahad." The old man smiled and gestured at the freshly poured cup close to Galahad. "Tea?"

"I'm afraid I must refuse, unfortunately, I can't eat or drink right now." Galahad bowed and sat down on the spare chair near the table.

"That's unfortunate. My region is famous for its tea blends." The old Lord smiled in a friendly manner and he was emanating with relaxed composure.

"Yet, I see that your city is not as rich as the others we meet on our path. However, I also know that you are taking care of the poor and orphans, Lord Kaspian. No one in your city goes to sleep hungry. That's incredible." Galahad nodded and looked inside the city, where people were tending to their businesses and cared little for the Legio Fulminata waiting just outside their town limits.

"Thank you. Not many can appreciate that. Yet, your army is standing at our doors, ready to destroy everything." The old lord drank tea from his cup. "You really think we will just give up? We are ready."

"Lord Kaspian, allow me to tell you a story, told to me by my King." Galahad ignored the threatening tones in the old lord's voice. He turned his armoured face at Lord Kaspian who slightly nodded. "Far away from here, in an ancient country, lived a cunning and brilliant general, whose reputation was known in the entire country. He always moved carefully and outwitted his opponents. One day, however, fortune has turned on him and he learned that a large army was approaching the city he was in. His enemies would surely capture the city if he faced them so he came up with a plan."

Galahad picked up the teacup and after swirling the golden liquid he inhaled its rich aroma and blew air at it, pretending that it was still too hot to drink. All this time he observed the collected composure of Lord Kaspian Tride and many little cracks in his calmness. He put down the tea cup and continued his story. "He ordered his soldiers to pose as civilians and sweep the streets of an empty city, while he was sitting on the main gate balcony playing his musical instrument. When the enemy general saw the city was wide open and the enemy commander was confidently smiling, playing his instrument, he ordered a retreat, fearing that the city was one big ambush."

Lord Kaspian's eyes went wide but he tried to remain calm. Galahad in the meantime picked the teacup once more and after inhaling its content one more time he looked inside the city.

"You don't have to fear the Legions of Avalon, Lord Kaspian." The soft voice of Galahad surprised the old lord. "We don't have a conflict with the people of Cridia, however, my King is at war with the rulers of this country. I'm ordered to reach Poplar City on the western border and deter any enemy army that wishes to interfere with our internal disputes."

"You saw right through my deception." The older man smiled. "You are also protected by powers unimaginable to me since my high-level appraisal skill is not working on you."

"Unfortunately for you, you lacked the two key elements to pull off that strategy." Galahad turned his face again toward the city lord and stood up, ignoring the Kaspian's last remark and slowly approached the side of the city gates. "Your reputation as a commander means very little to me and you had bad luck. My information about your forces, the condition of your supplies and even the maintenance level of your city walls are probably better than yours, Lord Kaspian. You really should change the man in charge of the main gate. The iron bars that hold the gates closed are rusted to the core."

"Hahaha." Lord Kaspian smiled, stood up, and went toward Galahad. "You jest, Lord Galahad."

Galahad picked up a hand-sized rock from the side of the road and hit the shining bar that normally holds the doors closed, exposing the rust from under many layers of paint. Lord Kaspian's laughter ceased and he lowered his head.

"I will cross your city, Lord Kaspian." Galahad declared and added more softly. "My King is a far better ruler than Josla and infinitely better than Korkas, so it's up to you who you want to trust."

"You would simply go? Even after I lied to you?"

"But you have not lied in the most important matter, Lord Kaspian. Your tea is excellent."

•••

The people of Quaia were watching in excitement the thousands of soldiers, clad in armours of unknown configuration walking in parade formation across their city. The earth was shaking in their wake, as their heavy armoured feet stomped in the rhythm known to every single army. The kids were looking at blue and white crests on their armours and large flags leading them with shining eyes. The adults were in shock that any army could be this disciplined and there was no plundering of the city or even worse. Then everyone looked towards the gates as the excited voices pointed at something new. Everyone, no matter young or old, was looking at the perfect ranks of the Hussars entering the city. Their large, fearless war-beasts were towering over the crowd. The Hussars were holding their long lances, longer than pikes used by the Cridian's army, but everyone was pointing at their large wings and majestic capes.

After the Hussars, large covered wagons arrived which were pulled by a tad smaller war-beast of the same race, carrying most probably the supplies of the passing army. Finally, at the end of the parade, even bigger platforms arrived carrying what must have been siege engines. The large catapults, large ballistas that put to shame one that were mounted on the gates of Quaia, and another kind of weapons never seen by the people. The crowd was happy but they were not cheering the passing army in fear of what their own soldiers would tell to who. Their city lord was still talking with the enemy commander who kept his word and left the city unharmed. But some people were already doubting if this army under the white and blue banner was really their enemy.

"After seeing this display of might, I can't fathom how you managed to gather that many people under the nose of Queen's spies." Lord Kaspian said with an amused facial expression.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Before Galahad could reply the war horns boomed with a low, rumbling tone over the distance. Galahad looked towards the front of his formation and saw that the Legion Tribun was extending and deepening ranks, swiftly changing the formation from parade right into battle formation. From the gates of the city, a panicked soldier came running towards them and yelled from the distance.

"My Lord! My Lord! Terrible news! The dungeon monsters are coming! It's a rampage!"

"Gods! Lord Galahad! Please help us!" Lord Kaspian looked at Galahad who started laughing, frightening the old lord, yet despite that he said; "Let's retreat behind the city walls!"

"A mere three thousand trash monsters? Hmm... The Dungeon of Snares is somewhere deeper in this forest?" Galahad looked at the lord.

Lord Kaspian was watching in shock how five thousand legion archers fired their weapons, sending a cloud of arrows towards approaching monsters. They killed on the spot the third of the approaching monsters and faced the rest shields forward. Kaspian looked at this sight and couldn't believe his own eyes. Even the most seasoned warriors he saw or knew would tremble to see that many monsters. Galahad was patiently looking at the city lord when a young Dwarf in Avalon's armour approached them.

"Lord Galahad! Could you slow down? We barely manage to follow you!" He complained.

"Hahaha! Hello Captain Gilmour, you are just in time. Thanks to Lord Kaspian, we are ahead of schedule so I would use that time to squish the Dungeon of Snares."

"Lord Galahad! That is a suicide!" Kaspian Tride looked in shock at the noble knight. "It's impossible to fight with a dungeon! You should know about that."

A Dwarf and Galahad laughed and Kaspian was astonished why a brilliant and noble knight wanted to die in vain. The two other Dwarfs joined Gilmour and not before long a small detachment of twenty Avalon soldiers stopped in front of them.

"Lord Kaspian, I insist you to swear loyalty to King Theon Avalon. You are a righteous man, noble and wise, you should see the corruption and evil spread by the rulers of Cridia." Galahad faced the old lord who heavily sighed.

"I swore to protect the people..."

"Then Gilmour and his company will assist you. I will personally vouch for you in front of my King."

"King Theon is a wise and righteous ruler. Under his reign, these lands will be again bountiful and safe!" Gilmour added with zeal in his voice. "We brought relief supplies to help feed the people of your city after the conquer, yet you Lord Kaspian are the wisest of the city lords so far. You decided to not pick a fight against Immortal Legions of Avalon! Please side with us and help rebuild the kingdom!"

"If my promise to join your forces would change your stance on that madness which calls you to the Dungeon." Lord Kaspian sighed. "I have little loyalty to Queen Josla who was only exploiting my people, and none to General Korkas who is drawing all young boys to his army. This will soon destroy this city."

"King Theon for sure will demand your tea, Lord Kaspian. So you must be ready." Galahad warned him.

"Hahaha! If that's the tribute he demands we might find such a King a more bearable person." Kaspian laughed. "You boys are very polite to such an oldtimer as I am, but I don't have much choice in that regard, do I? I surrender the city of Quaia to the Galahad of Avalon. May the Gods forgive my weakness..."

"Captain Gilmour, Lord Kaspian will be retaining the position of the city lord. You are in charge of the garrison." Galahad bowed to the old lord, holding his armoured hand on his chest plate.

"Yes, sir!" The Dwarf stood at attention and salutted. "I will protect this city to my last breath, sir!"

"Excellent." Galahad laughed. "Now I must excuse myself. I have an unruly dungeon to slap."

"Only monsters could dream of beating the Dungeon." Kaspian sighed.

Galahad said nothing back, he simply took off his helmet, making Lord Kaspian's eyes go wide as he paled. Right in front of the old lord was standing a monster feared in legends, a Death Knight Lord. His clear white skull was engulfed with the blue flame burning inside of the monster. But despite the sudden reveal and appraisal again working, Lord Kaspian was standing calmly near the monster. There was not a hint of murderous aura or a killing intent in him at all and on the contrary- Galahad emanated the aura of safety and righteousness.

"I am Galahad of Avalon, a Scion of the Righteous Dungeon, a servant of King Theon Avalon. I am the Field Marshall of the Armies and Immortal Legions of Avalon." The Death Knight bowed to the Lord Kaspian. "As a symbol of goodwill of my King, I will remove the threat of the Dungeon of Snares, permanently."

Lord Kaspian looked in silence at the monster in front of him for a while. His face was serious and a storm of feelings crossed it. However, he outstretched his hand toward Galahad who shook it firmly.

"Good luck, Lord Galahad."

When Galahad left, Lord Kaspian was standing in silence, observing the mastery and the fluent moves of the Legion. He knew that such an army was a deadly weapon. It dispatched the attacking monsters as if they were nothing and after forming the marching column they started disappearing into the forest, where the Dungeon of Snares was.

"Tell me, Captain Gilmour, why such an army is not protecting the city of King Theon?" He almost whispered.

"Avalon is protected by much more powerful forces than just one legion, Lord Kaspian," Gilmour replied with a bright smile. "The Hero-King Theon, have the blessing of five Gods. He is a God-sent Champion of Eriar, the silent God. The mighty castle of Avalon is protected by the largest walls I ever saw, its legions and Guardsmen regiments are standing vigilant without a moment of rest. He promised us to change and save the world and I am certain that wise King is going to keep the promise made by his scion!"

"I never doubted the words of Galahad. I lived for a long time and I know who I can trust." Lord Kaspian turned his head toward the Dwarf with disbelief on his face. "But is that truth, about the Gods?"

"Yes! God Eriar is powerful, even if you can hear his voice only once! King Theon is also blessed by the Gods Zeus, Hera and Zephyr who are his friends. They live in Avalon, and when they are not travelling, you can find them in the Grand Temple of Avalon where everyone can see them!"

"That's unbelievable..." Lord Kaspian felt his legs giving up on him and the young captain seeing this jumped to help him stand. "Thank you, but you said about five Gods..."

"Yes, sir! The most unbelievable, however, is the recent news spreading among us, the Guardsmen, that King Theon married Goddess Hestia!"

"A mortal marrying a Goddess?" Lord Kaspian frowned, making Captain Gilmour laugh.

"A mortal? No, Lord Kaspian! King Theon may look like a human but he is the Righteous Dungeon! He is one of the immortal beings of this world!"

"What strange times..." An old Lord gave up and sighed. "To be beaten by the dungeon monsters and yet nothing bad happened..."

"Well... You have been victorious, Lord Kaspian. Your city is intact, your people are now protected by the armies of Avalon." Gilmour shrugged as they slowly returned to the city where one hundred Guardsmen were already preparing the relief to be distributed on the city plaza.

Lord Kaspian sighed and smiled towards his wife, standing at the gates of city hall and watching them return with a worried face. "It will be the first time when I am happy to lose, even if you call it a victory..."