by E J Gilmour
Red looked across at Stella with a smile. ‘I like the sound of Lady Stella.’ Stella smiled happily. ‘We have something to announce,’ added Red cheerfully. Eben could easily guess what it was. ‘We’re going to be married.’
**
Two weeks later Eben stood beside Red in the great hall of the royal palace of Ancora. Red shuffled nervously. He was clothed in fine linen and had his hair combed back and his beard had been neatly styled. An Ortarian guard of honour created two lines, and a crowd of notable citizens of Ancora had gathered for the wedding. King Ignis sat on his golden throne and watched the proceedings. Cassiel, Max, and some of the other soldiers who they had come to know stood a little way away. Eben could also see the old librarian in the audience. He had a great big smile on his face.
Trumpets sounded and a moment later Stella entered the great hall through the massive entrance doorway. Sweet music filled the great hall. She walked toward them across the marble floor in a long flowing white dress. She looked ever so beautiful, and everyone in the hall stared at her, amazed by her loveliness.
‘She’s so incredible,’ whispered Red in awe of his bride. She was being followed by two bridesmaids; both had been performers in the circus. She slowly approached Red, looking into his eyes with immense happiness.
King Ignis stood up and stepped down toward them. He took from a small table two candles and handed one to Red and the other to Stella. It was the custom of marriage in Veredor that two candles should be lit from a single flame and that both the bride and groom would then declare their love and commitment to each other in their own words, both swearing an oath to always be true.
A candle stood on a stand and burned brightly. Stella took her candle and lit it from the larger candle, and Red followed her example, and they stood together holding their candles. It was also the custom in Veredor that the man should declare his love first. Red looked to Stella with great love and tenderness.
‘Stella, from this day onward I will be your husband. I promise to always be true to you, and I will always love you. I will always stand by your side, defend your honour, and protect you. You are and will forever be my one true love.’
Stella smiled at Red lovingly. ‘Red, my love; I will be your wife. I will love you truly and forever. I will honour you and be true to you always. I will hold you in my heart and together we shall build our life together.’
They embraced and kissed and then turned to the people who all applauded and cheered. King Ignis then walked over and stood beside them. ‘I present to you, Sir Redding and Lady Stella, husband and wife,’ he announced. The people clapped and cheered again. Red and Stella kissed again and held each other close in a joyful embrace.
**
For two weeks the four friends had been staying in the palace. Eben was sitting in the royal guest chamber reading a book about the history of Ortaria and the other Eastern Lands of Veredor. Cassiel entered the room and was holding a letter in his hand. He handed the letter to Eben.
‘This message came from Meara this morning.’
Dear Cassiel and Eben,
I write to you from Dravania. I have attended a meeting with the Irilian High Council and told them of the troubles in Ortaria. I hope this message reaches you in time. I write to inform you that a council will be held in the Irvarian city of Faircastle on the first day of summer. This council is being arranged by King Edric of Irvaria at the request of the last remaining Fiorian Knights. They have requested representatives from all of the magic orders, the major orders of knights, and the southern monarchs of Veredor.
I will be travelling to Irvaria to be the Irilian representative. I hope to meet you there.
Your friend,
Meara of the Irilian Order.
‘We must go,’ said Eben, feeling excited that the Fiorians would be at the council.
‘We will go together,’ said Cassiel. ‘We should leave soon because summer is not far off.’
‘We can head for the Iron Gate Pass and cross into Vastoria,’ suggested Eben.
‘I will start to prepare for the journey today,’ said Cassiel. Eben could feel they were on the verge of a new adventure.
**
Later in the day Eben was packing his backpack and making preparations to leave Ancora. Red and Stella entered his chamber without knocking.
‘There is no way you and Cassiel are going to Irvaria without us,’ declared Red.
‘Wouldn’t you rather stay in Ancora?’
‘No way,’ said Stella firmly. ‘We’re going west with you.’
Eben felt happy that his friends were so keen to join him on the journey west. ‘It will be a long and dangerous adventure.’
Red and Stella both smiled.
TO BE CONTINUED...
The Journey West
Book Two of the Veredor Chronicles
Available now!
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