Jessica Jackson
Stories
5
Chapters
1,060
Words
656.8 K
Comments
0
Reading
2 d, 6 h
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As another day dawned, the king took breakfast in his chambers as usual. Ever since the Adalthing, he had rarely left his quarters except to appear at the noon and evening meals, allowing his court to see their ruler. And even at this early hour, he took visitors. "Lord Doran is ready, my king." "Send him in." The highlander entered swiftly, wearing a broad smile. "My lord king," he said in greeting. "Welcome back," Brand replied in between chewing on cold fowl. "I trust by your expression that news is…
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A table had been prepared with various kinds of fruit, bread, and small cakes in the chambers of the king’s sister, specifically the parlour. Arndis already sat, accompanied by Eleanor, her handmaiden. As the door opened to reveal Jana, they both rose. "Please, do not hesitate. Join us," Arndis told her. "I am pleased you would accept my invitation." "I am only happy to share your company," the lady of Alcázar claimed. She entered and took the third chair, once Arndis had taken her own seat. "I have…
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Thousands of troops entered the city. Most of them marched under the banner of Belvoir, and the rest wore the surcoat of the Order. With them travelled news of battles in Ingmond. The arrival of the soldiers and these tidings sent a shock through Middanhal. After the Adalthing, the common populace had been exuberant at the two blessings of a civil war ended and a king placed on the throne. In the memory of most people, the latest news concerning the outlanders had dealt with victories and the liberation of…
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An exuberant mood had taken hold of the outlander camp, even if victory brought new labours. The dead had to be stripped of valuables and disposed of. The wounded needed treatment. Patrols on horseback had to be sent out to chase down survivors and search the area for hostile forces, ensuring the army was safe while carrying out these tasks. In his tent, Sikandar had gathered his lieutenants. They crowded around a crudely drawn map showing the location of the battle, including the lake, hills, and the…
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Many miles north of Lake Myr, six thousand rivermen lay encamped. They had marched from the duchy of Belvoir across the border into Adalrik. At first, their destination had been the aforementioned lake, aiming to link up with the Order’s army and defend Ingmond against the outlanders. The arrival of a messenger, explaining that Ingmond was lost, had changed their course. Reaching the Kingsroad that ran from Middanhal to Inghold, the rivermen turned north rather than south. Two days later, the first…
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Two days later, Athelstan and the other knights reached the Order’s army on its hasty retreat through Ingmond. They arrived at night, finding a camp in disarray; the hurried march left no time for the usual discipline. Weariness could be seen on the face of every soldier, and fear subdued only by exhaustion haunted their words. Yet seeing the ride of fifty knights as they entered camp, moods and voices rose with the hope that aid had come. "Find me Sir Ewind," Athelstan commanded even before dismounting…
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In the heart of southern Adalrik lay Lake Myr. As a great reservoir connected to the river Sureste, it allowed for bountiful farmlands. The abundance of water also made it an obvious campsite for when the Order or other armies mustered in times of war. With troops being drawn from across the realm along with Ealond to the west and Korndale to the south, the lake once again proved to be a natural place to assemble. Due to this, a thousand footmen and fifty knights had made camp on the northern shore, in…
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Three men sat together out of sight, hiding in the sparse vegetation that could be found on the heaths of Hæthiod. Their dark clothing, and in particular their footwear, marked them as blackboots. They served as advance scouts and sometimes spies for the outlanders, dependent on need. Adept at combat and tracking while avoiding being trailed in turn. "How long until we can speak with Javed?" asked Dariush. "He said to expect another month," Kamran replied. "One of us could go further in disguise,"…
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As the days became weeks, Middanhal breathed with greater ease. The peace between North and South held, the reign of the king continued without issue or challenge, and with trade to Vidrevi and Heohlond flowing freely, coin and work became more abundant. Rumours of outlanders seemed for now to be merely that, and the mood in the city was carefree to the near point of exuberance. This held especially true for one tavern in Lowtown. It seemed ordinary in all respects except one; many of Brand’s companions…
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Godfrey passed through the royal wing to enter the king’s chambers. He found Brand seated by a small table, breaking his fast. “You sent for me?” “I did.” Brand motioned for his visitor to sit opposite him. “Have you eaten?” “I am satiated, yes.” “Very well.” Brand quenched his thirst with a cup of ale and broke his freshly baked bread apart. “I have summoned Sir William to join me later today that we might discuss strategy. For that purpose, I would ask you all that you know of…
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