The Battle for Endallen

by Andrew G. Wood

  Battle For Endallen

  Book Three: The Chronicles of Arandor

  Copyright© Andrew G. Wood

  2019

  All Rights Reserved.

  Special thanks to the following people for giving up their time to help and support me in writing this book :

  Claire Wood

  Adam Dakin

  Claire Kinrade

  Emma Carter

  Regions & Nobles of Arandor.

  Region HouseMain town/City

  Northern Marches Romley Whitmore

  Alborough Fallon Durston

  Alnor Casley Hingham

  Cardell Winter Norsall

  Casillian Isle Dalby Port Exley

  Muria Ashton Cannersley

  Eastern Range Mangilly Cottershill

  Scarwood Oakley Garley

  Endallen Elthan Bargsea

  Brenthellin Royal Lands Miranor

  Chapter 1.A New Beginning.

  Luca gazed out of the window looking down at the palace gardens below him. Although, in truth, it was a view that he had seen many times before. Yet being as he was now in his parent's old suite it somehow gave him a slightly different perspective than the one he was used to. From just his initial glance, he could already see that many of the colourful blooms were gone, just another sign that the weather and seasons were changing. He recalled back to the time when he had seen Nerina and her family walking the pathways around the flowerbeds on the day of Elysia’s wedding, and thought just how much had changed since that somewhat fateful day.

  Having had Edward join him for breakfast, Luca was again alone in his rooms while his new advisor had gone to change. Today was going to be a momentous one, not just for Luca, but for the entire Kingdom. Today, Arandor would have a new king, Luca, first of his name.

  “King Luca…” he mumbled to himself as he turned away from the window, trying the name and title together to see if they sounded right. Although only back at the palace a couple of days, Luca could already feel the pressure piling up on him. The nobles, although not forcefully, all seemed to be making suggestions about what he should or shouldn’t be doing. The distribution of titles and lands taken from those likely to lose theirs seemed to be the general topic of discussion.

  Luca’s shock announcement to Lord Romley and Lord Dalby about Edward being made his Royal Advisor, and after any trial, also inherit all of Lord Merrington’s lands, titles and belongings was still a matter of concern for the two of them. Although nothing could be formally decided until after Lord Merrington had been given a trial and officially had all his title and lands revoked by the King, Luca was still intent on pushing forward with the idea. As to whether the other members of the nobility would frown upon such a thing or not, he supposed only time would tell when they were told in due course. Edward was seemingly unsure of the situation and had questioned Luca several times since, saying that he didn’t think it was such a good idea. However, Luca was certain this was down to Edward feeling a little uncomfortable with the circumstances and the fact it might cause more hassle for both him and Luca, as opposed to him not actually wanting it.

  After wandering aimlessly around his living quarters for a while, Luca thought it was probably time he finished getting himself ready. Although already wearing his smart dark blue trousers, highly polished black leather boots, and a fine white silk shirt, he had not yet adorned his blazer. Matching the trousers in colour, it, like many of his formal clothes, resembled a military uniform, as it had a red stripe running down the outside leg and sleeves. After posing in the full-length mirror for a moment, he heard a knock at the door, and the guard on duty informed him he had another visitor.

  “Lord Felton to see you, Sire,” the guard told him in a deep resonating voice.

  “Oh!... Let him in please,” Luca replied sounding a little surprised.

  Luca walked over towards the door as it opened and smiled as a young man wearing similar attire to his own stepped into the room.

  “Your Majesty,” Lord Felton said bowing his head.

  “Jack. I didn’t expect to see you. Come on in,” Luca replied. In truth, Luca was just glad it wasn't another of the main nobles making suggestions to him about who should get what when everything was sorted. Seeing Jack again was a pleasant break from the norm, although it seemed even the young lordling had an ulterior motive for being there.

  Luca explained that they had a little while before he needed to go to the main palace hall for the coronation, and suggested that Jack take a seat.

  “Thank you for seeing me. I know that today is probably the worst for you, and I’m sure you don’t want me mithering you.”

  Luca sat down across from his guest. “What’s the problem. I hope you’re enjoying the stay in the palace?” Luca asked knowing that Jack was probably not one of the select few nobles that were typically invited to reside there.

  Jack smiled, “Everything is perfect. I should thank you for that as well,” Jack said with a nervous kind of half-smile. Perhaps suggesting to Luca that there were other more important matters on his mind.

  “I have another problem though,” Jack eventually said.

  “What is it?” Luca asked leaning forward in his seat as if doing so showed he was suddenly more interested and paying attention to what was about to be said.

  Luca listened carefully as Jack explained his situation again, although Luca was familiar with some of it already. Since the death of Jack’s father and him becoming the new Lord Felton, the lad’s uncle had been causing some major problems.

  “He’s been trying to stir up trouble in the villages around Sheperton.”

  “What kind of trouble?” Luca asked.

  “Just small scale stuff really, cattle and crops going missing, a few stores destroyed by fire.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  “To make it look as if I’m not capable of protecting my own people and estates,” Jack said producing a loud sigh at the end of it.

  “How do you know it’s your uncle that is responsible?” Luca asked. While he didn’t doubt Jack’s word that was the case, he knew he would have to have some form of evidence if he were going to be able to help.

  Luca watched as the young lordling’s head dropped, “Because he told me it was him, and that before the winter months came, he would be the one running our family affairs.”

  “Ah…But I bet he told you when nobody else was present to witness it?” Luca added.

  “He’s far too clever for that. He taunts and mocks me, and there is nothing I can do.”

  Luca screwed up his face a little as if showing his displeasure.

  “Perhaps it’s just easier if I give him what he wants…I mean I still have money enough to find a house somewhere.”

  “No!” Luca said somewhat shocked that Jack was so willingly even considering giving in.

  “Let me get today out of the way, and I’ll see if there is anything to do to help you. Okay?” Luca asked, knowing he didn’t really have much spare time to delve a little deeper into Jack’s problems.

  “I’m sorry… I don’t mean to be a burden, especially today of all days…I don’t have anyone else to turn to.”

  Luca nodded his head and thought that sounded very much like his own situation.

  Another knock sounded at the door, and instead of the guard making an announcement, Edward strolled in.

  “Oh, you have a guest. Sorry, do you want me to leave?” he said surprised to see Lord Felton with Luca.

  “No, it’s fine. You remember Edward don’t you Jack?”

  “He’s now my official Royal Advisor,” Luca added with a grin.

  Jack nodded, “Hello, Edward.”

  “My Lord,“ Edward replied bowing his h
ead just a fraction.

  Jack seemed far less confident now Edward had joined them and quickly made his excuses and apologies, saying that he should leave to get ready for the coronation, despite the fact it was quite clear that he was already dressed for the occasion.

  Edward watched as the young lord headed out of the door and then sniffed under his arms.

  “Do I smell that bad or was it something I said?” He joked, causing Luca to chuckle.

  “He just has a few problems with his uncle. I told him when we were in Greensill that if he had any more to come and see me.”

  “Ah, okay,” Edward replied although he wasn’t really paying much attention to Luca but looking at himself in the mirror. Dressed in clothes that were somewhat strange to him, Edward wasn’t sure the trousers and tunic looked right.

  “You look fine by the way,” Luca shouted over to him noticing his somewhat concerned look.

  “You think so? I’m not so sure. I mean it kind of suits you better than me,” Edward replied.

  “I’ve been told I don’t need my sword, but I’m wearing it anyway. What do you think?”

  Luca grinned, “You know, when you are Lord Smyth, you will be expected to dress like this most of the time.”

  “Hmm…Not sure that’s going to happen,” Edward replied giving a slightly nervous laugh indicating to Luca that particular subject was still one he wasn't comfortable with.

  Having not been out, Luca was having to rely on Edward to give him updates about what was going on outside the palace walls. Security was still apparently an issue, although the palace and its grounds had been deemed safe, at least allowing Luca some movement.

  “I think there are street parties planned for later. They were putting bunting up in the market square yesterday.”

  “Really?” Luca replied.

  “Sure… I think people are genuinely pleased they are getting a new king…Not that there was anything wrong with the old one,” of course.

  “Hmm… I’m not so sure they would be celebrating if they knew how out of my depth I was.”

  Edward walked over to Luca and placed a friendly arm over his shoulder, “You’re doing a better job than you give yourself credit for. I only ever hear good things about you,” Edward told him.

  Although considering himself too young to drink, Luca accepted Edward’s offer a small glass of brandy to calm the nerves, something Luca regretted it almost instantly as he swigged the drink back in one go. After coughing and spluttering for several seconds, Luca eventually regained his composure, despite Edward thinking it hilariously funny. The moment at least had the desired effect of passing a few more minutes as the pair of them waited for the call to head to the main hall for the service. All the main nobles and their families had to be seated, and the minor nobles of Brenthelin, of which Jack was one and Edward would soon be one, were also permitted into the great hall before Luca was to make his appearance.

  Each minute seemed far longer than it normally would as Luca started pacing back and forth across the room, much to Edward’s amusement. Luca stopped suddenly as another knock came at the door and he immediately felt his heart racing as he knew what awaited him.

  “They are ready for you, Sire,” One of the guards at the door said as he poked his head through the opening. Luca inhaled deeply before exhaling slowly in an attempt at trying to calm his nerves, before glancing over towards Edward.

  “Come on, relax, you will be fine,” his new advisor told him as he stepped up alongside.

  Out in the corridor was the small guard detail that had been formed to guide Luca through to the great hall. All made up from new or previous members of the Royal Guard they all stood upright and motionless as Luca took up his position in between them.

  “Okay Captain, lead on when you’re ready,” Edward said turning to the man nearest to him; a soldier that had travelled down to Scarwood to reunite with Luca after the fall of the capital, a man by the name of Eli.

  The young man, barely a few years older than Edward, gave a single nod of his head, before giving the order to move at a slow but steady pace.

  As the group moved at what Luca could only describe as something that resembled a death march pace, he considered the fact there was probably more than just the one similarity. Was this the end for him? At least in the way that his future was concerned; or perhaps was it a fresh beginning, a time for a new, more adventurous part of his life to start. Whatever fate or future lay ahead, Luca felt nervous, and uncertainty of the unknown troubled his young mind as they made their way towards the hall. Guards lined the corridors as they neared their final approach, and then without warning a trumpeter sounded out a fanfare to let those inside know their new king approached. As the sound echoed and reverberated down the corridor, Luca steadied his breathing and tried his best to look calm and composed.

  With his gaze firmly fixed forward he walked slowly down the middle of the room as all those within rose from their seated positions to stand. Like a condemned prisoner moving slowly towards his ill-awaited fate, Luca made his way to the elevated dais at the far end of the hall. The guard detail then divided both left and right, taking up positions against the wall behind him. Meanwhile, Luca took the four steps that led to the throne that had been positioned near the front of their elevated position. Luca glanced up and noticed his family crest and colours were hanging from the walls around the room, before he sat himself down on the throne to gaze out to his captivated audience.

  Edward, feeling somewhat unsure as to where it was he should be positioned, despite being asked several times if he knew what he was doing, eventually recalled somebody having told him to stand at Luca's right shoulder. Doing just that, he also looked out at the noble families of Arandor, before catching the gaze of Clarissa standing beside her mother. Although he knew this was a serious occasion, he felt it only right to cast her a hint of a smile and was pleased when he got one back in return. Taking a slow, deep breath, Edward was certain he felt his heart flutter just a little at the welcome sight, and feeling somewhat delighted, he shuffled up straight and waited for the ceremony to start.

  A man, who Luca recognised as the Archbishop, the head of the religious order of Arandor ambled up on to the dais. Following behind him was a young boy dressed in traditional Arandor attire, which Luca thought looked kind of funny, but managed to keep his face serious. The boy held out a large velvet cushion on which was positioned the new crown, something that Luca would receive after the archbishop had carried out his traditional service of coronation. Luca knew this to be a long-winded affair and had braced himself for it, feeling that he was mentally ready and prepared as he would ever be for the biggest moment in his life.

  The archbishop, a man in his later years, had been the very same man that had crowned Luca’s father before him and would have crowned Elysia had she managed to get the support of the nobles. Thankfully that had not materialised, and thanks to people like Lord Oakley, Lord Dalby and Lord Romley, it was now Luca who sat upon the throne awaiting the crown. The room fell silent as the Archbishop raised his hands up in the air indicating he was ready to begin. Luca cast the briefest of glances over his shoulder and felt some comfort to know that Edward was standing just beside him. As Luca’s new right-hand man, although still not yet official, once Luca was king it was something he could finalise.

  The Archbishop faced the audience, occasionally turning to refer to Luca as he explained the choice for the throne. Approved upon by the nobility of Arandor and legally the heir of the kingdom, Luca was the person they had all agreed was the one to lead them. Touching only briefly on the recent events, Luca thought mainly because everybody was fully aware of them anyway, the archbishop didn’t seem to prolong his service. What Luca assumed would be hours of boring, droning on, was actually a well-spoken, short but informative speech. Religion was barely mentioned at all, and before Luca knew it, the part of the ceremony where he was to receive the crown was soon upon him.

  “Under the power invest
ed in me, and under the sight of God I ask that you Luca, heir to the throne, receive this crown as a symbol of our subservience.”

  Luca steadied his breathing, although he felt his heart would fail if it kept on beating so fast. The boy holding the crown stepped forward, and the Archbishop slowly and smoothly lifted the gold crown up in the air and held it above Luca’s head.

  “I crown thee, King Luca of Arandor, first of his name. Protector of the kingdom, Leader of all. May your reign be a long one, and may our nation prosper under your guidance.”

  Luca felt his hands shaking slightly as he felt the cool metal crown being lowered onto his head. Although nothing ornate, the new crown had been made in only a couple of days. Made from gold, highly polished, and set with a single red ruby at the front, it was more a band measuring about an inch in height. While not as elaborate as the original stolen by Lord Elthan, Luca felt it more than made a satisfactory substitution.

  At just fourteen years of age, Luca would be the youngest monarch for over three centuries. That occasion had seen a boy of thirteen take the throne, although, from his history lessons, Luca knew it had not been a particularly long or successful one. Apparently, the lad had neglected his duties, instead, spending all his time on lavish parties and banquets. His reign was soon over as he was eventually persuaded to stand down and make way for his uncle to take over, a man from whom Luca was directly descended. Knowing what fate awaited him should he not meet with expectation, Luca knew that the road ahead would be a long and difficult one, and while he was already aware he would make mistakes along the way, he hoped they would not be too numerous.