by John Evans
"It'll have to be the short version," said the Overlord. "Preparations in the Capitol are being made and we have to leave here in one hour. There will be time tomorrow evening to go over the entire event with everyone involved."
"Everyone, Your Majesty?" asked Per, stunned as he thought of all the people he had met while chasing after Queen Shara.
"Maybe not everyone," chuckled the Overlord.
"Come, dear, let me introduce you to the Lord High General of Delta," said Shara. The General's men had lined the road at attention as the three of them walked between them.
"General," said the Overlord.
"Your Majesty," replied the General with a bow.
"Right, I think that should cover convention. Please call me Ruger."
"Darek," said the General, shaking the Overlord's outstretched hand.
After these brief introduction, Per briefly related the adventures that occurred during his rescue of Queen Shara.
"There's obviously a lot missing from your tale, Per, but, even so." The Overlord shook his head. "I can scarcely believe it. Unfortunately, it is getting late and we have to get to the Capitol. I sent criers through the city and the people will be waiting for us. Darek, will you ride beside us when we enter the city?" The General nodded. "Thank you. Per, I want you to ride directly behind us to be followed in turn by the ladies."
The ride to the Capitol was accomplished swiftly and without incident. As they approached the city, Per heard a dull roar that kept getting louder the closer they rode. Unsure of what it was, he nervously kept looking around until the General caught him at it. The soldier winked at him and nodded his assurance that it was okay. Per settled down and finally found the source of the noise when they topped over a ridge that brought them into full view of the Capitol.
"By the Gods!" swore Per as the wave of sound crashed over him.
Thousands of citizens of the city were outside the walls and lining the battlements. They had sent up a cry as soon as the royal party came into sight. The crowd was shouting out its enthusiasm as they rode in. In the forefront of the crowd were the courtiers, dignitaries, and nobles of the court along with the wizards of the Thaumaturgical School. Just before they rode through the gates, Queen Shara asked the Overlord to stop. He halted and Shara leaned over to talk to one of the wizards. The wizard nodded and cast a spell that caused little shimmering lights to fall to the ground.
"My people," said Shara. Her voice rolled out away from her so everyone could hear what she was saying. The crowd became silent. "I am Queen Shara and was kidnapped a year ago in this very city by a blood relative. I was rescued and returned by Per Devon, son of Baron Tenan and Lady Karina. I understand the time during my absence was one of uncertainty and doubt, but the Kingdom persevered. It was kept safe and secure by one true and great ruler, my husband, the Overlord!"
The cheer that went up from the people was deafening. The Overlord looked like he had been pole-axed until he managed to shake off his astonishment at her speech. Per took a quick look around at the cheering mob. His eyes lighted upon a group of nobles who were clearly not pleased with Shara's speech. The family resemblance between them was unmistakable.
The royal party moved on through the packed streets to the palace. Everyone was celebrating, although Per was certain that the dour group by the city gate was not among them. The entire court, all the palace servants, staff, and guards had turned out and were waiting by the palace courtyard. A beautiful, older woman was standing at the top of the courtyard steps by the entrance. Per dismounted along with everyone else and walked up the steps.
"Welcome back, Your Majesty," said the woman to Shara as she approached. "We are all grateful for your safe return."
"That's not really true, Lady Triarii," said Shara sadly. "Hopefully, I will be able to change those attitudes." She then moved forward to hug Lady Triarii.
"Your Majesty!" she gasped in shock.
"Relax, it's just a show of support for you," said Shara with a smile. "I know it will take some time before you trust me or regard me as a friend. I have come to view things differently because of my kidnapping. I need to have a serious talk with you about my family."
Lady Triarii's eyes widened and then narrowed. "I'm afraid it won't be until tomorrow. After you get cleaned up from your travels, we're going to parade you around like a prize cow. I've sent couriers out to all the nearby villages, towns, and cities. The court wizards are contacting everyone else about your return. I expect the Capitol's population to double by tomorrow, which means another round of marching you out for show."
"Lady Triarii!" admonished the Overlord, but he stopped when Shara broke out in laughter.
"I already knew that was going to happen," laughed Shara. "It's refreshing to have it put so bluntly."
"You've changed," said Lady Triarii with a slight smile. "Your Majesties, I must request some of your time before you make your preparations. There are people in the small audience chamber you need to see." Lady Triarii cast a steely glance at Per. "You, too. The servants will show the rest of the gentlemen and ladies to their rooms."
They followed Lady Triarii away from the main entrance and down a hallway. She led them to a small doorway and opened the door. Inside was a small room with pictures of landscapes on the walls. Five people were sat on comfortable chairs and sofas, arranged neatly throughout the room. A woman rose from a chair as they entered.
"Mom?" gasped Per.
Per will return in Karina's Quest.
