The chatra’s broad smile faced the crowd, not Saxthor, as he assessed the crowd’s response. The people were cheering the heroes and not him, so he took Saxthor’s hand while patting him on the back. He held onto Saxthor, turning left and right that everyone could better see them together.
“We thank you for your warm greetings,” Saxthor said.
He bowed in deference to the chatra’s position. The chatra returned a slight bow, watching Saxthor.
This is the figure of a leader, thought the minister. His regal countenance and the ease with which he speaks in courtly phraseology assure me this man is no village farmer. The man is familiar with court protocol. His fine features suggest nobility. I must learn more about this noble troll-slayer. This will mandate an immediate change in plans.
“King Grekenbach would like to extend his appreciation personally,” the sly old chatra said. “Please accompany us to the royal palace.”
Bodrin looked at Saxthor. “The palace.”
Frowning, Tournak nodded.
Saxthor gave Bodrin an angry glance. Bodrin turned red and looked downcast. Saxthor turned to the chatra. “Thank you, Lord Chatra, but we need to be on our way due to urgent business in the north.”
“Nonsense, would you refuse the king’s gracious invitation?”
Saxthor cleared his throat as he glanced at sheepish Bodrin. “Of course not. We accept your kind invitation and will be honored to accompany you to the palace.”
The four melted into the crowd, thanking the well-wishers while the chatra stood, gleaning the popular approval. He dispatched another minister with all haste to the palace to prepare the king and court.
Why the angry glance at his friend, he wondered.
Dignitaries surrounded the honored guests. When he thought the court prepared, the chatra called the heroes to join him, moving on to the palace through winding streets, the circuitous route to maximize exposure. He kept the troll-slayers beside him, walking in the procession.
“What’s your name, young man?”
The chatra waved, focusing on the crowd. Saxthor didn’t seem to hear as he shook hands thrust at him. A young woman pressed forward and gave Saxthor a flower. He took the gift as she bowed to him.
That lady bowed to a commoner, the official thought. The king will inquire as to his name; we’ll see what that reveals.
The chatra didn’t ask Saxthor’s name again.
*
Saxthor realized the chatra had seen the lady bow. The king would ask his name, and Saxthor couldn’t ignore the king. On the walk through the city, he pondered how to disclose his identity.
If I reveal who I am, the king is sure to be suspicious of Neuyokkasinian motives, Saxthor thought. Spies might be at court that would send news of our location to Earwig or the Dark Lord. If I fail to divulge who I am, and they discovered it, that would be a certain diplomatic flap. On meeting the king, I’ll determine if he is trustworthy. If so, I’ll confide in him in private and hope we can leave before news reaches the wrong ears.
“The shops and homes are so attractive on these meandering streets,” Saxthor said.
“They were deliberately built on winding streets to prevent siege machinery from penetrating the city in wartime,” the chatra said. “Ah, there it is, Portapang Palace.”
As the chatra’s entourage arrived at the palace-fortress, the guards snapped to attention. Honor guards, with swords raised in salute, escorted the troll-slayers along corridors to private quarters, where they freshened up. Then officials ushered them into the palace’s grand audience hall.
The men were familiar with palace splendor, but having spent her life in Castilyernov Hoyahof’s dungeons, Tonelia’s head turned like a screw. She gawked at the architectural splendors, tapestries, and treasures that adorned alcoves punctuating the walls.
Two elegantly uniformed guards opened the ornately carved doors in unison. The court chamberlain announced the chatra, and then, not knowing their names, announced:
“The Heroes of Hern, our troll-slayers.”
King Grekenbach the Fourth sat upon his throne in full court robes, crown atop his head, and scepter in hand. His attention focused on the visitors entering the grand hall. The chatra marched forward down the polished marble floor, past the assembled nobles, and bowed before the throne.
“Your Majesty, let me present the Heroes of Hern.”
He turned back to Saxthor and bowed slightly, extending his arm in a presentation. “These are the three men and lady who slew the trolls that preyed on your subjects in the village of Hern.”
Forewarned of the popular acclaim, King Grekenbach motioned for the troupe to come forward.
“It is our pleasure to express our appreciation for so noble a deed.” Grekenbach’s deep, regal voice drew the attention of all within the grand hall. “You have earned the gratitude of our kingdom.”
King Grekenbach was taller than most of his subjects, his prominence enhanced by a large athletic build, suggesting extensive military training. His black curly hair; full, neatly trimmed beard; and bristling mustache accentuated a powerful jawline and strong features, giving the king a commanding presence at the center of his court. He appeared to be about forty, had sharp blue eyes, an olive complexion, with a warm, confident smile.
King Grekenbach rose to shake the troupe’s hands, each, in turn, starting with Saxthor.
“You'd be the leader of these heroes; we take it? Tell us, young man, who is it that honors our kingdom with such a noble deed?”
Saxthor bowed. He couldn’t dodge the question.
“I am Saxthor Claremendak Calimon de Chatronier, Your Majesty. These are my friends Bodrin Vicksnak, our tutor Tournak Delphendor, and the lady is Mistress Tonelia Tezentok. We’re traveling the peninsular on holiday to experience the beauty of the Powterosian peninsula.”
The king’s eyebrows rose as his head cocked; he turned to the chatra.
“Lord Chatra, Queen Eleatsubetsvyertsin and Prince Consort Augusteros of Neuyokkasin are of the house of Calimon, are they not?”
The chatra’s jaw dropped. “I felt certain the young man was of noble birth, but I hadn’t suspected royal birth.”
King Grekenbach turned to Saxthor.
“Are you related to the royal house of Neuyokkasin, Saxthor?” The king’s piercing eyes stared directly into Saxthor’s eyes.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Queen Eleatsubetsvyertsin is my mother. I am Prince Saxthor of Neuyokkasin,” Saxthor responded with a full bow.
The king cast a threatening glance at the chatra, then turned again to Saxthor. “Would you excuse us for a moment, Prince Saxthor?”
“Of course.”
Grekenbach’s smile flashed to pinched lips when he glared at the trembling chatra.
“Accompany us to our consultation chamber, Lord Chatra.”
A wave bowed across the silent hall as the chatra scurried behind the king. Following their departure, the court erupted in chattering, bobbing heads, and nods toward Saxthor.
Tournak stared at Bodrin, whose head hung down. “This is the result of careless boasting. The last thing we need is the king’s attention now.”
*
In the private chamber, King Grekenbach spun around, facing down the chatra as the door closed.
“How could a prince of the peninsula’s most powerful kingdom suddenly appear before us, and by chance no less, and we not have any advance warning? What is afoot with this group on what they call a holiday? Who is this prince, and why is he here?”
The chatra squirmed
“I shall send intelligence agents at once to get answers to a thousand questions, Majesty. I had no advance warning either. If you will excuse me, I'll get you the answers you seek. It’s a breach of protocol for a royal prince to sneak unannounced into our kingdom. A spy perhaps?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, we all send spies when possible, but no prince would assume such a clandestine duty. You’d do well to have a lot of answers before the sun sets.”
>
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The chatra turned to the door.
“You’re not dismissed. You’ll accompany us back to the audience for the moment.”
The humiliated chatra bowed low, holding the bow until the king passed before him, then followed at the appropriate distance.
The king returned to his throne.
“We hope Queen Eleatsubetsvyertsin will recover soon. We understand she’s been very ill. Your Highness must convey to her majesty our warmest regards and wishes for full recovery immediately upon your return to Konnotan. We insist you stay with us at the palace and dine with us tonight.”
Grekenbach turned to the chatra. “The Lord Chatra will now personally attend to our most honored guests. Arrange for a state dinner this evening. You may withdraw to make the preparations.”
Saxthor bowed. “We thank you again for your most gracious hospitality, Majesty.”
Grekenbach bowed slightly and nodded to the chatra, signaling dismissal.
*
The chatra almost tripped over his feet, rushing from the audience hall. He settled the troupe in the palace apartments and hurried back to his office. There he fumed and paced, finally summoning his chief assistants and other attendants.
“You, find out everything about this Prince Saxthor and his relationship to the Neuyokkasinian throne.”
The man disappeared.
“You there, go to the kitchens. Tell the staff to arrange a feast for fifty for this evening, for fifty people, you hear me? There’ll be four guests of honor at the king’s table. Move!”
More assistants sent their underlings to invite courtiers to the state dinner in the great hall. All Portapang Palace was in an uproar.
“After half a century of mistrust and suspicion, a Neuyokkasinian prince pops up a hero here in Portapang Palace, and I’m the last to know. Next to last, it seems. For my immediate future, I can imagine exile in some remote village on the Hadorian border. Just wait until I get my hands on Tossledorn’s commander.”
He wandered off down a hall, heading no place in particular.
*
King Grekenbach and Saxthor liked each other immediately. However, not wanting to focus excessive attention on the prince’s unannounced visit, the king listened to the other supplicants and petitioners until a reasonable time had passed. While he listened to the appeals and requests, the king was sorting through possibilities and implications. The possibilities expanded in his mind.
The chatra had better have answers when we meet in the council chamber, he thought.
*
Saxthor and Bodrin shared a suite of prestigious rooms in the lavish palace. They dressed in formal court attire laid out for them when they returned from bathing.
“The jewels!” Saxthor said. “I forgot and left the jewels in my tunic.”
Perspiration beaded up on his face. He quickly checked the room, but servants had taken his dirty clothing. Bodrin emerged from the dressing room wearing a towel and seeing Saxthor searching frantically, laughed.
“It’s funny to you, is it? Well, the jewels are missing with my clothes.” Saxthor continued searching. Items flew in the air, the innocent recipients of Saxthor’s frustration. “How could I be so careless?”
“This what you’re looking for?” Bodrin asked through his impish smile.
He held up the tunic, the jewels still sewn in the pockets. Saxthor ran over and grabbed the wet shirt.
“What’s this?”
“The attendant came in with these clothes while you were in the bath. I saw him pick up your tunic, and grabbed it, telling him it was your lucky piece and that you couldn’t be without it.
“I owe you!”
“The man smiled and accepted the explanation,” Bodrin explained, still sporting his bad-boy grin. “I washed it while you were dressing and hung back here to dry so no one would disturb it.”
“I was about to slaughter everyone in Portapang to find those jewels. Good thing you were here when the attendant came in.”
There was a knock at the door.
“Who is it?” Bodrin asked, still in his towel.
“It’s me, you idiot,” Tonelia snapped.
“Sounds like something’s wrong, and I’m in no mood for questions,” Saxthor said. He grinned at Bodrin’s shocked face before he fled into the dressing room.
“Come in.”
The door swung open, and there stood Tonelia in a gown like no other. The image stunned Saxthor. He realized they’d traveled so long in camping clothes he hadn’t thought of Tonelia as a lady. What a vision of loveliness she was.
Tonelia’s dark hair hung in curls around her shoulders, framing her smooth, olive complexion. The royal blue gown she wore had a tight bodice, full in the chest but low cut to accentuate her delicate attributes. The pleated gown flowed from the tiny waist, fanning out and edged in ruffles ending in a two-foot train. Matching gloves and slippers completed the outfit. In her hand was an elfin bracelet of intricately woven gold and dotted with sapphires. A matching gold necklace supporting one large and two slightly smaller teardrop sapphires adorned her neck, as did the matching teardrop earrings. A stunning solitaire sapphire ring completed the set. No courtly maiden that day could compare to the beauty that stood in the doorway.
“I can’t get this stupid bracelet to fasten no matter what I do. Can you fix it? The necklace was a royal pain if you’ll excuse my language, but I can’t hold this thing and work the catch, too. How do they expect me to wear all this stuff?” Tonelia looked up.
From her reaction, Saxthor realized she knew he’d seen her as a woman for the first time. She blushed, turned, and started out the door.
“You go on to the dinner, and I’ll be right behind you,” she said over her shoulder. She sped off down the corridor.
“You can come out now. She’s gone.”
Bodrin crept around the dressing room door, peeking first to be sure, she wasn’t there. “How did she look?”
“You’ll see at dinner.”
A servant came with Tournak to escort the men to the palace dining hall. The three handsome men entered the room in formal dinner attire. The chamberlain announced them to the hastily assembled dignitaries. The men were greeting the nobility when the chamberlain’s staff clacked on the marble floor.
“Miss Tonelia Tezentok de Hoya,” the court chamberlain said to the hushed and stunned crowd.
Tonelia stood erect, holding a delicate fan in front of the elegant sweeping gown that outlined her figure in the doorway. Her black hair, now swept up in a cone held up by two gold combs, was lustrous in the candlelight. After surveying the room for her companions, Tonelia crossed the floor to them, the trailing gown shimmering with each step.
Bodrin stood transfixed.
Saxthor looked first at Tonelia, then turned to Bodrin. Bodrin, in a trance, only saw Tonelia. Saxthor had to nudge him twice to get his attention.
“You might want to go escort her over here.”
“Right!”
Bodrin bolted over to Tonelia and wouldn’t leave her side.
As the hall continued to buzz, the chamberlain announced the king and countess, his escort. The couple entered and took their places at the head banquet table. The guests of honor sat at the head table with the king, countess, Grand Duchess Klekkenska, and chatra. Other dignitaries sat by rank along the tables radiating before the king’s table.
The feast was a grand spectacle worthy of a royal court. The dancers were an excellent troupe, both dancing and performing graceful acrobatics. The music was as rich as the splendid table settings and resplendent wall tapestries.
King Grekenbach chatted with Saxthor, the chatra chatted with Tournak, and the Count of Nindwak chatted with Bodrin through the evening. Saxthor realized his host wanted the guests to feel welcome but also to discover the nature and reason for a prince of Neuyokkasinians to visit the court of Graushdem.
*
After the guests retired to their suites, the king
summoned the chatra and Count Nindwak to the council chamber. “Did you determine from the conversations the nature of Prince Saxthor’s visit?”
In the end, all they got was the prince was traveling unofficially on holiday to see the countryside. King Grekenbach talked with Saxthor in private at breakfast the next morning.
“Prince Saxthor, we must ask again what the nature of your visit is. You must know there have been no formal relations between our kingdoms for two generations. Frankly, your presence here has alarmed our councilors.”
“Again, I must say we’re traveling unofficially on holiday. I never intended to create a diplomatic incident, Your Majesty.” Saxthor said no more.
King Grekenbach studied Saxthor for a moment. I know the young man has another agenda, but Saxthor looked me in the eye. I am a shrewd judge of character. I have survived, surrounded by greater and more dangerous neighbors, through my ability to judge men. Whatever the young man’s purpose for being in Graushdem, it is not hostile or dangerous to the kingdom.
“Ultimately, we believe your visit is innocent, and we shall allow you and your party to travel through Graushdem unobstructed. There’s trust and respect among men of honor. We believe we have established such a relationship with you, Prince Saxthor of Neuyokkasin. Though barely begun in this short visit, we hope to nurture that relationship through a lifetime.”
Saxthor smiled, shaking hands with King Grekenbach. “Let it be so, Majesty. Let this be a new beginning for both our kingdoms.”
*
With the king’s approval and best wishes for a splendid holiday, Saxthor and his companions left Graushdemheimer later that day.
“I’m refreshed and ready to continue the mission,” Saxthor said. “The king’s cellars provided rich foods and supplies for our travels.”
“Yes, but that banquet last night, now that was a real feast,” Bodrin said. He pulled Tonelia to his side and wrapped his arm around her waist. She slipped her arm around his, and they walked as one along the road together.
The Neuyokkasinian Arc of Empire Series: Books 1-3 Box Set High, Epic Fantasy on a Grand Dragon Scale! Kindle Edition Page 47
