Fate Unfolds

This follows "Destiny Whispers P3"

The day came sooner than she expected. The horns at the gate blared and all became aware of the arrival of the Koraki princes Rickard and Gabriellos. Word had arrived that King Athos would not be attending himself as urgent business had required his return South to Gaerwen. Edith for her own part was not sorry to hear the news. She had not exactly enjoyed the prospect of seeing the arrogant young Koraki king gloating over her father. She expected little more from Athos’s two brothers, but one less Koraki was always welcome.

Edith and Leofric stood outside the manor on top of the hill that crowned the city of Avonar. Below them and to the South they saw the approaching column of Koraki. A long thin line of glittering steal and armour muted only by the dust cloud kicked up in the wake of their foot soldiers and horses, a steal serpent come to choke the city of its wealth and crush its spirit. Edith grimaced.

“Be mindful of yourself daughter.” Her father said behind her. “These Koraki are arrogant at the best of times, but do not give them the satisfaction of showing your anger. Leofric straightened his robes and lifted his head, “Defeated I may be, but I am still King of this city, even if only for a few hours more.”

“Of course, father.” Edith was glad to see some of her father’s pride remained, if only a spark. It would only add to the shame of her people if he had remained despondent and sorrowful during the transfer of power. No doubt he knew this, and intended, even in his final acts, to do right by the city.

As the column drew near Edith took in their new overlords. Most of them rode on horses. The armour was well cared for and had the gleam of freshly polished gear. However, Edith noticed that several had specks of mud, a few scratches here and there. Now that they had come closer, Edith could make out that a number of the men seemed to be pained, one or two had bandages across hands and arms. The sweat of both horse and rider was on the edge of the nose as they drew near, and they rode in silence for the most part. Theykept their swords sheathed and visors raised, perhaps as a show of confidence in the face of conquest. But Edith could see in the expression of nearly all of the riders a weariness that indicated this was more an order, than a choice.

Two who were clearly more at ease, though still grim faced, spoke to each other at length. This a pair of young men had their helmets removed and Edith could see them clearly. The one to the left was slighter and not so tall and his armour was well decorated with far fewer scratches and notches in it than most of the others. He had hair that fell to the shoulders, grey eyes and the faint hint of a beard at his jaw and around his mouth. He seemed to be talking intently at the other man, taller, broader, short dark hair and a beard that covered the cheek as well as his jaw and jawline though still kept short.

Edith felt a shiver run down her spine as she saw the second man. His armour, unlike that of his other comrades, and in contrast to the man besides him, his armour was black. Edith had spoken to her father about the details of the battle that had sealed her fate and his description of the warrior who had won that battle. A rider on a black horse, clad in black plate and full-face helm, black surcoat emblazoned with a white eagle. Rickard. Her husband to be.

Leofric stepped forward, “Greetings my lords Gabrielos and Rickard, welcome to the city of Avonar.”

The younger, long haired one responded cynically, “Your custom’s for a welcoming are most strange Iseldir.”

Edith saw Leofric stiffen a little at the blatant disrespect, but contained himself and merely asked, “What is so strange lord Gabrielos?”

“We were attacked on route here.”

The shiver turned to ice within Edith as the words struck home. Leofric, took a step back in surprise, “Attacked! by whom? Surely you don’t think we…”

“Not you, but we believe it was your son, Tegid.”

Gabriellos cast Rickard a irritated glance. Clearly, he had intended to milk the drama a little more. Rickard paid him no mind, remaining silent. Turning back to Leofric, Gabriellos continued "It was my understanding that the war had ended. Does Tegid not think the same? I suggest you get your house in order Leofric, or perhaps our deal should be revised?”

Edith burned inside as she glared at the man who was intending to humiliate her father in front of his people. She spoke before she could think, “I think perhaps you are right. We should speak with Tegid ourselves. As your methods have thus far failed to apprehend him not once, but twice. If we truly want peace then this needs to be handled with care and finesse."

Edith felt all eyes on her. Her father’s, all fear and horror, the shock from both the Koraki and Iseldir entourages, the sputtering shock and anger from Gabrielos. From Rickard there was surprise and… humour?

“My lords I am sorry…” Leofric began but Rickard waved away his apology as he dismounted chuckling. “By the gods above Gabriellos, I believe we have finally found a tongue keen enough to match your own.”

Rickard just smiled and turned to the others. “Well, we clearly have much of great importance to speak of. We should go inside.”

“Indeed, please come in my lords.” Leofric said stepping aside and gesturing to the crowd of servants behind him. Immediately they jumped forward to help the Koraki knights from their saddles and take their horses to the stables. The knights seemed a little reluctant but did allow this. Gabriellos glared at Edith the entire time, but soon they began to make their way into the Manor and Edith positioned herself out of his direct line of sight.

It was going to be an interesting few days.