"My Gentlemen, you need not be afraid, we are men of the imperial army. Sire Martin, General of the Army, sent us at the explicit request of Albion, Great Chamberlain."
Holaf impetuous and distrustful asked:
"A beautiful little story, but what evidence can you give as a support to what you say?"
The man put his hands on his hips, shook his head and in a timid voice, afraid of embarrassing his hearers, he explained:
"The Chamberlain warned me that Sire Holaf would never trust me, so I had to say something to him." The soldier stopped for a moment seeming even more embarrassed. He looked at the ground and spoke confusedly, "My King, I apologize for what I am about to say, but I am reporting only the exact words of the Great Chamberlain. If I could come closer so as not to shout, I would be grateful to Your Majesty."
High whispered so he could not be heard:
"If he were to approach, my knight would no longer have a line of fire."
"My Lord, do not worry, if he approaches I will dismount from my horse and if necessary I will shoot through the legs of your steed," whispered the bodyguard just before dismounting.
The problem solved, Holaf shouted:
"You have permission to approach, but be careful! Remember that we are not unarmed!"
The foot soldier approached up to about three horses away, stopped again giving a half bow and repeated:
"I apologize, but the proof of what I say lies in these words: ‘Damned northern goat, don't you trust your friends?’"
The young soldier reddened and took a step back, looking at the pavement, as the three Kings burst out laughing. Godwin asked in an echoing voice, perhaps because of the helmet he wore:
"You have spoken in the plural, therefore, there are more of you. How many?"
Frustrated by the laughter, the Armiger responded:
"We are a hundred scattered to guard the easiest points for an ambush. In this corner there are three: I am with a fellow archer on the roof behind the corner and another man at the next intersection.
The answer seemed to satisfy the Kings, but the third War Master was distrustful and suggested:
"My Lords, let me move to the head of the convoy together with one of my brothers. Our armour is heavier and our life is worth nothing compared to yours.
Godwin immediately reprimanded him:
"Don't say that, brave knight! All lives are worthy, even those of Hakbel Harat warriors.
Holaf spoke and as a strategist:
"I agree with both, but I can only accept the advice of the Masters. First and third Master, take yourself to the head of the platoon," Holaf stopped with the words still in his mouth. After a moment of reflection, he corrected himself: "At the head of the procession, while the second and fourth Nordic runes go to the back. Boys, eyes open, and if it has to be war, then we'll go into battle!"
Godwin advanced to allow the two knights to pass. They quickly reached the corner at the end of the road and checked with the young foot soldier. Everything was quiet.
"My King, nothing suspicious moves beyond the turning point!" shouted number three.
The procession resumed, unfortunately not without the unpleasant feeling of being threatened. Fears and anxieties dwelt in the hearts of the warriors, who no longer cared for magnificent paintings or architectural pieces, but scrutinized anyone walking in the narrow streets with hard eyes.
The narrow twisting lanes became strangely bright, permitting the sunlight to kiss the three Sovereigns with their escort in following. The group finally reached a large, bare paved space, which preceded the walls of the Citadel. Powerful walls, but not built by the titans and not very imposing, even when compared with those made to defend human cities.
Chapter 6
The Kingdom of Kitan
With a sense of relief the group of Kings and armed escorts walked over the drawbridge of the outer enclosure on the way to Kitan to the south. Lush, abundant farmland covered the plateau, where the capital stood. As far as the eye could see, there were vineyards, peach trees and many other fruit orchards, now bare and skeletal, resting during winter. Entire fields full of pear trees and beautiful rows of apple trees with round fruit, which ripened in the warm winter sun, unfolded before the eyes of the travellers.
Further on, beyond the imperial orchards, they could admire immense expanses of intensive agriculture with an advanced system of canals and locks. This work of able engineering served to irrigate the fields perfectly, giving food to the five cities of the plateau even in times of crisis.
The Steel Ring lacked nothing, neither the protection of a strong, armed force nor the food offered by the farmlands. Water flowed in abundance thanks to three rivers that gushed placid and inexhaustible from the Walls of the Gods, the mountain range to the North West. It was an impassable natural shield, offered by nature as protection to the plateau. The three rivers, named Emperor, God and King, flowed into a single large riverbed. The river followed a winding course over the plateau, falling over the edge in a South Easterly direction, in a beautiful waterfall. To the north of the Throne of the Titans, there were abundant forests, which held no horrors. The forests also served as a hunting ground and as a splendid place for pleasant walks for the ladies and knights.
"There are more people outside the Citadel than within its walls!" Godwin pointed out with a less metallic voice, having lifted his helmet.
"You're right," answered High.
"Of course! Living among such perils would not be acceptable even for mice!" exclaimed Holaf, who still wore his helmet and held the round shield on his left arm.
"Yes, I agree with you, brave Holaf, I would not like to live there. I dislike the feeling of oppression all around you as you walk into their clean streets," Godwin commented.
"I believe that Titan is amazing, a shining example. No one could dare to say that they would not like to live there, but the Citadel is truly dreadful. I much prefer my Black Portal with its flaws and merits," commented High sadly, fixing the horizon intently, seriously worried, before shaking his head and frowning.
The road the nobles were travelling on was the only paved road in the whole Empire. It twisted here and there, creating a sort of network that connected all the places of interest on the plateau. All the buildings on the Throne of the Titans had been planned as if it was a single fortress. In fact the cliffs created natural walls, as they had a notable difference in height compared with the surrounding hollows. The four cities of the Ring of Steel were placed like towers to protect the weaker areas of the plateau. The high ground could only be reached safely through the gates of Kitan. The way of travellers was blocked by the impenetrable walls of the Tartaros. It was a fortress where all merchants and travellers, bound for the cities, were sorted and controlled.
High, displeased, said:
"Gentlemen, I see a group of four knights on the horizon. They are flying the gold and green flag!"
"It is the Men of the Tartaros come to welcome us. It is an honour," Godwin replied, who, just in case, checked the position of his sword and axe.
"We hope it is a welcome and nothing else. With that cursed of Dicius around, we cannot lower our guard," commented Holaf, thoughtful, still wearing his armour.
In order to be ready for an eventual counter attack, the War Masters, without having any orders, had taken the lead. The wide road now allowed it. Holaf looked at Godwin, who was once again protected by his large and sturdy white shield edged in red with its black fist, framed by a laurel wreath. A black squares were painted in the upper left and lower right corners, while in the centre, just above the symbol of his family, the usual gold inscription "Thy will be done" was a warning to any attackers.
The four knights galloping towards the Kings were not armed, but covered with precious fabrics. Green damask velvet and golden silks made into short jackets cut to the waist, well fitted. The high collar with gold thread braid highlighted the men's proud posture. They wore high boots of black leather and wide black trousers wit
h decorative openings, to reveal the gold lining. The trousers were tightened at the waist by a thin belt from which hung a short and thin sword for defence.
The youngest and most attractive knight of the reception committee advanced. The young man, as fair as the sun and well groomed, had hair as clean and shiny as any lady’s. His smooth face was of one who had never had to fight to save his life. His manner was apparently fine and polite, typical of a noble of high rank. This betrayed his real parentage. The blond boy dismounted from his horse, bowed to welcome the Kings:
"I am Horos, son of Armillus Polux. My father sends me to welcome you on your arrival, as he does not have the honour of being able to do so himself. He would like to confer with you regarding some very important questions," he stopped speaking and went to his horse, patting it gently.
"Thank you for your welcome, my Prince, we will be honoured to meet your father!" High answered. Holaf immediately gave him a furious glance and addressed the young man:
"We are in quite a hurry, perhaps my Eastern peer has forgotten it!" The Nordic King seemed visibly irritated and ground his teeth against rising anger.
"You are right, my brother, but it is not only out of kindness that we will accept the invitation. I know Armillus well. He has always been an exquisite host, as well as being a talented warrior and a fine strategist. He has a network of informants that covers almost the entire Empire so he never lacks fresh information," said High, before addressing the young prince again, "we willingly accept the invitation, Prince Horos!"
The handsome blonde youth smiled, pushed his hair from his eyes and climbing into the saddle he ordered:
"Now, my Lords, follow me! The way is safe, nothing moves on the Throne of the Titans, without my father knowing!"
He spurred his horse hard, showing off. The horse reared and galloped off fast making the others hurry to catch him. It did not take long to reach the white walls of the city of Kitan. The young prince turned to High and said:
"You know my father well. You have listed his best qualities. Why has my father never told me about you or your travelling companions?" The question rang in everyone's ears as rude provocation, but they were forced to swallow their irritation.
High, being the most diplomatic and the only one to have friends in the palace, answered with extreme courtesy:
"Perhaps your father never had the time or thought it would be useful to tell you about us or our deeds."
The impudent young knight, seeing his provocation was ineffectual because of the astute diplomacy of the Lord of the East, returned to the head of the unhappy group.
When the silhouette of Kitan's walls became clear, a loud blast of trumpets was heard in the pastoral silence. It was a greeting from the main tower. On the façade of the tower were the golden and green flags of the city, shimmering in the freshening wind. The drawbridge was lowered hastily, crashing into the ground with such force that the earth shuddered slightly.
A small group of armigers with bright clean tunics ran onto the bridge and lined up half on one side and half on the other, creating a passage between their long poles. The glittering gold weapon tips and the long pikes were raised to the sky, with pretty little rosettes in the colours of the castle waving under their glossy points. Such a welcome gave great importance to the visit, making the travellers feel welcome.
The walls were notable for their great strength and height. Each the white stone, from which the walls were built, was of enormous dimensions. This gave the walls a feeling impenetrability and safety.
Remembering the Citadel and its twisted and narrow claustrophobic streets, they found themselves in a city with a totally different atmosphere. The square in front of the walls and the main entrance gate were so large that they seemed like the Titan. Avenues of splendid evergreen trees framed the square with a succession of chiaroscuro views that were a worthy of a work of art.
In the centre, just before the front door, a structure that looked like a monument was built. It had a balcony with an external staircase. These stairs were protected by a wrought iron banister with floral decorations, enriched by gold details, giving movement and grace to the imposing structure. It was the pulpit from which Armillus harangued his armed High Guard before any armed action.
From the large square, right behind the pulpit, the huge main avenue began. This carriageway was paved with pale stones and was divided by a flowerbed bordered in splendid marble. The flowerbed went right along the avenue, interspersed with tall and beautiful marble obelisks, which were topped by flames covered in gold foil. On the obelisks were the names of the Lords of Kitan carved vertically, while on the bases, their immortal deeds were commemorated by gold inscriptions.
The gardens along the avenue were also very well maintained. Flowerbeds, bushes and trees were displayed in all their beauty, bringing into the castle some of the bucolic beauty that reigned beyond the walls. The facades of the buildings were overwhelming, decorated beyond all imagining at the behest of their rich masters. The facades assaulted the senses all along the main thoroughfare. There was continuous flow of classic columns and slender oval windows pointing towards the sky. Each door was enriched with delicately carved angled doorjambs giving them the appearance of a cathedral. The stained glass windows were decorated with a thousand colours joyfully refracting the light.
Everything in that city had an air of security and peace. There were many militia patrol soldiers visible on the streets, but in contrast to the capital there was such crowd on the pavements that it was difficult to pass. Despite the cold day, it seemed that almost nobody wanted to stay at home. Children were running cheerfully and playing loudly. Their mothers gossiped happily, without regard for social differences, as if they were all equal.
Godwin had fought with the snobbish nobility of the south since time immemorial. It was an uphill battle to try and make them understand how wrong it was to catalogue different types of people according to wealth. The Lord of the South felt greatly relieved to see such a scene and commented aloud:
"I must suggest that my nobles should spend their holidays in this city to show them how it should also be in the south!"
High replied:
"If the world were as just as it should be, everyone would understand without needing to have their noses rubbed in it."
Holaf wasn’t following the discussion. He was captured by the extraordinary peace that reigned and by the enormous spaces. He had the strangest thoughts. The main question was how it would be possible to defend that city. Holaf was a warrior forged by many battles. He almost never allowed himself the luxury of thinking only of the perfection of beauty. His warrior mentality felt the strange need to study each detail of how to protect any city he saw.
Along the way a group of young, talkative, flirty, noble girls recognized the beautiful Prince of Kitan. They went as close to the edge of the road as possible to say hello him and see for themselves how beautiful he was. They were four very attractive young ladies. Judging by their long coats of arctic ermine, and the jewellery adorning their fashionable hairstyles, they were also of noble origin.
"My Prince, good morning!" exclaimed the tallest of the group, bowing as soon as the prince was close enough.
However, such kindness was not answered courteously, and the young woman, ashamed to have been ignored in such a way, covered her face with her hands. Holaf, observing the scene, which bothered him, commented in a low voice:
"And I am called the goat of the North!"
Godwin grimaced and answered:
"I don't comment on the rudeness of some young bloods. If he were mine, he would be running away now!"
After a few minutes of travel, the Lord of the South pointed to a splendid building with a large park, fenced with gold. Inside noblewomen pleasurably walked under long, white, tiled porches.
"This is the Pearl of Kitan. It is the mansion where passing nobles may lodge. I stayed there last year on the occasion of the Council and was treated with every honour. I will
have my soldiers wait here for your family to arrive," the Righteous explained his plan to Holaf.
"I think it's an excellent idea, Sire Godwin! In this way, if my daughters were to arrive earlier, they would have a place to stay."
"Do you have daughters?" Horos asked, approaching the nobles, arranging his hair.
"Yes, my Prince, I have two," Holaf answered, surprised by the question and unsuspecting.
"Are they attractive or do they look like whitewashed mules like all women in the north?" The young heir was brazenly provocative, showing unparalleled rudeness.
Holaf became as hard as stone and clenched his reins in his fists. But he still had the strength not to react to such an affront.
"You can’t answer? As I thought, they must be mules!" commented the blond heir, smiling, and proud to have achieved his goal. Godwin intervened:
"My young Prince, your deeds and your fame precede you into my Kingdom. They tell of your innate skill with the sword. If your father will give permission, I'd like to try a passage of arms with you, using training swords of course!"
The young man looked at him his eyes widening as if they were hungry for blood and answered:
"Are you challenging me, knight?"
Godwin, irritated by such pride, raised his voice and cleared the issue:
"First of all, I am King among the Kings, and I deserve the respect that this title should be obvious to you, little prince. Mine is not a challenge, but a request for a friendly meeting!"
"What did you dare to call me?" asked the wild blond prince. He was driven by anger and also by an overweening sense of his position. He added:
"I accept the duel, but we'll fight with real steel and no quarter!"
"No! My ardent young man, though I will ask your Lord's permission most certainly," Godwin replied, still annoyed.
High intervened in the dispute in an attempt to quell their ardent spirits:
TRONDHEIM SAGEN: Earth Shattering Page 9
