While most of the nobles in the Theocracy were regarded as cruel and corrupt, there were a certain few that the people actually loved and respected.
Having heard of Lord Winthropt's death at Falguard, the captain of the 21st regiment of the Royal Army, Lucius Valerian, decides to pay his respects to his family. As such, he requests a personal audience with the King of Creathe in order to be granted permission to travel to Falguard, which was now under strict military rule.
Now Lucius was a prodigy when it came to swords, and was extremely adept at using every type. Skilled men were most often consumed by their superior abilities, but not Lucius. The entire region of Hasenberg, east from the capital, not only recognizes Lucius as strong, but also kind and generous.
"Strength and Honor" was the Valerian family's code, and Lucius intends to keep it as his way of life.
"I wish to speak to the king." Lucius says as he shows the Grand Protectors, or the king's guard, the papers stating his appointed visit. "It's about Lord Winthropt."
The order of knights that guard the king are specifically chosen from ten distinct families, each trained from birth the art of both physical combat and magic itself. They were born and raised to protect and lay down their lives for the king, following him even into death. Rumors have it that should the king die while under their care, naturally or by the sword, the Grand Protectors who had served him would eventually commit suicide.
The Grand Protectors, after carefully reviewing the document, nods and almost immediately opens the heavily-fortified doors leading towards the throne room, where the 15-year old king was staying.
Lucius enters the throne room and ever so carefully treads past the dozens of Grand Protectors that were stationed in a long line, all the way to the king.
Julius finally reaches the end of the line and kneels in front of the king. "Your highness.."
"You may proceed, Lord Valerian." The king says.
It didn't matter what age the new ruler was. The child is a descendant of one of the great gods, and as such must be treated with the same reverence that he would give an older king.
"Your highness, I ask for your permission to leave my post at Weisworth, in order to attend Lord Winthropt's funeral at Falguard."
The young ruler nods at his request. "Have you already appointed a substitute for your regiment?"
"My ward shall take command of the 21st during my absence." Lucius answers. "If something goes wrong, I shall take full responsibility."
"Very well, Lord Valerian." The King says. "You may go."
"Thank you, your highness."
"Do you plan on going to Falguard alone?" The King asks.
"Yes sire. There is no need to take anyone with me." Lucius tells him.
"An apostle from the Church has also requested leave from her duties." The King says. "Why don't you join her caravan at Porter? I believe Falguard would be on their way."
Lucius nods in agreement. "I shall take your advice, your highness."
"I heard that Lord Winthropt was your mentor, Lord Valerian." The King told him.
"He was."
"I've also heard that you are quite exceptional on the field." The King continues. "As such, if ever you find a trace of the perpetrators, I trust that you would do the right thing."
"Yes, your majesty."
The King makes a gesture to one of his Grand Protectors, implying that they give him something. The man understands, and after a few minutes of searching, produces both a special piece of paper and the King's signet ring.
The King writes something on it for a few seconds, before folding it neatly.
"This is proof that you have my authority to search the entirety of the region." The King says, handing the letter back to a Grand Protector, which in turn gives it to Lucius. "No one, not even the Cardinal in charge, can deny you the right to search it."
Lucius could not fathom how a piece of paper signed and sealed by the King could hold so much power. "Thank you for this responsibility, your highness. I won't let you down."
"Well then... you may leave now." The King bids farewell to the warrior. "May the gods be with you, Lord Valerian."
"To you as well, your highness." Lucius gives a salute as he stood up.
Having finished his business in the throne room, Lucius Valerian exits the palace and, with an armed escort, rides for the town of Porter.
It took half the day, but the party finally reached the gates of Porter and requested entrance.
Walking towards one of the guards of Porter, Lucius asks for the apostle. "Is there a servant of the Church, an apostle, residing in this town?"
"Lord Valerian, it is an honor." The guard gives a salute before answering his question. "I believe they are still here, loading their caravan with supplies. They seem to be preparing for a long journey."
"Thank you, soldier." Lucius says as he bows his head. His party then splits up in the search for the Apostle's caravan.
"My lord." A knight from Lucius' regiment starts before stopping to catch his breath. "I found the apostle that you were looking for."
"Lead me to them." Lucius commanded. He assembles the rest of the escort and follows the knight towards Kathlynn Stark and her party, who were standing in front of 5 horse-pulled wagons.
"Lady Stark." Lucius bows his head as he greets her. "I wasn't informed that the apostle I was looking for was you."
"I haven't seen you in a long while as well, Lord Valerian." Kathlynn bows her head in return. "The gods be with you. What can I do for you?"
"I have heard that you will be embarking on a journey.. and before reaching your destination you would pass by Falguard." Lucius tells her. "I was wondering if I could join you on your travels, atleast until we reach Falguard."
"Only you?"
Lucius nods. "My men have a duty to uphold at Weisworth. They have no business at Falguard."
"I'm guessing that this is about the massacre at the Parliament. Please give my condolences to the families of the deceased." Kathlynn tells Lucius.
"It shall be done, Lady Stark."
"It is good that you caught up with us. We were just preparing leaving." Kathlynn informs Lucius. "You have a few minutes to give your instructions to your men."
Lucius thanks Kathlynn and turns toward the group of knights who had accompanied him from the holy capital and into Porter. Lucius thanks them for their services and commands them to return safely to Weisworth, telling them that his ward would serve as acting captain while he was gone.
The knights gave a salute to their beloved captain, and wished him well on his journey. After all the time that they have been together, Lucius had now considered these men as brothers rather than subordinates, and he was sure that they thought the same of him.
The knights exit Porter and rode for Weisworth. It would take them another day's journey to get there, but they didn't mind too much. Their leader arrived at Porter safe and sound, and that was all that mattered.
